"Chirp!"
Little Radiant Chick caught a strand of white hair in his beak and tugged backward with all his might.
Yun Huang: "...You're getting bold."
He finally stopped sipping his tea and turned to look at the chick courting death on his shoulder.
"Chirp, chirp, chirp!"
Little Radiant Chick immediately puffed out his chest and raised his head, accusing Yun Huang of coldheartedly refusing to save Yun Qing.
Yun Huang did not even look at him. Once the chick obediently shut his beak, he lowered his gaze to the furry little black ball below.
Qing Kitty's reaction had been much stronger than Little Radiant Chick's, right at the instant Yun Qing was swallowed whole in the Water Mirror.
"Meow-!"
The little black cat sprang several steps backward with all four paws at once. His fur instantly stood on end, and his tail puffed up into a feather duster.
His tiny body swelled two sizes on the spot.
"Hss-!"
Qing Kitty arched his back and hissed frantically at the now-dark Water Mirror, every inch of him radiating anxious agitation.
"Meow!"
It was as though, if he acted fierce enough, he could frighten the rift that had swallowed Yun Qing into coming back.
Yun Huang reached down and lifted the kitten by the scruff. Still puffed up, Qing Kitty suddenly found all four paws dangling in midair.
"Meow!"
His four little paws flailed futilely in the air.
Yun Huang first used his feather-duster tail to sweep Little Radiant Chick off, then leisurely gathered the cat into his arms.
"Chirp!"
Little Radiant Chick's beady eyes widened. He tumbled through the air several times before flapping his wings and landing again.
He propped himself up on his wings and glared furiously at Yun Huang.
And Yun Huang? Yun Huang did not react at all.