Chapter 302: Ball of Light
Jiaojiao's expression turned solemn as she prepared herself mentally to show her gratitude.
The three kneelings and nine kowtows were when the person would be standing upright and kneeling on the ground three times. Each time they kneeled, they would do three kowtows, which would add up to nine in total.
Such solemn respect was usually only paid to the most noble of all, but Bai Rouyun felt that this area deserved Jiaojiao's ultimate display of gratitude.
Although Bai Rouyun had never experienced Jiaojiao's life, she could understand many things from what the little girl had said, and thus she could guess that this Sleepy Meadow had allowed for her rebirth.
She, as a person who had lived twice, understood how important such an opportunity was, so she was extra solemn when asking the younger girl to display her gratitude.
This was the reason for Bai Rouyun to stand aside and nod her head approvingly as she witnessed Jiaojiao being sincere as she thanked the spirit of the meadow.
Her actions were not at all casual. She was doing this of her own free will, and not because she had been pressured by Bai Rouyun. Although it was the older woman who had suggested this form for display of gratitude, it was truly the way that Jiaojiao was most happy with, as it could show her sincerity.
The first kneeling and three first kowtows had been completed, and by now, the breeze in the meadow began to increase in strength. It was not uncomfortable as the fresh air blew around them, but showed a certain degree of happiness instead.
The second kneeling and the sixth kowtow was also completed according to tradition, and the wind was no longer just a breeze, but was starting to whirl around the group. Even so, it did not interfere with Jiaojiao's actions.
After the final kowtow had been done and Jiaojiao rose to her feet once more, the ground began to tremble. The wind picked up in intensity, and the grass was starting to sway wildly in the air.
Usually, such a great change in the environment would bring out a feeling of fear and unease, but due to the positive and gentleness that the immortal fairy had left behind in this meadow, there was no instinct of worry or discomfort. It was as if a natural feeling of security had enveloped them all and ensured them that nothing would happen.
It was not only the wind that became more fierce, and the ground that began trembling. There was a sudden burst of light not far from where they were standing, and a ball of swirling golden light appeared in front of them.
There were no sounds or voices accompanying this ball of light. However, there was no doubt that this was something left behind by the immortal fairy. The gentleness within was bursting out from the ball of energy in waves that resembled a stormy sea, almost drowning the four in an unexpected gentleness they had never experienced before.
The hand that grabbed Bai Rouyun was tightening the grip in excitement. Jiaojiao was not afraid of the ball of light, but hoped that it could bring an answer about the origin of this location.
However, the ball of light had no intention of answering this question, as it suddenly turned into a streak of light and shot into Bai Rouyun's head, right between her eyebrows.
The ball had been large at first, but by the time it arrived at Bai Rouyun's head, it was only the size of a thumbnail. Even so, it was still enough to blind the young woman, so her eyes closed by reflex to protect her sight.
Just as her eyes closed, the light vanished. If she had been witnessing the scene that happened in front of her, she would have known that the ball of light had entered her body, but due to the closed eyes, she never found out where it went.
The light was so sharp that Jiaojiao and the others also closed their eyes, so no one knew where this light went. Even so, they could all guess that it had been attracted to Bai Rouyun, due to the way it had shot towards her previously.
"Mother, are you okay?" Jiaojiao's excitement from before was completely gone, and instead it was replaced by a deep worry.
She had always liked this Sleepy Meadow and she admired the legend of the Immortal Fairy, but she was suddenly extremely worried about Bai Rouyun's wellbeing.
Although the legend had brought her peace during her time alone, she could not bear to lose the warmth she had just found, and it would be even worseeven worse would it be if the disaster was due to her own negligence.
"Don't worry; I am fine." Bai Rouyun had opened her eyes the moment the light vanished, but she could not feel any difference in her body. All she realized was that Jiaojiao was very worried.
"I am not sure what happened, but one of your siblings is very brainy and knows a lot about these weird things, so why don't we try and ask him?"
Bai Rouyun felt that something important had happened, but she did not really understand what it was, so she planned on asking Xiao Bao whether or not he knew anything.
Jiaojiao's eyes widened in surprise. She had heard Bai Rouyun mention the rest of her family for some time, but so far, she had only met her two siblings, Xiao Mao and Xiao Hua. Although they looked rather weird when considering family members, she had fully accepted them as her siblings, so she was naturally eager to see the others.
Her mother had called this new sibling smart and knowledgeable about weird things. Could it be that he was, perhaps, even more weird looking than the others? Could he, maybe, be a little stuffed dumpling roaming around with legs?