The Fiery Gu's Teahouse

In his mind, the swaying figure of the palace maid departing emerged, causing a slight crease on Gu Lan's brow, which soon gave way to a realization.

He recollected it: within the Stone Forest Transmission Array, the veiled woman he had monitored with his soul fragment was none other than this self-proclaimed Jade Sun palace maid!

"Fascinating, she's quite swift... Could her visit to the palace be merely to observe the Empress Dowager?"

Gu Lan murmured to himself, withdrawing his gaze from the tiles of the Cining Palace.

He did not proceed to investigate the Cining Palace further because it was futile.

The woman's cultivation and methods were remarkably proficient; she could even perceive his divine sense.

There would be no oversights in such a place.

Gu Lan turned instead towards the Hall of Nurturing Harmony where Mu Yuyan handled petitions today, as there was no morning court.

Upon seeing Gu Lan, a gleam of joy flashed in her eyes.