Mage Jin Lan stepped down from the Magic Appraisal Platform and approached the emperor. Xiao Yuzhi could hardly remain on the steps, so he returned to the ground below and stood at the emperor's side.
The emperor and Jin Lan chatted merrily. Xiao Yuzhi acted as though he saw nothing, simply standing there in silence as before.
Though nervous, Jin Lan did not forget to cater to the emperor.
The surrounding crowd began talking as well. Some discussed Mage Jin Lan's beauty, others the wonders of her magic, and naturally, some gossiped about whether the Son of Heaven had taken a fancy to her.
The many mages on either side of the Magic Appraisal Platform also kept an eye on Jin Lan beside the emperor. Some wore strange expressions, others looked grave. In any case, this was not good news.
On a rooftop outside Sky Void Temple, Yan Shouyun slapped his thigh hard.
"Alas! His Majesty has been bewitched by beauty! If he had let the old chief constable act directly, he might have forced that demoness to reveal her true form. He might even have killed her."
Long Simiao's brows were tightly knitted as well. Even a fool could see that the emperor was deeply interested in this woman. No-he desperately desired her.
On a rooftop farther away, Qi Zhongbin merely watched calmly below. The auras were a chaotic jumble, a veritable miasma of smoke and filth.
Hui Mian simply yawned on Qi Zhongbin's shoulder, showing a rare lack of interest in these affairs. Perhaps he, too, thought there was little worth watching.
Sima Xiao climbed onto the Magic Appraisal Platform once more.
"His Majesty has decreed that the Magic Appraisal Assembly shall continue. Any mage wishing to demonstrate their magic may come onto the platform-"
Having said this,