The water boiled.
Bai He lifted the pot and poured a slender stream into the cup before Si Chen. Steam rose in curls, mingling with the fragrance of tea.
"Please, fellow Daoist."
Only after pushing the teacup toward Si Chen did he pour one for himself.
Gray Gray crouched beside Si Chen's legs, gazing longingly at the fresh cup of tea, unconsciously licking its lips.
It had not had enough of that first mouthful. Spiritual energy circulated warmly in its belly, so comfortably that even the tip of its tail swayed gently.
Bai He noticed. "This spirit beast of yours... is quite candid and endearing."
Si Chen lifted his cup and blew on the steam. "Its name is Gray Gray. It is a friend of mine."
Bai He's gaze shifted slightly.
A friend?
An existence suspected of being a Half-Step Immortal Lord called a gray donkey that, by all appearances, possessed only a little intelligence his "friend"?
He pondered for a moment, then took a small jade cup from a hidden compartment beneath the stone table, personally filled it seven-tenths full, and pushed it toward Gray Gray.
"So you are Fellow Daoist Gray Gray."
He cupped his hands toward Gray Gray. "I was so occupied with speaking to Fellow Daoist Si that I neglected you, Fellow Daoist Gray Gray. Forgive my discourtesy."
Gray Gray: "...Hee-haw?"
It froze, its ears standing straight up and its large donkey eyes widening into perfect circles.
W-what had this Immortal King just... called it?
Fellow Daoist?!
Gray Gray felt a rush of heat shoot straight to its head. The whole donkey felt as though it were floating.
It tried hard to remain composed, but its tail was already whirling uncontrollably like a windmill, and its hooves pawed lightly at the ground.
Xie Changsheng.
*Did you