Chapter 38 - A Short-Lived Success (1/2)

They stayed at the pond for a few hours, so the Zhongs could recover from all the excitement and danger. Qiu Ling obviously showered all his attention onto Jing Yi. After his mother had adjusted her lie about animals a bit, Jing Yi was still cautious, but he approached the horses, as long as Qiu Ling stood beside him, and even patted them.

Qiu Ling smiled and motioned for him to wait a moment. He vanished, reappearing a blink later with a rabbit in hand. He extended it toward Jing Yi.

”What is that?” Jing Yi hesitatingly took a step toward him and reached out. He patted the rabbits head, not sure, what exactly he was seeing there.

Because of his mothers warning, he had only ever dared to go into the forest to call Qiu Ling and talk to him. He was sure, as long as his grandfather was there with him, nothing would happen to him. Because of this same reason, he had never actually seen any animals. It spoke volumes about his trust in Qiu Ling, that he dared to approach the rabbit with him around.

Jing Yi patted the fur, his eyes growing wide. The animal in front of him didn't seem the least bit dangerous. Instead, it was soft and warm. Even more so than the tall horse.

”Just take it.” Qiu Ling stuffed the rabbit into Jing Yi's arms and smiled satisfied. Mn, Jing He has always loved animals and they always loved him. It's a pity, that he needed so long to figure it out down here int he human realm. But I'll help you to make up for it.

”Daoist master.” Madam Zhong approached him and smiled, seeing her son willing to hold an animal. ”My husband seems better already. We should be on our way again.”

Qiu Ling nodded. ”I'll accompany you. Who knows, if those six were the only bandits around here?”

”Thank you, Daoist master.”

Qiu Ling smiled and waved. There was really no need for her, to thank him. Of course, he would treat his love's mortal family good. ”Let us go. The sooner we leave the forest the better.” He once again helped the Zhongs with the horses and they let them trot along the path to the other side of the forest.

Now free of the worry of happening upon bandits again, Mister and Madam Zhong slowly relaxed. Zhong Jing Yi was still engrossed in patting the rabbit, Qiu Ling had caught him. From a child, that got frightened just from mentioning animals, to one, that could quietly sit there and spent its time with one, the difference was really too great.

Qiu Ling smiled, extended his hand and patted Jing Yi's head. The boy looked up and smiled at him. ”Thank you, grandfather!”

”What for?”

”For saving mommy and father and bringing us out of the forest!”

”Mn. That's —”

Jing Yi tensed and then sat petrified. Whatever Qiu Ling had wanted to say, it was forgotten in an instant.

”What's wrong? What happened?” Qiu Ling grew frantic. He looked around, but couldn't find anything. No bandits charging at them, no terrifying wild animal breaking through the underbrush ready to assault them … Nothing.