"Even better." After hearing Huang Xiao's explanation, the Masked Old Man continued, "But since the Fire Jade melted in the lava, its essence must have merged into the molten rock. As time passes, that essence will probably dissipate little by little. Even the Flame Essence cannot remain for long. After all, the formation here has already been broken."
"No, I'm going over there right now! It mustn't dissipate! I won't allow any of it to go to waste!" Demon Phoenix cried.
"This little fellow can stay with this old man for now!" The Masked Old Man pointed at Demon Phoenix and told Huang Xiao, "It wouldn't be appropriate for you to take him to the Demon Hall."
Huang Xiao nodded. He still knew little about the actual situation in the Demon Hall, so going alone would be safer. After all, Demon Phoenix's identity as a divine beast was rather sensitive.
Demon Phoenix froze at those words, then looked at Huang Xiao in surprise. "Huang lad, you succeeded? You can enter the Heavenly Demon Hall now? Does that mean you've completed the task Senior gave you?"
"You're still a long way off. Entering the Demon Hall is only the first step, little fellow." With that, the Masked Old Man pointed at his shoulder.
Demon Phoenix did not hesitate and landed on the Masked Old Man's shoulder.
Then the Masked Old Man covered his face again and dispelled the surrounding formation with a casual wave. He and Huang Xiao reappeared before everyone.
Everyone glanced at the little black-and-yellow bird standing on the Masked Old Man's shoulder, since its appearance had been rather sudden.
However, Yuan Heng and Pang Ruhuo had already guessed that the Masked Old Man's earlier actions must have had something to do with this bird. Looking closely now, they