"You little rascal! You're far too mischievous. Scarlet King was fighting human experts—what were you doing joining the commotion? I told you long ago that, for soul beasts like us, human soul masters are the most dangerous. If the soul master who came this time hadn't been from Shrek Academy, then with his strength, you would have been in danger. We might not even have reached you in time to rescue you. Don't approach humans so casually in the future." When the deep voice sounded again, it was exceptionally gentle, even carrying a trace of indulgence.
Three-Eyed Golden Lion raised her head, an odd glint in her eyes. "That human said you only value me because you want to use me. If I weren't an Auspicious Beast, or if I couldn't bring you good fortune, you wouldn't treat me so well at all. Is that true?"
The deep voice fell silent for a moment before answering blandly, "Little one, you must understand that there is no such thing as unearned favor in this world. I can tell you with certainty that the human was right. But I can also tell you with certainty that after ten thousand years together, even if you lost the power of good fortune now, you would still be my, Di Tian's, friend—even my child. As long as I am here, anyone who dares hurt you must be prepared to bear my wrath."
Three-Eyed Golden Lion lowered her head somewhat aggrievedly. "I'm sorry, Di Tian. I shouldn't have doubted you. I was wrong. Let's go home."
Di Tian's voice became even gentler. "All right. Let's go home."
Three-Eyed Golden Lion lifted a paw to leave, but suddenly looked back toward the direction Xuan Zi and the others had just departed. In her mind, the memories belonging