Uncle Xu's Invitation

Wasn't this maple tree Spirit Maple?

Xiao Xiao glanced again at the maple leaves above Spirit Maple's head. They were indeed the same kind of leaves as those on a maple tree.

"Third Brother, we're leaving!"

Zhang Bo called from a distance.

"Coming."

Xiao Xiao turned and answered.

"Goodbye, Spirit Maple."

With that, Xiao Xiao turned and walked toward the moon gate.

Spirit Maple watched Xiao Xiao's back disappear beyond the moon gate, then turned and returned to the maple tree.

The figure leaning against the trunk gradually faded until it vanished completely.

On windless days, with no monster among its branches and leaves, the maple tree made the quiet of a sunny afternoon feel even more serene.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Xiao Xiao spoke to the others waiting at the entrance.

"It's fine, it's fine. We haven't been waiting long."

Zhang Bo waved his hand.

From the direction Third Brother had come from, he knew that he'd gone to see the monster.

Naturally, he didn't say anything more.

Neither did Zhuge Yun or Zhao Luzheng.

They smiled at the two elderly people. "Well, Grandpa and Grandma, we should get going."

"Sorry for the trouble today."

"What do you mean, 'trouble'?"

The old lady looked a little unhappy. "As long as you don't find it dull here, you're welcome to visit us often."

"Okay. Then, Grandpa and Grandma, don't complain when we keep coming over to mooch food and drinks."

Zhuge Yun teased them with a sweet smile. "When the time comes, even if you try to chase us away, we won't leave."

The two elders of the Xu Family laughed.

"Come, come!"

"We won't chase you away."

"When you visit, Grandma will cook you a feast."

"Grandpa, Grandma, we're off."

"Goodbye, Grandpa and Grandma."

Xu Zizhen, Xiao Xiao,