Dugu Qiubai moved, vanishing from where he stood.
When he reappeared, he was atop a towering ancient tree.
"Ah~"
A cry of alarm rang out. When Dugu Qiubai returned once more, a youth stood before Qin Jishi.
"Who are you? Why have you trespassed into our territory?"
It was clear that the youth was terrified, yet the stubborn courage with which he forced himself to speak made Qin Jishi curious.
"Are you from the Wood Spirit Tribe?"
The youth's ears stood upright, and the aura of life emanating from him was exceptionally rich.
"Who are you?"
Faced with Qin Jishi's question, the youth did not answer. He merely continued to scrutinize them warily.
"Little brother, there's no need to be nervous!"
Qin Jishi wore a kindly smile. "We mean you no harm. We came here because there are some matters we need to attend to. If we accidentally disturbed you, then I apologize to you here."
"What do you say?"
Seeing how sincerely Qin Jishi spoke, the youth did not seem to think he was lying.
After pondering for a moment, his eyes shifted. "Y-you're telling the truth?"
"Of course!"
As Qin Jishi spoke, he glanced to the side. "Senior Dugu, release him."
Dugu Qiubai nodded at that and removed the restraints on the youth.
"Little brother, I've apologized to you. Please don't misunderstand us."
"Hehe!"
Qin Jishi patted his head, then walked with Dugu Qiubai to sit on a huge boulder nearby.
The youth blinked. "You're letting me leave?"
Qin Jishi shrugged. "What else?"
"Hehe!"
"If you don't want to leave, little brother, you can stay and keep us company."
The youth fell silent.
After hesitating for a moment, he ultimately turned and left.
Qin Jishi remained utterly calm about this, with no great change in expression.