White clouds like gauze, ethereal and endless, surrounded an immortal courtyard.
The courtyard's structure was archaic, with intricate carvings, yet it exuded decay everywhere.
The eaves were mottled and tiles missing; what should have been a magnificent palace was now reduced to crumbling walls and ruined pillars.
A small pond sat in the exact center of the courtyard, its water murky beyond compare, lotuses withered, with only a few rotting leaves spinning on the surface.
Wearing a White Jade Mask and dressed as the Queen Mother, a female sat quietly on a straw mat by the pond.
She wore the Golden Thread Crimson Silk Robe, with the Eight Treasures Pearl Crown upon her head, her entire body surging with immortal light, somewhat out of place with this ruined scene.
I do not know how much time passed, but the ethereal mists suddenly surged violently.
In the center of the courtyard, cloud vapor churned, gradually converging into a human silhouette.
The hazy figure grew clearer and clearer, ultimately revealing a female immortal wearing the Seven Star Treasure Crown and draped in the Nine-Colored Robe.
She likewise wore a Jade Mask, her entire body's aura obscure and hidden, mysterious, noble, and lofty.
Seeing the newcomer, the Queen Mother immediately stood up and gave a deep bow.
"Greetings, Senior Mysterious Maiden."
The woman addressed as the Mysterious Maiden nodded in return, proceeded straight to the straw mat in the center of the courtyard, and sat down, motioning for the Queen Mother to sit as well.
The Queen Mother executed another bow and calmly sat down.
"You called me over—what is it?"
The Mysterious Maiden's voice was slightly neutral, steady yet tinged with dignity, getting straight to the point.
The Queen Mother's voice was cold and detached, asking without emotion: "Dare I ask,