Giant Bear City, inside the city lord's great hall.
Xiong Gang nodded emphatically. A rare trace of apprehension appeared on his fierce face.
There was even a hint of fear he could not quite explain.
Ji Yuan's gaze swept between the two of them.
He began tapping the armrest again.
Knock, knock, knock—
"Her?" Ji Yuan's voice was even, betraying neither pleasure nor anger. "Explain yourself."
Xiong Gang opened his mouth, but Frostfang spoke before he could make a sound.
"My lord, allow me to explain."
He bowed, choosing his words with increasing care. "The one Third Brother mentioned is indeed rather unusual. She is not under Giant Bear City's jurisdiction, and her Cave Abode is not in the city. It lies deep within the Poison-Miasma Marsh at the northernmost end of Empty Demon Island."
"My lord, her true form is a Jade-Scale Poison Flood Dragon."
When Frostfang said "Jade-Scale Poison Flood Dragon," his voice dropped noticeably. Even Xiong Gang instinctively hunched his neck.
Ji Yuan's finger stopped in midair.
A Jade-Scale Poison Flood Dragon—a branch of the Flood Dragon Clan, born with deadly venom. Its poison ranked among the three most lethal of all Fifth Tier Demon Beasts.
More importantly, though the Flood Dragon Clan was not as exalted as the Horned Dragon Clan, it still ranked among the First Grade great clans of the Demon God Continent. Its strength was not to be underestimated.
"What's her name?" Ji Yuan asked.
Xiong Gang swallowed. "My lord, she goes by... She Qing."
"She Qing."
Ji Yuan repeated the name, then stood.
"Which way is the Poison-Miasma Marsh?"
Frostfang immediately raised a hand and pointed due north. "Head straight north from here. It's about two days' travel to the edge of the Poison-Miasma Marsh."
"But if you intend to go, my