The curtains fluttered, seeming to gather and disperse like clouds.
The bells rang like a sudden shower striking banana leaves, each clear note seeming to seep into the heart.
The lamplight before the screen flickered rapidly and dimly, yet could illuminate only a tiny patch.
In the gloom beyond the reach of its faint glow, shadows shifted ceaselessly, overlapping into all manner of shapes, like a bewitching Dream Realm amid a hazy stupor—bizarre and fantastical, wild and untamed.
Li Lieyue's long lashes lowered slightly, her eyes hazy, like a deep pool shrouded in mist beneath the moonlit night. Amid her confusion, ripples occasionally glimmered. Her brows furrowed softly. "[27 characters harmonized here]: '[6 characters harmonized here]... I... I won't hold it against you...'"
Seeing that even this had been forgiven by Senior Sister Li, Pei Ling finally relaxed, hesitating over [51 characters harmonized here].
[32 characters harmonized here]
[25 characters harmonized here].
Pei Ling immediately [6 characters harmonized here], and at once forgot about those trivial matters, [13 characters harmonized here].
In the corner, the vanity mirror reflected one corner of the restless canopy.
Three days and three nights later.
Chao Na Temporary Palace.
Bathing Hall.
In the lotus-shaped jade pool, the water was clear and cold, and splashed loudly.
Layer upon layer of gauze curtains hung from the ceiling, like the mist at dawn, thick yet drifting, veiling and parting—a tender, languid hesitation.
A moment later, [17 characters harmonized here].
Li Lieyue's [9 characters harmonized here] tresses spread behind her, floating and sinking on the water's surface like ink-dark hibiscus flowers in furious bloom.
A few strands were dampened by the pool water; her fair face was like an udumbara blossom.
The pale beauty hidden in darkness held a [7 characters harmonized here] allure beneath its sacred purity.