Breezy galleries and waterside pavilions, moonlit coves and flower beds, exquisite green tiles glittering with a piercing chill.
Amid the billowing crimson mist, the mountain scenery and waterscape were exceptionally lovely, brimming with charm.
Within movement lay stillness, and within stillness a lingering grace that cleansed the heart and drew one unwittingly into reverie.
The interior of this seven-story Colorful Boat was a world unto itself, ingeniously arranged with rosy clouds, misty waters, pine shade, and bamboo shadows—nothing was lacking.
Chen Heng followed Gu Yi all the way to the top of the tower ship, entering a great hall.
At Gu Yi's command, the female yaksha attendant hurriedly brought a black jade screen, roughly ten feet in both length and width, out of a side hall and carefully moved it into the main hall.
"Old Wei of the Form-Dividing Temple claimed he was once a rare national master, skilled in meticulous brushwork. It seems he wasn't merely boasting. There was some truth to his words."
Gu Yi lifted her eyelids and studied it for a moment before saying mildly:
"Not just the features-even that detestable expression is exactly like the real person.
"Looking at this face really does spoil an entire day's enjoyment for no reason..."
Only a single portrait hung on the black jade screen.
The subject was a young Daoist with handsome features and a stern expression, dressed in magnificent purple robes, refined and dignified, a sword in his hand.
His lofty cap and splendid clothes clearly made him look like a prince or noble scion.
Yet they could not conceal his cool, unworldly bearing, as clear and cold as water and stone, with an airy grace that seemed to tread the void.
"Looking at this face spoils your enjoyment?"
After bringing over the black jade screen.
Hearing