Elder He's bedroom was now restored to tranquility. His breathing was still rapid, his back somewhat stooped, yet he faced the shadow of the bamboo grove that had devoured Boze and said in a deep voice, "Whichever friend has come to help, please show yourself!"
All was silent in the woods.
Elder He was not discouraged; after calling out twice more, a person's voice finally came, "I dare not accept such courtesy, Elder. You are too kind."
This voice astonishingly came from behind him. Elder He swiftly turned around, unsurprised at the source of the sound—the voice he was now very familiar with, one he would hear almost every day.
Almost in the span of a breath, he had adjusted his mentality: "Ning Garden Director, it's late, haven't you gone to bed yet?"
