The scenery in the courtyard was different from what the three had imagined. It was tranquil, yet rather casual.
The pond and its surroundings were merely ordinarily charming, without the slightest fluctuation of Lingli. It did not seem like the residence of a great cultivator at all.
Mr. Zhuang, too, differed from their expectations. Though he possessed a handsome, dashing appearance and the weathered bearing of one who had seen all the winds and frosts of life, he seemed to lack some of the presence they had imagined.
Aunt Xue wore a respectful expression as she quietly pondered to herself.
Before setting out, Madam had shown her a portrait. In it, the man stood atop a mountain with his hands behind his back, like an immortal sword with all its sharpness laid bare. That air of towering above the world, looking down upon heaven and earth as though he alone reigned supreme, was almost too overwhelming to look at directly.
Yet now, Mr. Zhuang lay in a bamboo chair, swaying leisurely back and forth. He looked very... languid.
Had she not seen the portrait, she would scarcely have believed they were the same person.
Even so, Aunt Xue did not dare show the slightest disrespect. She respectfully handed Mr. Zhuang a token and a Jade Slip.
"Before Madam departed, she instructed me to deliver this token and this letter to you, Mr. Zhuang. She said you would understand as soon as you saw them."
Mr. Zhuang looked at the token, then at the Jade Slip, and let out a soft laugh.
"What a fine junior martial sister I have. Even in such circumstances, she still thinks of me and does not forget to find trouble for me."
Mr. Zhuang turned to Aunt Xue. "When you have the chance, pass a