The three chatted for a long time. Only when Zhao Shi and Mu Qin began to feel hungry did they reluctantly bring the conversation to an end.
"Xuan, it's been a long time since you last ate at home. I'll go cook now. It'll be ready soon."
Mu Qin stood up and said happily. Something that had once been so ordinary now seemed precious.
Zhao Xuan naturally agreed gladly. After nodding, he said, "All right. While we wait, I'll go pay the Sacred Tree a visit."
"The Sacred Tree..."
Zhao Shi seemed somewhat moved. He said to Zhao Xuan, "Although the Sacred Tree is a Spirit Beast, it treats humans and Spirit Beasts equally and protects this peaceful land. It truly deserves admiration."
Zhao Xuan nodded, then looked around. The newly built house stood atop a small hill, giving it an exceptionally broad view.
From here, he could see the neat rows of houses in the distance, smoke curling from chimneys, and people diligently working the land. They rose with the sun and rested at sunset; the old and young alike lived contentedly.
Spirit Beast cubs ran freely through the village and across the grasslands. Humans and Spirit Beasts lived in harmony, without conflict or war, as though this were a paradise.
The Sacred Tree's enormous canopy blotted out the sky. Its tiny leaves rustled in the breeze, tranquil and serene.
When Zhao Xuan arrived beneath the Sacred Tree, he saw someone sitting cross-legged beneath it. His eyes were half-closed, as if meditating. The plants within several meters of him grew exceptionally lush, while dozens of vivid flowers stretched their slender stems and competed in beauty. Sitting among them, he resembled a Buddha.
As Zhao Xuan approached, the man opened his eyes. Light flowed through them as he looked at