37 New Disciples

"So these flowers are effective at repelling insects?" Chen Lihua peered closer at the three different types of flowers Ji Yun pointed out, "Those are the prettiest."

The Plant Pavilion attendant smiled as he directed his gaze at the flowers Chen Lihua gestured towards, "You have a good eye, young lady. These beautiful nevercolds not only repel insects, but they also radiate a gentle aura of warmth."

Ji Yun grinned, "That's perfect! The warmth will be able to soothe your cowardly heart."

"I'm not a coward. Please stop speaking nonsense, Yun Yun," Chen Lihua calmly refuted, "For your information, I'm not a tad bit nervous about entering the forest for the first time."

The store attendant widened his eyes in shock.

Ji Yun puffed up her chest, "Ordinary insects can't do anything to spirit masters. For you to still be so scared, what does that make you if not a coward?"

'Why are feeling proud of yourself? Even if I'm really a coward, that doesn't make you any more courageous,' Chen Lihua covered her mouth with a folding plan as she giggled.

"Why are you laughing?" Ji Yun pouted, "If you're going to make fun of me, then please don't make it so obvious."

"It's nothing," Chen Lihua lowered her fan, revealing a dignified smile, "My fear of insects is only a minor fear due to their grotesque appearance. You won't ever see me running away from insects in fear."

The store attendant that the two girls had ignored as they bantered finally gave voice to his curiosity, "Are you young ladies planning on entering the Obsidian Forest?"

Despite her friendly smile, Chen Lihua's words told a different story, "And how might this matter concern you?"

The attendant laughed in embarrassment, "My apologies. Usually, I would not inquire into the business of any customers. I just felt a bit concerned when overhearing your conversation."

His face turned serious as he continued, "Just in case you children have not heard, that forest has become more dangerous than ever. The Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Forest has been more active these past few months. Those who displease her within her forest will inevitably die. Lately, most people who use to enter the Obsidian Forest fearlessly in the past no longer dare to enter."

Ji Yun thought to herself, 'I guess it won't hurt to find out how people have been viewing granny lately.'

"Does one really need to be afraid if they plan on behaving appropriately within the Obsidian Forest? I have heard that the Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Spirit has a strong sense of justice."

The attendant clarified, "Originally, it seemed as though that was the case due to the positive words of the Sacred Flame Sect. However, with visitors of the Obsidian Forest disappearing without a trace, all we can do is speculate. For all we know, those people may have been killed despite acting righteously. Although most believe it is the doing of the guardian spirit, some speculate that there is actually no guardian spirit and this is all some kind of ploy arranged by the Sacred Flame Sect."

"Are there no witnesses other than those of the Sacred Flame Sect that could vouch for the guardian spirit's existence?"

"The Sacred Flame Sect claims that the guardian spirit's eyes, ears, and voice can reach every corner of the Obsidian Forest. However, no one else had confirmed this."

"Mm, I see. Thank you for the warning," Ji Yun took out a silver card and paid for the flowers.

The golden card of the Golden Leaf Pavilion would be quite eye-catching if used by children, so Ji Yun and Lin Tao had bought themselves normal spirit cards to store their money.

"Take care, young ladies."

Ji Yun and Chen Lihua nodded their heads before making their way out the Plant Pavilion.

"Tao and Rong should be tired of waiting by now."

Although it seemed as though Ji Yun was implying they should hurry, Chen Lihua caught what Ji Yun was really hinting at.

The corners of Chen Lihua's mouth rose, "Thank you very much for accompanying me to buy these flowers, Yun Yun. I'm really lucky to have a big sis like you."

Ji Yun puffed out her chest in pride, "No need for thanks. It's only natural that I look out for my little sister. Don't worry about it."

Chen Lihua giggled, 'I almost forgot you were older than me. Why are you trying to act like a proper elder sister now?'

The two girls rushed towards the Obsidian Forest. The moment they entered the forest, a greeting sounded within their minds, "Welcome, young ones. I presume you're Chen Lihua. I am the Guardi--"

"That's granny," Ji Yun explained to Chen Lihua before voicing her own greetings, "This disciple greets master."

"I had thought you forgot I'm your master. It seems I was actually mistaken."

Ji Yun sheepishly laughed, "Sorry for interrupting you earlier, granny."

'You do not sound apologetic at all. It seems you have been influenced too much by that Tao brat and old fox,' Bai Lian shifted her gaze from Ji Yun to Chen Lihua, 'She seems quite surprised to hear my voice despite being warned ahead of time. How cute.'

Chen Lihua was stunned by how the voice sounded, 'Yun Yun and Tao had been calling her granny, so I was expecting…'

Finally, she recovered from her shock and introduced herself, "I am indeed Chen Lihua. It is a pleasure to meet you, great guardian spirit."

A bell-like giggle chimed within the two girls' minds, "There's no need to be so formal. You'll be my disciple from now on, so just call me--"

'Master' was what Bai Lian had intended on saying. However, Ji Yun interrupted her once more, "Just call her granny. If Tao and I can call her granny, then naturally you, our little sister, can also call her granny."

'I never gave anyone permission to call me granny.'

"I see… This disciple greets granny."

Bai Lian stared discontentedly at the two girls, but did not voice any objections, "Little Tao and Little Rong have already begun studying by the Floral Lake. Once you two arrive, I will begin personally instructing my cute, new disciples. Little Yun, you and Tao can practice independently. I would prefer it if you were out of sight from my two new disciples so they won't be affected by any bad influences."

Chen Lihua giggled, 'The guardian spirit seems friendlier than I had imagined.'

Ji Yun pouted, "Tao and I live with them back at the orphanage. Isn't it a bit late to talk about bad influences?"

Bai Lian sighed, "Fine, I won't chase you two off."