Outside the Nanli Palace, a middle-aged man with a high-crowned cap and broad belt approached quickly, slowing his pace as he neared the palace gate. After tidying his attire, he addressed the maid at the gate, "Please inform the Princess that Divination Order Ji Yuan requests an audience."
The maid responded with a "Please wait" and then disappeared behind the palace gates with surprising speed, demonstrating her considerable cultivation.
Shortly thereafter, the maid returned and said, "Her Highness is waiting for you at the Nanming Pavilion. Please follow me."
The Divination Order followed the maid into the palace, past the Vermilion Bird Hall, to the more residential rear. After passing through a long corridor, the Nanming Pavilion was in sight.
Two maids in red clothes took over as guides, leading the Divination Order into the pavilion, where a wave of Flame Qi hit him in the face.
