The scales shimmered with strands of mysterious golden light, densely covering every inch of their wings. Under sunlight, the radiant luster they reflected was dazzling.
Leading the flight was none other than the Wind God Winged Dragon King, an immense and majestic figure. Now, after consuming the Five-Colored Beast Soul Liquid, its bloodline had transformed, becoming even more powerful. Flying through the void, it exuded divine grandeur. Turquoise whirlwinds swirled around its body, capable of switching between fierce and gentle at will. If it so wished, this Blue Phoenix Wind could instantly turn into the most terrifying wind of slaughter, sweeping across the lands.
Moreover, it carried an aura reminiscent of motherly affection, and while soaring, it occasionally glanced back at the little ones trailing behind.
Compared to the colossal Wind God Winged Dragon King, these little creatures were indeed like mere children—there was simply no comparison.
"There are people riding on their backs."
Huang Chengyan narrowed his eyes, immediately noticing the warriors seated on those smaller creatures. Each of them exuded powerful auras—undoubtedly the elite of the elite, handpicked from the army.
Even more astonishingly, the resonance between these warriors and their golden avian mounts had already reached a level of mutual fusion. Their breathing seemed to sync with one another, and the surrounding heaven and earth essence circulated through both their bodies in harmony. Their energies were now intertwined, and they had already achieved preliminary mind-link synchronization.
"My Lord intends to cultivate an aerial cavalry for Xuanhuang City."
Jia Xu's eyes gleamed as he quickly deduced Yi Tianxing's intentions.
"So that's why Yang Ye once told me a group of elite soldiers were suddenly reassigned. Turns out they were gathered here to bond with the offspring of the Golden Roc. If we can truly form an air cavalry unit, it would greatly bolster the city's power. Aerial threats would no longer pose such a danger."
Huang Chengyan suddenly understood.
"Indeed. After the Golden Roc gave birth to offspring, I began preparing for this. I handpicked a group of soldiers to raise and train alongside these young beasts—growing together, training together, eating and sleeping together—becoming like family. Once the time is right, I'll introduce pet contracts for them to formally bond. But these aren't traditional pet-master relationships—they are bonds of equals, of comrades and kin."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and declared firmly,
"The Golden Roc's offspring are limited in number. A true airborne main force cannot rely solely on them. So I plan to form this cavalry with the Roc's children at the core, supplemented by other fierce aerial beasts. Chief among them—the Wind God Winged Dragons."
With the Dragon King leading them, taming the Wind God Winged Dragons wouldn't be difficult. Though not numerous, they were being encouraged to reproduce rapidly, hoping to field a complete unit as quickly as possible.
Given time—and the Wind God Winged Dragon's high reproduction rate—forming a full-fledged army was entirely feasible.
At present, there were sixty-two Golden Roc offspring, which at best made for a small squad, not a true army. Even if the Golden Roc tried to birth them nonstop, it would still take years—possibly decades—to assemble a full military force. Hence, incorporating other aerial species was necessary.
Suddenly, golden streaks descended from the skies, and the young creatures landed neatly on a massive platform. The soldiers riding them dismounted swiftly and respectfully bowed to Yi Tianxing.
"Greetings, my lord!"
"No need for formalities," Yi Tianxing nodded approvingly.
They had been selected from hundreds of thousands of troops—each one elite without question.
"How goes the training?"
"Reporting, my lord—we've already achieved mind-link unity and energetic synchronization. We're ready for combat," replied a tall, lean youth clad in leather armor.
This young man led the entire aerial unit. He was a rising talent in the military—known only by the name Nine Lives.
No one knew his real name, but his resilience was legendary—so much so that it bordered on the miraculous.
The first time, he was mauled by a fierce wolf, his chest torn open, internal organs visible. Everyone thought he was done for. But three days later, he was up and walking.
The second time, an undead archer shot an arrow straight through his chest, organs pierced. Again, he survived.
The third time, a Scorpion Man warrior cleaved him in two—he was confirmed dead. And yet, hours later, his body reassembled, and he came back to life.
These tales shocked the army, and "Nine Lives" became his nickname—people said he must be part cat, blessed with nine lives.
Privately, many speculated he had awakened some kind of lifesaving fate aperture—a divine ability like Undying Physique. He kept quiet about it, but his strength was undeniable. A master of both swordsmanship and archery, he had already reached the 7th level of the Divine Sea Realm, making him a top-tier warrior of his generation.
He now led this elite cavalry directly under Yi Tianxing's command.
"Very well. Soon, I'll give you your contracts. Once signed, your bond with your mounts will deepen, and your combat strength will rise even further."
Yi Tianxing nodded.
At that moment, the Golden Roc spoke:
"Master, please give these little ones a name. They carry the blood of both me and the Wind Wing. But they are now their own race. I believe they will shine gloriously on the Eternal Continent."
Indeed, they were a new species, fusing the best traits of both progenitors. Their potential and future strength were boundless.
"They carry your noble bloodline, with scaled flesh wings, not feathers. Those scales are dragon-like—defensive and fully golden. Since that's the case, let's name them… the Golden-Scaled Birds (金鳞鸟)."
"Golden-scaled creatures are not meant to linger in shallow ponds. When fortune strikes, they ascend like dragons. May they soar through turbulent times and rise to glory."
Yi Tianxing spoke with confidence.
So long as they survived, these creatures would surely become one of the strongest aerial species.
"Golden-Scaled Birds—a fitting name," Huang Chengyan nodded in approval. "It matches their features perfectly and carries a powerful omen."
"Yes. The Golden-Scaled Birds shall be a new race," Jia Xu echoed.
"Then so be it," the Golden Roc declared joyfully. "All my offspring with Wind Wing shall be known as Golden-Scaled Birds—a new kind of race!"
A triumphant cry rang out across the sky as the little golden birds screeched in joy—they seemed to understand their new identity.
Above, the Wind God Winged Dragon King circled gracefully, stirred by the celebration.
"Nine Lives, you'll lead the squad on this mission. Let's see how well you've trained. Only through battle can true strength be revealed."
Yi Tianxing turned to Nine Lives.
"Always ready for combat," Nine Lives replied calmly, showing no fear—only composure.
"Move out!"
Yi Tianxing stepped onto the Golden Roc's back and gave the command.
Zhang Fei, Huang Chengyan, and others rode on the Wind God Winged Dragon King.
Golden flashes streaked across the sky—a radiant cloud of Golden-Scaled Birds soared forth, rising to meet their fate.