Zhong Lizi was a very clever young girl. Now that she knew the story of Great Dao Toward Heaven was true, she naturally soon figured out many things: why her teacher thought Jing Jiu was the new god, why so many important figures had appeared at the Priestess's Manor these past few days, why Capital City had been placed under martial law that day, and why so much had happened.
-the Sacrificial Hall had been contending with those Ascension Ones for Jing Jiu, and now he had made his choice.
He and those Ascension Ones came from the same place. In more everyday terms, they were fellow townspeople.
Jing Jiu had told her about being a stranger in a foreign land, and about anchor points.
She understood his decision, but she was still a little worried. "Don't trust those people," she said.
"I won't trust anyone," Jing Jiu said.
Zhong Lizi was not disappointed by those words. Looking at him, she asked a little nervously, "Can I go with you?"
"No. Keep the Paper Crane I gave you safe. If you encounter danger, tear it up or burn it."
With that, Jing Jiu walked onto the terrace.
Knowing she could not change his decision, Zhong Lizi pursed her lips, feeling a little wronged.
A moment later, she carried a cup of tea over to him and handed it to him.
Jing Jiu took the cup, had a sip, and looked toward the tree in the courtyard.
Zhong Lizi followed his gaze and saw Jiang Yuxia and Flower Creek sitting beneath the tree.
Jiang Yuxia seemed somewhat dispirited and was saying something softly.
Flower Creek's large eyes were wide open, her gaze innocent. She probably had not understood.
Outside the courtyard, the lawns spread like carpets, and green trees formed groves.