"Come back! Danzi!"

Xin Lin’s exasperated roar echoed throughout Qin Mountain.

Danzi was not one to easily back down and swiftly raced away.

Very familiar with Qin Mountain, Danzi disappeared from sight quickly, leaving Xin Lin unsure of where it had hidden.

With no other choice, Xin Lin let out a sharp call, summoning Xuan Bird.

Xin Lin had never set foot on the summit of Qin Mountain.

It was said to be Longteng’s forbidden zone; even when Captain Zhao had people seal off Qin Mountain, they hadn’t dared set foot on the summit.

Xin Lin had no idea what was on the summit.

Though once, Gui Hu had been drawn to the mountain frequently, indicating something mysterious must be hidden at its summit.

Xin Lin, cautious by nature, wasn’t going to venture there recklessly.

She thought for a moment and decided she’d better find a guide.

Quickly, a shadow appeared in the sky, like a pressing storm cloud, as Xuan Bird flapped its wings and descended smoothly.

Upon seeing Xin Lin, Xuan Bird let out a melodious chirp.

"Xuan Bird, I want to go to the summit."

As soon as Xin Lin spoke, Xuan Bird’s feathers quivered.

Looking at Xin Lin, it seemed a bit strange, and that look in its eyes was clearly fearful.

Xuan Bird shook its head, clearly unwilling to go to the summit.

Though the ruler of Qin Mountain, Xuan Bird had never been to the summit.

Seeing Xin Lin still determined to go, the sense of helplessness in Xuan Bird’s eyes deepened.

It spread out its right wing, and Xin Lin scrutinized its right wing’s inner side.

Xuan Bird’s colorful feathers were quite beautiful, but upon closer look at its right wing’s inner side, there were fewer feathers and an indelible scar.

It cawed in the direction of the summit.

"Are you saying you got this scar trying to reach the summit?"

Upon hearing this, Xin Lin grew even more curious about the summit.

"Rest assured, I’m just going up to find someone; if I can’t find them, I’ll come right back down—not staying for long."

Xin Lin said again.

Seeing her insistence, Xuan Bird reluctantly let her sit on its back as they headed toward the mountain.

Nearing the summit, Xin Lin looked down from above, noticing the green faded away, replaced by barren soil—a sight of desolation.

Xin Lin understood why Xuan Bird was reluctant to come to the summit; not only was it desolate with no signs of life, but the summit even carried an aura of death.

Moreover, the sky above the summit was dull gray, the sunlight unable to penetrate.

Xuan Bird began to descend.

It let out a series of low coos.

"Are you saying not to get any closer? There’s a strong prohibition ahead?"

Xin Lin looked up, seeing misty gray between Earth and Heaven, with the scenery ahead obscured.

No matter what, Xuan Bird dared not proceed.

Jiu Jiu Jiu~

At that moment, a ball of tender yellow made its entrance.

Rong Qiu popped out.

It glanced ahead, then glanced at Xin Lin, ultimately not reassured about its mommy, and snuck over.

As soon as Rong Qiu appeared, Xin Lin grabbed it, refusing to let go despite its struggles.

"There’s prohibition ahead, you go and test it; after all, you’ve been here before."

Without another word, Xin Lin picked up Rong Qiu and, with a swish, tossed it towards the misty prohibition.

To her surprise, Rong Qiu flew straight out without being bounced back.

Xin Lin was startled, and Xuan Bird let out cooing sounds.

The scar under its right wing was thanks to that prohibition, yet now it seemed to have lost power.

Seeing this, Xin Lin hesitated no longer and walked toward the misty realm.