At the border of East Cave, thick fog filled the air.
Rain hung down from the sky like curtains, while the ash spewing from the mouth of Tanyao Mountain had grown so dense that it could no longer disperse.
Bai Xiu, dressed in white, led Gu Xiao Man, dressed in black, through the heavy rain and gray mist.
Gu Xiao Man was calm and sensible in a way no child her age should have been.
She could not see the scene outside.
Everything before her eyes was dim and gray, without a trace of light.
"We're almost there."
Bai Xiu's voice was somewhat hoarse.
He knew what the girl was thinking.
He could guess Gu Xiao Man's thoughts, and he could empathize with them.
But when those comforting words reached his lips, they became difficult to say... At a time like this, words of comfort only seemed terribly hypocritical.
So Bai Xiu simply said nothing along the way and walked on in silence.
"Thank you..."
To his surprise, Xiao Man suddenly spoke.
"Thank me?" Bai Xiu froze for a moment.
"Master Bai Xiu, thank you for the Thunder Pearl you gave me, and for all your teachings."
The girl in black raised her wrist and waved the sealed pearl containing orthodox Thunder Power. Then she gave him a bright, innocent smile. "Even though you don't like talking, I know you truly want what's best for me."
"..."
Bai Xiu's gaze flickered with shame and guilt.
"Then..."
Gu Xiao Man took a deep breath. Her voice gradually softened and trembled. "Master Bai Xiu, will we still have a chance to meet again?"
"...Of course."
Bai Xiu forced out a smile and crouched down, extending a hand.
But his palm hovered above Gu Xiao Man's head. He hesitated for a long time,