"Mm."
Xiao Wu nodded and sat down on the smooth stone by the lake where she had often sat before. She was a little tired.
Though she still wore a smile, a faint layer of exhaustion remained hidden deep within her pink eyes.
Da Ming did not ask what she had experienced outside. He merely lowered his head quietly and turned his gaze back to the lake.
"The Auspicious Beast is on the other side of the lake."
Xiao Wu followed his gaze. On a dark green boulder lay a familiar figure, its nine-colored radiance rising and falling steadily like breathing. Even across the lake, she could see its gentle luster beneath the afternoon sun.
Xiao Wu stood and walked in that direction.
As she approached, the Nine-Colored Deer slowly opened its eyes. Those clear, glass-like eyes settled on Xiao Wu's face. It made no unnecessary movement, merely watching her quietly.
Sunlight filtered through gaps in the canopy, coating the nine-colored radiance flowing around the Nine-Colored Deer with scattered flecks of gold. Those specks rose and fell softly with its breathing.
Xiao Wu stopped before the dark green boulder. Looking at the Nine-Colored Deer and those eyes as clear as ever, she spoke more softly than she had expected. "Auspicious Beast, I'm back."
The Nine-Colored Deer raised its head slightly. An exceedingly gentle stream of nine-colored light rose from between the antlers atop its head. Like a veil stirred by the wind, it drifted soundlessly toward Xiao Wu and enveloped her entirely.
The instant that radiance touched her body, a warm, soothing sensation spread from her shoulders, slowly flowing down her spine. It was as though countless invisible palms were gently stroking the muscles tightened by days of travel.
Xiao Wu could feel the soreness lodged deep in her shoulder