My, Buds...

Hahh—!

Kashius, holding Buds, suddenly changed expression and shot backward at extreme speed. Within a few breaths, he had retreated nearly several thousand meters.

Just as Kashius shifted away, the space where he had originally stood twisted violently. A figure burst out with wings spread wide. Without hesitation or pause, the wings behind him beat fiercely, leaving streaks of afterimages in place.

Wummm—

Rumble—!

Kashius gritted his teeth and clenched his right fist. Beneath the dazzling golden light, he threw a punch forward with a fierce howl of wind and thunder, striking straight ahead.

At the same time, Buds, whom Kashius had shielded behind him, sensibly put some distance between himself and Kashius. The aura spilling from Kashius was tyrannical and overbearing, yet whenever it reached Buds, it became as gentle and weak as a lamb.

Having gained some experience by now, he naturally would not foolishly stay by Kashius's side and hinder him.

Boom—!

Black feathers scattered through the air like falling cherry blossom petals, drifting beautifully in the sky.

It was Liu Ge. He had intended to catch Kashius off guard, but Kashius had sensed him in advance. Their violent collision sent energy spilling outward, while fierce gales raged and sliced through everything nearby, annihilating the surroundings.

Wummm—!

The pitch-black wings behind Liu Ge beat fiercely. As gusts of wind rose, his wings folded around his body and he shot backward at tremendous speed, the air exploding continuously along the way.

As he neared Salam and the others, his black wings suddenly spread wide, stirring the air and whipping up violent gusts.

He stared at Kashius in the distance, his face dark as storm clouds, exuding an incomparably heavy pressure.

"Lord Liu Ge, you arrived at just the right time," Salam stepped forward and said respectfully.

"Liu Ge,