Amid the polite exchanges and calls to stay a little longer, the Dragon Palace, so boisterous moments before, fell quiet again.
Maidservants moved through the hall, carefully clearing away the remains of the banquet without making a sound.
Ao Qian reclined on the raised dais, dark red light shining from his eyes. His narrow gaze drifted into the distance, and he said nothing. Gray-white hair spilled over the back of his chair, while a hand as broad as a palm-leaf fan rested on the jade table, its sinister, pointed nails tapping against the surface.
Just then, a woman in everyday robes stepped over the waves and entered the hall. With a gentle sway to her steps, she approached and bowed, saying respectfully:
"This junior, Yuan Jun, pays her respects, my lord."
"Rise. Sit."
Ao Qian flicked his nails and indicated a nearby table for her, then asked in his rough voice:
"Seen him off?"
Yuan Jun lowered her head and answered softly:
"Yes. I specially arranged for a Jadewater Scale Beast. It has already taken him to the surface."
"Mm... what do you think of him?"
Ao Qian turned his gaze toward her and asked with interest, never mentioning who exactly "him" was.
Yuan Jun seemed to understand at once, however, and answered quietly:
"I... I cannot see through him."
"Heh. Of course you cannot."
Ao Qian gave a derisive chuckle, then continued:
"On the surface, his destiny seems to soar to the heavens, and his sword qi bristles ominously. That is only because he carries a Peach Talisman to conceal himself. It is no surprise you cannot see through him. Never mind you—even ordinary practitioners of divine powers cannot see through him."
"A Peach Talisman? Those are rare these days."
Yuan Jun's golden eyes shifted as she followed his