Half a month later, early spring arrived.0

Within the city stronghold of the Holy Tree Temple, flowers of every variety were blooming in abundance, so vibrant and diverse that walking among them felt like entering a mysterious forest. 0

Normally, it would have been a perfect time for the top clans of the Holy Tree Temple to enjoy the blooms, but the ongoing turmoil—plus the Guo Clan’s downfall and the Liu Clan’s betrayal—left few people in the mood for flower-viewing.0

One day, Li Yuan personally readied a carriage at his estate. As Jing Shuixiang emerged, he found himself briefly entranced by her look. Petite by nature, she was wrapped in a flowing black gown—elegant and slightly enigmatic.0

The collar was cut just wide enough to reveal a hint of pale skin and the edge of her collarbone. A cluster of pink mimosa blossoms adorned the neckline, lending an unexpected air of purity to the otherwise somber outfit.0

A black, veiled hat shadowed her eyes, making them glimmer like distant stars in a fog. Li Yuan reached out to take her hand and help her onto the carriage, still a bit surprised by her new style. He rarely saw a woman...0