劍問蒼天 - 第205章 心機 - 清風書屋

Ming Li and the Beast Sovereign both had their eyes drawn to Little Gray for the moment, yet neither spoke, only watched in silence. Watching Little Gray's movements, Ming Li suddenly felt a stir in his heart: once upon a time, many years ago, when he was still that ordinary Zhang Qingyue, on Dazhu Peak, Little Gray had likewise courted favor with the big yellow dog Tian Buhui kept.

Taotie slowly straightened its body, but did not rise at once; it seemed somewhat puzzled. It turned its head to glance at its master, the Beast Sovereign, but the Beast Sovereign looked absent-minded, no displeasure to be read on his face. Then it turned back, and Little Gray's hand had all but reached its head.

From Taotie's nostrils and muzzle came suddenly a low snort, as if in warning. Little Gray started in fright and drew its arm back, then saw that Taotie made no move to attack, only watched it warily with its eyes.

Little Gray gave a chuckle, hopped twice on the ground, then suddenly sprang forward and landed right beside Taotie's body. Taotie was plainly startled and shrank back, but the monkey Little Gray had already gently stroked its head. To it, Taotie's dreadful, ferocious, hideous head seemed instead a most familiar and dear place.

From Taotie's vast, blood-bowl mouth came a low grumble, as if it were voicing a complaint, but after a moment it slowly settled back down onto the ground in its lazy way, pillowing its head on its own arm, looking rather drowsy; and Little Gray leaned against its body, from time to time giving soft little "chi chi chi chi" laughs as it slowly stroked Taotie's head.

Between the two spirit beasts, it seemed there was no barrier left at all.

Ming Li and the Beast Sovereign slowly drew their gazes back from the two of them, and for a time both were silent.

Who knows how long it was before the Beast Sovereign suddenly smiled faintly and said, "In fact, they are happier than I am, aren't they?"

Ming Li said nothing.