This only accentuated her beautiful and charming appearance, making her look like a fairy from the moon.
However, in the blink of an eye, a gentle and charming smile spread across her eyes like spring water.
With a graceful flutter of her wide sleeves, she moved with the elegance of a flower petal dancing in the wind, effortlessly concealing the fleeting wariness and surprise in her eyes.
She gave a slight curtsy, her posture as elegant as a crabapple blossoming quietly in spring, graceful and charming.
The silver-threaded clouds embroidered on her skirt swayed gently with her movements, just like the clouds drifting across the sky.
The silver bell on her wrist jingled softly with her movements, its clear sound like a mountain spring, startling the birds perched on the steps.
The fluttering of birds' wings echoed in the silent air, adding to the tranquil and leisurely atmosphere.
"It turns out to be an old friend of my teacher visiting. I apologize for my rudeness."
She lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a soft shadow beneath them like butterfly wings, and her voice was gentle.
"I wonder how you should address me, senior? Although my master often brews tea under the moon and talks to us about old friends, his words are full of nostalgia and emotion."
However, I have not had the chance to recount your past in detail. The reason I have come to Chengxiao is to repay the kindness of my old friends.
If you, senior, do not despise me, I am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance.
"If you ever need anything in the future, senior, every blade of grass and every tree in Chengxiao Kingdom is at your disposal. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations."
A sudden clap of thunder sounded outside the hall, and the purple robe fluttered without wind. The withered wrist of the Taoist Master Xuwu was slightly raised, and the golden cloud patterns hidden in the wide sleeves were faintly visible.
The nine bronze divination bells adorning the cuffs rang out without being struck, producing delicate and ethereal sounds.
The ancient runes engraved on the bell glowed with an eerie light, as if countless mysterious characters were moving within them.
"You may call me Master Xuwu." His voice seemed to carry the morning bells and evening drums of an ancient temple deep in the mountains, the last notes echoing in layers among the carved beams and painted rafters.
The glass lamps hanging from the beams swayed slightly in surprise, the candlelight inside flickering and casting dappled shadows.
Before he finished speaking, he had already turned around and faced the dragon throne. His wide Taoist robe trailed across the bluestone slabs, bringing with it a gust of wind carrying the scent of pine smoke and cinnabar.
A few fleeting glimpses of hexagrams appeared in the air, like a flash in the pan, seemingly disappearing into the air without a trace.
As he approached the steps, he stroked his long, silvery-white beard with his left hand and folded his right hand in front of his chest.
When he bowed, the jade hairpin on his topknot reflected a cold, eerie light, which complemented the mysterious glint in his eyes.
The dark purple silk ribbon tied in her hair fluttered in the wind, and an antique jade pendant at the end of the ribbon faintly emitted a light.
"This humble Taoist priest, Xuwu, respectfully wishes you peace."
In the past, I was deeply grateful for the great favor of the late Emperor Chengxiao. Ten years ago, I foresaw the impending calamity of the Ning Dynasty and went into seclusion in the mountains to study esoteric arts.
Having broken through the barrier, I have come specifically to protect the nation and assist the wise ruler. However, last night, observing the stars, I saw that the nation's fortune was at its zenith, and I initially suspected that it was due to His Majesty's boundless blessings protecting all people.
Now that I have personally paid my respects, I realize that this auspicious omen has a deeper origin. I wonder which noble person assisted His Majesty in turning the tide?
If Your Majesty would not deign to grant me an audience, I would beseech you to reveal my true countenance, so that we may together safeguard this prosperous and glorious reign.
Upon hearing the astonishing and outspoken remarks of the purple-robed Taoist priest, the emperor and his court officials froze in place as if under a spell.
His expression froze for a moment, then hardened into an indescribable look of helplessness and embarrassment.
They all secretly wondered who this purple-robed Taoist priest was and why he spoke so unabashedly.
Being so straightforward and disregarding the occasion and the person being addressed—doesn't he have any fear of incurring the Emperor's wrath?
But in an instant, everyone realized with a sense of helplessness that even though the emperor was burning with anger, he was truly helpless.
After all, the purple-robed Taoist priest standing before them was no ordinary person.
The powerful aura and unfathomable presence emanating from him clearly indicated that he possessed extraordinary skills and awe-inspiring abilities.
Before such a powerful figure, even the majesty of imperial power seemed to have to temporarily restrain itself and retreat.
However, who exactly is this "benefactor" that the purple-robed Taoist priest suddenly mentioned, and what intricate connection does he have with the fate of the nation?
The group looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment, exchanging doubtful glances.
However, they could not get even the slightest answer from the other party, and the entire court fell into an eerie silence.
Yu Ji couldn't help but twitch her lips slightly. Just as the purple-robed Taoist priest's words fell like a heavy hammer, she also remembered the identity of this Void Uncle.
However, she never expected that her Uncle-Master Xuwu, who was known for his unrestrained and unconventional behavior, would be so outspoken and blunt as to be astonishing.
They have absolutely no understanding of the art of being tactful, subtle, or indirect.
This statement is practically tantamount to saying, "Although you are a wise and capable ruler who has devoted yourself to governing the country, it still faces annihilation."
These words were declared to the Emperor, word by word, clearly and explicitly.
At this moment, Yu Ji's heart was completely shrouded in deep doubt, as if she were in a fog, eager to find out the true identity of this mysterious "noble person".
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