Lu Chen did not answer at once.
Holding his teacup, he gazed out at the profound night beyond the window.
Moonlight spilled over the bamboo grove. The leaves swayed in the wind, light and shadow intertwining like countless ghosts dancing.
The outlines of the distant mountains lay hidden in darkness, only an occasional corner emerging before swiftly being swallowed by cloud and mist again.
"At Blackwater River in the Northern Frontier, he wants to seize the Dragon Soul Mirror." He spoke, his voice low and slow, as though sorting through his thoughts. "At Dragon Head Peak in the Azure Dragon Secret Realm, he wants to take the Dragon Vein Soul Essence. At Hundred Herbs Market in Medicine King Valley, he wants to leave that mark. Three matters that seem separate, yet all point toward the same goal."
Yun Qingyue listened intently.
"The Dragon Soul Mirror, the Dragon Vein Soul Essence, Medicine King Valley..." she murmured, repeating the names. "They are all connected to the dragon race."
"Yes." Lu Chen said, "And to Great Xia's dragon veins as well." He turned to look at Yun Qingyue. Candlelight flickered in his eyes, reflecting two uncertain points of light. "The dragon veins are declining, and the Undead Monarch covets them. The Shadow Council has been laying plans for years. The Third Prince's collusion with the Ten Thousand Gu Sect may be only the tip of the iceberg. These waters run deeper than I imagined."
Yun Qingyue looked at him and saw that trace of gravity in his eyes.
It was faint, so faint it was almost impossible to notice.
But having known him for so long, she could already read his emotions from such subtle changes.
She asked softly, "Then what do you intend to do?"
Lu Chen fell silent for a moment.