I was a mineral prospector in Chengdu, who transmigrated into the body of a mortal sword immortal.

Li Bai stood there, watching the young eunuch's bowed head. One by one, the lights in the palace were being extinguished; the musicians and dancers silently withdrew, and the officials left in twos and threes, their laughter fading into the distance. In the vast main hall of Xingqing Palace, only a few eunuchs remained, tidying up the aftermath. The air still held the aroma of wine and food, the sweet scent of cosmetics, and the emptiness that followed the grand feast. The young eunuch raised his head, his eyes calm and unwavering: "Young Master Li, please follow me." Li Bai glanced one last time in the direction of the palace gate where Yang Yuhuan had disappeared, where only empty corridors and the flickering shadows of palace lanterns remained. He turned and followed the young eunuch into the deeper, darker corners of the palace.

***

They didn't take the same path they came from.

The young eunuch carried a lantern, his steps as light as a cat's. The lantern's glow flickered on the bluestone slabs, illuminating a small area ahead. The palace walls on either side receded into the darkness, seemingly without end. Li Bai could hear his own footsteps, and the faint sound of a distant gong—it was midnight. The night wind howled through the narrow passage between the palace walls, carrying the chill of late autumn, seeping into his collar and cuffs. He instinctively pulled his robe tighter; the moon-white Shu brocade gleamed coldly in the lantern light.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, a solitary palace appeared ahead. Much smaller than the main hall, it had only three bays, its upturned eaves casting silent silhouettes in the night. The palace door was ajar, letting in a dim, yellowish light. The young eunuch stopped at the steps and stepped aside, saying, "Young Master Li, please come in. Eunuch Gao is waiting for you inside."

Li Bai stepped onto the stairs. The bluestone slabs beneath his feet were cool, with a thin layer of moss growing in the cracks, making them slightly slippery. He pushed open the palace door, and a rich scent of sandalwood wafted out, mingled with the smell of aged wood and paper. Inside, only two oil lamps were lit, placed on a long table against the wall, their dim light barely illuminating a small area in the center. Gao Lishi sat there, his back to the door, a scroll of documents spread out before him. He didn't turn around, but simply waved his hand. The young eunuch bowed and withdrew, gently closing the door behind him.

"sit."

Gao Lishi's voice was not loud, but it sounded exceptionally clear in the empty hall.

Li Bai walked to the opposite side of the long table, where a folding chair stood. He sat down; the chair was made of hard wood, the cushion thin, and he could feel the edges of the wooden planks underneath. Gao Lishi finally put down the documents in his hands and looked up. The light from the oil lamp shone on his face from the side, making his face appear particularly deep in the interplay of light and shadow—his nasolabial folds were like those carved by a knife, his eye sockets were deep-set, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He was dressed in casual clothes, a dark purple round-necked robe, with a jade belt around his waist, no crown, and his hair was neatly combed.

The two stared at each other for a moment.

The hall was so quiet that one could hear the faint crackling of the oil lamp wick and the distant echo of the watchman's clapper from beyond the palace walls. The scent of sandalwood was strong, almost pungent. Li Bai could feel the Azure Lotus Sword Intent in his arms tremble slightly—not with excitement, but with an instinctive wariness. He took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness.

"Li Bai".

Gao Lishi spoke slowly, as if he were carefully considering each word.

"His Majesty greatly admires your poem."

He paused, his gaze lingering on Li Bai's face.

"But some things are best left unsaid, as too much of a good thing can be bad."

***

Li Bai remained silent.

He knew Gao Lishi was waiting for his reaction—panic, explanation, or anger. But he simply sat calmly, his hands on his knees, fingers slightly curled. The oil lamp light cast flickering shadows on his face, making his expression somewhat indistinct. Gao Lishi stared at him for a few moments, then suddenly smiled. The smile was faint, almost imperceptible, but there was something complex in his eyes—not admiration, nor contempt, but a kind of… scrutiny.

"You are very composed," Gao Lishi said, "more composed than I expected."

"You flatter me, Eunuch Gao," Li Bai said calmly. "I simply don't understand what you mean by that."

"not understand?"

Gao Lishi leaned slightly forward, resting his elbows on the long table. This movement brought him closer to the oil lamp, making the wrinkles on his face appear even deeper in the light and shadow. His gaze was fixed on Li Bai's face like a nail.

"That poem, 'Qing Ping Diao,' is truly beautiful. 'The clouds remind me of her garments, the flowers of her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, the dew is heavy.' Every word is a gem, every line a masterpiece. His Majesty was greatly pleased upon hearing it. But Li Bai—"

He lowered his voice.

"Do you really think His Majesty can't understand the meaning behind your words?"

Li Bai's fingers tightened slightly.

"This humble citizen is merely praising Miss Yang's appearance; there is no other intention."

"Praise?" Gao Lishi laughed, this time aloud, his voice dry. "Praise to the point of 'If not met atop Mount Qunyu, then met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace'? Mount Qunyu and the Jade Terrace are the abodes of immortals. You mean, Lady Yang should be an immortal, not left in the mortal realm—and certainly not in the palace, is that it?"

