“Eh?!” Li Yilin snapped out of her daze only after hearing Tian You’s words. A faint blush tinged her intelligent face—but it held no hint of romance. “Ah, um… If, ah, *you*—I mean, *Your Honor*—aren’t in a hurry, why not rest a day? I’ll prepare a carriage by tomorrow morning and arrange accommodations for you. Please rest assured.”

Having navigated Wolfmoon Barbarian City for years, Li Yilin’s wisdom far surpassed the ordinary. Witnessing Tian You’s earlier display—and how he’d handed the dragon-formed longsword to Li Rui—her gratitude mingled with deliberate intent to befriend him. After all, with Tian You’s power and his explosive identity as a male Faithweaver, few places across the continent remained closed to them.

Hua Zhaoxue, cheeks still brushed with peach-blossom pink, addressed Li Yilin: “Then we trouble you, Miss Li Yilin.” Pausing slightly, as if recalling the woman in white gauze and past trials, her expression faltered before she softly added, “Might the location you arrange… be a little farther from Phoenixdance City?”

“No trouble at all,” Li Yilin replied smoothly. “About ten thousand miles from Wolfmoon lies Heartdance City. Less bustling than towns near the Imperial Capital, yet ideal for you. Its lord and I share acquaintance.” She glanced at Tian You, voice tentative: “Um… There’s also an academy there exclusively for Faithweavers. If… if you wish to experience daily life there… it’s possible.”

Silence followed. *He must be a young master from a reclusive clan*, she mused, *cultivation perfected, now touring the world…* She didn’t believe it herself—but no other explanation fit.

“…Mm. Thank you, Miss Li Yilin.” Tian You offered no explanation. Instead, quiet curiosity stirred toward that academy.

“Understood.” Seeing his calm expression, Li Yilin nodded swiftly. “I’ll prepare swift horses tonight and write to City Lord Jie.”

“City Lord Jie?” Hua Zhaoxue murmured, puzzled. She knew Heartdance City—but its former lord wasn’t surnamed Jie…

“Has the city lord changed?”

“Ah, yes! Heartdance is now governed by the Jie family—a renowned Faithweaver clan. The current lord is Jie Shibang. A man, yet exceptionally skilled in governance.”

“………………"

At the name, Tian You’s face twisted strangely. Hua Zhaoxue, ever watchful, tightened her grip on his hand, voice urgent with worry: “Tian You? What’s wrong? Are you unwell?!”

“…I’m fine.” He forced a faint smile. “Miss Li Yilin… you said the Heartdance City Lord’s name is…?” A strange unease coiled in his chest—he couldn’t explain why.

Li Yilin answered without hesitation: “The Jie family has long served the Sacred Dance. Though the lord is male, they named him Jie Shibang—hoping their line would revitalize the nation for generations.”

“…………………………"

—

Phoenixdance Imperial Palace—

A long corridor led to the Empress Sovereign’s hall. Every five paces, pairs of strikingly beautiful court-clad maidens stood silent vigil. Closer inspection revealed faint, shimmering elemental ripples around each.

Then—a woman in a simple, elegant robe glided soundlessly to the entrance. Cherry lips, crescent brows, a gentle smile ever-present. Yet her eyes held deepest enchantment: dark as ocean depths, sharp with wisdom that saw through all illusions.

“Welcome, Imperial Sage!”

All maidens knelt on one knee, heads bowed in reverence.

She gave a slight nod, warm smile untouched by words, gliding forward like a celestial dancer drifting through mortal realms—stopping only at the palace gates.

“Enter.”

A cold, authoritative voice pierced the air. Every maiden prostrated fully.

The robed woman bowed deeply through the door, stepped inside with head lowered. The moment her feet crossed the threshold, the doors sealed shut behind her. Unwavering, she advanced into a chamber steeped in heart-soothing fragrance.

Only a curtained couch occupied the hall. Behind the veil, a silhouette of breathtaking grace flickered faintly. She dared not linger her gaze—eyes lowered, posture perfectly deferent.

“Enough. No one else is here. No need for ruler-subject formalities between us.”

Still not lifting her eyes, she bowed deeply: “May this servant Xilei ask… why the Empress Sovereign summoned her?”

“How fares your precious younger brother?” the Empress Sovereign asked abruptly.

Tang Xilei’s eyes flickered—thoughts swirling. “The Empress Sovereign is kind. Yu’er is well.”

“Oh? Then deliver this to him.”

Tang Xilei’s gaze brushed the veiled figure. Her pulse quickened.

“He… has met his match.”