Bai He was still looking at the board. He merely murmured an "Mm" and waved a hand casually.
Pei Heng understood and said no more. After nodding to Si Chen, he silently turned and left the bamboo grove's secret realm along the way he had come.
Only Si Chen, Gray Gray, and this mysterious Star Lord remained.
Gray Gray felt a little uneasy and edged closer to Si Chen's leg, stealing glances at the Star Lord dressed like a scholar.
"Tap."
Bai He finally set down the black stone in his hand.
He raised his head, his gaze settling on Si Chen with a gentle smile.
"Please sit, fellow Daoist."
He pointed to the meditation cushion across the stone table.
Si Chen thanked him and sat on the meditation cushion. Seeing this, Gray Gray followed his example, bending all four legs and settling beside Si Chen, trying to look as dignified as possible, even though he was only a donkey.
"Bai He, of Floating Net Heaven."
Bai He briefly introduced himself, picked up the small clay stove and teapot on the stone table, and began brewing tea.
As the tea poured into the cups, its fragrance drifted out.
The fragrance was strange. Though it smelled light, the spiritual energy around the bamboo seemed to awaken with a start, visibly swirling and rising, gathering into a faint mist in the air.
Bai He pushed a teacup toward Si Chen:
"Coarse tea from the wilds. I hope you won't disdain it, fellow Daoist."
Si Chen picked it up and took a sip.
The tea was mild and soothing. After it went down his throat, warmth slowly spread from his dantian.
"Good tea."
"I'm glad you like it."
Bai He smiled and picked up his own cup.
The two drank tea quietly for