"What? Did he do something to you?" Huang Xiao asked, somewhat startled and uncertain.
"No, he didn't." Red Phoenix shook its head. "Actually, I was thinking that with an expert like that backing you, I should be safe around you for the time being. I need a safe environment like that until my strength recovers. Besides, that masked old man doesn't seem to have any designs on me. Perhaps my strength isn't even worth his notice, but that puts my mind at ease."
Huang Xiao had not expected this to be another reason, but he was not certain whether that masked old man would intervene again.
Of course, Red Phoenix staying was a good thing for him, too. Its strength was above his, after all, and traveling together gave him another measure of protection.
"How depressing. My crimson feathers are gone. A magnificent Phoenix, reduced to this pitch-black monstrosity, no different from those ugly crows. What rotten luck. There's even a trace of Demonic Qi about me now." Red Phoenix lowered its head to look at its black feathers and sighed.
"It looks quite good," Huang Xiao said. "There's just one thing that seems a little inappropriate. Calling you Red Phoenix now doesn't quite fit, does it?"
Huang Xiao had relaxed inwardly, and much of his awe toward Red Phoenix had faded.
This was mainly because Red Phoenix's strength had been greatly diminished, and it no longer possessed the intimidating might it had at the Martial Realm. Besides, they had spoken frankly with each other, so there was no need for him to remain so awed.
Red Phoenix lowered its head and thought for a moment. "That's true. A new name would be good. Consider it my rebirth. What should I call myself?"
"There are two choices. The first is