It has to be said—children are still pretty easy to fool.
The old uncle's speech so far had only sparked this child's inner interest.
Although Shenhe's situation meant she inevitably had to enter the path of immortality because of the Lone Star of Heavenly Evil,
the old uncle still chose to weave a fairy-tale-like dream to let Shenhe step onto that path.
Compared to "I have no choice but to," "I want to" is much better, isn't it?
"Saving the world is difficult, Shenhe. Passion is necessary, but calming down to learn is the main melody. In the future, the world will undergo earth-shaking changes. When that time comes, don't forget to stay close to your Master…"
The old uncle had Shenhe turn her back to him, planning to perform the hair-combing technique he had been taught by little Eula back then.
"Old uncle, the way you speak is kind of like my mommy."
Shenhe's words made the old uncle pause for a moment.
"Hey, that means both your mommy and this old uncle really like you."
As the jade comb passed through the first time, a layer of silver frost formed from top to bottom over little Shenhe's full head of black hair.
"Mhm, mhm. Shenhe also really likes old uncle and Mommy."
The second pass left half black silk and half white strands.
"That's pretty good, then."
After the third pass, her head was covered in pure white snow.
The old uncle looked at little Shenhe.
He noticed that little Shenhe's eyes were still as bright as before.
"Come on, little Shenhe, say something?"
"Old uncle, what's wrong?"
Little Shenhe looked curiously at the old uncle. That head of white hair didn't feel cold at all under the warm yellow light.
"Your hair color changed. Do you feel any difference in yourself?"
Little Shenhe closed her eyes and tried hard to sense it, then finally shook her head. "No, except for feeling my head is a little cool. I don't feel any other changes."
Heh, I knew it. The Adeptus arts knowledge from the Vision showed that this comb is just a scientific Adeptus item that changes hair follicles.
It has zero effect on altering a person's inner emotions. It's purely ceremonial with psychological suggestion.
Moreover, little Shenhe's murderous intent from the Lone Star of Heavenly Evil hasn't even been triggered yet.
Cid, the old uncle, could only reach out and place his hand on little Shenhe's shoulder. "Then it looks like everything's fine. This old uncle's task is complete. Next, you should go find your Master."
"But Master said to stay here and keep old uncle company for the whole night."
"Hey, that's what she said, but whether I agree is another matter entirely. Let me tell you—your Master is actually a lonely old crane.
She really loves raising children, but because of her status as an adeptus, she has to stay far from the mortal world. So she can only take in children who share a destined connection with her as disciples to raise.
But since she usually lives in the mountains, where would she find children to raise? Plus, she normally has to prevent mortals from coming to disturb her…"
"Ahem, mortal. Don't think that just because the Lord of Geo has your back, you can spread rumors about this Adeptus."
The old uncle turned his head and saw the large blue bird.
"Greetings to Cloud Retainer." Having not mixed around at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for nothing, the old uncle's etiquette when paying respects to adepti was impeccable.
"Dispense with it. You, fellow—in your eyes there are no adepti at all. Spare me this superficial courtesy."
Cloud Retainer appeared very displeased.
Family, who understands? She had finally taken in a cute female disciple. If she wasn't worried about safety and reluctant to leave, this guy would have exposed all her background.
"Alright." Cid, the old uncle, actually quite liked an elder like Cloud Retainer.
"Cloud Retainer, why don't you take little Shenhe away first? This place is surrounded by deathly qi—it's not good for a child's growth and development."
"This Adeptus refuses. By the Lord of Geo's decree, this child must participate in expelling the border deathly qi tonight."
Cloud Retainer looked at the brilliantly shining Staff of Homa.
"Originally, this Adeptus was curious about the Lord of Geo's deeper intentions. Now it seems… quite fitting indeed."
Though she disliked someone exposing her personal history, Cloud Retainer's favorability was guaranteed toward those who protected children.