They were already incredibly close to the Blood Phoenix's nest, almost able to sense her presence with every breath. Golden Roc's heart fluttered like a startled fawn, and he actually looked bashful. As he advanced, he turned around, trying to find Mu Bai and the Artifact Spirit Ancestor, hoping for their support and encouraging attention. But they were already too far away; even with his keen eyesight, he could not find them. Slightly disappointed, Golden Roc turned back and continued creeping forward, only to have his path suddenly blocked by an enormous creature.
What blind fool dares stand in your granddaddy's way? Golden Roc looked up, only to find the Blood Phoenix lowering her head, their beaks meeting in a kiss.
"Gah, gah!"
"Caw..."
Terror and fury exploded at once, but terror won out. Every feather on Golden Roc's body stood on end. Before the Blood Phoenix could even recover her senses, he shot away behind him like an arrow loosed from a bow.
The Blood Phoenix flew into a rage, spread her wings, and took to the air in pursuit.
She was barely a step away from catching Golden Roc. Watching that fellow wriggle his rump and flee headlong for his life, the Blood Phoenix decided to toy with him rather than let the hateful, stupid bird off with a quick death.
As she flew, the Blood Phoenix leisurely spat out a wisp of flame, easily setting Golden Roc's tail feathers alight.
Golden Roc twitched his nostrils and looked back. The Blood Phoenix was already right behind his rump. He shrieked, "Gah, gah!" calling for Mu Bai to save him.
Mu Bai did not disappoint him. He leaped forward to meet them, first summoning a column of water to extinguish the flames that had burned Golden Roc's tail bare,