“Master, my father was implicated in the Literary Inquisition, leading to the extermination of my entire family,” Maggie said, her face twisted with rage, making her once beautiful features appear terrifying.
“Because of the wrongful death, my resentment lingered. I evaded the underworld officials, forsook reincarnation, and wandered in the mortal realm.”
“Later, I accidentally entered an extremely yin place, where I gained some opportunities and managed to cultivate into a ghost spirit.”
Leo finally understood Maggie’s background. Seeing her low spirits and heavy resentment, he changed the subject. “Maggie, I can’t have you by my side all the time. Often, I’ll have to keep you in the Yin Spirit Pearl.”
“The space inside the Yin Spirit Pearl is unique. Your cultivation speed will be much faster in there.”
The resentment on Maggie’s face faded as she replied, “I am more than willing to cultivate inside the Yin Spirit Pearl.”
“In that case, return to the Yin Spirit Pearl,” Leo said, summoning the pearl.
“Yes!” Maggie bowed her head in obedience, her body turning into a wisp of blue smoke and entering the Yin Spirit Pearl.
Leo took a general look around the villa. The interior was quite cozy, with complete furniture and appliances, ready for immediate move-in.
Stepping out of the villa, Leo decided to explore the scenery within the villa area.
As he walked near the foot of the mountain, he heard rustling sounds from a flower bush.
Following the sound, he thought it might be a stray cat or dog, but to his surprise, a little girl emerged from the flowers.
The little girl wore a white princess dress and looked very young, around seven or eight years old.
Her most distinctive feature was her eyes, slightly upturned at the outer corners, giving her a uniquely beautiful appearance.
It was astonishing to see such a young girl with fox-like eyes; she would undoubtedly grow into a stunning beauty.
This little girl was the same one who had appeared by Dragon Well Locks in Submerged Dragon Park that night.
Leo was momentarily stunned. How could such a young girl suddenly appear in this place? Could she be a child of another resident?
Leo stared blankly at the little girl, who also looked at him in fear, standing still.
After a while of mutual staring, just as Leo was about to speak to her, she blinked her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks, and began to sob quietly while covering her eyes.
“Little sister, don’t be afraid. Don’t cry,” Leo said as gently as possible.
The little girl stopped sobbing and looked up at him with her beautiful eyes full of grievance and fear.
Her pitiful appearance tugged at Leo’s heartstrings, prompting him to take two steps forward. The little girl retreated two steps warily, clearly mistaking Leo for a bad person.
“Little sister, I’m not a bad person. Don’t be afraid. Tell me where your home is, and I’ll take you back,” Leo tried to coax her.
The little girl lowered her head, clutching her skirt’s hem with both hands, not saying a word. Her eyes still brimmed with tears but she no longer cried.
Leo wondered if she might be mute but continued to ask, “Little sister, what’s your name? Where are you from? Where are your parents?”
The little girl looked up at him without speaking.
Leo was speechless and gestured with his hands.
The little girl continued to watch him quietly as if he were an idiot.
Honestly, after performing for so long without any reaction from the little girl, Leo felt quite frustrated.
He wanted to ignore her but couldn’t bear to leave her looking so pitiful.
Sighing inwardly at his own kindness, he said, “Little sister, look at this face of mine. It’s too handsome to belong to a bad person, right? Are you hungry? How about I take you to eat something first and then help you find your parents?”
At the mention of food, the little girl’s eyes lit up noticeably and she even swallowed subconsciously.
Her reaction amused Leo. Knowing she must be hungry, he took two more steps closer.
This time, the little girl didn’t retreat. Although her eyes still held some wariness, she wasn’t as afraid of Leo anymore.
She continued to clutch her skirt tightly with both hands, occasionally stealing glances at Leo with her beautiful eyes.
Her adorable demeanor was too cute for words. Leo couldn’t resist reaching out to hold her small hand.
The little girl instinctively pulled back but didn’t withdraw her hand from Leo’s grasp entirely. Her hand felt cold.
“Little sister, come with me first. I’ll get you something delicious to eat and then help you find your mom. Okay?”
The tears in the little girl’s eyes had disappeared. She blinked twice and nodded heavily.