Chapter 076: Revealing One’s True Identity

As soon as Liu Li finished speaking, the woman's hand, which had been putting away the bottle, trembled slightly.

"I... it's nothing... Please, sir, don't ask any further. You should return early—let's pretend we've never met!"

"Never met?" Liu Li chuckled softly, thinking to himself: She clearly recognized me long ago, yet insists on feigning ignorance! If it were anyone else, I might let it pass, but with you—I'm afraid I cannot be so courteous.

"Indeed." The woman twisted her wrist, hiding the bottle in her palm, then glanced sideways at Liu Li. "Are you not leaving yet, sir?"

Catching the chance, Liu Li noticed a vermilion mark in the center of her left palm and couldn't help but smile in delight.

"Miss, you bear a cinnabar mole in your palm, very much like a friend of mine..." He paused, then gently asked, "Might you be Xueyan?"

Xueze turned to face him, her expression softening. The elegant, modest gentleman before her was the very one she had once met in Apricot Blossom Village. Seeing the folding fan in his hand confirmed he was also the man she had crossed swords with atop Mount Kunlun. By that measure, they could be counted as old acquaintances.

Yet, why did he call her "Xueyan" with such familiarity? As if the name was not left to him in Apricot Blossom Village, but had belonged to him from a time long past...

"Are you the present emperor?" Xueze asked, though she knew the answer. Uncertain how to interact with those of the mortal world, she could only heed Ji Lin's advice: feign ignorance, and the less she knew, the better.

Liu Li smiled, his gaze gentle upon Xueze. "There is no one else here, miss. You need not concern yourself with my identity—just think of me as Baishan. Fate brought us together, yet we missed each other time and again. I have long regretted those moments. Fortunately, you entered the palace to investigate the case, giving me the chance to thank you in person!"

"No thanks are necessary. Let us consider any favor between us canceled out by the directions I gave you outside Apricot Blossom Village."

"Such balance requires equality of exchange, but you have aided me more than once. How could a simple word of guidance suffice? Or perhaps, Miss Xueyan, because you hail from Tianshan, you disdain the gratitude of a mere mortal?"

Xueze shook her head, pondering a moment before replying, "Since you are so eager to repay your debt, and I must linger in the palace for a few days, then I shall trouble you to offer what help you can in your spare time."

"I will do my utmost! I recall Fengxing often spoke of his 'benefactor'—no doubt he was referring to you. They say those of Tianshan never reveal their names to outsiders. Fengxing keeps your secret, and so will I. You have my word—now that both he and I are in the palace, you may call upon us freely."

Xueze nodded, thinking: Though such is indeed Tianshan custom, my name has already been uttered countless times by both those of Kunlun and the mortal world. This man, though, gives off such an air of calm warmth—it would be a shame to keep hiding. Or perhaps... Wait, he mentioned Fengxing. That's right! There is still something I must do!

"What is your relationship with Fengxing?" she asked.

"General Fengxing is upright, wise, and brave—a rare talent. Now, honored with his trust, he serves under me. What prompts your sudden question, miss? Do you wish to see him?"

Xueze nodded. "Fengxing has a younger sister waiting for him in Apricot Blossom Village. When I passed by, she asked me to deliver a message to him. Since you are close with Fengxing and see him often, might you relay it for me?"

Liu Li was about to agree when a thought crossed his mind: If I merely pass on the message, it will mean one less meeting with her—why not...

"There is something you may not know, miss. Fengxing has always been diligent, ceaselessly striving. I have urged him more than once to return home and visit his family, but he always declined. As his responsibilities grew, his time became even scarcer. I fear a mere message would not suffice. Why don't I escort you to him instead?"

Xueze considered, glanced at the sky, and declined, "No need, then. It's late, and you should return. The streets are not safe at night. As for the message, I will see to it myself before I leave."

"Very well. Though the moonlight is lovely, there is indeed a chill in the air. You should head back as well, lest you catch cold."

"Yes, farewell." Xueze let out a long breath. At the moment she turned, a strange feeling came over her, making her hesitate for a few steps.

Liu Li watched Xueze, his gaze gentler than the moonlight. This meeting did not dissolve his longing, but rather opened a crack into a new world...

