The study fell quiet again. Only the Soul Tool lamp flickered, casting Dai Mobai's shadow against the wall, stretching and shrinking it by turns.
Light and shadow shifted across his face, making his deep eyes look darker still.
He sat in his chair, gently rubbing the rim of his teacup. His fingertip rested against its fine glaze, tracing the smooth curve.
"Xue Qinghe..."
He murmured the name. It echoed briefly through the empty study before his own soft laugh cut it short.
"No. Qian Renxue."
Dai Mobai raised his teacup slightly toward Heaven Dou City beyond the window.
The tea had gone cold, yet he held it as though it were fine wine, a calm, certain smile on his face.
"Sweet dreams tonight."
Smiling, he drained the last of the tea in one gulp.
Though cold, it left a sweetness in his throat that felt strangely satisfying.
Meanwhile, in Heaven Dou City's East Palace.
Qian Renxue dismissed her attendants and locked herself alone in her chambers.
She sat motionless at her desk, having long since shed her Xue Qinghe disguise.
She had tossed the pale moon-white brocade robe over a folding screen, replacing it with a plain undershirt.
Her face had also returned to its true appearance.
That refined, cool face had sharper lines than Xue Qinghe's, and her brows and eyes held a woman's gallant spirit.
Her golden eyes gleamed coldly in the dim light, like two gems sunk at the bottom of a deep pool.
A sheet of paper covered the entire desk, filled with Dai Mobai's name.
Some of the names were neat, others scrawled. Some strokes pressed deep, while others barely touched the page.
Every stroke looked as if it had been forced out through clenched teeth, carrying hatred suppressed for far too long.
Last came