Chapter 158 - Sorceress' Garden

Xinyi woke up and saw herself lying on the bed in a new set of white clothes with a skirt beautifully sewn like flower petals around her waist, but she hardly noticed the new outfit. Her mind was preoccupied with what transpired hours ago.

Her eyes swept the room and felt dismal, recalling falling asleep while embracing the late Sorceress. She shook her head, believing she missed a splendid opportunity to spend time and learn from her predecessor before the apparition vanished. 

Yet, the feeling was only for a time. She breathed deep and rose from bed with eyes dazzling with determination.

I have to move on. I won't let this world die on my watch. I will do my best to bring balance in this world or die trying. This was the vow she made on that day.

Although she had a good sleep, her mind was full to relax. She needed to read the books but couldn't take Ming out of her mind. Her heart itched to see and know his condition right away as his 'death' replayed in her mind. But remembering the blue-haired lady's assuring words reminded her to learn more about her healing powers. That meant she had to read the books and learn the art of healing. 

"You're awake. Let's eat." Alva came in, disrupting the warring emotions in Xinyi's chest. The little girl jumped down from the rooftop with a tray of food. Savory fragrances and enticing smells swept Xinyi out from her musings, but for her food passing through a ceiling was unappetizing to her eyes.

"Alva, can you go through the door? I kind of... not used to seeing food passing through roofs." Xinyi got up to see what Alva prepared this time. Seeing those mouth-watering dumplings, buns and others make her hungry.

"I have a problem with that, Xinyi. This room has no door. Make one." Alva laid the tray on a small table at the side.

"No door? How did your previous mistresses come in and go out?" Xinyi took a bite on a fish steak and couldn't help but close her eyes, feeling the zesty and juicy fillet in her mouth.

"Through the painting..." Alva thought of saying more, but unhurriedly clasped her mouth, pondering if she would tell her now, but decided otherwise. Later, when she is ready.

Xinyi felt silly. Yes, I can get in anywhere and anyway I like, so why the need for doors? And a thought came. "Alva, can I come here anytime I want?"

"Yup. anytime you want." Alva took a bite on a dumpling, juices filled her mouth. "Delicious. I'm an excellent cook. Do you like your new clothes? Your winter clothes are back inside your bag."

Xinyi's lips curved up as she heard those self-praises. "Uhm, I like it. Thank you." She said while trying to hide her embarrassment for not noticing the new dress by giving Alva a dazzling smile.

Alva, who saw the abrupt change of her mistress' mood, feigned ignorance and went on with her bounciness. "I knew it. I've sewn it while you slept and brought it here before you woke up. Blah, blah, blah" And she continued to speak non-stop with hands waving around, speaking about her plans to make more clothes for Xinyi.

Xinyi smiled looking at the bouncy Alva and hated to interrupt her but it was needed. "Hey, how can I go in and out of this place?" Xinyi asked, considering her plans in the future.

"I'll teach you later. Let me tour you around first," Alva said, placing more food on her mistress' plate.

Xinyi nodded. It would be an advantage to know this place a bit before leaving. But she wouldn't linger. She had to set out soon and find Ming.

After eating, they flew up and Alva brought her first to what she called the Sorceress' 'garden.' Dumbstruck, Xinyi stood in mid-air and almost forgot to fly down. But who could blame her? If Xionmao's cave was a treasure trove, this one was definitely a treasure island. The entire island was vast for her to measure, standing in the middle of the sea. It was full of sparkling trees, bushes, and variant types of plants she had not seen in her life. 

Alva giggled to see her shocked face and had to pull her down. But before her feet could touch the ground, the plants sparkled and a lovely fragrance filled the air as the entire island shone in colorful lights. 

"Xinyi, they are welcoming you as the new Sorceress and owner of this domain." Alva said, who standing at her side the whole time.

Xinyi stood there dumbfounded but not on what Alva said, but from the majestic display of showering lights. As the dust of lights touched her, she felt an unspeakable warmth from it, filling her with happiness to the brim. That's it. She couldn't help it anymore and flew around like a child with hands opened wide, welcoming those lights in her arms.

Alva felt her joy too and ran along with her. Both filled the whole place with their bubbling laughters as they jumped around, catching the lights as if they were fireflies flying around.

As she ran, Xinyi brushed her palms on the smooth and dainty flowers she passed by. These blooming flowers sent her back to her carefree childhood years with nothing in her mind but to be happy and content. With this, she momentarily forgot her worries and burdens of the grand task laid on her shoulders.

They were like little children playing in the middle of the garden. The more Xinyi laughed, the more the flowers bloomed and sparkled. Unknown to her, the warmth she felt was the essence from the plants absorbed by her body. This warmness invigorated her, and her sense of hearing got keener. She could hear a sound as far as a kilometer away. 

With this newfound power, she tried using it here in the garden, thinking of hearing the plants talking to her. Instead, she heard something resembling a victorious or battle-cry music from an unknown musical instrument. 

Xinyi flew towards the sound's source. It was on top of the mountain in the middle of the island. As she reached the place, she was struck with awe to see a large crater full of moving red crystals bumping into each other. Music filled the place. 

In every two crystals colliding, a tune rang. Imagine the thousands of rocks bumping into each other at the same time. In Xinyi's ears, it was like an orchestra playing a battle song. The most amazing thing was none was out of tune or out of rhythm. It perfectly played a harmonious music.

As she closely watched the crystals' movements and listened to the music, she couldn't help but imagine Nianshi fighting against Meirga in a fierce battle. While in such reverie, a piercing pain bolted her head. She tightly shut her eyes and firmly clasped her head, as she felt an exploding pain gripping her brain. A minute later, she lost consciousness and her body fell on the sharp crystals below.

---- o ----

At this moment, in a lavish room somewhere in the tunnel, a group of people were discussing Xinyi's whereabouts. These were Nianshi and company. While talking, Nanshi and Meirga in their human form felt a strong and pure fire essence invading their bodies. Both of them hurriedly sat cross-legged and closed their eyes. A red crystal-like light sparked between their brows. 

General Lofey and Tyriece stared wide-eyed at the red shining mark on Nianshi's and Meirga's forehead. However, the dragons' faces were calm as water, so they shut their mouth and waited for the two to explain later.