Using the lake as their center, Xiao Xiao and Su Xun gradually expanded their search.
The Wraith kept going back and forth.
Every so often, it climbed to the treetops to look around.
Even beneath the thick canopy, fine beads of sweat began to form on Su Xun's forehead.
The temperature was climbing higher and higher.
He checked the time. It was almost noon.
He hurried a few steps forward.
He had searched around but still hadn't found Master Xiao.
He felt confused and uncertain.
Earlier, after searching for a while, he had suggested that he and Master Xiao split up to look. That way, their chances of finding Chiu Chiu would be a little higher, at least.
But even though they had split up, they were searching along the lake's perimeter. That meant they should have run into each other eventually.
He knew Master Xiao walked faster than he did, but...
How had the man disappeared?
"Xiao—"
"Were you looking for me?"
Su Xun felt his heart stop for a moment.
"Master Xiao."
He took a deep breath. "You know people can get scared to death when someone sneaks up on them, right?"
Xiao Xiao looked rather innocent. "I just heard you calling me, so I answered."
Su Xun: ...
He had meant to call Master Xiao.
But he had only gotten the first syllable out when Master Xiao answered.
What kind of hearing was that?
And could he make some noise when he walked?
They were looking for someone, not hiding from someone.
After complaining, Su Xun realized he hadn't quite used the right words.
They weren't looking for a person. They were looking for a little bird.
They were even helping a monster find its little bird friend.
It was the sort of plot twist you'd find