In the depths of the Silent Forest, before the temple ruins, outside the Lingxing Gate.
Two mice lined up in a row, sitting on a branch extending outward from a Return Soul Poplar, silently surveying the quiet depths of the forest, not uttering a word. Below them, the Wandering Wizard, draped in a gray robe and wearing the pointed hat of an old-school wizard, hugged his arms as if he had fallen asleep.
"Heh heh..."
A snicker, like a cold laugh, emanated from the distant bushes, sounding very conspicuous in the chilled woods. The insect beasts, previously chirping chaotically, suddenly shut their mouths upon hearing the laugh, as if mice had just spotted a cat.
"Who? Who is there?"