“That day’s matter was merely a small favor, Flower King need not dwell on it.
Now that the Flower King has arrived in my clan’s territory, perhaps you could grant me, Feng Zihuang, the honor of inviting you for a cup of tea, as a gesture of hospitality?” Feng Zihuang smiled with effortless charm.
Faced with such courtesy, Yun Qingxue knew that further refusal would seem ungrateful.
She could only force a hesitant expression and reply, “Logically, I shouldn’t decline the Phoenix King’s generous invitation. However, I’ve been away for so long without sending word of my safety, and my master must be terribly worried by now. So… perhaps it’s best if we part ways for now. Next time we meet, I’ll surely invite the Phoenix King for tea as a token of respect.”
“Oh?” Feng Zihuang raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. “To have the privilege of being the Flower King’s master, that person must be extraordinary. May I ask who your master is? With so many in my avian clan, sending one or two ministers to deliver a message for you would be no trouble at all. Why not rest here for a while? Later, I’ll personally escort you back. How does that sound?”
“Haha, the Phoenix King is truly hospitable. In that case, I’ll graciously accept. But I must trouble you to send someone to inform my master, the Purple Song Sage.”
Feng Zihuang had already made his stance clear, and Yun Qingxue knew she had no further excuse to refuse. She accepted with grace.
At least for now, Feng Zihuang appeared amicable. But often, the friendlier someone seemed, the more dangerous their schemes—a classic case of a smiling tiger.
Yun Qingxue was well aware of her passive position. She resolved that no matter Feng Zihuang’s intentions, as long as he didn’t openly break decorum, she wouldn’t provoke a confrontation.
For now, they would maintain this surface harmony while she sought an opportunity to leave the avian clan.
“To think that in just a few short months, the Flower King has become a disciple of the renowned Purple Song Sage of our Xuanling Continent—what a joyous occasion!” Feng Zihuang praised warmly upon hearing the name.
“To be accepted as his disciple is indeed my great fortune.”
Feng Zihuang smiled. “I, too, have long admired the Sage. I’ll dispatch two avian ministers to deliver your message at once. Flower King, please!”
With gentlemanly courtesy, Feng Zihuang gestured for her to proceed and personally led the way out of the phoenix tree grove.
Not far beyond the trees stood a magnificent palace. Feng Zihuang guided Yun Qingxue inside.
The palace was exquisitely adorned, with carved beams and painted rafters. The white marble floors gleamed like mirrors, and four wooden pillars stood at the hall’s corners, each intricately carved with lifelike depictions of the sun and phoenixes.
The golden sun was cast from solid gold, shimmering like the rising dawn from afar. The phoenix’s feathers were also crafted from gold, its tail feathers meticulously inlaid with gemstones. Whether viewed from a distance or up close, the effect was one of dazzling opulence.
The walls were embedded with luminous pearls for nighttime illumination, each pearl encircled by a ring of vibrant gemstones. In short, the entire palace radiated extravagance—summed up in one word: *luxury*.
Feng Zihuang led Yun Qingxue past the main hall into an adjoining chamber.
“Flower King, please sit.” He ushered her to a sandalwood table before taking his own seat at the head.
Yun Qingxue glanced around the chamber. Two open windows framed swaying phoenix tree leaves outside. The walls, like those of the main hall, were studded with luminous pearls and gemstones. Even the legs of the sandalwood table and chairs were encrusted with jewels.
She smiled faintly. “The Phoenix King has a fondness for gemstones?”
“Indeed. I adore all things beautiful.” Feng Zihuang’s gaze lingered on her, so intense it made her feel like another prized gem in his collection.
She returned a polite smile, subtly shifting her gaze and changing the subject. “Didn’t the Phoenix King mention tea?”
“Patience, Flower King. The finest tea is worth waiting for.”
As they spoke, a young woman in a yellow dress approached gracefully, carrying a tray. Her eyes settled on Yun Qingxue, and she flashed a bright smile.
She set two cups of tea before them, then placed delicate pastries on the table from a second tray carried by a maid. With lively warmth, she greeted Yun Qingxue, “Qingxue, it’s been so long!”
Yun Qingxue smiled faintly. “Indeed, Liuying. It’s been a while.”
The simple response made Liuying’s eyes well up. “Where have you been these past months? I begged the Phoenix King to search for you, but there was no trace! Do you know how worried I was?”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Yun Qingxue replied gently, standing to embrace her. “Don’t cry—it doesn’t suit you.”
Liuying laughed through her tears, clasping Yun Qingxue’s hands. “Now that we’re reunited, you *must* stay longer this time! Let me properly host you!”
“I’d love to, but I must return to my training with my master. I can’t linger too long,” Yun Qingxue said apologetically.
“Oh…” Liuying’s voice dimmed with disappointment, but she quickly brightened again. “Well, there’s always next time! Enough talk—try the tea I brewed for you!”
She handed Yun Qingxue the cup eagerly.
“Thank you. Though I’m no tea connoisseur, I’ll do my best.” Accepting the cup, Yun Qingxue’s eyes turned icy the moment she lowered her gaze.
Liuying was one of the first people she’d met in this world, after Qiandai. She cherished Qiandai’s memory, trusted Adai, trusted Liuli, even the newly met Huanling—but she could never extend that trust to Liuying.
No matter how open and guileless Liuying acted, Yun Qingxue couldn’t shake her instinctive wariness.
It was as if her intuition screamed that Liuying’s apparent innocence was the greatest deception of all.
Those who seemed artless and carefree were often the most dangerous—precisely because they lulled others into dropping their guard.
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