"Is it true that all the phoenix beasts are dead, Phoenix uncle?" Jun Li asked, her voice bright with curiosity as she spun lightly through the soft glow of Ningyan's music.
Ningyan sat at the center of the sparring ground, legs folded beneath him, flute resting against his lips. The melody wove through the open space, gentle and warm. Beside him, Jun Sheng mimicked his posture with serious concentration, though his eyes occasionally peeked open.
The question made the music falter.
Ningyan lowered the flute slowly, his gaze lifting to Jun Li, who was already staring at him expectantly.
"…No," he said. "Not entirely."
Jun Li's shoulders relaxed at once, relief flashing across her face.
"That's good." She nodded quickly. "Teacher gave us a scroll that said they were all gone. I didn't understand how that could happen…"
Her expression dimmed, lips pressing together as she stepped closer. Then, hesitantly, she reached up and patted his head.