The air inside the hall seemed to freeze.

The oil lamp's flame flickered, casting a distorted shadow on the wall. The scent of sandalwood grew stronger, almost suffocating. Li Bai could hear his own heartbeat, steady and powerful, rhythmic. He didn't avoid Gao Lishi's gaze, but calmly returned it.

"This humble subject dares not."

"Dare not?" Gao Lishi leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the long table. "What you dared not do, you have already done. Li Bai, I summoned you here today not to punish you. His Majesty values ​​talent, and your poetic talent is indeed rare. But there are some things I must make clear."

He paused, his gaze sharpening like a knife.

"It's a done deal that Lady Yang has entered the palace. Once His Majesty has chosen someone, no one can change that. You'd better put away your little schemes as soon as possible. Don't have any more improper thoughts about her, and don't try to stir up trouble in court—you'd better also avoid going to Supervisor He's place."

Li Bai's heart sank.

But his face remained calm.

"Eunuch Gao, you misunderstand. I have only met Lady Yang a few times and there is no romantic relationship between us. As for Supervisor He, he is my senior and it is only natural for him to help a junior."

"Common sense?" Gao Lishi sneered. "Li Bai, do you take me for a three-year-old? Everyone at the banquet saw the way you looked at Yang Xiaoniangzi. That kind of look wasn't the way you look at a stranger. And—"

He leaned forward again, lowering his voice even further.

"Li Linfu has already noticed you."

***

This name was like a piece of ice, smashing into Li Bai's heart.

Li Linfu.

Li Linfu was a hypocrite.

That powerful minister in history who propelled Yang Guozhong to the position of prime minister, accelerating the decline of the Tang Dynasty. That prime minister who looked at him with icy eyes at the banquet. Li Bai's fingers trembled slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He raised his head and looked at Gao Lishi.

Why does Prime Minister Li pay attention to ordinary people?

"What do you think?" Gao Lishi retorted. "A commoner poet presenting a poem to His Majesty, subtly suggesting that Lady Yang shouldn't have entered the palace—who is Li Linfu? His greatest skill is discerning the Emperor's intentions and eliminating dissidents. Your actions today, in his eyes, are a sign of dissent. If you are sensible and behave yourself from now on, you might still save your life. If you are not sensible…"

He didn't finish speaking.

But the meaning behind those words was crystal clear.

Li Bai fell silent.

Silence fell once more within the hall. A distant clapper sounded, two long claps. It was the second watch of the night. A night breeze seeped in through the cracks in the door, causing the oil lamp's flame to flicker and the shadows on the walls to sway, like a group of menacing ghosts. The scent of sandalwood had been somewhat dispersed by the wind, but the oppressive atmosphere had only intensified.

Gao Lishi looked at Li Bai, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

He suddenly sighed.

The sigh was so soft it was almost inaudible.

"Li Bai, I read his poetry when I was young," he said, his voice unusually gentle. "I also had...some thoughts. But when you live in this world, you have to understand your place. Some things are not yours to be forced."

He paused, his gaze fixed on the dark night sky outside the hall.

"For Lady Yang, entering the palace might not be a bad thing. If she gains favor, the Yang family can expect wealth and status, and her father and brothers can all be granted official titles and honors, bringing glory to the family. For a woman to achieve such a fate is already an immense blessing. And you—"

He turned back and looked at Li Bai.

"What can you, a commoner, offer her?"

***

This sentence is like a knife.

It precisely pierced the softest and most vulnerable part of Li Bai's heart.

Yes.

What can he give her?

In his past life, he was merely a geological engineer, chipping away at rocks in the desolate mountains, unable even to afford his wife's medical expenses, watching helplessly as she was driven to despair. In this life, he was reborn as Li Bai, possessing the title of "Poet Immortal," yet still a commoner, powerless and without influence, needing charity to even see her. What could he offer her? A few lines of poetry? A few tears? Or a heart full of useless, unrequited love?

What are these things compared to imperial power and wealth?

Li Bai lowered his head.

The oil lamp cast a deep shadow on his face, obscuring his eyes. He could feel the Azure Lotus Sword Intent within him stirring again, its sharp aura almost bursting through his suppression. He took a deep breath, slowly circulating his true energy, forcibly suppressing the impulse. His fingers clenched tightly in his sleeve, his nails digging into his palms, causing a slight stinging sensation.

The hall was eerily quiet.

Gao Lishi didn't urge him, but simply watched him quietly. This powerful eunuch had spent decades navigating the palace, witnessing countless people and events. He could see the pain in Li Bai's eyes, the deep-seated helplessness. But he said nothing. Some things are best left unsaid. Some pain must be borne alone.

a long time.

Li Bai raised his head.

His face had regained its composure, even more so than before. That composure wasn't feigned; it was a kind of…resignation. Or perhaps, an emptiness born from burying something completely.

"Eunuch Gao."

He spoke, his voice soft but clear.

"This humble subject understands."

Gao Lishi looked at him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He thought Li Bai would argue, would be angry, or even shed tears. But he didn't. He simply said calmly, "I understand," as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him.

