Suddenly, Xi Xi seemed to remember something and looked eagerly at the Honeybee Librarian, asking, “Grandpa Librarian, you just mentioned the ‘mysterious Owl Temple.’ What does that mean? You don’t actually know where the Owl Temple is, do you?”
What?! Xiao Zhuzi and Fei Bao widened their eyes in surprise and turned to stare at the Honeybee Librarian.
The Old Curator felt uneasy under their intense gaze and quickly cleared his throat. “Ahem… well, I must admit I haven’t been to the Owl Temple, but I do know its general location.”
Fei Bao could no longer tolerate the Old Curator’s slow way of speaking. He impatiently raised his voice, “Grandpa Librarian, can you please stop taking so long to say things? It’s torture! In just this short time, you’ve almost made us anxious to death! Can you just tell us how to get to the Owl Temple?”
Xiao Zhuzi quickly reached out and grabbed Fei Bao, twisting his side sharply. This hot-headed guy was so rude! Ignoring Fei Bao’s cries of pain behind her and how Xi Xi hurriedly covered his mouth, Xiao Zhuzi smiled apologetically at the Old Curator. “I’m sorry, Grandpa Librarian. This guy just doesn’t know how to be calm. Please don’t mind him! Can you tell me in detail how we can find the Owl Temple?”
The Old Curator chuckled and waved his hand, signaling Xi Xi to let go of Fei Bao. He continued, “According to ancient texts, the Owl Temple is located south of Baihua Island, further south past Gloomy Marsh. The temple is key to accessing the underground entrance to Lonely Cloud Peak, but the texts do not provide a precise location for the temple or reveal how to enter it. You may need to search for it and figure it out yourselves. One more thing I must remind you: when you pass through Gloomy Marsh, be very careful to avoid it. That swamp is extremely dangerous; if you accidentally fall in, the consequences could be dire!”
“Got it! Thank you, Grandpa Librarian!” Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi replied in unison.
After bidding farewell to the Honeybee Elder Director, Xiao Zhuzi, Xi Xi, and Fei Bao quickly discussed their next steps. Based on the information they had gathered so far, they decided to split up briefly before setting off to gather some necessary supplies. Xi Xi would be responsible for finding food since that was her specialty. Fei Bao would gather emergency herbs; having grown up beside the Dragonfly Elder, he was very familiar with various herbs' properties. Xiao Zhuzi would weave some sturdy Grass Rope from resilient grass for any unforeseen needs. After their recent adventures, they realized how useful Grass Rope could be.
By noon, all three friends had completed their tasks and gathered at the entrance of Beehive Library. After resting for a bit and having lunch, they set off on their journey to find the Owl Temple.
As they traveled, their mood was much heavier than before, especially Xiao Zhuzi, who kept her head down in silence. They had only seen a rough sketch of the temple; that was their only clue. They didn’t know where exactly the Owl Temple was or how to reach Lonely Cloud Peak from there. They couldn’t even be sure if Lonely Cloud Peak truly existed underground. The three friends felt uncertain about what lay ahead; confusion and anxiety filled their hearts, even causing Fei Bao to sigh occasionally.
After hearing Xiao Zhuzi and Fei Bao sigh about two hundred times, Xi Xi finally couldn’t take it anymore. “Fei Bao! It’s one thing for Xiao Zhuzi to sigh; what’s your deal? Stop sighing! Tell us a joke!”
“Oh, fine…” Fei Bao reluctantly flew around Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi before telling his joke. “Do you know why we Dragonflies are often mistaken for ‘flying kebabs’?”
“Why?” Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi asked in unison.
“Because we all wear ‘striped shirts’!”
Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi looked at Fei Bao for a few seconds before bursting into laughter together: “Pfft! Hahaha! Fei Bao, what a terrible joke! Hahaha—”
The friends’ reaction made Fei Bao laugh as well. He continued, “Let me tell you another one! Do you know why Giant Snails don’t race?”
Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi stifled their laughter and asked curiously, “Why?”
“Because they’re afraid that if they start running, they’ll lose their house! Hahahaha—” He laughed so hard he nearly fell over.
The three friends laughed together until their worries seemed to dissipate with their laughter; their spirits lightened considerably.
They walked for another two days before finally reaching the edge of Gloomy Marsh.
The three little ones immediately understood where the name "Gloomy Marsh" came from: The water in this swamp glowed with an eerie green light as if countless pairs of eyes hidden in darkness were quietly watching every intruder, sending chills down their spines. The air here felt thick and sticky with a decaying smell permeating it. The mist seemed alive as it slowly swirled through the air, intertwining with the scent of rotting plants from the swamp and creating an unsettling atmosphere.
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