Xiangge Villa.
Rear Hall.
The beaded curtains were half-drawn, and the embroidered tent was lightly veiled.
Amid the elegant furnishings, the blood-robed, nine-headed Saber Spirit knelt on the open floor, intently skinning the Flame-Eyed Winged Tiger.
Its slender, delicate hands passed lightly over the tiger hide, which was impervious to blades and spears, water and fire. The hide peeled away from the flesh as easily as an orange rind.
The Saber Spirit's control was exquisite, its movements as fluid as flowing clouds and water. Amid an unbroken series of hissing sounds, the entire hide was soon separated from the Flame-Eyed Winged Tiger's body.
The tiger hide was glossy and plush. Aside from the gash Pei Ling had made when removing the spine, it was completely undamaged. The whole pelt was flawless, perfect in every way.
This hide needed no further work. All that was required was a spell to remove the bloody foam, and it would make a practical and beautiful foot mat.
The Saber Spirit gazed at its handiwork, then shook its head slightly. The middle head said, "The master's foot mat cannot be so ordinary."
The first head on the right nodded too, its voice sweet. "The master's foot mat must be one of a kind!"
The first head on the left screamed hysterically, "The master's foot mat must not lack saber intent!"
The second head on the right wore a savage expression. "The master's foot mat must be bloody and brutal, enough to show the master's dignity!"
The second head on the left roared furiously, "The master's foot mat must be covered with my marks! That way, it'll constantly remind those lowly creatures who dare approach the master that the Nine Souls will defend the master forever!!"
As it spoke, the Saber Spirit immediately set to work,