Along the way, Ada drew quite a crowd when people saw two visitors being brought in.
Many of them recognized Chen Shi and greeted him.
Chen Shi smiled and returned each greeting.
Before long, Ada led the two of them to the old woman's little wooden cabin.
Ada stepped forward and knocked on the door. "Grandmother-in-Chief, the guest who visited last time says he has something to discuss with you."
Soon, the cabin door opened, and Zinnia stepped out. She said to Chen Shi and Cynthia, "Please come in, both of you. Grandmother-in-Chief has already made tea."
As she spoke, she gestured for them to enter.
Chen Shi and Cynthia exchanged a glance, then stepped inside.
The furnishings were just as they had been on their last visit: one wooden table and four stools.
An elderly woman was brewing tea, with exactly four cups laid out.
"Welcome back, both of you. Please, sit down."
The old woman looked at them with her aged eyes, a smile spreading across her face.
Neither stood on ceremony, and they sat down. After closing the door, Zinnia joined them.
Chen Shi took a sip of tea and gave a wry chuckle. "If I could, I'd really rather this were just a social visit."
The old woman's eyes narrowed slightly, a sense of foreboding rising within her.
Chen Shi did not keep her in suspense. He asked directly, "Ma'am, can you still contact the Dragon God? The events foretold in the prophecy may be about to happen."
The old woman's hand trembled around her cup, spilling some tea.
Beside her, Zinnia's pupils contracted sharply. "Do you know what you're saying?" she blurted.
"This isn't something you can joke-"
Before Zinnia could finish, the Grandmother-in-Chief raised a hand to stop her.
"That's enough, Zinnia. If our