"Your cultivation has advanced too quickly. You should quiet your mind and let it settle for a while."
After praising Little Shi, the Willow Deity transmitted another message to Shi Zhao, telling her not to rush.
Shi Zhao nodded. She had also noticed changes in the willow tree. Much of its charred old bark had fallen away, and several bumps had appeared on its trunk, as though new buds were about to sprout.
"You've returned at just the right time. I'm going into seclusion and will spend the next year asleep," the Willow Deity continued, clearly entrusting Stone Village to her.
This was also a deliberate way of keeping her from running around, so she could cultivate with a tranquil mind.
"Yes, Willow Deity. Goodbye, Willow Deity." Shi Zhao made a show of praying devoutly.
Crack! The willow branch dropped down, snapping through the air like a long whip with a piercing report before winding around the girl's supple waist.
Shi Zhao's eyes widened. Seriously? Again?
"Willow Deity, I was wrong! Look, I brought back several kinds of spiritual liquid for you. Have some to nourish yourself." She hurriedly took several bottles and jars out of the little pouch she carried, broke their seals, and poured their contents beside the willow tree's roots.
These were the Sea Spirit Liquid she had obtained earlier, along with earthfire liquid and stone milk.
"Not bad. That was thoughtful of you, but I no longer have any use for these. I'll take a little for a taste. Keep the rest for yourself." There seemed to be an almost imperceptible hint of amusement in the Willow Deity's voice.
The spiritual liquids she had poured out gathered together again and flowed back into the jade bottles and jars, leaving only a little less than before.
And