"Miss Xueyan—wait!" Liu Li suddenly remembered something. "No doubt you will investigate the murder tomorrow. The situation is unpredictable, so please be cautious. To be frank, that man is one of my subordinates—you can trust him. He knows Beihua and the palace well; let him assist you as you wish."

Xueze nodded, slightly stirred, and asked in confusion, "Shouldn't such matters be kept secret? Why do you tell me this? Do you trust me so readily?"

Liu Li smiled and answered sincerely, "Of course I trust you! Though the world is unpredictable and hearts even more so, one need not guard so fiercely that all sincerity is lost. I know who you are, and hope that after all you have experienced, you might choose to trust me in return."

"Trust?" Xueze was taken aback, uncertain what he meant.

"I'm sorry, I did... withhold a few things," Liu Li said, stepping closer and bowing. "Before, I did not know your true identity or name. But Baishan is another of my names..."

"You..."

Xueze's mind whirled. She had prepared herself for the worst, expecting only masks of ugliness, yet the first she encountered was so pure-hearted.

"You telling me all this makes me feel ashamed by comparison." With a flood of thoughts, she mused: The mortal world truly is a thousand faces—no one word can capture its essence. In our few encounters, I've already seen this man's sincerity and loyalty. Though a member of the imperial family—an emperor, no less—he bears none of the airs of nobility, only kindness and empathy for the people. How, then, should I treat him?

"Why do you say that?"

"You trust me so easily? Aren't you afraid you'll regret it?"

Liu Li smiled, his features gentle. "No, I'm not afraid."

Xueze nodded, studied Liu Li a moment, and said, "In that case, I will tell you my real name."

"Oh?"

"Earlier, I merely... forgive me."

"It's all right, that's perfectly understandable. There's no need for apologies."

"Tianshan disciples are forbidden to reveal their names, but mine has already become known to many. So, after some thought, I wish to offer you the same sincerity." Xueze hesitated no longer. "My name is Xueze, not Xueyan."

"Xueze?" Liu Li couldn't help but smile. "No wonder it sounded so familiar."

Xueze was surprised, sizing him up. "Familiar how? Have you heard my name before?"

Liu Li only smiled, thinking: Much as I'd like to tell her, for the sake of Master Yu, I'd better not. She'll understand—after all, I can't reveal too much about Kunlun and the court. Still, now that I've confirmed her identity, that's cause for celebration.

"Xueyan and Xueze—both are beautiful, graceful names. That's why they sound so familiar."

"Is that so? Well then, I've made amends for my mistake. I shall take my leave..."

The palace gardens were many, scattered throughout the grounds, radiating outward from the central imperial garden.

In the northern corner of the imperial garden lay a deep, blue-green lake, its waters mysterious and unfathomable. Few dared approach, for concubines and maids had drowned there, and even fish or flowers were never introduced into its depths.

This lake was called Azurebird Lake, named for the flocks of bluebirds that sang there. By day, the scenery was enchanting, with bluebirds filling the air with song; by night, silence fell, and black mist shrouded the water. Like the mountain behind the palace, it was nearly forbidden ground—a perfect refuge for Shuo.

To hone his skills and forge a body of fire, Shuo's training often summoned flames and heat. The lake's waters provided concealment, making it an ideal hiding place.

At every full moon, when the sky and stars were cold and the moonlight brightest, Shuo was at his weakest.

Only after Liu Li and Xueze had parted did Shuo, sensing no further disturbance in the imperial garden, emerge from the lake. Gazing at the cold, bright moon, he slipped back into the water with a hint of melancholy.

"Why have they all come to the imperial garden? Could it be that the full moon exposes my presence? Fortunately, there are plenty of female spirits in this lake to manipulate. If something truly happens tonight, will I not be playing with fire?"

After much consideration, Shuo decided to alter his plans.

"No matter how formidable you may be, after tonight you will not harm me. Though my great work is unfinished and I'm limited in movement, you are but fledglings, yet to spread your wings. It is a meeting of worthy foes on a narrow path—let us see if this old ginger can outlast you young ones!"