Within the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest, Huo Yuhao sat cross-legged on the grass beside the Lake of Life.
He hummed a tune as his hands rapidly moved across the Three-Eyed Golden Lion's back.
Kneading, smoothing her fur—his movements were so practiced they were almost heartbreaking.
Still, Huo Yuhao found the whole process rather stress-relieving.
After all, who wouldn't enjoy petting an auspicious beast that obediently let herself be stroked?
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion lay sprawled across the ground, her four paws stretched out in relaxation as a soft purring rumbled from her throat.
Suddenly, faint footsteps came from the grass nearby.
Huo Yuhao heard them, stopped what he was doing, and turned to look.
Bi Ji, dressed in an emerald-green gown, emerged from the woods not far away.
She looked at the Emperor Auspicious Beast blissfully enjoying herself on the ground, shook her head helplessly, then turned her gaze to Huo Yuhao.
"Huo Yuhao."
Bi Ji called out.
"Senior Bi Ji."
Huo Yuhao rose to his feet and casually brushed the grass clippings from his hands.
"You may leave now."
Bi Ji's words were exceedingly brief.
Huo Yuhao froze for a moment, then suddenly understood what she meant, his brows lifting.
So soon?
He had originally figured that even if Shrek or the Clear Sky Sect received word and wanted to negotiate with Di Tian, they would have to haggle for at least three to five months.
During that time, he could mooch off the Lake of Life's energy here while taking the opportunity to fleece Di Tian as much as possible.
Yet only a little over a month had passed, and they had already found him.
Huo Yuhao guessed that speed probably meant the two from the Clear Sky Sect.
Only those two could have