At that moment, even this city of the Beast Race looked so familiar and dear that it brought an involuntary surge of sorrow and grief.
"It's time to go back." Mu Bai turned and headed north, brushing past the bustling beastfolk entering the city. "The World Tree's aura has already leaked out. I fear the people of the Origin Realm have little time left."
Shun Ying hurried over and bowed to Mu Bai.
"Lord Mu, allow this subordinate general to escort you part of the way."
"I was only joking. You have duties to attend to. Don't trouble yourself."
"Whether out of sentiment or duty, this subordinate general must escort you out of Marshal Cang's territory. A fox half-demon recently asked me to kill you here. If you travel alone like this, quite apart from the danger to your life, your journey is bound to be delayed."
Shun Ying clasped his fists, speaking sincerely and directly. With that, he beat his wings and changed back into his goshawk form in full view of everyone.
"Please climb onto my back, Lord Mu."
"Thank you."
Mu Bai leaped from the ground and landed on the goshawk's back. The goshawk beat his wings and rose, hurtling straight north through the air like a moving fortress.
Having chosen to accept Shun Ying's escort, Mu Bai also chose to trust him. Ordinarily, the lure of wealth, reinforced by beauty, was enough to cloud someone's judgment. This time, however, Mu Bai chose to trust the Beast Race.
That choice did not disappoint him. With Shun Ying escorting him, they flew straight across the territories of numerous Demon Generals, and not a single bird or beast dared stop them. In nearly ten days, they flew directly beyond the borders of the two Beast Race marshals' domains.
"Lord