Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 69 - Reflections in Marble

The morning sun bathed Khufu in a golden glow, casting warm rays through the ornate latticed windows of the palace. Outside the grand throne room, Lan Xichen and the other cultivators waited patiently as attendants prepared the hall for their audience with the king. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, and the polished marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, reflecting the grandeur of the palace.

As they stood in quiet contemplation, Jing Xiang passed by on her way to the apothecary study. Her eyes brightened when she spotted Lan Xichen, and she called out, "Clan Leader Lan?!" Her voice was clear and melodic, carrying a warmth that was both welcoming and familiar.

Lan Xichen turned at the sound, and for a heart-stopping moment, he thought he was seeing Qing Yi. The resemblance was striking—Jing Xiang shared the same facial structure and eye color as her twin brother, though her features were softer and more delicate. His heart tightened with a pang of nostalgia and longing.

Jing Xiang approached with a bright smile, her expression open and friendly. "It's been a while. I didn't expect to see you here in Khufu," she greeted him warmly, her tone light and filled with genuine surprise.

Lan Xichen struggled to pull his gaze away from her. The sight of her face, so much like Qing Yi's, stirred a deep ache within him. He blinked, trying to steady his emotions, but the longing was evident in his eyes.

Sensing his turmoil, Jing Xiang's smile softened with understanding. "Clan Leader Lan, it's me, Jing Xiang," she said gently. "I'm not Qing Yi..."

Lan Xichen blinked rapidly, shaking off the spell of memory. His companions watched with bated breath as he composed himself. "My apologies, Lady Jing Xiang," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Qing Yi's loss is still... quite fresh. Seeing you momentarily..."

"I understand," Jing Xiang replied softly, her smile tinged with sadness. Her eyes flickered briefly to the other clan leaders, acknowledging their presence with a respectful nod. "Time will heal, Clan Leader. It always does."

Lan Xichen nodded, visibly pulling himself together. "We're here to discuss some pressing matters with His Majesty," he explained, gesturing to his fellow cultivators. "Issues that have been troubling the northern regions."

"I see," Jing Xiang said, her expression turning serious as she regarded each of the clan leaders in turn. "I hope the discussions go well. Stability is crucial for everyone involved."

She glanced at the cultivators standing nearby, offering them a respectful nod before turning back to Lan Xichen. "I should continue on to my task. It was good to see you again, even under these circumstances. I wish you a successful meeting."

As she turned to leave, Lan Xichen found his gaze following her, the sight of her retreating form stirring a deep longing in his heart. Nie Huaisang placed a comforting hand on Lan Xichen's shoulder, while Jiang Cheng watched with a mix of concern and understanding.

Just then, an attendant emerged from the throne room, bowing deeply to the assembled cultivators.

"Honored guests, the throne room has been prepared for your audience. You may enter and await His Majesty's arrival,"

The group entered the majestic hall, where opulence and grandeur were on full display. Intricate gold leaf designs adorned the walls, while polished marble floors reflected the sunlight, creating a serene yet imposing atmosphere. Tapestries depicting Khufu's rich history hung along the walls, adding to the sense of tradition and authority.

At the room's center, atop a raised dais, sat the king's throne—a massive piece carved from a single block of desert sandstone and inlaid with precious gems, creating a dazzling display under the sunlight. Lan Xichen's gaze lingered on this seat of power, his thoughts drawn to the complex web of politics and ambition that surrounded it. He remembered the fierce rivalry between Prince Kai Ze and Prince Ming Zhe, two brothers once locked in a silent, relentless competition for their father's favor.