Li Huowang did not know this woman's identity, but judging by what she wore, her status among Gao Zhijian's women was likely not low.
Her garments were embroidered with luan birds paying homage to phoenixes in gold and silver thread, predominantly red and yellow. Large peonies bloomed along her sleeves, vibrant beyond compare. Her skirt came with a robe, its panels embroidered with silver phoenixes, lavishly magnificent.
A pearl rested in the beak of the phoenix-luan ornament at the center of her Lingyun Hairdo. Tassels beneath the pearl hung softly down, setting off that bewitchingly beautiful face until it seemed both splendid and seductive.
Though her appearance was extraordinary, the moment those cherry-red lips opened, even all that glittering finery could not conceal the deep malice beneath. "So you're Li Huowang? Say something. Gone mute?"
Li Huowang said nothing. He merely stood there, brows tightly furrowed as he stared at that alluring face before him.
"I know His Majesty has a few poor relatives. Given your past connections, it's only natural that he treats you well. But you're nothing but some shabby Daoist priest—remember your place! Don't push your luck!"
"Who is His Majesty? And who are you? You don't even kneel when you see His Majesty. You truly know nothing of propriety!"
"Remember this from now on: when you see the Emperor, kneel first! Whether the Emperor grants you a seat comes afterward!"
Hearing that, Li Huowang finally spoke. "Dice?"
The instant he said it, everyone present froze where they stood. The seductive young woman reached up and peeled off her face, kneading it in her hand like clay until it became a die showing six pips. "Oh my, not bad, Red Center. You saw through me so quickly this time? Looks like you haven't neglected your cultivation lately."