For a moment, Long Xiao had been unconscious.
When he blearily opened his eyes, he saw the Life Goddess's gentle smile. His head was actually resting on her lap.
Around them lay a beautiful landscape of mountains and rivers, filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.
It must have been the small world contained within this Dharma Body of the Life Goddess.
A single leaf, a whole world.
The Life Goddess stroked his forehead, and it felt like a mother tenderly caring for her child.
"Back then, when your father and the others were little, they were just like you. They loved resting beneath my shade."
Long Xiao blushed with embarrassment.
"Lady Goddess, am I really that useless? I even needed you to come help me."
"Compared to your sister, you do fall a little short. But compared to your father at your age, you're far more outstanding."
The Life Goddess shook her head.
"My sister... really is outstanding. She even earned the title of the greatest prodigy beneath the stars."
Long Xiao clasped an ice-blue pendant against his chest. His sister had given it to him before she left.
Long Xiao had always worn it, because it belonged to his sister and was a treasure he cherished dearly.
The Life Goddess smiled faintly without saying a word.
Long Xiao continued, "Goddess, have you removed the curse seal inside me?"
"No."
At the Life Goddess's answer, Long Xiao's heart sank, and his expression dimmed.
The Life Goddess gently tapped Long Xiao's nose.
"What, already wearing such a long face? That's not like our little Long Xiao. Give me a smile."
"I'm not..." Long Xiao protested like a child.
"I see. You're afraid those two girls by your side will be upset, aren't you?" the Life Goddess said with a