Sensing Cattaleya's intenitons, Daoist Chu leaned back casually and tapped his cup. "Indeed. You helped him awaken his Dao Skill. It is only proper we show gratitude."
Dongxu Ning's eyes widened slightly at that. She seemed flustered but pleased.
Elyon shrugged. "Makes no difference to me."
Lin Mu inclined his head. "It is fine. You are welcome to join."
The invitation was warm and harmless.
But the man beside Dongxu Ning was not looking at Meng Bai.
He was studying Lin Mu.
His gaze was sharp, testing, cautious. He could sense the strength in Cattaleya, the calm sharpness of Daoist Chu, the neutrality of Elyon, and the faint pressure of the two tiny beasts in Lin Mu's sleeves.
Little Shrubby looked like a cuddly kitty sipping milk and was safely ignored.
Yet Lin Mu himself… could not be measured.
That alone sent a ripple of unease through him.
Only after Ning tugged lightly at his sleeve did he blink and focus again.
"Father," she said quietly. "Can we join?"
