Sunlight gilded the stone path leading toward the Worship Hall in warm gold, lending the angel reliefs on either side an even more solemn air amid the shifting light and shadow.
Qian Daoliu walked at the head of the group, the hem of his golden divine robe brushing scattered petals on the path. Qian Xunji and Bibi Dong followed behind him, then Ice Empress, Tian Meng, Xiao Wu and her mother. Golden Crocodile and the other Enshrined, along with Yue Guan and Dugu Bo, flanked them. Their footsteps fell in an uneven rhythm, yet an inexplicable harmony ran through the group.
Ice Empress walked to one side, her dark green hair swaying gently with her steps, her gaze occasionally settling on Xiao Wu and her mother beside her.
She could clearly sense the soul spirit aura surrounding Xiao Wu's Mother, similar to Tian Meng's but gentler, as well as the pure soul beast bloodline within Xiao Wu. This eased her taut nerves a little, but also deepened her curiosity.
"How long have you been working with the Great Enshrined?" Ice Empress asked first, her voice cool but less distant than before. "Was it also to escape heavenly tribulation?"
Xiao Wu's Mother smiled gently at the question, stroked Xiao Wu's head, and patiently explained:
"I became a soul spirit half a year ago, but I've been living in Spirit Hall for nearly ten years now."
She paused, looking into the distance in the direction of the Star Dou Great Forest, her voice carrying a touch of emotion.
"It began in the Star Dou Great Forest. I was wounded by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's evil energy, and my soul nearly scattered into oblivion. The Great Enshrined and the other Enshrined saved us and brought us to Spirit Hall to recover."