Liu Erlong nodded gently.
"I'll listen to you."
Dugu Yan led Ning Xian over to the young crabapple tree.
She crouched down and drew over a wisp of lake water.
The clear water flowed into the soil.
The sapling's tender leaves gently unfurled.
Liu Erlong crouched beside her as well.
"Did you plant this?"
"I planted it with Senior last night."
Dugu Yan touched the tender leaves.
"Someday it'll grow as tall as the one in the East Courtyard."
"That will take a long time."
"It grows quickly here."
Liu Erlong looked at the sapling.
"I can help it with my Soul Power."
"Your flames will burn it."
"The Blazing Fire Dragon can do more than breathe fire."
Liu Erlong pressed her palm against the soil.
Warm Soul Power slowly spread out.
The damp soil gradually warmed.
After absorbing the heat, the crabapple sapling's roots stretched a little farther outward.
Its new buds opened as well.
Dugu Yan immediately leaned closer.
"It really grew."
"Giving it a little nourishing Soul Power every day can help its roots and stem grow faster."
"Then I'll leave that to you from now on."
"All right."
The two crouched before the crabapple sapling and watched it for a long while.
Ning Xian stood behind them.
Dugu Yan turned her head.
"Senior, let Liu Erlong cook tonight."
"All right."
Liu Erlong stood up as well.
"What would you like to eat, Master?"
"Anything."
"Then I'll make fish."
Dugu Yan took her hand.
"Teach me to stir-fry another dish, too."
"You still want to learn today?"
"Yes."
The two walked toward the Xuanhuang light gate together.
A long red dress and an emerald-green skirt brushed over the blades of grass.
When Dugu Yan reached the light gate, she turned to look at Ning Xian again.
"Hurry