Why did the nobles of Heian call themselves dwellers among the clouds?

The phrase "dwellers among the clouds" was a symbolic way for the nobles of Heian to signify their elite status and detachment from the common people. It reflected their aspiration to live in a world above earthly concerns and mundane matters, cultivating an image of refinement and elegance. The nobles saw themselves as existing in a realm elevated from the ordinary world, embodying a sense of exclusivity and sophistication.