Whisperwind Peak and the Fallen Star: A fantasy novel

By Zohra

High above the swirling clouds and the distant murmur of the mortal world lay Whisperwind Peak. It was a place of stark beauty, jagged rock softened by tenacious pines and banks of mist that clung like shy spirits. Here, Pei-Ling lived with her grandmother, Kong Wang. Their days were measured by the rhythm of the wind, the cycles of the moon, and the rigorous practice of martial arts forms that flowed like water yet struck like lightning. Kong Wang, her face a roadmap of wisdom and kindness etched by time, was a master of both the visible and invisible. She taught Pei-Ling the Whispering Hand style, a martial art focused on balance, precision, and redirecting energy. Their small stone dwelling, nestled against the mountainside, smelled perpetually of drying herbs and fragrant tea. It was a life of quiet purpose, dedicated to healing the occasional injured pilgrim or creature that strayed too high, deliberately removed from the ambitions and chaos of the lands below. This peace was shattered one tumultuous afternoon. The sky, usually clear or veiled in soft mist, roiled with unnatural colours - streaks of bruised purple and venomous green clashing against flashes of blinding gold. A sound unlike thunder, a tearing shriek followed by a concussive force, echoed across the peaks, shaking their small home. Rushing outside, Pei-Ling and Kong Wang saw a streak of golden light plummet from the bruised sky, crashing into the ancient pine forest on the lower slopes. Guided by Kong Wang's experience and Pei-Ling's agility, they navigated the treacherous terrain. They found him near the impact crater, lying broken amidst shattered trees. He wore armour that seemed woven from solidified moonlight, now cracked and scorched. His breath was shallow, his handsome face pale, but even unconscious, an aura of immense power and celestial authority clung to him. Kong Wang recognized the symbols on his damaged armour instantly. "The Celestial Yi Cheng," she breathed, her usual calm replaced by awe and concern. With great effort, they carried the ruler back to their home. Kong Wang employed her deepest knowledge, applying rare poultices and channeling her own *qi* to stabilize his flickering life force. As Yi Cheng slowly regained consciousness, he told them of his battle. He, the ruler of the Celestial Court, tasked with maintaining balance between realms, had been locked in a desperate conflict with Kia Liu, the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit. Kia Liu wasn't just any spirit; she was a powerful entity bound to the Underworld, seeking to usurp celestial power and plunge the mortal realm into eternal twilight. The usually placid mountain spirits grew agitated. Shadows seemed deeper, colder. Kia Liu, relentless and cunning, had sensed the echo of her prey's escape. The power Yi Cheng had unleashed to save himself had inadvertently pinpointed his refuge. The Fox Spirit, or her shadowy minions, were now searching, drawn to the lingering disturbance on this isolated peak. Pei-Ling, who had only known peace and healing, felt a cold knot of fear tighten in her stomach. Their quiet sanctuary was no longer safe. And Pei-Ling realized her training in martial arts and healing might soon be needed not just to mend, but to defend, and perhaps, to fight for a cause far larger than her quiet life on Whisperwind Peak. The echoes of a celestial battle had reached their haven, and the silence was about to break.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F5Q5VX58
• ISBN13: 9798280664913
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"