3428 Alive Again?

The group exchanged glances, and Liang Qingqing couldn't help but whisper, "Qiao Qiao, your Senior Sister seems, seems like, like..." She couldn't finish her sentence, but everyone knew what she was trying to say. It seemed like it truly was useless. Yes, the Soul Gathering Bell had no effect on Xu Shanshan. Although Xu Shanshan lay on the sandy ground, she still showed no response. Logically, if the Soul Gathering Bell were effective, no matter how weak she was, she should have slowly opened her eyes, right?

"Perhaps... it's because Senior Sister has been gone for too long. The Soul Gathering Bell might not be able to gather her soul completely just yet. Don't worry, Qiao Qiao, we'll take it slow." Mo Lian felt his words of comfort sounded a bit strained.

Qiao Mu moved closer, inch by inch, to Xu Shanshan's fair, jade-like face. She bit her lip slightly, the disappointment and grievance in her heart almost welling up like an ocean. Was it truly impossible? Had all her efforts to save Senior Sister ultimately failed?

Seeing the little girl's low spirits, everyone couldn't help but gather around, wanting to say a few words to comfort her.

A Miraculous Awakening

However, at that very moment, Xu Shanshan seemed to take a deep breath, inhaling forcefully, then exhaling, and suddenly opened her eyes, letting out a choking cough. Qi Xuanxuan, Liang Qingqing, and the others all widened their eyes. Mo Lian and Feng Chen were also slightly startled.

The Soul Gathering Bell... it really did have a soul-gathering effect?

Xu Shanshan gasped for air, a long-absent, muffled cough echoing from her throat. Qiao Mu felt her outstretched hand trembling slightly. She cupped Xu Shanshan's thin face, her bright, sparkling eyes, as if holding the most beautiful stardust in the world, gazing intently at her.

Xu Shanshan's eyes finally focused, falling upon Qiao Mu. From initial confusion to surprise, then to delight, she stared blankly at Qiao Mu for a long moment. It was as if her mind couldn't quite process things; she looked bewildered, seemingly trying to recall something, yet unable to remember anything, just staring foolishly at Qiao Mu.

"Cough, cough cough." She instinctively gripped Qiao Mu's small hand tightly, momentarily disoriented, with a feeling of not knowing what day it was. The little Junior Sister in front of her had more refined features now, looking several years older than her twelve-year-old self.

A Resentful Reunion

"Big liar!" Qiao Mu bit her lip slightly, then suddenly uttered three words. Her eyes glowed with a faint red light, unblinkingly fixed on Xu Shanshan. It was as if she wanted to freeze time at this very moment...

Xu Shanshan's confused gaze gradually cleared. She tried to speak but was choked by the air caught in her throat. She coughed hard, struggling as Qiao Mu reached out to help her sit up.

"Li-little Junior Sister." When Xu Shanshan spoke, even she was startled by her own voice. It was as if countless wheels had rolled over it, so hoarse and deep that it alarmed her slightly.

"Little Junior Sister, what, what happened to me?" Xu Shanshan's face showed utter confusion.

"Big liar," Qiao Mu said, looking at her with a wronged expression. She had wanted to punch her hard, but then thought better of it. Senior Sister had just woken up; her body must be very weak.

"You're all liars," Qiao Qiao stated. "In Qinghe Town, you said you'd always stay with me and not leave me alone again."