A knight-errant roamed the Nine Provinces, renown borne by sword and verse. Seen as no earthly being, hailed as Banished Immortal thus summoned by the Emperor himself to Hanlin Academy.
"In Tianbao years, the Imperial Ancestor decreed: summoned to Golden Horse Gate, descending palanquin to greet as meeting Qi Hao. Feasted upon seven-treasure couch, fed by imperial hands."
Repeatedly dreamwalking in celestial palaces, his mortal frame ascended Nine Heavens honor's zenith, akin to Chang'an's drunken dream.
When next witnessing Gongsun Sword Dance, he sat as Emperor's honored guest. Once destitute and unenlightened, now atop golden dais amidst revelry observing torrential blade plays: radiance swirling heaven and earth bowing.
This pinnacle of High Tang splendor pearl among scenes, poetry incarnate.
Post-Jade Terrace banquet, Li Bai sought her Madam Gongsun stood beyond palace walls, jade beauty in brocade, Dual Sword like polished jade, long awaiting.
She had studied Li's writings now majestic, now ethereal. Dancers seek inspiration from beauty's myriad forms, yet even the palace's deepest gardens and Opera paled before Banished Immortal's brushstrokes that split celestial veils.
When the Immortal finally arrived, the dancer smiled, bending willow-waist in salute. Claiming lineage from Pei Min's sword dances, hailed as "Madam" by court performers.
Madam Gongsun's fame resounded through the age, her artistry peerless.
Poet and dancer kindred through phoenix-flight artistry; sword-wielders naturally cherish fellow blades.
From distant glance to soul kinship fate's turbulence mirrors celestial realms shifting.