The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

Grand Tutor Yan Xun received the latest news and turned to give instructions.

"Go, order someone to fetch the Cold Jade."

The attendant responded and left.

Before long, several uncarved pieces of raw jade were delivered to the Wenhua Hall.

The jade was translucent white with a hint of blue, reflecting a faint glow under the candlelight, and felt cool to the touch.

Yan Xun took a bowl of water that had been contaminated by the Crimson Dust Gu and immersed the Cold Jade in it.

Shen Xiang, Shen Zhangzheng, stood to the side, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"Where did the news come from so quickly? More effective than all the people in our Wenhua Hall?"

Yan Xun did not look up, but carefully observed the bowl of water.

"A message from His Majesty."

He only said this one sentence.

He learned from Yan Ci that it was the young prince who had gathered the intelligence.

But he didn't tell anyone that Tang Xixue was still alive.

Who knows if there are spies from Guixu Palace inside Wenhua Hall?

His gaze fell on the bowl.

The cold jade sank to the bottom of the water.

Those Crimson Dust Gu, almost invisible to the naked eye, were originally swimming slightly in the water. Although they could not be seen, the water was clearly rippling.

But after the cold jade sank to the bottom of the bowl, the Crimson Dust Gu gradually gathered around it, as if they were attracted.

They were absorbed onto the surface of the cold jade, solidifying into a thin layer of crimson frost, and the water in the bowl became clear.

Yan Xun's eyes lit up.

"That's great! The Cold Jade is indeed very effective; it can attract those Crimson Dust Gu to come closer."

"This makes purifying the water source much easier."

"After all, there are too few snow fireflies; you can't find many even if you search all over the Nine Provinces."

"But cold jade is different—in the Misty Snow Continent, the cold jade veins stretch for thousands of miles and are inexhaustible."

In recent years, various countries have also accumulated reserves of cold jade mines, and each prefecture has stored a considerable amount.

Some were used for refining weapons, others as collectibles; in short, they were not rare.

Now they have an even more important use.

"Immediately order people to purify the water source so that the people can have clean water to drink."

Yan Xun's voice was refined and steady, echoing throughout the Wenhua Hall.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Outside, all the nations of the Nine Provinces are taking action.

Kongsang Yu rode a blue-scaled eagle past the Weaving Moon Courtyard.

He glanced down from the clouds.

In the courtyard, children were busy going in and out, their laughter carrying up, though some of it was scattered by the wind, it was still warm.

He saw that the children had all woken up, and the corners of his lips turned up slightly.

He didn't go down.

"Sister Zhi, we'll meet again."

He is the master of mountains and seas. Now that the world is in chaos, he should sit in the Azure Cloud Heaven and take charge of the overall situation.

"Now only the children of Forgotten Snow City have awakened, but that is far from enough."

When Kong Sangyu lowered his head, the kitten he had brought to Zhiyue Pavilion was playing with the children.

A gentle light appeared in his blue eyes.

With a flap of its wings, the Azure Scaled Eagle flew towards the headquarters of the Mountain and Sea Empire, the capital city of the Canglan Empire, Biyuntian.

Within the Moon-Weaving Courtyard, time flows peacefully.

Red camellias contrasted against the white snow, and the aroma of food wafted from the kitchen.

Tang Xixue sat on the couch, finally finishing sending the message.

She put away the communication talisman, and when she looked up, she saw Yun Boyan sitting opposite her.

His aloof demeanor and every gesture exuded the air of a superior, making him appear exceptionally perfect.

But his lips were a little dry and slightly pale.

She wondered if he had rested even for a moment while traveling by sword.

"Ayan, have some water first."

She handed the kettle over.

Yun Boyan reached out and took it. The moment his fingertips touched the kettle, they happened to brush against her fingertips.

It felt like touching pearls and silk.

His fingers trembled slightly before he steadily took the silver-patterned kettle.

"Thank you, sister-in-law."

He brought the water bottle to his lips and drank slowly and deliberately.

His shoulders relaxed slightly.

Her brows and eyes, once frosty, silently melted away.

"Has Ayan not eaten yet today?"

Tangxi Xue asked.

