Afterward, Li Qing began to stroll slowly across the small island, sunlight and moonlight glimmering in his eyes as he observed for Earth's Souls that might exist anywhere.
The island was covered in all kinds of wondrous flora and fauna. Every kind was exceptionally beautiful, though most were rather small.
All manner of little animals and insects tinged fiery red, along with countless plants, formed a marvelous, self-contained ecosystem.
For instance, flame beetles no bigger than half a pinky finger, their bodies glittering brightly, danced through the shrubs.
Whenever Li Qing passed by, he would occasionally startle clusters of creatures that flickered with specks of firelight.
Like fireflies, they made the entire world dreamy and beautiful.
Rustle, rustle.
The faint sound of running water reached his ears, and Li Qing arrived before a small stream.
The stream was crystal clear, its bed entirely covered in red crystals, making it seem like a stream of crimson flames.
Amid scenery like a paradise beyond the mortal world, even Li Qing's somewhat restless heart seemed to settle.
After winding about for a while, he had soon spent half a day circling the island.
Round after round, he gradually drew closer from the island's outermost edge toward its center.
The island was roughly three hundred zhang in diameter. Spiraling inward in circles gave him a general understanding of the entire island.
There was no danger on the island; everywhere was perfectly safe!
Before long, he reached the center of the island. The moment he arrived, an astonishing sight appeared before his eyes.
There was actually a thatched cottage at the island's center. It had been built with remarkable neatness and elegance, and a figure slowly emerged from within.
"A friend comes from afar—is that not a joy?"
"Greetings, fellow Daoist!"
A pair of calm