Yu Ci took a moment to read through the letter, scarcely more than a hundred words long.
Madam Xia's handwriting in the letter matched that on the envelope—plain and dignified, neither excessive nor lacking. Yet every rise and fall was elegant and measured, rich with the beauty of sweeping strokes.
The letter began like misty waves, tracing back through the past, and made Yu Ci pause in surprise: "Years ago, when Lady Yan traveled the western lands, she passed through Zhongnan and judged the worthies there. She sent word: 'The young man surnamed Yu has a knack for drawing talismans; facing the blade, he shows his gall.' Twelve words in all, placing him first beneath Bu Xu."
Even knowing this was praise offered in courtesy, Yu Ci could not help but feel his spirits lift, his thoughts shifting in turn:
Lady Yan? Could that be... Murong Qingyan? Murong Qingyan had indeed said she was traveling to the Western Buddhist Kingdom, and she was Madam Xia's adopted daughter. It all matched.
At this point, the way he regarded the letter had already changed subtly.
Next, Madam Xia's brush flowed naturally onward into the matter of the Xuan Huang Killing Sword from years ago. Praise followed: "The sunflower turns with intent; the sesame's radiance cannot be seen," along with phrases such as "Stars Shift, and a startled swan appears but once." Her desire to seek worthy talent was laid bare openly, making the letter seem even plainer and more trustworthy than its opening.
Yet Madam Xia had not directly recruited him in the letter. She had merely invited Yu Ci to the upcoming Clear Sky Discourse, maintaining a certain courteous distance.
Overall, there was not much substantive content in the letter—at most, it was an invitation. But for such a swift response