As the tower ship that had descended from the South Sea Dragon Domain threaded through clouds and mist filled with starlight, the young man seated within felt dazed himself, as though lost in fog. Looking at the divine generals sitting rigidly opposite him, their faces solemn, Xing Yan was deeply puzzled:
Strange. Why did they come expressly to invite me alone to the South Sea Military Review?
Although he had met the South Sea Water Marquis once before, he had attended only as the Four Rivers Dragon Maiden's companion. Apart from the small disturbance caused by the Ghost Ring on his finger at that flower-viewing banquet, he truly could not recall anything that might have earned their regard. After pondering a little longer without finding any answers, Xing Yan thought:
Never mind. Water Marquis Meng Zhang is a divine figure renowned throughout the Four Seas. Surely he wouldn't make trouble for me.
With that thought, he set his mind at ease, turned toward the tower ship's window, carved with monstrous beasts, and devoted himself to admiring the star-studded clouds of the night sky. While he enjoyed the scenery, Kou Xueyi, one of the two girls accompanying him, remained graceful and serene, pure as an orchid. She sat beside him with her head slightly lowered, as though nothing existed beyond her lovely, luminous face. Qiong Rong was not wriggling about either. With a finger pressed to her rosy cheek, she stared in bewilderment at the gleaming golden generals opposite:
How strange. Have they turned into wooden statues? Why aren't they moving, or even blinking?
The little girl stared blankly at them, studying them with great care, but never dared poke them with a finger. She was afraid they might suddenly move and give her a fright.
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