Li Hua nodded, walking towards the crystal-clear river that flowed beside the jade pavilion, Little Firefly's warm glow trailing close behind her. She settled onto the bank, crossing her legs beneath her small frame. The ethereal light of her spiritual space cast dancing reflections across the flowing water, creating patterns that seemed to hold secrets in their depths.
"Little Firefly," she began, her young voice soft but steady, "when our connection was cut off... I experienced something strange. What felt like days to me passed in less than a breath for you."
The spirit's light dimmed with concern, hovering closer to her shoulder. "What happened, Master?"
"I met someone—or something. An ancient being called Bai Feng." Li Hua's fingers absently traced patterns in the air as she spoke. "Its presence... it was unlike anything I've encountered before. Like standing before an ancient mountain that had somehow gained consciousness."