above the clouds; heaven; the Imperial Court; something unreachable; place of out of reach
interval; break; rift (in clouds)
in deep black; in jet black
continent; continental Asia (esp. mainland China); continental Europe
surface of the earth; ground surface
to rise (of a building, mountain, etc.); to tower; to soar
river; stream; River; the ... river
floating; drifting; suspension; (arch.) wandering (about)
to loiter; to putter; to prowl; to wander about; to roam about; to knock around
several times; once or twice
country; territory; domain; realm
popular name; common name; nickname; alias
extensive; vast range; wide scope
throughout; over a period of ...; over a span of ...
upper part; upper region; region above
getting closer; drawing nearer; being not much different; being near (age, skill, etc.); becoming close (i.e. friendly); becoming intimate
one turn; one round; (a) size; to go around; to make a circuit; twelve years
clique; group; (political) faction; wing; school; sect
to take command; to give direction
direction; way; point of the compass; cardinal direction; method; means
to paint; to plaster; to lacquer; to varnish; to spread; to smear
several (objects, usu. from two to six)
gunport; embrasure; muzzle
load; baggage; cargo; burden; responsibility
reply (e.g. email, fax, letter); answer
deputy head; deputy director; vice chief (of something); executive officer (navy)
very fast; in a twinkle; before one's eyes
then; in that case; considering; if that is the case; if so