Di Tian spoke slowly. "...You really do know how to think for her."
Long Jinyu smiled. "I just think she is still young. This is the age when she is most curious about the world, and her eyes should not be covered by a single 'no.' Of course, whether she should leave this forest is ultimately a decision for you and herself to make—I will not interfere, nor will I decide for her."
Di Tian gently raised his cup. "Earlier, I spoke too harshly. I have received the goodwill of Young Lord Long and His Majesty the Emerald Dragon King. Young Lord Long is a man of understanding. Let me offer you a toast."
Long Jinyu raised his own cup as well, clinked it against Di Tian's through the air, and tipped his head back to drain it.
The instant the bottom of the cup returned to the table, the surface of Life Lake suddenly fell still.
Even the last faint ripple vanished. The entire lake became a dark mirror, reflecting the light overhead as though someone had pressed pause.
"Worthy indeed of being an inheritor of Father God's bloodline. At such a young age, you are already so clever. With only a few words, you have planned the future of Star Dou Forest's auspicious beast."
A clear, cold female voice rose from the depths of the lake's center, falling distinctly upon everyone's ears.
"I listened for quite some time. I had thought I would only see some greenhorn boy sheltered behind the Emerald Dragon King. I did not expect that you would be the one holding the stage up for her."
Long Jinyu raised his eyes toward the center of the lake.
Di Tian's expression became exceedingly respectful.
Bi Ji, Zi Ji, Bear Lord, the Ten Thousand Demon King...