Unexpected, yet perfectly reasonable.
Given Yu Ci's current status, although Cang You was also a venerable great shaman, there were matters they could not discuss too deeply. It was only proper for Madam Xia to come in person.
Yu Ci also knew that as the host of the Clear Sky Discourse, Madam Xia had invited him over and left her seat specifically to speak with him. She surely had something she wanted.
Everyone understood that perfectly well, so there was no need for empty pleasantries. Time would not allow it, either.
Even though she had deliberately chosen the interval for the most time-consuming Star Array Method, if Madam Xia stayed away from her seat too long, it might still become a laughingstock.
The moment they met, Madam Xia called him "Heavenly Monarch," gathered herself, and bowed gracefully.
Today was only their second meeting, yet Madam Xia's mountain-steady, grave bearing had already left a deep impression on Yu Ci. Seeing her suddenly so meek and humble was truly difficult to get used to.
Naturally, Yu Ci did not believe Madam Xia had truly fallen so low that she needed to abase herself, nor would he let her actually kneel. He reached out to support her, surprise naturally appearing on his face. "Madam, why must you do this?"
Judging by Madam Xia's expression, she showed not the slightest discomfort or unease over lowering herself. Such a mind, able to bend and stretch, was not to be underestimated. Nor would a person like her allow her own attitude to seem stiff or unnatural. He only heard her sigh softly.
"I thank you, Heavenly Monarch, and through you, I also thank Later Sage."
"This... is there a reason?"
"If not for Later Sage's divine might, some disorderly ministers and traitorous sons in the city