"Do you really understand?" Gao Lishi asked.

"I truly understand," Li Bai said. "This humble subject thanks Eunuch Gao for his guidance. From now on, this humble subject will behave himself and will no longer harbor any improper thoughts."

He spoke very sincerely.

His sincerity made Gao Lishi somewhat suspicious.

But the powerful eunuch didn't delve into it. This was exactly the outcome he needed. As long as Li Bai stopped causing trouble, stopped trying to get close to Yang Guifei, and stopped stirring up trouble in the court, he didn't care about anything else. As for what Li Bai thought in his heart, that was his own business.

"Good." Gao Lishi nodded. "It's best that you've come to this understanding. His Majesty values ​​talent, and if you remain obedient, you may have a bright future. You are free to display your talents in the world of poetry. But there are some lines you must not cross."

"This humble subject will remember this."

Li Bai stood up and bowed in greeting.

Gao Lishi waved his hand: "Go. It's late, the palace gates will be locked soon. I'll have someone escort you out."

"Thank you, Eunuch Gao."

Li Bai turned and walked towards the palace gate. His steps were steady, his back straight, without the slightest tremor. Gao Lishi watched his retreating figure, his eyes filled with complex emotions. This young man was far more profound than he had imagined. But in any case, today's warning should have had its effect. As long as he was sensible, everything would return to normal.

***

The palace gates opened.

The night wind swept over me, carrying the biting chill of late autumn.

The young eunuch, carrying a lantern, waited outside the door. When he saw Li Bai come out, he bowed and said, "Young Master Li, please come with me."

Li Bai nodded and followed him down the steps. The lantern light flickered on the bluestone slabs, illuminating a small patch of path ahead. The palace walls on either side stood silently in the darkness, like two insurmountable high walls. In the distance, the sound of a clapper came—three strikes, the third watch of the night. The night wind grew stronger, rustling the withered grass on the palace walls and dispelling the last bit of warmth from Li Bai.

They walked back the way they came.

He passed through palace gates and narrow alleyways. Most of the palace lights had been extinguished, leaving only a few scattered ones, like lonely eyes in the darkness. The air was thick with the dampness of night dew, and the smell of decaying earth and fallen leaves. Li Bai could hear his own footsteps and the soft breathing of the young eunuch. Apart from that, all was silent.

The young eunuch stopped in front of the last palace gate.

"Young Master Li, once you pass through this gate, you'll be outside the palace. I can only escort you this far."

Li Bai took out his purse from his pocket, took out a few coins' worth of silver, and handed them to the young eunuch: "Thank you for your trouble."

The young eunuch accepted the silver, bowed in thanks, and then disappeared through the palace gates.

The palace gates slowly closed behind us.

The heavy wooden door slammed shut with a dull thud that carried far in the quiet night.

Li Bai stood outside the palace gate.

Before me lay the streets of Chang'an. Night had fallen, and the streets were deserted, save for a few lonely lanterns hanging from the eaves, swaying in the wind. The moonlight was faint, barely illuminating the cobblestone path, where a thin layer of frost gleamed coldly in the moonlight. In the distance came the barking of dogs and the intermittent, dreamlike sound of a night watchman striking his clapper.

He raised his head and looked up at the night sky.

There were no stars in the sky, only a crescent moon, obscured by thin clouds, hazy and indistinct. A night breeze blew, swirling fallen leaves past his feet. A chill rose from his feet, creeping up his spine, making him shiver. He pulled his robe tighter; the moon-white Shu brocade looked exceptionally pale in the moonlight.

All regular roads are blocked.

The poetic remonstrance failed.

Emperor Xuanzong made his stance clear.

Gao Lishi's ultimatum.

Li Linfu was eyeing the situation covetously.

What else can he do?

Li Bai slowly raised his hand and placed it on his chest. Through the fabric, he could feel the outline of the lotus jade pendant in his bosom, and... the Azure Lotus Sword Intent. That sharp aura flowed slowly within him, like a lurking dragon. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The chill of the night wind seeped into his lungs, carrying the unique scent of Chang'an, a mixture of smoke and dust.

When he opened his eyes again, his expression had changed.

No longer is it the helplessness at a banquet, no longer is it the emptiness in a side hall.

Rather, it is a kind of sharpness.

Like a sword.

He stroked the Azure Lotus Sword he had nurtured in his arms—not the physical sword, but the sword intent within it. It could sense its master's emotions, trembling slightly and emitting a faint hum that only Li Bai could hear. The sound was soft, yet it carried a resolute determination to sever everything.

Perhaps it's time to consider some "unconventional" methods.

Even if it's just to see her once.

Confirm her feelings.

To find out for whom that tear in her eye was shed.

Li Bai turned and walked into the night of Chang'an. The moonlight cast a long shadow of him, moving slowly across the cobblestone street. The night breeze ruffled his robes, the moon-white fabric shimmering like a flowing light in the darkness. His steps were steady, each one firm and deliberate. Ahead lay a pitch-black street, devoid of lights and seemingly endless.

But he knew where to go.