"You may leave. We are not enemies. In fact, you could say I'm an ally of the Sacred Flame Sect."
Relief washed over the four. However, they all raised a brow in doubt, 'Would an ally of the Sacred Flame Sect burn one of its disciples to death?!?!'
The red-robed lady voiced their doubts, "Are you really an ally of our sect?"
"Although we used to always nitpick at each other, that so-called God of Fire was like a little brother to me. It truly was a shame he did not get along with my sworn sister. He would always get jealous that she hogged all of my attention, " the guardian spirit's voice was full of nostalgia. For the first time, the four Sacred Flame Sect disciple heard traces of warmth in the gentle voice.
The four sibling disciples knitted their brows as they thought to themselves, 'I cannot detect any traces of lying. However, if what this spirit is saying is the truth…'
Their eyes widened in shock as they realized the legendary identity of the spirit speaking with them.
Lin Tao and Ji Yun also could not detect traces of lying. However, they have already spent so much time with the guardian spirit.
Lin Tao forcefully restrained himself from shaking his head, 'That shameless granny… Why are you making it sound as though the gods were fighting over your attention?'
Ji Yun beamed, 'That's just like her.'
The black-robed man inquired, "What about Donghai?"
"Donghai? Oh, that trash I killed earlier. Disregarding the fact he dared to act so arrogantly in my holy forest, as an ally of the Sacred Flame Sect, naturally, I would help clean out the trash that's polluting the sect." All traces of warmth vanished as the guardian spirit stopped reminiscing of her legendary past. The warmth was replaced by a chilling coldness that deterred any efforts of requesting to take Donghai's unidentifiable corpse back with them.
Those present couldn't help but question to themselves, 'How could a voice sound so gentle, but be so cold at the same time?'
The black-robed man's mouth twitched. He forced a polite smile, "I understand. My brother disciple was truly courting death to act so arrogantly before you, guardian spirit. I assure you, neither I nor the Sacred Flame Sect wishes for animosity with you."
After hearing a quiet "Mm," the white-robed man cautiously inquired, "Does the honorable guardian spirit wish for us to limit the number of people who know of you?"
"How considerate of you to ask. No need to hide anything. Make sure no more fools try to commit such sinister acts within my holy forest."
"Understood. We won't bother you anymore, honorable spirit."
The four sibling disciples let out a sigh of relief as they prepared to set off.
"Wait, " the gentle voice suddenly stopped them.
The relief that had washed over the four seemed to have turned into a cold sweat as fear arose within their hearts.
Bai Lian continued, "Qing lady, what is your full name?"
Worry was written all over her face as she answered, "Murong Qing."
"Hmm… That sounds kind of familiar…" The gentle voice sounded very light-hearted as though she was not very interested in the matter, "Ah! Are you perhaps close to the crown prince of the Evergreen Kingdom?"
"No, I have never spoken with the crown prince before. I believe the person you are thinking about is Bu Shu Qing. They were said to be deeply in love three years ago."
Bai Lian probed, "Three years ago?"
The four sibling disciples gave each other an odd look but did not voice any questions towards the guardian spirit's interest.
Murong Qing replied, "I do not know the details. All I know is that the two of them got into an argument three years ago and split off. Now that I think about it, I haven't heard any news about Bu Shu Qing since she broke off all relations with the crown prince."
Countless questions formed within Bai Lian. However, she forced those questions to the back of her mind, 'I'll have to investigate this in the future.'
"I see. Well, you four may leave now."
The four sibling disciples silently raised a brow, 'Her voice has been calm this entire time. However, is she truly uninterested in this matter? If she's uninterested, then why did she bring it up? Do old spirits enjoy gossips?'
After the Sacred Flame Sect disciples had left, Lin Tao voiced the question that had been bothering him.
"Hey, granny. Is it really alright for your identity to spread?"
"Since revealing my identity to you children, I had always planned to spread it eventually. I was hoping to have become a bit stronger before my name spreads. However, such a perfect opportunity presented itself before me. It would be a waste for me to let it go."
"What are your plans? You've been planning things this whole time, haven't you? There's no need to hide it from us. We are willing to help you."
"Not knowing is safer than knowing. I don't mind telling you two the truth. However, it's still too soon. I can't protect you two if someone tries to harm you little ones outside this forest."
Lin Tao and Ji Yun's eyes widened in surprise when they heard the guardian spirit was willing to tell them the truth one day.
Ji Yun's face turned serious, "Granny, when that day comes… Tao and I also have things to confess to you!"
Lin Tao sighed, 'She didn't even bother asking for my opinion on this matter.' Rather than voicing any opposition, he nodded his head in agreement.
Bai Lian thought back to the night Shui Renshu visited her, 'This secret of theirs must have been what that old fox was hinting at.'
"I'm also willing to help the two of you when that day comes."
Ji Yun sheepishly laughed, "We never said we needed your help for anything, master."
Before Bai Lian could respond, Lin Tao interjected, "But since you offered your help, we'll accept it!"
A bell-like giggle rang inside their minds, "Well, it's getting late, you young ones should head back."