"Um."

Yun Boyan nodded. He had been busy refining soul lamps with his brothers these past two days and hadn't had time to eat.

Although Wen Song and the others had prepared a meal, the three of them barely touched their chopsticks.

"Then just eat something to fill your stomach."

Tang Xixue said gently.

"it is good."

Yun Boyan responded and had a meal with her at Zhiyue Pavilion.

The children's cooking skills weren't exactly refined, but they put their heart into every dish.

The osmanthus cake was steamed until soft and fluffy, the rice porridge was cooked until thick and rich, and the side dishes were light and refreshing.

Yun Boyan sat among the children, his bowl piled high with food from Tangxi Xue, like a small mountain.

This is all because of his sister-in-law's love for him.

He ate it slowly, bite by bite.

"Sister Zhi should go now."

Tang Xixue stood up and carefully examined the children.

Their complexions were rosy, their eyes were bright, and their laughter was clear and full.

Everything is indeed alright.

"Goodbye, Sister Zhi!"

The children gathered at the door to see her off.

Those little hands clung to the hem of her clothes, refusing to let go, but eventually they loosened their grip.

"Sister Zhi, have a safe journey!"

The boys waved goodbye to her, and Tang Xixue returned their greeting with a bright smile.

Forgotten Snow City, War King's Mansion.

Inside the closed windows of the Luochuan Courtyard, Tang Xixue released Xueying from Cangxue's Heart.

Those snow fireflies, trailing pale blue tails, emitted a cool, ethereal glow, dreamlike and dazzling in the night.

Tang Xixue kept a few for herself in case of emergency, and gave the rest to Pei Yanchuan.

"Ah Lin, these snow fireflies are for you. They can save lives, so use them wisely."

"Now that the Regent has awakened, he has an iron fist and can protect you."

"I should go to the Valley of Divine Medicine."

Before the Crimson Dust Gu is completely eradicated, Snowflakes are an extremely important strategic resource.

It can suppress venomous insects, purify water sources, and protect those who have not yet been infected.

She handed over all of this leverage to him.

Looking at the snowflakes in the room, which resembled a galaxy of stars, Pei Yanchuan felt a surge of emotion.

"Your Highness, take care."

He had a thousand words in his heart, but he didn't say them aloud.

Though the wind and snow may traverse a thousand miles, they will eventually come to an end. But longing, though unspoken, will never cease.

"Take care, Ah Lin."

Tangxi Xue said goodbye to him.

The carriage from the Hall of Longevity was already waiting outside the mansion, with the curtains drawn and copper bells hanging at the four corners.

Pei Yanchuan watched her get into the car.

The moment the curtain fell, he saw her turn her head and smile at him.

The curtain closed, the copper bells jingled softly, and the horses' hooves pounded the snow.

He carefully concealed all his tenderness, inch by inch. The warmth in his eyes vanished, like a sword being sheathed. When he turned away, only steel and frost remained between his brows.

"Cloud Scale Guards, heed my command!"

He raised his hand.

"Let's begin."

"Yes."

The sound of armor clashing swept through the night like a tidal wave.

Qi Wang had already led his army out of the city to wipe out Jiang Chao, the sound of their iron hooves echoing for miles. He had no idea what would happen in Wangxue City tonight.

Inside the carriage.

Tang Xixue leaned against the couch, her snow-white fur coat half-draped over her shoulders, revealing a section of her fair wrist.

Yin Kong curled up beside her, a small ball, his breath as soft as falling snow.

The carriage moved very steadily as it set off for Xingze.

Yun Boyan sat opposite him, his eyes closed. The Snow Soul Buddhist beads spun silently between his fingers, and his lips moved slightly, but no sound came out.

The scriptures flowed in my heart, cool and lingering.

His fingers were clearly defined, and his movements were slow and gentle.

Tangxi Xue is already asleep.

Breathing evenly, eyes relaxed.

He didn't open his eyes.

But the rhythm of her bead-twirling began to match the rhythm of her breathing.

It was as if I were quietly placing my heartbeat upon her breath.

I don't know which line of scripture they were reading.

Things are completely in chaos.