The one who dwells in the mountains

Several days ago, it had rained in the mountains, so mist was nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, today the fog rose swiftly and thickly; in no time, Ji Ningzhao could no longer see the road ahead. The bluish flagstone beneath her feet seemed slick with water vapor, and the dense mist on either side of the mountain forest rendered the shapes of the trees strange and distorted. From deep within the woods, the muffled sound of drums echoed faintly. The drumming was dull and arrhythmic, as though someone were beating the drum at random, without any pattern.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, there was a private suspended swimming pool, where one could bask in the sun during leisure hours.

“All right, the contest is over. I’m leaving—going back to sleep!” Wang Yu glanced at the Patek Philippe on his wrist; it was already eleven o’clock.

“In my memory, you should be a decrepit old lady,” Tian Er Miao remarked.

At that moment, many people emerged from their rooms, including the venerable Master Xuan Gu.

Today’s grand gathering at Shen Garden wasn’t originally in Yin Hao’s plans. He saw little reason to help the raccoon clan grow in influence. Yet, after much deliberation, he decided to attend, hoping to let people see for themselves who was truly wise and who was foolish.

“What? Liu Dali and his son are dead?” Zhang Wei’s eyes widened in shock, disbelief written across his face.

If it were just a prince’s status, it wasn’t much superior to theirs—perhaps even inferior. It was impossible for them to act so boldly.

The Eight Great Royal Clans were famous throughout the Heavenly Upper Realm, especially the Phoenix Clan, renowned for their unparalleled beauty. Members of the Phoenix Clan were as exquisite as immortals and were sought after for marriage alliances by the Four Supreme Clans.

He knew all too well that to defeat Ye Tianchen, he and Gu Qiaoxi alone would not suffice; only with Huang Hanyu joining them could they hope for absolute victory.

The Grand Protector looked at the Fox King, whose brows furrowed ever deeper. After a moment’s thought, he continued, “By custom, we should send a Palace Envoy to investigate, but fearing one or two might not handle it, I sent all three together, so they could support one another.” Having finished, he watched the Fox King’s expression closely.

Once inside the room, Situ Nanyun finally understood what “Room Number One under Heaven” meant. The interior was bright, spacious, and tidy. Fine wooden furniture exuded an ancient, elegant luster, vivid and graceful ink paintings adorned the walls, and a delicate window opened to the outside, offering a sweeping view of the bustling street below.

Qing Ying and Qing Qiu, hearing the commotion, hurried over to inquire. Someone explained the entire matter to them.

At this time, everywhere the peach trees bloomed crimson, the pear blossoms shone white, and sunlight poured down. Scholars and beauties in the capital loved to venture out together at such times, seeking the pleasures of spring outings.

Mo Lie, thoroughly pleased, brought Peony back to the Dragon Palace, eager to seize the moment and finalize their union. Yet Peony was no fool; she insisted on seeing her mother safe and sound before agreeing. Otherwise, she would rather die than submit to Mo Lie’s will.

“Where should we talk? Over there?” Jian Yang pointed in the direction she had been sneaking glances. Honey became flustered at being discovered, her hands twisting together nervously, her face flushing bright red.

Fortunately, there were many types of magic energy—not just the kind of language magic. Other types, Blue Wen was exceptionally skilled at, though Jian Yang could not learn those. This brought him a measure of inner balance.

Yet the meaning behind her words was stark and undisguised. If translated, it would be something like: “My lord, you are so handsome. I adore you. Do you like me?”

“Well, that spares us the trouble. Now Right Raksha has earned another great merit,” another person chimed in.

“Your Majesty…” Grand Tutor Yan tried to speak, but was frightened into silence by the icy look in Nangong Yihan’s eyes.

The Empress was truly deep and shrewd; on the surface, she treated all the ladies of the inner court like sisters, yet behind the scenes, she had done much to harm the concubines.