Begonia Stayed to Await Awakening, a First Journey into Star Dou to Seek Hidden Potential

In the courtyard of the Worship Hall, the sun was sinking in the west. The Tree of Life's branches and leaves cast long golden shadows across the bluestone paving, like flowing fragments of gold.

The three little girls, Qian Renxue, Ye Lingling, and Dugu Yan, were playing hide-and-seek around Xiao Guang, the Sacred Unicorn. Their bright laughter echoed through the courtyard like wind chimes.

Qian Renxue hid behind Xiao Xi's outspread Dragon Wings, revealing only half of her little golden head, wisps of hair framing it, and peeked out from time to time. Ye Lingling clutched Xiao Guang's soft golden mane, giggling as the unicorn's gently swishing tail brushed her cheek. Meanwhile, Dugu Yan quietly gathered a strand of pale green soul power into the shape of a snake in her palm, then tiptoed behind the Dragon Wings, hoping to give the peeking Qian Renxue a fright.

Tian Meng floated in the air, his pearly white body gleaming. Every so often, he tapped the air with his little claws as the "referee," calling out in a clear voice, "Xiao Xue, don't hide too far away! They'll find you behind those Dragon Wings!"

His earnest manner gave him something of an elder's bearing. He had completely forgotten that Ye Lingling had been treating him as a "cotton-candy bug" just moments ago.

Qian Daoliu sat beside the stone table, watching the lively scene before him. His fingertips gently stroked his warm teacup, and his eyes were full of tenderness.

Ye Haining stood nearby, his gaze resting on his granddaughter's bouncing figure and a gratified smile on his face. Yet his fingers quietly tightened around his cuff-he knew he ought to take his leave and settle into his quarters, but he could not bear to interrupt the children's rare moment of happiness.

Qian