The next morning, Liam awoke to the soft sounds of Fae Willow humming a tune as she
meticulously braided her long hair. The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her
graceful movements.
"Good morning, Fae Willow," Liam said, stifling a yawn.
Fae Willow: "Good morning, Liam." She turned, her smile radiant. "I have rested well. Now, I
must continue my search for Whispering Lantern Abbey."
Liam sighed. "Still no luck with the abbey?"
Fae Willow: "None," she replied, a touch of frustration in her voice. "It seems my father's
instructions were… lacking in detail."
Liam pondered for a moment. If the abbey truly didn't exist in the modern world, or if it was so
obscure that even local taxi drivers didn't know it, then Fae Willow's chances of finding it alone
were slim. He decided to take a different approach.
"Fae Willow, is there any other way you can contact your father, beyond your phone? Or
perhaps someone else from the Spirit Isles who might know more about this abbey?"
Fae Willow: "I could try to send a spiritual message through a specific talisman, but it requires a
significant amount of spiritual energy, and I haven't replenished mine since arriving in this realm.
As for others, most cultivators in the Spirit Isles are secluded. My father is usually the most
accessible." She looked down, disheartened.
Liam felt a surge of pity. "Alright, how about this? Since you're stuck, and you seem interested in
my cousin's professor's research, why don't you join me for a visit to the university's botany
department? Perhaps Dr. Vance could offer some insights, or at least you could get a feel for
how mortals approach the study of plants." It was a long shot, but it might give Fae Willow anew perspective, and maybe even a lead. Plus, it would buy him some time to figure out what to
do.
Fae Willow: "A mortal botany department? That sounds intriguing! I would be delighted, Liam.
Perhaps they might have ancient texts that mention the abbey." Her eyes lit up with renewed
hope.
Liam felt a pang of guilt. He knew it was unlikely a botany department would have information
about a mystical abbey. But at least it was a step in a direction.
Liam took Fae Willow to the university's botanical garden and then to the research labs. Anya,
alerted by Liam, met them there, along with her enthusiastic professor, Dr. Elena Vance.
Dr. Vance, a woman in her late forties with bright, inquisitive eyes and perpetually disheveled
hair, practically buzzed with excitement upon meeting Fae Willow. "So, you're the one who
knows about Mystical Morning Dew Herb and Solar Blaze Bamboo?" she asked, almost
trembling with anticipation.
Fae Willow: "Indeed. They are common flora in the Spirit Isles," she replied calmly, her
composure contrasting sharply with Dr. Vance's effusive energy.
Dr. Vance then launched into a rapid-fire series of questions about the growth conditions,
properties, and even the "spiritual energy" Fae Willow mentioned. Fae Willow, in turn, patiently
explained, using terms that sounded utterly fantastical to Liam and Anya, but which Dr. Vance
transcribed furiously into a notebook, her face alight with scientific wonder.
"This is astounding!" Dr. Vance exclaimed, almost vibrating with excitement. "Your descriptions
of their molecular structures and energy fields, though phrased differently, align with some of our
most cutting-edge theories on quantum biology! If what you say is true, this could revolutionize
our understanding of plant life!"
Liam and Anya exchanged bewildered glances. Dr. Vance, despite Fae Willow's seemingly
outlandish claims, was genuinely taking her seriously.
Fae Willow: "I am pleased to be of assistance to a mortal scholar," she said, a faint smile on her
lips. She seemed to enjoy being the source of such profound knowledge.
After a few hours of intense discussion, Dr. Vance thanked Fae Willow profusely. "Miss Fae
Willow, if you ever return to the Spirit Isles, and if it's not too much trouble, any samples of these
plants would be invaluable for our research. We could even collaborate on a paper!"
Fae Willow: "I shall consider it, Dr. Vance." Fae Willow replied politely.
As they left the botany department, Liam looked at Fae Willow. "So, did you find anything about
the abbey?"
Fae Willow: "Alas, no. But Dr. Vance's enthusiasm for the mundane study of plants was quite…
enlightening. Perhaps I should consider a different approach to finding Whispering Lantern
Abbey."
Liam nodded. "What did you have in mind?"
Fae Willow: "If it is truly a hidden place, perhaps I need to find someone who knows the hidden
pathways of Port City, rather than just asking about an abbey. Perhaps someone who
understands the flow of mystical energies in the mundane world." She looked at Liam
thoughtfully. "Perhaps you, Elder Liam, can assist me in this?"
Liam sighed inwardly. He was still just a regular college student, not a mystical guide. But he
also couldn't just abandon her. "I'll do my best, Fae Willow. But I make no promises."