The wide sleeves of the dark imperial robe fluttered like flowing clouds, accidentally slipping to reveal half an alabaster wrist.
That skin, smooth as jade, shimmered with a pearl-like luster under the faint light.
At such close proximity, Lu Xuan could clearly see the Mystic Bird Totem on Xia Mingyue's brow, faintly emitting a delicate dark glow.
The shadowy halo seemed to exist and not exist, accentuating Empress Xia Mingyue's stunning visage with an increasingly cold and distant air, evoking an inviolate sense of awe.
"Mr. Lu..." Xia Mingyue's crimson lips softly parted, her breath fragrant like orchids.
The mystical creature perched obediently on her shoulder, tilting its tiny head in curiosity as it studied the two of them.
Lu Xuan stood with hands clasped behind him, showing no intention of retreat.
His gaze met the Empress's, with an almost imperceptible smile on his lips: "Surely Mr. Xia didn't come all this way just for nostalgia?"
"You may speak frankly."
