The two of them, each as good-or as bad-as the other, fought fiercely, but neither gained the upper hand for a long time.
In the end, Zhu Yu proposed a solution.
Let Ning Xiang decide for herself whom to leave with.
And so, the two men and one beast landed on the ground.
Mingyuan crowed, "I've known my little sweetheart longer than you have. She'll definitely pick me!"
Zhu Yu said, "Is that so? Then let's wait and see."
Ning Xiang sat on her haunches before them. Facing their expectant gazes, she declared inwardly, Neither of you! You two overgrown children!
With that thought, Ning Xiang turned and prepared to flee on her short little legs.
Zhu Yu narrowed his eyes slightly. "Little Cat Zhu, come here."
And then Ning Xiang ran toward Zhu Yu against her will.
Boo-hoo, this really wasn't what I wanted!
Mingyuan stamped his feet. "What did you do to my little sweetheart?"
"I've raised her for several days. Naturally, I matter more to her than you do."
Zhu Yu picked Ning Xiang up and gently pinched her cheek. "From now on, you're not allowed to run off with other men."
Ning Xiang's whiskers trembled with fury. If she hadn't been afraid of having her paws chopped off, she would have clawed his face to shreds. No, wait-the old Demon King had no shame to begin with!
Seeing the little sweetheart he had finally managed to lure away cradled in Zhu Yu's arms, Mingyuan furiously charged at him again, Soul-Rending in hand.
But Zhu Yu had already vanished, leaving only one remark behind. "If the Demon Venerable wants a fight, I'll oblige anytime. But I'd advise you to stop coveting my most cherished pet."
Damn it!
Mingyuan decided he would head to the Seven-Treasure Spirit Vessel