章 29: Solidifying Relations

'It really does feel as though I can just be myself around them. This feeling… it's like they really are my family.' The anger within Bai Lian had already subsided. She stared calmly at the children, 'Why are they smiling?'

Before Bai Lian could probe the two children, a certain automatic signal caught her attention.

"It appears as though those Sacred Flame Sect disciples were useless. I didn't tell them to just spread my name around; I told them to make sure no more fools dare to act arrogantly in my forest."

The sudden news caught the two children off guard. Ji Yun pouted, "Tell us more, master!"

"It appears as though some hooligans are trying to start a fire in my forest."

"Any idea who they are?"

"I'm not really sure. However, I'm certain of two things. Firstly, it shouldn't be difficult to deal with those small fires. To purposefully act out against the Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Forest, they are definitely foolish. Secondly, they're not part of the Sacred Flame Sect."

Lin Tao's eyes flashed as he recalled something, "How do you know they're not part of the Sacred Flame Sect? Also, last week, you knew those Sacred Flame Sect disciples we encountered were only outer disciples."

A bell-like giggle rang inside the two children's minds, "Were you not paying attention last week, Little Tao? The God of Fire was like a little brother to me in the past. There's no way I wouldn't recognize those who have received his blessings. Although it is true I'm currently weaker than I was in the past, I can at least tell to what degree the God of Fire has blessed them."

The two children took in the confident words of the guardian spirit as they stared at the air dryly, 'She hasn't really changed that much after all…'

Bai Lian studied the children's expressions. She pondered for a bit before adding, "You two should have noticed already that I have a special affinity with fire."

Bai Lian sighed to herself, 'I cannot tell them the full truth without revealing my real identity.'

Lin Tao and Ji Yun reluctantly accepted the guardian spirit's answer.

"Do you want us to help deal with those hoodlums?" Ji Yun offered.

"No need. Someone else is already dealing with them."

The two children raised a brow, "Who?"

"Since last week, the Sacred Flame Sect has sent some people to my forest. They weren't bothering me in any way, so I ignored them until now. Now, it's quite clear what their motive is."

Realization flashed in the eyes of the two children.

Lin Tao voiced out loud, "They wish to solidify their relationship with their so-called ally, the Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Forest."

Bai Lian added on in high spirits, "Which is quite convenient for me."

Ji Yun sheepishly laughed, "And here I was, worrying that the Sacred Flame Sect would try to burn down your forest, master."

"Being allies is much more convenient. There's no way they would be willing to pass off this phenomenal opportunity to befriend someone as amazing as me."

The two children chuckled.

Discontent filled Bai Lian's gaze, 'That wasn't a joke…'

Bai Lian continued calmly, "Also, those Sacred Flame Sect disciples were searching for two herbs, which are key ingredients for the fire mending pill. For them to need a rank 4 pill, the frostbite must be quite bad for whoever this injured person is. To go against the Sacred Flame Sect, the attacker must have strong support."

Lin Tao's eyes widened as he interjected, "Could it be the Frozen Glory Sect?"

"Mm. That was what I was thinking."

"The relationship between the Sacred Flame Sect and Heavenly Lightning Sect had been declining lately. On the other hand, the Frozen Glory Sect and Water Goddess Sect have been getting along as well as they have always been. If that conjecture is true, then the Sacred Flame Sect really is in need of support at the moment."

'It feels odd to see Ji Yun speaking so seriously for this long,' Bai Lian thought to herself.

A gentle voice eased its way into the two children's minds, "If they are in need of support, then the revelation of this legendary guardian spirit must have been a godsend to them."

Lin Tao sighed to himself, 'Don't make your voice sound so gentle when it's clear as day that you have ulterior motives.' He didn't bother to think about the guardian spirit's shameless, self-appreciative words. After all the time he had spent with the guardian spirit, it seemed natural for her to speak that way.

Lin Tao suddenly recalled the situation, "Oh yeah! How are those Sacred Flame Sect people faring against those hoodlums."

"They had no issues dealing with them. Although those Sacred Flame Sect people allowed some leaves and grass to get singed, I'm magnanimous, so I'll forgive them for their poor performance."

Lin Tao silently shook his head, 'No magnanimous person calls themselves magnanimous.'

"Have the Sacred Flame Sect made any attempts of getting into contact with you yet?"

"Nope. Perhaps they want me to approach them first."

"Will you?"

"Mm. Naturally, I will. I am an ally of the Sacred Flame Sect after all." A bell-like giggle rang within the minds of the two children.

Ji Yun narrowed her eyes, "Be careful, granny. Those eight great sects that worship the eight qi founding gods or goddesses are not simple at all."

"I don't need my little disciples worrying over me. It goes without saying that I plan on proceeding with caution."

Ji Yun pouted, "Don't underestimate us. We aren't that weak."

Bai Lian recalled Lin Tao's ice wall attack, "I know. The two of you are not ordinary children at all. You two are fated for greatness. This is something I've known since we have first met."

Ji Yun's satisfaction was evident as the corners of her mouth raised, "Granny, when do you plan on approaching those Sacred Flame Sect people?"

"There's no need for me to hurry. Although, this may be the opposite for the Sacred Flame Sect. I would like to assess the direness of their situation by observing their actions a little more before approaching them."

Bai Lian added in her head, 'Also, it's best for them to not know there's a small range for how far my voice can reach. I should wait until I absorb some sea kelp.'

The two children nodded in understanding.

From there, the medicine lesson proceeded as usual. Only when the children prepared to set off did Bai Lian recall a matter she had been meaning to inquire about, "When will I be seeing my other three little disciples?"

"They aren't allowed to enter the Obsidian Forest until they're strong enough to fend for themselves in this forest."

Ji Yun puffed out her chest as she added on, "Their talent may be good, but they still can't compare to the two of us. It will be a while before you can start teaching them."

Bai Lian's gaze became warmer as she studied the beaming little girl, "Then it seems I must be patient."