Flower Valley's secret realm.
"It has truly been a long time, benefactor."
This paradise was filled with birdsong and blooming flowers, peaceful and carefree. Humans and Spirit Beasts lived together in harmony, utterly untouched by the turmoil of the outside world.
Granny Flower, her head full of silver hair and her expression kind, gave Zhao Xuan a slight bow.
"No need for such formalities, Granny."
Zhao Xuan did not dare put on airs and quickly helped Granny Flower back up.
"Please."
Granny Flower rose with the motion and led Zhao Xuan deeper into Flower Valley.
At the grasslands by the entrance to Flower Valley, many young Spirit Beasts were hopping about and playing. Even Spirit Beasts of different races got along peacefully. They showed no fear toward Zhao Xuan, an outsider, and merely gazed at him with wide, curious eyes.
Zhao Xuan's heart stirred. Thinking of the world outside, already plunged into chaos, he sighed. "This really is a paradise hidden away from the world."
Granny Flower smiled beside him. "Flower Valley is indeed a blessed land. I hear the outside world is in turmoil now, which only makes this place all the more precious."
In the distance, the Sacred Tree's enormous body was already visible. Just as lush and flourishing as it had been in the past, it sheltered Flower Valley's secret realm.
Zhao Xuan looked around, then suddenly paused and turned his gaze toward the place where curls of smoke rose into the air.
"By the way, your parents are currently living there as well."
Seeing this, Granny Flower smiled and pointed toward the residential area of Flower Valley. At its outskirts stood a newly built house, and from afar, two busy figures could be seen in the courtyard.
Zhao Xuan said apologetically to Granny Flower, "Granny, I'll