The canopy of the Life Divine Tree spread like a green umbrella blotting out the sky. Fine specks of light filtered through gaps in the leaves, carpeting the ground beneath in dreamlike shadows.
Hua Qiang sat cross-legged on the warm, jade-like roots, his back against the thick trunk, still calming the lingering palpitations from his escape from the dungeon.
Xiao Ling, transformed into the form of a beautiful young girl, sat beside him. The hem of her goose-yellow dress was dotted with faint glimmers, making her snow-white skin stand out all the more. Her lively eyes stared unblinkingly at Hua Qiang.
Their eyes met, and the air fell quiet for a moment. Then Xiao Ling suddenly burst out laughing, her clear laughter like a spring skipping through the forest, shattering the silence.
Hua Qiang's old face reddened. He rubbed the tip of his nose and asked in a deliberately stern tone, "What are you laughing at, you little girl? Are you making fun of me?"
Having his most miserable appearance, trapped by the seal in that dungeon, witnessed by his closest companion made him feel rather awkward, and a trace of discomfort flickered across his face.
"Giggle, giggle, giggle—" Xiao Ling laughed even more merrily, covering her mouth with a slender hand while her shoulders trembled softly.
"Master Brother, I've never seen you suffer such a huge setback! Locked in a dungeon, unable to even use Star Force, you looked just like a little beast penned in a cage. It was so amusing!"
As she spoke, she deliberately blinked, her eyes brimming with mischief.
Hua Qiang grew somewhat embarrassed by her words. He coughed lightly and changed the subject. "Enough laughing. This isn't the time to fool around. Bai Lengjun is definitely searching everywhere for me."
To his surprise, Xiao