Li Xi felt extremely lost after Meng Zhelan left. She missed Meng Zhelan every day and worried about her safety.
Although Meng Zhelan had been gone for several days, Li Xi still felt as if it had happened just yesterday. She didn't know martial arts and wondered if Prince An could guarantee her safety.
"Xiao Xi, you don't need to worry too much," the Empress Dowager comforted her while tasting the noodles in her bowl. "Yu'er is a responsible person, and he will definitely ensure Lan'er's safety."
Li Xi thought about it and realized that she might have been worrying too much.
After recovering yesterday, Feng Monian left Tingfeng Courtyard.
Li Xi planned to go to the Hidden Sect to find her master, but the Empress Dowager suggested taking her to a certain place.
"Where are you taking me?" Li Xi asked, looking at the unfamiliar scenery outside the carriage, somewhat puzzled.
The Empress Dowager said mysteriously, "It's a good place. You'll see when you get there."
The carriage stopped on a wide meadow, and Li Xi jumped off.
Before me lay a tranquil little lake, with a few white water lilies floating on its surface and fish occasionally darting among them. Tall reeds grew all around the lake, and the sounds of frogs croaking and insects chirping came from the reeds, like a beautiful melody.
"This place is so beautiful," Li Xi exclaimed.
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "This is my favorite place when I was young. It allows people to forget their troubles and status, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature."
Li Xi nodded in agreement. She did feel an unprecedented sense of ease and freedom, as if she had become one with nature.
Suddenly, a brightly colored bird darted out from the reeds, skimming swiftly across the lake and creating ripples.
Li Xi was mesmerized; the bird seemed to be the embodiment of freedom and beauty.
Looking at Li Xi's focused expression, the Empress Dowager said softly, "Do you know? This bird is called the 'Forget-Me-Not Bird.' Legend has it that anyone who sees it can forget all their worries and troubles."
Li Xi smiled and said, "Then I hope I can always be as happy as I am now."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Silly child, everyone has troubles, but we can choose how to face them. Sometimes, leaving a familiar environment and coming to a completely new place can help us find a new perspective and mindset to face problems."
Li Xi nodded thoughtfully.
Seeing Li Xi's thoughtful expression, the Empress Dowager gently stroked her hair and continued, "I know you've encountered some difficulties and troubles recently, but you must believe that these difficulties are only temporary. Everyone has their own path and journey, and sometimes we need to bravely face the unknown and challenges."
Li Xi raised her head, looked at the Empress Dowager, and nodded gratefully: "Thank you, I will think about it carefully. You are right, we cannot choose what difficulties we encounter, but we can choose how to face them."
The Empress Dowager smiled and looked at her: "Very good, it's good that you think that way. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must maintain an optimistic and positive attitude. Sometimes, if you look at a problem from a different perspective, you will find that it is not so bad after all."
Li Xi took a deep breath and said with a smile, "I will remember, thank you."
The two walked and talked, and soon arrived at a secluded courtyard.
In the secluded courtyard, verdant bamboo provides shade, and birdsong fills the air with the fragrance of flowers.
Li Xi followed the Empress Dowager into an antique-style room. A faint fragrance filled the room, making people feel comfortable and peaceful.
"You've finally arrived?" It was Old Master Sun who spoke, while the Emperor Emeritus was leisurely sipping tea at the head of the table.
Two elderly people were sitting nearby, dressed in simple clothes with kind smiles on their faces.
They were about the same age as Old Sun, but they were still very energetic and had bright, piercing eyes.
"This old man greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." The two elders rose and bowed to the Empress Dowager.
"Alright, please sit down." The Empress Dowager walked over and sat down next to the Emperor Emeritus. "Xiao Xi, let me introduce you. This is Master Jingxin, known in the martial arts world as the 'Immortal of the Qin and Sword,' and this is Master Chunqiu, the leader of 'A Brushstroke of Spring and Autumn.' These two are respectively the pillars of the martial arts and literary worlds. It is truly an honor to meet them here today."
Master Jingxin smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. This old Taoist priest is merely overrated."
Mr. Chunqiu also laughed and said, "I am just a free spirit."
The retired emperor smiled and said, "I invited you here today because I have something to ask of you."
The two said in unison, "Your Majesty, please speak."
The Emperor Emeritus sighed softly and said, “Alas, recently I have observed the celestial phenomena at night and found that the Imperial Star is dim and the Purple Star is flickering, as if there is something unusual going on. Moreover, ominous signs are frequently appearing near the capital, and strange phenomena are occurring among the people. I am worried that the world may be in great chaos. Therefore, I would like to ask you two to lend me a hand in order to bring peace to the world.”
Master Jingxin stroked his beard and said, "The Emperor Emeritus's concern for the country and its people is admirable. Although this old Taoist priest is incompetent, I am willing to do my part to help Jingyuan resolve his troubles."
Mr. Chunqiu also cupped his hands and said, "I will certainly do my utmost to repay the Emperor Emeritus's kindness in helping me back then."
The Emperor Emeritus was overjoyed and said, "Back then, it was with the help of these two that the world was able to achieve great stability. Now that we have the two of you to come out of seclusion, why should we worry about the world being unstable? Men, prepare a banquet to entertain them."
During the meal, everyone chatted and laughed, enjoying themselves immensely.
The Empress Dowager would occasionally inquire about matters concerning the martial arts and literary world, and Master Jingxin and Mr. Chunqiu would answer them one by one.
After several rounds of drinks, the Empress Dowager suddenly asked, "I wonder if Daoist Jingxin and Mr. Chunqiu have ever heard of the 'Red Lotus Sect'?"
Master Jingxin frowned slightly and said, "Although I am not concerned with worldly affairs, I have heard of the name of the 'Red Lotus Sect'. It is an extremely evil sect. It is said that they practice demonic arts and constantly create trouble in order to unify the martial arts world."
Mr. Chunqiu also said, "I have also heard of this sect. They are skilled in both literature and martial arts, and they not only cause trouble in the martial arts world, but also get involved in the government. Many loyal and virtuous people have died at their hands."
The Empress Dowager's face darkened, and she said, "It seems that this 'Red Lotus Sect' is the root cause of the chaos in the world. We must find a way to eliminate them in order to bring peace to the world."
Master Jingxin and Mr. Chunqiu exchanged a glance, both seeing worry in each other's eyes.
They knew that the Red Lotus Sect was a formidable force and that eradicating it would be no easy task.
"What the Empress Dowager says is absolutely right," Master Jingxin said in a deep voice. "However, the Red Lotus Sect is a powerful force, and to eliminate them, we must have a meticulous plan and great strength."
"Master, there's no need to worry," the Empress Dowager said slowly. "I already have a preliminary plan. We can unite with the major sects to besiege the headquarters of the 'Red Lotus Sect' and wipe them out in one fell swoop."
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