By this point, Lin Xiao had already pieced everything together.

Do you really think Ling Xi would leave with us that easily?

Zhang Mu and Liu Hai exchanged confused glances when they heard Lin Xiaos words. Ling Xi had been the one who suggested traveling together in the first place why would she suddenly change her mind?

What are you trying to say, Lin Xiao? Liu Hai asked, incredulous. This was Ling Xis idea. She wouldnt just go back on her word, would she?

But Lin Xiao shook his head. The real decision wasnt Ling Xis to make, it lay with the YaoGuais who had raised her. Just like how, in the human world, a child wouldnt travel far unless their parents agreed, Ling Xi wouldnt leave without the approval of those who had raised her.

Youre missing the point, Lin Xiao said. If you truly wanted to take Ling Xi with us, you shouldve discussed it with those YaoGuais in advance. But now, even if you talk to them, they wont let her go.

Zhang Mu and Liu Hai gradually emerged from their surprise. Lin Xiao had a point. If they were serious about this, they shouldve consulted the YaoGuais earlier. The mountains eerie silence likely meant that those YaoGuais were doing everything they could to stop Ling Xi from leaving.

But Ling Xi had already made up her mind. Shes grown now, surely they should respect her wishes.

It was her decision, Liu Hai said angrily. They should respect what she wants.

But he clearly hadnt grasped Lin Xiaos full meaning.

Zhang Mu, on the other hand, remained unusually quiet. Lin Xiaos reasoning struck a chord. If those YaoGuais truly refused to let her go, then it doesnt matter what Ling Xi wanted, she might never be able to leave.

So what now? Liu Hai muttered. We cant just leave her behind.

At the very least, Zhang Mu said. We need to talk to her. If the YaoGuais really wont let her go, then maybe she should stay. She can still

As soon as Zhang Mu heard that, he nodded decisively and set off in that direction.

cultivate here.

Lin Xiao nodded. Shes likely being kept in a small cave to the south. I think theyve hidden her.

Just as they approached the cave, a group of YaoGuais stepped out to block their path.

Why have you come back? One of them asked. Didnt you finish your business here? You shouldve left already.

Zhang Mu greeted them with a respectful smile.

Were here to see Ling Xi, he said. She told us she wanted to leave with us, and we agreed. We just want to ask her again, in person.

But the moment the YaoGuais heard that, their expressions darkened.

They had already disagreed with Ling Xis decision to leave, and now this man had the gall to return and challenge their wishes? Of course, they were furious.

Leave, one of them snapped. Whatever Ling Xi said before, it was just talk. She wont be leaving this place.

Zhang Mu immediately realized that Lin Xiao had been right all along. But unless they heard it from Ling Xi herself, they werent going anywhere.

I want to hear her say that to me, personally, he said. If she tells me herself that shes not coming, well go.

The YaoGuais stiffened. They hadnt expected Zhang Mu to be so persistent. No wonder even the powerful Black Mist had lost to them. This group was more determined than they looked.

Believe what you want, one of the YaoGuais said. But Im telling the truth. Ling Xi is too young. Her cultivation is weakened, and she cant protect herself let alone protect you. We wont allow her to go.

Zhang Mu and the others listened quietly. They understood where the YaoGuais were coming from. But the final choice wasnt theirs to make.

Have you ever considered letting her grow? Zhang Mu asked. Youve kept her sheltered under your wing all this time. What happens if youre not around someday? She wont know how to face the world on her own.