Hu Xiaotian said respectfully, "Baobao probably never had direct contact with Hong Beimo. All her instructions came through Lin Wan. That woman is sinister and vicious. She probably had her own reasons for sending Baobao to Bright Moon Palace. It might not have been Hong Beimo's intention at all."
Li Yuncong narrowed his eyes. "Lin Wan is no cause for concern. You only need to watch their movements and prevent them from taking matters into their own hands, acting rashly, and ruining the larger plan."
Hu Xiaotian said, "I've already passed your words on to them, Eunuch Li. As long as I have the Rejuvenation Flute, there's no fear of those two refusing to obey. They still think Hong Beimo sent me, so they're positively trembling with fear in front of me. Very respectful."
Li Yuncong said, "Whatever you do, don't let appearances deceive you. Hong Beimo sent them into the palace, and Lin Wan managed to stand out in a harem where beauties gathered like clouds. That alone proves she has considerable means at her disposal. Unless necessary, you would do well to have as little contact with her as possible."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. Remembering that he had practiced the internal cultivation method of the Formless Divine Skill for several days without seeming to make any progress, he asked Li Yuncong for guidance. After taking his pulse, Li Yuncong was deeply puzzled as well. He could not understand why Hu Xiaotian remained at a standstill.
By the time he returned to his room at the Palace Gardens Bureau, it was almost the fourth watch. Cold and hungry, Hu Xiaotian ate a few pastries, burrowed under his covers, and fell sound asleep. He slept until heaven and earth seemed lost in darkness; when he woke, it was already the following