"Eat them. Eat every last one," Shi Hao muttered.
Huo Ling'er rolled her eyes.
"Anyone who didn't know better would think you were the pureblood descendants."
They're fiercer than those descendants, Xiao Tian added inwardly. His lips had barely moved when his expression changed drastically.
Boom!
A dazzling burst of red light erupted from his body. Intense blood qi rose from the crown of his head, turning into white mist that wound around him. The temperature of the surrounding air shot up.
"I'm about to break through!"
Xiao Tian sprang to his feet, his voice trembling, then cupped his fists and bowed deeply to Shi Hou.
"Thank you, Brother Shi! I will never forget this grace of giving me a new lease on life! I must go into seclusion immediately. Please excuse me!"
Seated on a stone stool, Shi Hou waved a casual hand.
"You got a bargain. Go on. Remember to bring better seasonings next time."
"Absolutely!"
Xiao Tian turned and streaked toward his courtyard in a flash of light.
Ermeng curled his lip.
"That sly fellow wanted to steal our Suanni Precious Technique at first. All he did was speak up for us in the Martial Arts Arena, and he got a breakthrough opportunity in return."
Qingfeng rubbed his wrist and answered quietly, "Brother Hou and Little One won't always be with us. He's helping us forge more good ties."
Shi Hou raised his eyebrows and nodded.
"Exactly. Ermeng, look at Qingfeng. He's much more sensible than you."
Shi Hao didn't even raise his head. With a chicken bone between his teeth, he mumbled, "You're overthinking it, Qingfeng. He just wants the guy's seasonings."
"..."
Having eaten and drunk their fill, Furball and Kang exchanged a glance. In perfect unison, the two strange beasts pushed off with their