Even after Kunpeng had shrunk, it still followed behind us. This fat bird came with its own halo, and many people could recognize it at a glance, so it had always been worshiped as an immortal. Even when climbing onto or off its back, people would first kneel and worship it, asking permission before daring to sit behind the great god.
That had naturally fostered its arrogance. Still, with the Ancestor Dragon ruling the world, it was at least a great god on the same level as the Ancestor Dragon. Though slightly weaker, it could not afford to lose too much dignity. I often called it Fat Bird, but whenever other people were around, I gave it more than enough face.
While a crowd of immortals gathered around it to attend to it, I followed Jiufang Tao to the platform of the main hall. We then descended to the ground, where Jiufang Jin had already been waiting. Besides him, several of his children and outstanding grandchildren stood behind him.
Jiufang Jin watched Jiufang Tao and me descend with a beaming smile. He clasped his hands and laughed. "Leader Xia has finally come to this old man's place. I failed to welcome you from afar. But that's only because you arrived too quickly. With Great God Kunpeng here, we can only passively receive you."
I smiled and clasped my hands. "It's been a long time, Fellow Daoist Jiufang. I hope you've been well?"
Though you're doing everything you can to become my grandfather, how could I let you get your way?
"Haha... Of course I'm well. It's just that since we parted several years ago, though it was but a fleeting instant amid the clouds and smoke, Leader Xia, you seem even stronger now. I heard that your battle at Cold