The Red King took one last look at the Auspicious Beast dangling from Xuan Zi's hand, its enormous bloodred eyes filled with conflict, reluctance, and unease.
After all, if anything had happened to the Auspicious Beast by the time she returned, she would bet that her standing would fall below that of a full-grown banana, and the other Ferocious Beasts would absolutely pound her into meat paste together. Just thinking about it was agony.
"Human, I'll be back soon. Remember-" It enunciated every word, its voice carrying a vicious warning. "You must not hurt the Auspicious Beast!"
"All right, all right, I know." Xuan Zi looked impatient. "Keep blathering, and I might change my mind."
As he spoke, he deliberately gave the Auspicious Beast a squeeze, making the little creature whimper outright.
The corner of the Red King's mouth twitched, but it ultimately swallowed its words.
It gave the Auspicious Beast one final, lingering look, its massive body slowly retreating before it transformed into a streak of crimson light and vanished into the depths of the forest.
Xuan Zi spread out her Spiritual Power. Only after sensing that the Red King's presence had receded completely did she turn toward Gu Xingyue and jerk her chin at him.
"You, come here and complete Attribute Guidance with the Auspicious Beast. This is a good thing with real benefits. Other people could line up for it and still never get the chance."
Watching the Auspicious Beast held captive by Xuan Zi like a little chick, Gu Xingyue slowly approached.
"Humans-!" The restrained Auspicious Beast finally couldn't help speaking, her voice both shocked and furious. "Are you trying to break the agreement? Just as I thought, you crafty humans can't be trusted at all!"
"We really haven't done anything to you. Are you missing