A Nighttime Conversation Between Two Women

As night deepened, watery moonlight spilled through the high windows, shrouding the magnificent silhouette of Sea God Hall in a hazy glow.

The grandeur and shock of a deity's descent during the day, along with the many turbulent emotions stirred by the engagement, gradually settled in the quiet of night.

At Bo Saixi's arrangement, Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue had not left Sea God Hall. Instead, they had been settled in two adjoining guest rooms deep within the hall, elegantly and exquisitely decorated.

This was a mark of respect for the High Priestess of Spirit Hall, her future in-law, and perhaps also a way to help the two youngsters grow closer.

After all, beneath the same roof in Sea God Hall, they were bound to run into each other.

In the stillness of the night, the door to one of the guest rooms opened softly.

A tall, graceful golden figure slipped outside. It was Qian Renxue.

She had changed out of her gorgeous dress and wore only a simple moon-white silk nightgown, with a thin shawl of the same color draped over it.

Her long golden hair fell smoothly down her back, its faint sheen flowing in the moonlight.

She walked beneath the covered corridor, raised her head, and gazed at the bright full moon and the brilliant stars scattered across the night sky.

Everything that had happened during the day replayed in her mind like scenes from a revolving lantern.

The sudden betrothal, her grandfather's earnest hopes, the Angel God and Sea God appearing as witnesses... and that young man named Li Qing.

His clear eyes, as though they could see through everything; his analyses, so precise they made her heart flutter; and those thoughts of his that kept popping up, each one capable of driving someone up the wall...

Most of all, his final analysis of why she would never give up on the Tiandou plan. Every word had struck a chord in her heart, leaving her nowhere to hide, and making her feel... a strange sense of kinship.

"Whew..." Qian Renxue let out a soft breath, trying to put her tangled thoughts in order, but a trace of confusion and curiosity still lingered between her brows.

She turned and looked toward the depths of Sea God Hall, in the direction of Bo Saixi's bedchamber.

There were questions she had to have answered.

Otherwise, she feared she would not sleep a wink tonight.

She gathered her shawl around herself and walked silently toward Bo Saixi's room.

The moonlight stretched her slender figure into a long shadow that swayed across the smooth floor of the corridor.

Meanwhile, inside Bo Saixi's bedchamber.

It was not a bedroom in the ordinary sense, but more like a combination of a quiet meditation room and a study.

The furnishings were simple yet elegant, and the air was filled with a faint fragrance, like an orchid blooming in the depths of the sea.

Night pearls embedded in the walls gave off a gentle glow.

Bo Saixi had not gone to bed.

She had not even changed out of the pale-blue flowing gown she had worn during the day; she had merely set aside the golden scepter that symbolized the High Priestess's authority.

She sat quietly on a coral stool by the window, her posture graceful and her curves on full display. Her long, fair legs, perfect as a work of art, were crossed one over the other. The pose revealed a glimpse of her smooth, jade-like calf and delicate ankle.

Two cups of steaming tea sat on the low table before her.

The tea's aroma mingled with the hall's orchid fragrance, refreshing the senses.

One hand rested casually on her knee, while the other absentmindedly turned her teacup. Her deep, ocean-blue eyes gazed at the moonlight outside, her expression distant, as if waiting for something.

She was, indeed, waiting.

"Knock, knock."

Two exceedingly soft knocks rang out, respectful yet tentative, breaking the quiet of the room.

Then Qian Renxue's voice came from outside, deliberately lowered but still clear and sweet:

"Senior Bo Saixi, are you... asleep? I'm Qian Renxue. There are some things... I'd like to ask you about. Would it be all right to come in?"

At the sound of her voice, the corners of Bo Saixi's lips lifted by the slightest degree.

There was a hint of understanding in that faint curve, a touch of having expected this, and even a subtle kinship between fellow "listeners."

She did not rise. Instead, she answered in her clear, melodious voice, calm and even:

"Come in. The door's unlocked."

With a creak, the heavy wooden door was gently pushed open.

Qian Renxue appeared in the doorway.

At a glance, she saw Bo Saixi seated by the window, as if she had been waiting for her for some time, and the two steaming cups of tea on the low table—clearly prepared for two.

A flash of surprise passed through Qian Renxue's violet eyes, then gave way to understanding.

She entered the room, softly closed the door behind her, and stopped a short distance from Bo Saixi. A hint of disbelief crossed her beautiful face as she asked quietly:

"Senior... you knew I was coming?"

Bo Saixi raised her eyes and looked at Qian Renxue warmly, studying her from head to toe.

Without the layers of disguise she wore by day as Spirit Hall's Saintess and the crown prince in hiding, Qian Renxue, dressed only in her nightgown, seemed less sharp and aloof. In their place was a purity fitting for her age, and... a trace of confusion she could barely conceal.

In Bo Saixi's eyes, this version of her seemed more genuine—and a little easier to like.

She nodded gently without hiding the truth, a faint, knowing smile on her face:

"Indeed. Though we only properly met today, and have spent no more than half a day together, girl, I've already caught a glimpse of your nature."

She gestured to the seat across from her, inviting Qian Renxue to sit. "Come, sit down. The tea's just been brewed; it's at the perfect temperature. I imagine you have a lot to ask, and many doubts... things you need to talk through with someone—or perhaps verify."

Qian Renxue did as she was told and walked over to sit opposite Bo Saixi, on a stool carved from the same white sea jade.

She looked at the clear, emerald tea, its aroma pleasant, then raised her eyes to Bo Saixi's blue ones, which seemed capable of embracing everything and seeing through the ways of the world. The wariness and tension in her heart inexplicably eased.

This High Priestess of Sea God Island, this Peerless Douluo on the same level as her grandfather, this woman who could also hear Li Qing's inner thoughts—at that moment, she did not feel like an imposing senior. Instead, she seemed more like... someone with whom she could share secrets and discuss strange experiences... someone like her?

Or perhaps a temporary ally?

"Senior..."

Qian Renxue lifted her teacup, feeling its warmth against her palm. After gathering her thoughts, she decided to speak plainly and said softly, "I came today because there are indeed some things I'd like to ask you about, and... confirm with you."

Bo Saixi also picked up her teacup, gently blew away the foam, and took a small sip, her manner graceful and unhurried.

She set down her cup and looked calmly at Qian Renxue. "You want to ask about Li Qing—that you can hear the voice in his heart, correct?"

Qian Renxue's fingers tightened slightly around the teacup. She nodded, her violet eyes filled with seriousness and curiosity. "Yes. It's all so strange that I would never believe it if I hadn't experienced it myself. I want to know when you first became able to... hear him, too. What caused this? Can... only the two of us hear him? And also..."

She paused, her voice taking on a note of urgency and gravity. "How much of what his inner voice reveals... about the future, about me, about Spirit Hall, and even about the gods... can we trust? Does he... truly have the ability to foresee the future?"