While Bai Li was eating the delicious food, she listened to the conversation between the two. She suddenly remembered what the Iron Armored Bear had said in the forest earlier, so she asked curiously, "Sister Yaoyao, Sister Shen Mo, what is the relationship between the Human Race and the Beast Race?" She blinked her large eyes, her gaze full of a desire for knowledge.
Bai Li's question caused the atmosphere at the dining table to stiffen slightly. Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo exchanged a look. Shen Mo put down her chopsticks, sighed softly, and spoke slowly, "The relationship between the Human Race and the Beast Race... is very complicated." She paused for a moment, seemingly organizing her words. "Thousands of years ago, the Human Race and the Beast Race once lived together in peace, even helping each other to fight against the Demon Race. But later, as competition for resources grew and misunderstandings arose, a rift gradually formed between the two races, leading to constant friction and eventually erupting into large-scale conflict."
As Shen Mo spoke, a trace of gloom flashed in her eyes. "Some members of the Beast Race harbor deep hatred toward the Human Race, believing that humans are greedy and cruel, having encroached upon their territory and killed their kin." Her tone was low. "The Iron Armored Bear tribe is one of them; their hostility toward the Human Race is particularly strong." Shen Mo picked up her water glass, took a small sip to moisten her somewhat dry throat, and continued, "Of course, not all of the Beast Race hate the Human Race. Some still maintain a neutral stance, and some are even on good terms with the Human Race, helping each other." She looked at Bai Li, her tone gentle. "Just like you, kind-hearted and willing to help others."
After listening to Shen Mo's explanation, Bai Li's initially excited mood gradually dampened. She silently put down the rib in her hand, her fluffy ears drooping as a hint of unease appeared in her eyes. She recalled the Iron Armored Bear's hostile gaze and questioning tone in the forest earlier, and a wave of panic couldn't help but wash over her. It turned out the relationship between the Human Race and the Beast Race wasn't as simple as she had imagined.
Lin Yaoyao noticed the change in Bai Li's mood. She reached out, gently stroking Bai Li's hair, and comforted her softly, "Don't worry, Bai Li, I will protect you." Her tone was firm, her eyes filled with tenderness and strength. "Even if the entire Human Race becomes enemies with the Beast Race, I will still stand by your side."
Bai Li looked up at Lin Yaoyao's gentle smile, and her uneasy heart gradually calmed down. She nodded, her smile returning, and picked up her chopsticks to continue enjoying the meal. Lin Yaoyao's promise was like a reassuring pill, making her feel safe and warm.
The dinner ended in a relaxed atmosphere. The servants cleared the dishes and replaced them with fresh fruit and tea. Bai Li picked up a piece of sweet fruit and began eating happily, while Shen Mo picked up her teacup and savored the fragrance of the tea. Lin Yaoyao looked at the two of them, the corners of her mouth curling up in a gratified smile. "Get some rest early tonight; tomorrow I'll take you somewhere," she said.
"Where?" Bai Li asked curiously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Lin Yaoyao gave a mysterious smile. "You'll find out tomorrow." She left them in suspense as she stood up and left the dining room.
Bai Li and Shen Mo followed suit, each returning to their own rooms. As night fell, the Lin Family Villa was brightly lit, the warm lights dispelling the cold of the night and illuminating the three's future Path of Cultivation.
"Goodnight, Sister Yaoyao." Bai Li waved to Lin Yaoyao before closing her door.
Lin Yaoyao replied with a smile, "Goodnight, Bai Li."
After Shen Mo returned to her room, she sat cross-legged on the bed, closed her eyes, and began to Cultivate. Faint Spiritual Qi surrounded her, slowly merging into her body. For her, cultivation had already become a habit, a way of life. After leaving the Shen Family, she had been cultivating hard on her own; although progress was slow, she had never given up.