The azure sky stretched endlessly as Xiao Feng flew at high speed through the clouds, the mountain ranges below slowly passing by like a painted landscape. After the intense battle earlier, he was finally heading back to his mountain sanctuary—his haven of peace and cultivation.
But not long into his flight, a violent ripple of energy caught his attention.
He slowed down mid-air, brows slightly furrowed. Waves of Dou Qi and beastly might radiated from a location not far from his path, pulsing wildly and shaking the surrounding air. Curious, he stopped in midair, closing his eyes briefly and extending his spiritual perception.
It didn't take long to locate the source of the disturbance.
Two powerful auras were clashing on the ground below—both belonging to Rank 6 Magic Beasts. One was a massive bird, its feathers shining with a faint emerald hue and trailing blades of wind with every wingbeat. The other was a dark, scaled serpent, long and sleek, its body coiled and covered in injuries, venom dripping from its fangs.
From what Xiao Feng could tell, it was a fight over territory—a common occurrence among high-level beasts.
> "Tch. Nothing to do with me," he muttered.
He remained in the sky, observing silently. This wasn't his problem. He had already done more than enough today. He decided to simply watch.
The battle raged for another thirty minutes.
The bird, though powerful, had clearly underestimated the snake's venom. Wounds riddled its body, and a greenish hue began to spread through its feathers. The snake, on the other hand, was in a far worse condition. Deep gashes covered its body, blood oozing from several places. Its breathing became more labored until finally, it collapsed, twitching once or twice before going completely still.
Dead.
The bird stood victorious, but it was not a joyful triumph. Its body trembled, wings limp and unable to move. It collapsed to the ground next to its fallen foe, eyes dimming. The poison was spreading fast.
From the looks of it, the wind-type bird wouldn't last much longer either.
Xiao Feng remained in the air for a moment longer, arms crossed, debating silently.
> "It's none of my business," he reminded himself. "If it dies, it dies. The strong survive. That's how the world works."
But still, something about the scene made him pause.
The bird was noble, powerful. Even in death's grip, it held onto its pride. That intrigued him.
Moments passed. Then with a small sigh, he descended.
Wind wrapped around him like a cloak as he gently touched down a few meters away from the dying bird. His steps were slow, deliberate. The grass rustled softly as he approached.
The wind-type bird—a majestic creature with long, sweeping wings, sharp talons, and a crown of jade-like feathers—opened its eyes weakly. Its vision was hazy, but it recognized a human boy approaching. Her instincts flared for a brief moment before fading again.
The boy looked… calm. Serene, even.
Not a threat.
She was far too weak to react even if he was.
Xiao Feng stood next to her and observed her condition silently. The poison had nearly reached her heart. Her breathing was shallow. She didn't have long.
> "I can save you," Xiao Feng said quietly, his voice devoid of arrogance or emotion.
The bird blinked.
> "But," he continued, "you must become my servant. It's your choice. I'm not forcing you."
Silence followed.
The bird didn't immediately respond. She didn't even move, just lay there with her beak slightly open and her eyes flickering with fading light.
But her mind was spinning.
She had lived for nearly two hundred years in this region. She had fought countless battles. She had carved her own territory and reigned as its sovereign. But now, that sovereignty had brought her to the brink of death.
This boy, this child, carried strength far beyond anything she had ever encountered. Just the fact that he could approach her without fear in this state—and offer a deal instead of striking her down—spoke volumes.
Her pride warred with her survival instinct.
But in the end… even pride could be tempered in the face of death.
She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, a trace of clarity had returned.
> "...I'm willing," she spoke telepathically, her voice like a whisper in the wind.