Atop the sea of clouds and mist, the red-robed woman stood alone in silence, watching a dharma avatar swing a sword and practice swordplay. It was precisely the Black Lotus Treasure that Shi Chun had gifted her. After a full set of sword techniques was performed, the avatar returned to the black lotus, which then landed in her palm.
She gently stroked the black lotus, the corners of her eyes glistening with tears. Not until Dao Zhen walked out from the sea of mist did she put away the black lotus and mist away the tears at the corners of her eyes. Dao Zhen bowed behind her and reported, "Your Majesty, those noble ladies have all arrived."
The red-robed woman was in no hurry. With her back turned, she asked, "Is there any new development in Yanfu Prefecture?" Dao Zhen replied, "No, still the same as before.
Shi Chun is still lingering at the entrance, refusing to leave or enter. Oh, and he built an extra little wooden hut... The life lamps of the Western Ox forces are all still lit.
No one knows what the situation is. Should we send another group in to take a look?" The red-robed woman said, "All five powers sent people in because they feared someone might tamper with the truth.
They all wanted access to the facts. But dragging it out this long is the biggest problem. The nature of the issue has already changed and lost its meaning for contention.