Several weeping crabapple trees in the old-fashioned courtyard were shedding their petals in a soft rustle. Wisps of steam rose from celadon teacups on the stone table, while a pale blue skirt spread over a bluestone stool, swaying gently in the breeze.
Meng Qiewei raised her brows slightly and glanced toward the entrance, paying it little mind.
As she picked up her teacup, her wide sleeve slipped back to reveal half a frost-white wrist, her fingertips almost translucent in the daylight.
The instant she lowered her eyes and took a small sip, Qing Dai was already standing behind her, waiting respectfully.
Meng Qiewei drank at her own pace. Nothing outside could affect her movements.
After a long while, she slowly set down the teacup and lowered her eyes to the tabletop.
"Miss, doesn't that burn your mouth?" Qing Dai asked.
Just then, frost melted on the teacup, and Qing Dai fell silent.
Meng Qiewei said nothing. She was waiting for the Secret Realm to open.
The trap had been laid, and she wanted to know the result.
Perhaps they really might find it.
Then she could also see what moves they would make.
"What has that Heavenly Pride been doing lately?" Meng Qiewei asked.
"Still at the Wuyun Sect. They say part of the Secret Realm has already opened, but it'll take a few months to open completely. Lots of people will enter then, and perhaps they'll discover something entirely new." Qing Dai poured Meng Qiewei a cup of tea and continued, "Miss, you've been inside that Secret Realm. Does it really have a hidden area?"
"Yes," Meng Qiewei said.
Qing Dai was astonished. "Then why not let them go in and obtain those opportunities?"
Meng Qiewei did not answer.
Afterward, she asked about Magpie Bridge.
"They don't seem to