The Nine-Headed Lion obediently followed Shi Hao back to the group.
Under the medicinal effects of the Golden Frog residue, several charred wounds rapidly scabbed over, fresh, tender flesh covering them at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Shi Hou noticed.
With the Purple Thunder Stone Knife resting on his shoulder, he strode over.
"Little Gold."
His voice boomed like a great bell, dispersing some of the black mist swirling around them.
Shi Hou walked up to the Nine-Headed Lion, pinched the chin of one of its heads, and lifted it, examining it from side to side as though checking the injuries of his own livestock.
"Who hit you?"
The Nine-Headed Lion froze. Before it could speak, Shi Hou had already straightened, turned to face everyone, and raised a finger.
"Was it that one-legged bird?"
His finger swept toward Bifang, who was resting with its eyes closed atop the Lone Peak.
Bifang cracked one eye open, then slowly closed it again, apparently too lazy to respond.
"That golden one?"
He pointed at the Pixiu reclining across a broken cliff.
The Pixiu's enormous body went momentarily still. Its bronze-bell-sized eyes turned toward him, their slit pupils holding a gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Or that Chi Dragon?"
Shi Hou shifted his finger again. His gaze swept over a huge, dark green butterfly, and he shook his head in distaste.
"Forget the butterfly. All that powder would ruin the taste."
He muttered as though talking to himself, his gaze continuing to roam.
"What about the Earth-Traveling Dragon? The Violent Ape? Point them out, and I'll stand up for you!"
At this, Shi Hou unconsciously swallowed.
His gaze finally locked onto a distant Luan Bird with splendid feathers and an arrogant bearing.
The Luan Bird was covered in dazzling, multicolored plumage,