Behind the courtyard where Hua Zhaoxue lived lay a wooded mountain.

Her ears burned crimson, delicate earlobes tinged pink. Her ample chest rose and fell slightly, complementing her stunning face and slender figure—like pear blossoms blooming on the slope, breathtakingly beautiful.

"T-Tian You…" Walking beside him, flustered and flushed, her voice dropped to a whisper: "Up ahead is where I used to practice dancing. If… if you're interested, we could go see."

*Dance?*

At her words, Tian You’s mind wavered. A slender silver-haired silhouette flickered in the haze—but before he could focus, a soft mist veiled his thoughts, silently erasing the graceful trace…

Though the vision faded, its echo lingered. Tian You sighed softly, calming his unsettled heart. "Sister Zhaoxue… may I watch you dance?"

Hua Zhaoxue blinked in surprise, a faint pink blooming along her graceful neck. "If… if Tian You wishes… Zhaoxue would be happy to…"

A spring breeze rustled the leaves—a rhythm as unsteady as her heartbeat.

After a quiet moment, she swallowed her shyness and led him forward. Soon, the gentle babble of a stream joined the rustling leaves, soothing and clear.

Tian You parted the branches. A crystal-clear creek shimmered into view.

Hua Zhaoxue slipped off her embroidered shoes, revealing snow-white feet—smooth as jade, soft as silk. Lifting her crimson skirts, she stepped lightly into the water, gliding toward the center. Crimson robes, flowing black hair—elegance incarnate.

A soft blush dusted her cheeks. Smiling faintly, she turned her back and whispered, "Tian You… I'm starting now…"

*Your Majesty, please watch me…*

As her murmur faded, that familiar sensation washed over Tian You again. His clear, deep violet eyes glazed over.

Beneath the crescent moon, Hua Zhaoxue began her dance—for one sole viewer.

Her heart soared like a bird freed from its cage. A faint crimson glow haloed her form as she danced freely across the water—no rowdy cheers, no jealous whispers. Only one youth watched: the breathtakingly beautiful youth.

Seeing her ethereal dance, Tian You’s calm expression softened into haze. Unconsciously, his body drifted toward her.

"T-Tian You?" Though immersed in movement, she’d kept glancing his way. Flustered by his approach, she froze.

"Sister Zhaoxue… your dance can be even more beautiful…"

Amid her shy gasp, Tian You took her smooth hand and drew her into the dance beneath moonlight and flowing water.

At first, her shoulders trembled with shyness, nearly missing his rhythm. But as they moved, her fluster shifted to awe.

A silvery light bloomed around Tian You—just like their first meeting. Water and wind stirred to life, elements surging wildly toward them until the air thickened, nearly tangible.

When the dance ended, Tian You gently released her hand. Swirling motes of light drifted to his ink-black hair, clinging as if enchanted by his peerless grace.

Hua Zhaoxue stared, breathless. His face so close, framed by moonlight and dancing elements—his figure seemed woven into nature itself. Ethereal. Dreamlike…

------------------------------------------------------

Unseen, deep in the thicket, a pair of eyes burned with violent obsession, locked onto Tian You.

Hong Yimei seethed with jealousy. After leaving Li Bai’s room, curiosity drove her to conceal her presence and features. Following Li Bai’s description, she sought Tian You—his changed face mattered little; that transcendent aura made him unmistakable.

At first glance, she was deeply satisfied. His looks were unremarkable, yet his presence… unprecedented. Even to her, seasoned and discerning, it was utterly new.

When he removed his mask? Even her ironclad composure nearly shattered. She bit her tongue to stay conscious.

Watching him dance with Hua Zhaoxue, jealousy erupted anew. A mad thought took root.

"Not… not yet…" She clenched her body, forcing stillness. Scars across her face twisted grotesquely under the strain.

"Hehe… When the heir of the Li family** is humiliated, I’ll toy with that boy’s body right before your eyes~ What expression will you wear then?"

Whose empire? Whose land?

Before this youth…

Nothing matters.

Nothing at all!!