Xiao Xiao and the wraith dug a grave for Chiu Chiu by the lake.
Su Xun hesitated for a while and did not approach.
He stood quietly at a distance, watching Master Xiao work.
Chiu Chiu was small, so naturally, the grave didn't need to be very large.
Xiao Xiao and the wraith quickly dug a fairly neat grave.
Xiao Xiao removed the stems, leaves, and pebbles from inside.
Then he looked at the wraith. "Put Chiu Chiu in."
The wraith looked at Chiu Chiu in its hands, lying quietly as if asleep.
It felt a little disappointed.
It had still been holding on to a faint hope that perhaps Chiu Chiu would suddenly wake up later.
So it really was impossible?
It looked again at the grave they had dug for Chiu Chiu.
In the faint glow of the fireflies, its tense face was illuminated.
It couldn't help looking at Lord Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Xiao gave a slight nod.
The wraith took a deep breath.
Carefully, it placed Chiu Chiu in the grave.
Its fingers curled slightly.
It was a long while before it slowly drew its hands back.
"Wraith, say your final goodbye to Chiu Chiu."
Xiao Xiao spoke softly.
"Wawa~"
The wraith looked at Lord Xiao Xiao.
Say goodbye?
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao nodded. "Then we'll cover Chiu Chiu with soil."
Cover Chiu Chiu with soil?
Wouldn't that mean it could never see Chiu Chiu again?
The wraith felt bereft and resisted the thought of burying Chiu Chiu.
"Wraith."
Xiao Xiao held out a fingertip, and a firefly landed on it.
He extended his hand a little toward Chiu Chiu.
A hazy glow enveloped the little bird.
"Why don't you smile as you say goodbye to Chiu Chiu?"
"Look at Chiu Chiu. It was smiling at