In Jurong, in the Capital Region, a temple lay secluded in the depths.
A figure in white robes and a golden crown strolled through the temple, folding fan in hand.
Brows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn waters, fair skin and jade-like fingers, white teeth and red lips-from afar, she seemed a handsome, dashing young nobleman. She closed her fan and tapped it against her palm, revealing a hint of proud, commanding spirit.
Yet her features were simply too enchanting. Even dressed as a man, she could not conceal her snow-surpassing radiance. One glance revealed a beauty fit to topple cities disguised in male attire: without powder or rouge, her face shone of its own accord; with hairpins and ornaments removed, her loveliness could not be contained.
Before long, a monk approached with his palms pressed together.
"This way, benefactor."
Baoyue nodded slightly and asked no questions, following the monk with Xin Yi and Lian San. At first they remained in the main courtyard, where incense smoke curled amid the passing crowds. Then they turned east, and the visitors thinned as the Buddhist chants grew distant.
Deep within the grounds, they passed through an abandoned Buddha hall. A secret door concealed in its rear wall led to a secluded courtyard, simple and elegant, with gray bricks and slender bamboo. Three meditation rooms stood inside. The monk led Baoyue to the first room on the left, then stopped and lowered his eyes.
"Please enter and meditate on your own, benefactor. This humble monk will wait outside the courtyard."
With that, he withdrew.
Baoyue left Xin Yi and Lian San waiting at the entrance and pushed the door open herself.
The room was furnished like any ordinary meditation chamber, except for a blackwood partition stretching across its entire width. There was a