Chunyu was both ashamed and enraged, and he let out a furious roar.
Once he had calmed down,
he discovered, for some unknown reason, that he was standing at the entrance of the Heavenly Net Imperial Palace again. Just as when he had entered, it seemed as though his feet had not taken a single step. The Dongfang Palace Lord, dressed as a middle-aged scholar, felt the same way. The two stared at each other, neither understanding what had happened. Had they not just gone in to meet the Majesty within the Heavenly Net Imperial Palace? They had clearly entered the Mirage and broken the dream—so how had things become this way?
The guards on duty at the entrance of the Heavenly Net Imperial Palace stood solemnly at their posts, eyes fixed straight ahead, as though they had not seen anyone before them.
That most vigilant and loyal Thousand-Eyed General had one hand resting on the hilt of his precious sword.
He, too, remained utterly motionless.
Just then, a palace maid emerged gracefully from within. Both Mr. Chunyu and the Dongfang Palace Lord recognized her. She was precisely the polite and admirable meal-serving attendant they had encountered earlier before His Majesty's palace.
The little maid approached with lotus-light steps. Reaching Mr. Chunyu and the Dongfang Palace Lord, she dipped in a slight bow, her voice clear as a silver bell. "Honored guests have arrived. His Majesty invites you in."
Had they not already spoken just now? He had even told a story to mock them indirectly. How had it become like this now?
Could everything before have merely been a dream?
The Dongfang Palace Lord's heart stirred. Before the little maid left, he asked, "May I ask, have you delivered His Majesty's meal?"
The little maid smiled faintly upon hearing