Innate Origin

Amidst the assembly of civil and military officials, not a single soul seemed capable of amusing the young ones. Gu Lan shook his head. It appeared that to bring joy to his beloved daughter, he must undertake the task himself.

Raising his hand, a carved shadow stone materialized in his grasp. As he beheld the intricately etched patterns within, an involuntary smile graced his countenance.

The contents engraved within this stone had demanded considerable time and effort from him.

After all, it was to be his daughter's first official birthday gift; anything less than wholehearted effort would not suffice.

...

"Your Highness, does the Mirrors of the Myriad Realms please you?"

"If it does, why not come and claim it?"

"This is a gift specially bestowed upon you by the entire Jixia Literary Academy for your birthday!"

Beside the long table, Master Zhang Qingwei persisted in engaging Simu with his words.