"Mm." Gu Yuena nodded slightly.
Ji Ye then looked at Di Qiu'er, who was still clutching his sleeve.
"Three-Eyed Golden Lion, I have to go."
"Huh? So soon?" Di Qiu'er's little face fell, filled with reluctance.
"Can't you stay a few more days? Or... can I go with you?"
"No." Di Tian frowned.
"It wouldn't be appropriate for you to go now," Ji Ye said gently.
"Once I've dealt with things over there and settled in, I'll find a way to bring you over for a visit, all right?"
"By the way, I still don't know what name you took after transforming."
Di Qiu'er looked into Ji Ye's earnest eyes. Though reluctant, she obediently nodded. "My name is Di Qiu'er now. Then it's a promise! You have to come get me soon!"
"Mm, it's a promise, Di Qiu'er." Ji Ye smiled, then nodded to Gu Yuena and Di Tian.
"Farewell."
"Take care." Gu Yuena looked at him deeply.
Di Tian also bowed as he saw him off.
Ji Ye turned and left the Lake of Life, heading out of Star Dou Forest.
Only after the two figures vanished into the depths of the forest did Di Tian look away. He turned to his master and couldn't help sighing. "My lord, that boy... His rate of growth is terrifying. And he's so calculating, with methods no one can fathom."
Gu Yuena tightened her grip on the Dragon God Heart, feeling the surging power within it. Her violet eyes turned toward Spirit Hall, and she said softly, "That is precisely why he might become... the variable. Send the order. We'll do as he said. Star Dou Forest must prepare for the storm to come."
She lowered her eyes to Di Qiu'er, who was still gazing in the direction Ji Ye had left,