Volcanic Stone Flame

Above the Heavenly Star Mountain Range, a slender black figure pierced through the clouds like an arrow loosed from a bow. Its scales glimmered with a cold, dark sheen beneath the sunlight as it raced toward the depths of the mountain range amid howling winds.

Master Xiao Ling stood atop Rayquaza's broad head in a flowing azure robe, his sleeves snapping in the fierce wind as his gaze remained fixed on the direction of Starfall Pavilion ahead.

Before long, the familiar outline of that stretch of airspace gradually came into view.

Master Xiao Ling lightly patted Rayquaza's scales. Seeming to understand his intent, Rayquaza dipped its massive body slightly and gradually slowed its breakneck speed.

Once his footing was steady, Master Xiao Ling tapped the scales with the tip of his foot and leaped lightly from Rayquaza's head, landing securely in midair like a drifting feather.

He raised a hand and stroked the smooth scales along Rayquaza's neck, amusement in his eyes. "All right, go enjoy yourself. You don't need to escort me any farther."

Rayquaza gave a low cry, affectionately rubbing its enormous head against his arm. Then its body suddenly twisted upward, its long tail carving a graceful arc through the air as it turned and shot toward the depths of the Heavenly Star Mountain Range. In the blink of an eye, its black form vanished into the layered mountains and clouds.

Only after Rayquaza had completely disappeared did Master Xiao Ling withdraw his gaze and turn his attention to the empty airspace before him.

The fluctuations of Starfall Pavilion's barrier faintly surfaced within his senses. Even the surrounding air seemed to carry the familiar fragrance of vegetation and spatial fluctuations.

Master Xiao Ling slowly extended his palm. With a thought, pale silver Power of Space quietly flowed