Xue Qing strode into the Dao Palace, her steps carrying a hint of urgency.
The cold aura around her was now replaced by a heavy solemnity, the dark attire accentuating her upright figure, and the shallow scar across her face appeared even sharper under the palace's clear glow.
She walked straight to the jade table in front of Chu Zheng, slowly sat down, her eyes like torches, fixated on Chu Zheng who remained sitting cross-legged with closed eyes.
The hall was silent, with only the faint light of the distant Star River's illusion flowing.
Xue Qing stared at Chu Zheng's face, which was so tranquil that it seemed indifferent, observing for a long time, as if trying to find some flaw.
In the end, she spoke with a bit of uncertainty, her voice low:
"Did you... already know?"
Chu Zheng was silent for a moment, slowly withdrawing from the eternal time and space, then opened his eyes, his gaze deep and unfathomable like an ancient well:
"What are you referring to?"
