As Shen Luo and his two companions entered the great hall, the gentle murmur of flowing water reached their ears.
Shen Luo glanced around and saw a passage roughly ten feet wide running through the center of the hall, flanked by two semicircular pools. A spring bubbled up in each, filling the air with rich spiritual energy.
Beyond the passage lay a forecourt, with a golden throne raised slightly above it farther back.
A young woman in a snow-white robe sat upright on the throne. Her long, snow-white hair hung loose, and a uniquely fashioned crystal crown rested on her head. Her face was beautiful without being sultry, and her bearing was so graceful and dignified that the sight of her made one forget the mundane world.
Several people stood before the throne. At their head was a blonde woman in a black robe, two large fox ears rising from her golden hair. She held a long silver staff and was exceptionally beautiful, but her eyes were filled with indifference, and she exuded authority without a trace of anger.
For some reason, at first glance, Shen Luo felt that this blonde, black-robed woman possessed more regal majesty than the woman on the throne.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Shen Luo and his two companions stepped forward and bowed toward the throne.
"You have traveled far. There is no need for such formalities," the woman said mildly with a wave of her hand.
Her voice was ethereal, like celestial music to the ear.
Then she noticed the green vines still binding Misu's hands. Her brows drew together slightly, and she looked at the middle-aged guard.
"Your Majesty, she refused to have them removed..." The middle-aged guard immediately dropped to his knees.
"I..."
Misu was about to complain when a stern gaze fell upon