The exterior hallways are revered as the Frostwhisper Corridors—serpentine passages that embrace the inner sanctum like veins of eternal ice encircling the heart of a frozen dragon.
These corridors rise upon platforms of moon-white spirit-marble, elevated seven chi above the perpetual snows to shield every step from mortal chill. Graceful pillars of translucent Beiming Glacial Jade, quarried from the sacred mountain's deepest veins, uphold sweeping eaves curved like the wings of a descending phoenix. The roof tiles, forged from Nightfall Azure Glaze, shimmer with faint silver frost—runes of protection traced across a void as dark as the space between stars.
Each pillar is crowned with cloud-phoenix brackets etched in harmonious symmetry, their micro-array formations humming softly in the wind, weaving barriers against storm and snow.
On the outer side, balustrades of carved ice-crystal open toward the heavens, offering unobstructed vistas: mist-shrouded peaks, cascading spirit-waterfalls, and the distant gleam of the Aetherbloom Gardens below.
Inward, delicate lattice screens of thousand-year frostwood filter light into drifting patterns of plum blossoms and falling snow, even on the clearest days. Lanterns of Eternal Frostflame hang from the eaves—pale blue spirit-fire encased in crystal lotuses—casting a gentle, moonlit glow that soothes the soul and cools the air.
Underfoot, slabs of Starvein Jade are warm as though heated by hidden dragon veins, ensuring no traveller—be they weary disciple or exalted guest—ever feels winter's bite upon these sacred paths.
The Frostwhisper Corridors wind in perfect feng shui harmony around the palace's axis: broad enough for white-cloaked processions, yet intimate enough for solitary contemplation beneath echoing eaves. When mountain winds rise, faint whispers seem to issue from the jade itself—ancient guardians murmuring welcome or warning to those who pass.
This is how the Beiming Palace exterior hallways look.
Yu Xiao stood in silent awe, her eyes wide as they traced the grandeur of the Frostwhisper Corridors. The crisp air carried a faint chill that prickled her skin, yet the ethereal beauty of moon-white marble and shimmering jade drew a quiet gasp from her lips. For a moment, her breath caught—her heart fluttered with wonder—before she gathered herself and continued after Xue Wuya, her steps echoing softly upon the warm jade beneath her feet.
At the far end of the corridor, a broad courtyard opened before her, centered around a magnificent water fountain. Lush greenery surrounded the area, and by the lakeside stood a small, elegant pavilion. Atop its roof stood an old man, straight-backed and dignified, clad in an ash gray robe. His hair was as white as winter snow, and his hands were clasped behind him as he gazed into the distance.
Yu Xiao paused, struck by the scene, while the Duan brothers kept pace with Xue Wuya and approached the pavilion. When they arrived, they bowed respectfully and addressed the old man as Palace Lord Xue Baitian.
"Greetings, Palace Lord Xue!" the Duan brothers called out in unison, bowing respectfully
"Why didn't that woman come in?" the Palace Lord remarked, his gaze distant. "Even from afar, I can sense her presence—so undeniably strong, yet her foundation is surprisingly fragile."
After speaking, he turned, fixing his gaze on Yu Xiao. With a graceful sweep of his sleeves, he descended from the pavilion roof, alighting before the Duan brothers and Xue Wuya.
"Whoa… he really can fly?" Yu Xiao thought in amazement as she watched the old man descend effortlessly.
"Father," Xue Wuya said, bowing respectfully. "I've brought them here, just as you instructed."
"Very well," Palace Lord Xue replied, then turned to the Duan brothers. "Summon your Master to come forward. There's no point in hiding any longer."
"As you wish, Palace Lord Xue," Han-Qing replied, bowing deeply before turning to leave. He hurried over to Yu Xiao to deliver the message.
"My Lady, Palace Lord Xue requests your presence. Please come—there's no need to worry; the Palace Lord means you no harm. You are safe here," he said gently.
Yu Xiao responded with a slight nod.
At that, Yu Xiao followed Han-Qing and made her way toward the small, elegant pavilion. Upon arriving, she slowly drew back her cloak's hood, revealing her face.
A simple, delicate beauty was revealed before everyone, her features understated yet captivating in their grace.
"Greetings, Palace Lord…" Yu Xiao began, hands pressed together in front of her as she glanced at the twins.
"Palace Lord Xue," Han-Yun whispered softly.
