A mountain breeze swept over the white jade steps.
Xia Youyu walked ahead, her white dress fluttering.
Shi Hou strolled with both hands tucked behind his head, a freshly plucked Spirit Grass between his teeth, chewing out traces of sweetness.
Kang lay on his shoulder, snoring softly, while the brick hanging at his waist swung with every step, knocking against his thigh.
"Why haven't I seen that nine-headed lion?" Shi Hou spat out the grass root and asked casually.
Xia Youyu kept walking without looking back.
"He's a direct descendant of the Nine Spirit King's lineage, exceptionally gifted. He's gone to train in a secret realm."
Shi Hou stopped and smacked his lips.
"Training? How long will that take?"
Xia Youyu glanced back at him.
"A few months at least, half a year at most. Why are you asking about him?"
"He's extremely powerful and has a fierce temper. Even you might not come out ahead against him."
Shi Hou shook his head, regret written all over his face.
Nine heads meant he could try stir-frying, clear stewing, and braising all at once. Such a prime delicacy had certainly been quick to run off.
"What about Shi Yi, the one with double pupils? And that Fire Kingdom Princess with the big temper? Where are they?"
"Shi Yi's talent is unparalleled. He's already been escorted to the Ancient Sacred Academy to study its core legacy. The Fire Kingdom Princess is taking the outer sect entrance assessment, though it's merely a formality for her."
Shi Hou rubbed his chin.
"The Ancient Sacred Academy? An assessment?"
His eyes flickered, and he immediately followed up with another question.
"What about their mounts? You can't bring mounts into the Ancient Sacred Academy, can you? Is that Azure Phoenix still outside?"
Xia Youyu stumbled and nearly