Under the eyes of Li Wei and the others, the Birch Tree Elder shrank from the height of a towering tree to that of a tiny blade of grass.
"Old age really does muddle the mind. How did I turn into such a little thing?"
The Birch Tree Elder slapped his forehead with his large, rootlike hand, knocking loose a shower of green grass clippings. Then he twisted his body and grew again, returning to the size of an ordinary person.
"Ah..."
After adjusting his height, he stretched lazily. Only once he felt comfortable did he leisurely address Madam Kalyana, his bright green beard quivering:
"What's your question? Go on!"
Madam Kalyana took out the bottle containing the Evil Ghost Driver and recounted what had happened to the Birch Tree Elder. Finally, she asked:
"I want to know what exactly is going on."
"Did this ghost form naturally, or did someone create him?"
"That's two questions," the Birch Tree Elder could not help pointing out, nodding vaguely after hearing her out.
"Uh..." This time, it was Madam Kalyana's turn to feel embarrassed. She was just about to offer a few flattering words to put him in a good mood.
But the Birch Tree Elder waved his large, rootlike hand and said casually:
"Never mind. For the sake of the bread and salt, I'll perform a divination for you!"
At this, a smile broke across Madam Kalyana's icy face like melting snow. "Sorry for the trouble, Birch Tree Elder!" she said gratefully.
The Birch Tree Elder took the bottle from Madam Kalyana and released the Evil Ghost Driver. Before he could escape, the elder extracted a thin wisp of grayish-white smoke from his body.
The smoke was insubstantial and ethereal. The Birch Tree Elder inhaled it through his mouth and nose.