I Won't Meddle

The quiet room fell silent once more.

"Take care on your journey."

Verdant Green Maiden murmured as she personally buried Min Shu on the rear mountain of Crane Call Mountain. Besides him, the successive abbots of Tai Ping Temple were buried here, as were Tai Tai and Ping Ping, the two Iron Eater Beasts.

Verdant Green Maiden raised her hand and gently shook Bell Ringing.

When the bell chimed—

Several Iron Eater Beasts came darting out. They looked at Verdant Green Maiden, somewhat hesitant.

"Come! All of you, come here."

Verdant Green Maiden said softly.

Though they had never met Verdant Green Maiden before, at this moment, they obeyed her words and slowly approached.

Verdant Green Maiden lifted her hand and gently rubbed their heads. "Guard this place well."

"Perhaps one day, descendants of Tai Ping Temple will return here, sweep the courtyard, and reopen the temple gates! When that time comes... your task will be complete."

The Iron Eater Beasts looked up at Verdant Green Maiden. Their obsidian-like eyes shimmered with light; who knew whether they understood her words.

"You don't have names yet, do you?"

Verdant Green Maiden suddenly thought of something.

After considering for a moment, her gaze swept over the few of them.

"I'll name you!"

"..."

There were five Iron Eater Beasts in all. Verdant Green Maiden named them one by one, then gently patted their heads.

"Alright, I'm leaving. Live here peacefully."

With that, Verdant Green Maiden set off and left Crane Call Mountain.

Sitting atop Old Yellow Ox's back—

Verdant Green Maiden looked up at Crane Call Mountain as it gradually receded into the distance, then turned around and sprawled directly across the ox's back.

"Brother Ox!"

"Moo?"

"...I'm hungry. I want beef."

"Moo!"

"..."

Chang'an.

Bustling with people, vibrant and lively.

This