Chapter 299: Gratitude and Blessing
"Jiaojiao, dear, do you know anything about this area?" As the group began to move forward, Bai Rouyun asked the young girl that held her hand.
Although the little dragon girl had accepted the offer of joining them, and felt assured of Bai Rouyun's personality, she still was worried and fearful of losing this tenderness she had longed for for so long.
The grip was stronger than what an ordinary child would use, but Bai Rouyun did not mind the more forceful hold as she gently squeezed the little girl's hand and tried to divert her attention.
As expected, Jiaojiao's eyes lit up when she realized that she might be able to help her newfound mother with the knowledge she had gained, so she happily began to explain.
"I have lived here for a long time, so I am more familiar with the surroundings than anyone else!"
As Jiaojiao began to brag, Bai Rouyun's smile turned tender. It seemed that although she had suffered hardships, she was still able to behave like an innocent child eager to be praised.
"Jiaojiao is so awesome!"
Bai Rouyun was not a person who was stingy, and she wanted to spoil anyone dear to her, so she happily hugged the little dragon girl and praised her sincerely.
Such genuine praise was unexpected, and Jiaojiao's eyes flushed in happiness as her cheeks flushed red.
"This place is known as the Sleeping Meadow. It is one of the most peaceful places on the entire Wushi Continent, but it is near-impossible to find.
"Legends has it that although the Wushi Continent is a realm above many others, it is merely average when compared to the vast universe. The Wushi Continent is actually not a continent but an independant realm.
"The Universe is known as the Hongdai Universe, or the Red Ribbon Universe. This is a place with more than three thousand realms, and although the Wushi Continent is better than some, it is still very far from the true immortal realms.
"This Sleeping Meadow was an ordinary meadow once. It was full of bustling wildlife and an ideal place for cultivators to hunt for treasures.
"However, one day, many thousand of years ago, an immortal fairy from one of the truly powerful realms, fell to this meadow. She was injured and dying, but although her physical body was on the verge of destruction, her soul was at peace.
"She laid down in the meadow and claimed that she would rest here until the day her soul would reawaken, and she would have another chance at life."
Jiaojiao's eyes were sparkling as she spoke of this legendary immortal fairy. Although she never knew for certain if such a person ever existed, she was full of emotions when thinking about her ability to stay calm, even when knowing that her death was approaching.
"Although this is merely a myth, it does not change the fact that this area is different from the rest of the Wushi Continent. Everyone who comes here has to stay at peace. It is not allowed to interrupt the fairy's rest, and even fierce beasts will try to avoid this area.
"Many cultivators have been here to search for treasures, but have not been able to find anything special. The soil is the same as any other place around here, and there are not even that many herbs either.
"The area is peaceful and the tranquility helps one feel at ease, but due to the sheer efforts needed to come here, no one really wants to spend the effort."
Bai Rouyun smiled gently as she hugged the little dragon girl in her arms. "That is a very beautiful myth. If such a beautiful immortal fairy existed, then I hope that she can wake up again one day, but at least the place she has picked as her resting place is very serene and comfortable. I am sure that her dreams are pleasant."
Jiaojiao happily nodded her head as she looked at the seemingly unending grassy fields in front of her. This place held a special meaning in her heart. When she was helpless and in despair, it was this place that had given her a peaceful rest.
Even if she left from time to time to hunt for food, she would always return here to nurse her wounds and regain her strength. To her, this grassy meadow was much more of a home than the place she had been born.
"Do you know if there is anything special in this meadow?" Bai Rouyun could see that Jiaojiao valued the place, so she wanted to help her.
"It does not need to hold any useful value, if it is a place where you feel more at ease, then let us go there. We should offer our gratitude for the Sleeping Meadow's protection of you during the time you have lived here."
Bai Rouyun smiled as she looked over the strands of grass that were swaying in the breeze.
"Although this place is not your ancestral hall, it is still a place full of spirit. It is also the place where you managed to gain a new life. No matter what, this Sleeping Meadow is an important location, and there ought to be some sort of spirits here that have maintained the peace, so they deserve our gratitude and blessing."
Jiaojiao looked at Bai Rouyun and her little face began to flush as her eyes welled up with unshed tears.
She already felt that Bai Rouyun was the best person in the world, but she had never expected that she would show her gratitude to such a place simply because it kept her safe.
It was, indeed, as Bai Rouyun had said. This place was merely a simple location to many others, but for her, this location without feelings or sense, was much more important to her than her biological parents.