Hu Xiaotian's eyes were half open. In fact, he had noticed the other man as soon as he appeared in the Bamboo Grove. He slowly sat upright and studied him carefully. Had he not heard his voice, Hu Xiaotian would never have believed that the person before him was Ji Feihua. Somewhat astonished, he asked, "Brother Ji, why are you dressed as a woman?"
Ji Feihua chuckled and removed the red veil covering his face. "Do I look the part?"
Hu Xiaotian's gaze traveled down from his face, finally settling on his feet. He had to admit that, dressed in women's clothes, Ji Feihua looked more womanly than a woman. Yet women lacked his domineering boldness, while men seldom possessed such eerie, feminine allure. Perhaps only a eunuch could possess this strange combination of qualities.
Hu Xiaotian grinned, revealing a mouthful of neat, white teeth. "If you were a woman, I might fall in love with you."
The expression on Ji Feihua's face suddenly froze.
Hu Xiaotian thought his remark had offended him. Deep down, he had always felt an indescribable awe toward Ji Feihua, though even he could not explain why. He hurriedly apologized. "I spoke without thinking. Please don't hold it against me, Brother."
Ji Feihua laughed instead. "Your words just suddenly reminded me of my days in the palace. When it comes to bootlicking and flattery, there really aren't many who can match you."
Only when Hu Xiaotian saw that he was not angry did he relax. He then recounted the details of his meeting with Hu Buwei. After hearing him out, Ji Feihua pondered for a long while before saying, "Then the other skull is in the Clear Mystery Monastery."
Hu Xiaotian said, "I don't know either. But since he gave me so many clues, they