The Blood Phoenix flew toward the Golden Roc. The sight of him throwing himself forward in a reckless, death-defying attack moments earlier had branded itself deep in her heart. In that moment, the Golden Roc had been utterly fearless, tearing a great chunk of flesh from the Day Owl with one swipe. Where was his usual foolish, cowardly demeanor?
Seeing the Blood Phoenix approach, the Golden Roc reflexively turned to flee, only for the Artifact Spirit Ancestor to slap him back.
"Stupid bird, hurry up and give Miss Little Red her gifts!"
At those words, the Golden Roc immediately remembered why he had come and sent five richly fragrant pills floating before the Blood Phoenix. She blinked, and the pills vanished.
After accepting the pills, the Blood Phoenix raised her head and cried to the sky, shooting a milky-white beam from her mouth that showered the Golden Roc. Warmth spread through his body. His wounds healed before their eyes, and his entire body seemed considerably lighter.
"Phoenix Spirit Qi!" Surprise crossed the Artifact Spirit Ancestor's face. "The essence of yin is called spirit. To think this little Blood Phoenix girl possesses such a phoenix bloodline!"
The Blood Phoenix's gesture surprised Mu Bai as well. He thought that the barrier between them had finally been broken, that their efforts had brought them a great step closer.
"Let's go, boy. Leave this stupid bird here to recuperate for a few days. You and I had better hurry back to cultivate. In this damned place, some powerful fierce bird or beast pops out without warning. Keeping ourselves alive comes first."
Mu Bai understood. He cupped his hands and bowed, then turned and flew away. After flying alone for over a day, he returned to the cave in the Canyon.
Examining the cave closely,