The grasslands of Jiangnan were still a patchwork of green and yellow, but north of the river, white frost already covered the ground. Stiff blades of grass shivered in the cold wind, and a milky haze of cold air lingered within a foot of the earth. It drifted slowly in the breeze, making time itself seem to slow. Suddenly, its rhythm changed. The white haze scattered like startled hares, and the frost-covered grass began swaying violently. Among the withered stalks, a foraging fawn trembled, pricked up both ears, then fled for its life.
An enormous Flying Owl descended like a divine warrior from heaven. Its talons, capable of easily ripping tigers and wolves apart, settled firmly on the ground, while its piercing eyes watched its surroundings warily. With a burst of laughter, Hu Xiaotian and Long Xiyue jumped down one after the other. Two streaks of white light landed behind them in succession: Xia Changming had arrived with the Snow Eagles.
"Convinced now?" Hu Xiaotian asked smugly.
Xia Changming chuckled. "I concede defeat. Snow Eagles can't match this Flying Owl's endurance or speed. I doubt anything in the world can rival it." These were no empty compliments. The Flying Owl had carried two people on its back, while he had switched between the two Snow Eagles just to barely keep pace.
The walls of Eastern Liang Commandery were already visible ahead, and it was time for them to part. Xia Changming would first spend a few days in Snow Eagle Valley to attend to some matters, with the Flying Owl and Snow Eagles accompanying him. These three beloved creatures were so enormous that even near the Yong River, they could only shelter in the mountain forests. Although Hu Xiaotian had set aside an area for them to rest, their proud,