Shadow

In the Red Luan Royal Territory, as the day of the Red Luan Princess's grand wedding drew near, the festive atmosphere grew ever thicker. Lanterns and decorations filled every corner, red silk hanging high everywhere.

Outside the royal territory, in a neighboring great city, Ning Chen arrived with Yin'er. The endless gloomy rain stood utterly at odds with the celebratory mood blanketing all the cities of Red Luan.

Moonlit Wine House, private room on the second floor. The host had prepared wine and awaited the arrival of his honored guest.

On the first floor, songs and dances flourished in peaceful splendor. On the raised stage, dancing girls swayed, their skin faintly visible beneath thin gauze, leaving the guests below unable to tear their eyes away.

Before long, Ning Chen entered with Yin'er. Red Luan personally came forward to greet them and led the two directly upstairs.

"Big Sister Red Luan, has the injury on your face healed?" Yin'er asked sweetly as she looked at her.

"It has."

Red Luan removed the veil from her face, revealing a delicate, radiant countenance so flawless it seemed as though it might break at the lightest touch—three parts lovelier even than Xi Shi.

"Big Sister Red Luan is so beautiful." Yin'er's big eyes brimmed with envy.

Red Luan put her veil back on and smiled gently. "Yin'er is beautiful too. When you grow up, you'll definitely be even prettier than Big Sister."

Yin'er smiled happily at those words and nodded without a care in the world.

As they spoke, the three entered the room marked Ming. Having shed his splendid attire, the Moonlit Tower Master now wore a plain silver-gray robe. His formidable aura was utterly different from when they had first met.

"Tower Master, the guest has arrived," Red Luan said with a