Yu Xiao offered a gentle smile, then corrected herself. "Greetings, Palace Lord Xue," she said, bowing respectfully.
Palace Lord Xue offered her a gentle smile. He leaned forward, his gaze locking with Yu Xiao's.
"Mortal?" he remarked, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "And yet, your soul is anything but mortal."
Yu Xiao froze, her eyes darting uncertainly as she met his penetrating stare.
He stepped back, turning away with his hands clasped behind him.
"As expected—difficult to discern," he mused, pausing before turning to face her once more. "But judging by your presence, you are no ordinary mortal. You carry a powerful aura."
Everyone's gaze was fixed on Yu Xiao, especially Xue Wuya, who was now more confused than ever by Palace Lord Xue's words.
Yu Xiao remained silent, her expression innocent as she simply lowered her head, saying nothing.
Meanwhile, Xue Wuya spoke up.
"Father, allow me to speak," he requested, bowing respectfully to Palace Lord Xue.
Yu Xiao immediately lifted her head, gazing at Xue Wuya with parted lips and furrowed brows.
"Father? So he's not just a general or a Young Master… he's actually a prince!" she realized, her eyes narrowing in surprise as she blinked several times.
"This is Lady Yu, Master of the Duan siblings," Xue Wuya introduced, gesturing respectfully toward Yu Xiao. "As you know, these disciples have long served here. If you permit, I would like to arrange for Lady Yu to stay at the Moonshadow Pavilion." He glanced briefly at the Duan siblings before continuing, "They typically work here for ten to twelve days at a time. Providing Lady Yu with proper shelter would be an honor." Xue Wuya bowed slightly, his tone earnest and eyes steady, conveying both respect and sincere intent.
The Palace Lord nodded his approval without hesitation. A warm smile appeared on Xue Wuya's face as he glanced over at Yu Xiao, reassurance and welcome evident in his eyes.
"But I wish to speak for her first," the Palace Lord suddenly interjected. Stepping forward, he extended his open palm toward Yu Xiao. A translucent light, pale green and shimmering, blossomed from his hand and enveloped Yu Xiao—scanning her from head to toe in a gentle, ethereal glow. For a full minute, the light lingered, probing her very essence. When it finally faded, the Palace Lord's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.
"I have lived for millennia, and never once have I failed to discern the truth of someone's origins. Yet with you, I cannot see clearly. Still, your presence… it carries the aura of the Southern Domain," he said, his tone laced with uncertainty and doubt.
Yu Xiao stood rooted to the spot, speechless. Shock rippled through her—how could the Palace Lord know she was from the Southern Domain, when she herself had no memory of such a place? After all, she was only a substitute; everything he spoke of was foreign to her.
At her side, Xue Wuya's gaze grew intent, suspicion clouding his features. "You are from the Southern Domain?" he asked, brows furrowed in puzzlement.
Yu Xiao instinctively glanced at the Duan brothers, seeking reassurance. So, the Palace Lord and this Young Master Xue Wuya are questioning my origins… which means the twins haven't told them about my true identity. Thank goodness! Still, this is unbelievable—this old man's technique is like some magical CT scan, not only reading my body but even sensing my origins! This is truly eye-opening!
Afterwards, Yu Xiao snapped back to awareness as the Palace Lord leaned in once more, his eyes narrowing with renewed intensity.
"Woman, tell me. Who exactly are you?" he demanded, his gaze sharp and unyielding.
She froze, eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to steady her breath. Instinctively, she took a cautious step back, forcing a polite smile.
First, she offered a respectful bow, hands pressed together in front. Then, gathering her composure, she faced the Palace Lord with as much dignity as she could muster.
"My name is Yu Xiao. I am twenty-two years old—almost twenty-three—a creative producer in the advertising and marketing division of Blue Lantern Press Company. I… um… graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication Arts and Advertising, majoring in Creative Direction and Media Production, from the Communication University of China."
A beat of silence followed. The mountain wind seemed to pause.
Yu Xiao's cheeks flushed as she realized what she'd just blurted out. Did I really just give my whole résumé to the head of a mystical palace? Great. Maybe next I'll hand him my business card.
Across from her, the Palace Lord's brows drew together in utter confusion. Xue Wuya's mouth parted slightly, as if to ask what a "Creative Producer" was. The Duan brothers cast sidelong glances at each other, clearly at a loss.
Yu Xiao managed an awkward laugh, her voice small. "Ah… apologies. Force of habit, I suppose."