33 Reunion (1/2)

Bai Ru narrowed his eyes in suspicion as the Obsidian Forest came into sight, ”The Black Lotus has chosen quite an interesting place to wait for us in.”

'He's going to meet her anyways, so it should be fine to say this much.' Ji Yun quietly explained, ”Granny is unable to leave this forest.”

”I see,” contrary to his calm voice, Bai Ru's eyes widened as numerous questions began to litter his mind. However, he did not voice any more inquiries. After all, such questions would be answered when he meets the Black Lotus.

Bai Ru stopped when he noticed the two black-cloaked children had come to a halt in front of a lake filled with flowers.

Ji Yun sheepishly laughed, ”Uhh… Granny, you're there right?”

Lin Tao and Ji Yun were confused, for the guardian spirit would usually greet them before the Floral Lake even came into sight. However, they were right in front of the lake and not a single sound intruded into their minds.

Bai Ru was just as confused as the two children. He focused on sensing the surroundings, 'I can't sense the presence of a single living being around. Not even the faint aura of a spirit is present in this area.'

A humming resounded within Lin Tao and Ji Yun's mind. The humming did not sound as soothing as usual, for it was quicker paced than the usual tranquil humming.

Ji Yun let out a sigh of relief, ”Oh, so you are there, granny.”

”You know, you'll make us nervous if you stay silent.”

Bai Ru raised a brow at the two children, for in his eyes, they were talking to themselves, 'There's really no one here.'

Bai Ru rescanned the surrounding area, trying to find even the faintest trace of a spirit. However, his efforts were in vain, 'Are they really communicating with this granny person?'

A gentle voice made its way into the two children's minds, ”Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous. I'm shy when meeting new people.”

Lin Tao raised a brow, 'You were definitely not nervous in the slightest when you first met us and proudly proclaimed your identity as the Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Forest. It was the same for when we encountered those Sacred Flame Sect disciples.'

Despite the two children's hooded cloaks, Bai Lian could clearly see their faces, 'I guess that kind of reaction is normal, based on my previous actions…'

”Can you two please leave so I can speak privately with Bai Ru?”

”Alright, we'll deal with the sea kelp and then leave the forest.”

Bai Ru was smiling politely at the two children who were, in his eyes, still talking to themselves.

The two children noticed the expression Bai Ru had was a bit odd, 'Was granny only speaking into our minds? Then... Wouldn't we look like idiots who talk to ourselves?'

Ji Yun sheepishly laughed, ”Granny wishes to speak privately with you, so we'll be taking our leave first.”

”Wait, is there really som—”

Bai Ru froze mid-sentence, for a familiar, gentle voice eased its way into his mind, ”I am the Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Forest.”

Seeing his stunned reaction, the two children wordlessly left and made their way towards the burrow.

Bai Ru's widened eyes slowly locked themselves onto the ground as his head tilted downwards and his body began to tremble. The children were already far away when finally, a shaky chuckle left his mouth, ”Y-you… It seems your lies have gotten more outrageous. As your older brother, I should have sorted you out long ago so you wouldn't be such a liar today.”

Although he was reprimanding her, his shaky voice was gentle and it was clear he didn't really mind that she was a liar.

The confidence of the gentle voice had all vanished as it inquired, ”This body of mine isn't human. Do you really still—”