"Is Madame unwilling, or does she find it difficult?"
"It's fine. I am an open-minded person and would never hold a grudge over something so small."
Bai Mu chuckled lightly, his tone relaxed, as if the matter truly meant nothing to him.
In truth, his methods were often decisive—sometimes even extreme—but he had always believed that gratitude should be repaid tenfold, and hostility returned in kind. To him, that balance was only natural.
Speaking of which… it's been a long time since I last saw Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er.
The thought crossed his mind briefly before he refocused.
Tang Yuehua stood beside him, her heart tight with unease. She could sense the pressure behind Bai Mu's calm words. When she saw the faint nostalgia on his face, she worried that refusing him outright would only bring greater trouble.
Her eyes reddened slightly as she took a breath.
"I… I am willing."
"As long as you're willing," Bai Mu replied with a faint smile. "Madame, did I force you?"
Tang Yuehua lowered her gaze, her hands clasped together.
"No… I do not feel wronged."
Her voice was steady, though only just.
"Good." Bai Mu nodded, his expression satisfied. "I've heard that Madame possesses a Noble Domain—one that can educate, soothe, and purify the soul."
"Why not release it and let me experience it for myself? Consider it… artistic guidance."
Tang Yuehua stiffened for a moment, then slowly closed her eyes.
A soft hum filled the air.
A pale white-blue light spread outward from her, elegant and restrained. The hall was instantly filled with a noble aura—calm, dignified, and serene. Any lingering restlessness or aggression seemed to be gently suppressed under its influence.
Within the Domain, Tang Yuehua appeared composed and graceful, like a true noble lady presiding over a formal gathering.
"Not bad," Bai Mu said thoughtfully. "It truly lives up to its name."
He observed the Domain with interest before continuing, "If your artistic cultivation is even half as refined as this Domain, then it's worth seeing."
Tang Yuehua opened her eyes, her expression controlled.
"From today onward," Bai Mu said calmly, "lend me your guidance in matters of art. Do so well, and I will ensure the Clear Sky Sect remains undisturbed."
He paused, then added lightly, "Otherwise… misunderstandings may arise."
With a casual wave of his hand, an image appeared—mountains near the Clear Sky Sect, shattered and unstable, as if they had only just survived a disaster.
Tang Yuehua's pupils shrank.
"You… you did this?"
"Training," Bai Mu replied without embarrassment. "A bit rough, perhaps, but effective."
Her fists clenched as she struggled to steady her emotions.
"Please… don't do such things again."
Bai Mu smiled. "Then guide me properly."
After a long pause, Tang Yuehua nodded.
"Very well."
She adjusted her posture and retrieved her vertical flute. Her expression became solemn and focused, every trace of hesitation hidden beneath years of refined etiquette.
"Please listen."
The flute's melody flowed softly through the hall—clear, elegant, and profound. Each note carried restraint and dignity, as if telling a story of nobility and endurance.
Bai Mu listened with growing interest.
"Elegant," he praised. "As expected of Heaven Dou's foremost etiquette master."
When the final note faded, the lingering resonance remained in the air.
"However," Bai Mu added curiously, "do you also understand percussion? Gongs and drums, for example?"
Tang Yuehua shook her head. "I am not familiar with such styles."
"No matter," Bai Mu said. "Art must be experienced."
He guided her toward the upper floor's open space, where the city could be seen in the distance.
"This… may not be appropriate," Tang Yuehua said softly.
"Art shared with the people bridges elegance and popularity," Bai Mu replied calmly. "Trust yourself."
After a brief hesitation, Tang Yuehua nodded.
With guidance, she tried the drum rhythms—broad, powerful, and stirring, completely different from the flute's refinement. The effort quickly exhausted her, but she endured until the final beat sounded.
She exhaled deeply.
"It seems," Bai Mu said, "that your foundation still lacks strength."
He considered her for a moment. "I will provide you with a rare Immortal Herb. It will refine your body and allow you to cultivate properly—to become a true Spirit Master."
Tang Yuehua froze, then her composure finally broke.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said sincerely. "Yuehua has dreamed of becoming a Spirit Master since childhood."
Her gratitude this time was real, unforced, and deeply felt.