News of Huǒ Yulie’s return spread through the Phoenix Palace like wildfire. Every member of the family had gathered near the gates when she entered alongside her brother to try and get a glimpse of her, but all they could see was a figure dressed in a full-body cloak with their hood pulled up and a facemask covering whatever the hood could not. Many of the people gathered expressed disappointment.
“W-why is she wearing a mask? I wanted to see what she looked like!”
“You and me both. I’ve been living here since before she was even born, but I’ve never so much as gotten a glimpse of her.”
“Do you think the rumors are true?”
“You mean the one that says she’s so beautiful a single glimpse will turn any man into a wild beast? I don’t know. It could be true, but on the other hand, maybe the reason we’re not allowed to see what she looks like is because she’s secretly ugly.”