The setting sun melted into gold, dyeing the wastelands in western Jia Ma Empire a warm orange. The clouds at the horizon resembled brocade set aflame, layer upon layer, casting flecks of golden light even across the scattered stones below. Xiao Yan held Qing Lin's hand as they walked slowly along the gravel-strewn path. The warmth of the girl's palm at his fingertips filled his heart with waves of warmth. Hai Bodong followed behind them with his hands clasped behind his back, his dark blue brocade robe fluttering faintly in the evening breeze. Its hem brushed against the stones with soft scraping sounds. A faint trace of Ice Element Dou Qi wreathed his body, while his near-tangible gaze vigilantly swept the surroundings. Since refining the Spirit-Restoring Purple Pill in the secret chamber and recovering his Dou Huang strength, they had planned to return to Xiao Yan's temporary base. Yet this wasteland was far too quiet. There was not even a trace of an ordinary Demonic Beast, and an ominous air hung faintly in the silence.
Qing Lin held a furry "little thing" in her arms. It was the Purple Gold Winged Lion King, whose strength Xiao Yan had temporarily sealed with the Sealing Spirit Seal, reducing it to the size of a palm. The Lion King no longer possessed its former ferocity that intimidated the forests. Its body was covered in soft, sleek purple-gold fur that gleamed like silk under the sunlight. A tuft of snowy white fluff tipped its tail. It lazily nestled in Qing Lin's arms, resting its head against the girl's wrist and occasionally rubbing its damp nose against her skin, letting out soft whimpers. It looked so docile that it was almost unbelievable. "Brother Xiao Yan, look. The Lion King seems to like me a lot."