The angler flashed onto the bird mount's back. He said nothing more, his manner somewhat aloof.
Niu Youdao extended a hand to Zhuge Chi. "Please!"
Zhuge Chi drew a deep breath. If he had not been forced into having no other choice with the situation unclear, he never would have set foot on this inexplicable path. Now, he could only take things one hurdle at a time and see what came next.
Suppressing his inner helplessness, he grabbed Hai Wuji by the arm and rose into the air with him. The two landed atop the bird mount together.
Watching them depart, Niu Youdao suddenly remarked, "Now that is a truly obedient and capable thug."
Yun Ji gave a disdainful snort, as though saying, Why should I listen to you? With a trace of sarcasm, she said, "Congratulations!"
Niu Youdao chuckled. "Same to you!"
Yun Ji asked, "Are you sure Shao Pingbo will still make a move?"
Niu Youdao chuckled again. "If he does not, then he is not Shao Pingbo. That fellow is no coward. Just wait and enjoy the show. For all we know, he may already have sent news about Zhuge Chi to Southern Prefecture." He then looked around. "This is not a place to linger. We should leave as well."
Yun Ji also waved the Finger Bell. Before long, another bird mount rose from the mountains and then swooped down toward them.
When they took to the air again, the two were already on its back, flying straight toward the horizon...
Some things indeed went exactly as expected. As soon as the two returned to Thatched Cottage Estate, Guan Fangyi came looking for them.
"There. The news from Shao Pingbo you were waiting for has arrived." Guan Fangyi tossed a sheet of paper onto Niu Youdao's desk.