The evening breeze over the island at the lake's heart still carried the Tree of Life's pale green glow, draping the entire area like a veil of gauze.
The cocoon of light surrounding Bibi Dong had grown ever more solid. Patterns woven from purple-black soul power and pearly holy light flowed as though alive. Clearly, her soul bone fusion had entered its stabilization stage; it needed only a little more time to become fully attuned to her body.
Qian Daoliu stood quietly beside the cocoon for a moment, his gaze passing over the Ice Empress cultivating cross-legged and Tian Meng curled beside the roots. He did not approach to disturb them.
An interruption midway through cultivation was the last thing anyone wanted, especially when the Ice Empress was using the life energy to break through her cultivation bottleneck. Even the icy mist surrounding her was denser than usual.
As for Tian Meng, he appeared to lie curled up without moving, but his breathing was steady. Clearly, he had slipped into his half-asleep style of cultivation again, though his aura was much steadier this time.
Qian Daoliu lifted his feet lightly, golden soul power forming silent patterns of light beneath them. Not a sound accompanied his steps as he quietly made his way off the island.
He had just stepped onto the Light Bridge when a faint movement came from behind-the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm raised his head from beside the roots, his ice-blue body giving off a faint glow. He had clearly sensed Qian Daoliu's departure.
"Brother Qian, are you leaving?" Tian Meng's voice rang directly through Qian Daoliu's sea of consciousness, carrying a trace of hesitation.
He turned to glance at the Ice Empress nearby, then rocked his plump body. Finally, he crawled up from beside the roots and