[ "A jealous god," hm... That's the first time he heard of jealousy being a reason to protect believers. Well, not all gods have good reputation with their followers, regardless of how faithful that believer base is. In the end, Shi Qingxuan just nods. ]

I suppose if their god is proactive and reliable, many beings wouldn't want to get involved and risk their lives by causing trouble in their domain.

[ Though how many gods do that to a point where the mere belief in them is a deterrent to malicious ghosts... They must be extremely proactive. Maybe they're jealous of anyone that enters their domain at all... Gods are still human, in the end.

It's an interesting thing to think about, and he can't deny he's a bit interested in knowing more about this jealous god, but that's for another time. ]

It's just for fun, it doesn't need to be perfect. [ Shi Qingxuan smiles at him encouragingly as he holds the floppy knot in place. ] This way, it'll be something we made together. I started it, but you finished it.

[ So in a way, it's still a knot that shows a bond! As Shino finishes up the pattern, Shi Qingxuan continues to watch, nodding in approval. Is it perfect? No! But this hasn't really been perfect from the start. To him, it still looks pretty! Oddly folded and twisted parts and all. ]

Ah, you finished it! It doesn't look so bad for its size. [ Proud smile! ] Now we have the best knot on this tree. If the knots represent bonds, then ours must be off to a good start.