Afterward, Lu Yang chatted at length with Empress Xiao, discussing the Dao.
After all, the two were presently in cahoots like wolves, and they needed such exchanges to deepen their understanding of one another. Thus, Empress Xiao did not refuse.
Both sides benefited greatly; host and guest alike were thoroughly pleased.
Only half an hour later did Lu Yang leave the Four Treasuries Dao Canon. Led by Eunuch An, he departed the imperial palace, while Empress Xiao watched his receding figure.
"Your Majesty."
A palace maid stepped forward softly. "This True Dragon is no ordinary one. He will not be easy to deal with. Your Majesty's actions... may be tantamount to raising a tiger only to invite disaster."
Hearing this, Empress Xiao glanced at the palace maid. She had brought this girl from her maternal home, and she had always been loyal, so Empress Xiao did not mind her somewhat presumptuous words. She merely replied, "No need to worry. Although His Majesty left in haste without leaving behind a single word, it does not mean he left no contingencies at all."
As she spoke, she spread open her palm.
Above that fair palm, as warm and smooth as fragrant jade, floated a dazzling gleam. It stirred a deep, lingering scent of sandalwood through the surroundings.
Seven Radiance Heaven!
"Before His Majesty departed, he left this object in the inner palace. With it here, the Imperial City Bureau's Incense Fire God is nothing to fear. His cultivation will rest upon a single thought of mine."
"So Du Huan is nothing to fear."
As she spoke, longing surfaced in Empress Xiao's eyes once more. Given time, if I can seize this opportunity to bring this Fruit Position Prototype to completion...
Perhaps she, too, might hope to become a True Lord!
For this