KIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!

A majestic eagle burst from the abyss like an arrow shot from a bow. Clouds and mist streamed from its enormous body as it soared past the mountain peak. Yet instead of attacking Shi Ju and Qi Xiongcheng, it ignored them completely and fled west at full speed.

SWWOOOOOOOSHH!!

Shi Ju instantly snapped his fan shut and stared at the disappearing eagle, his earlier confidence replaced by a trace of unease. That thing was stronger than I thought. If I'd rushed in just now, I might have walked straight into its trap… 

Qi Xiongcheng, however, came to an entirely different conclusion. "Young Master, it seems your cultivation has improved again. You can even stop a killing move halfw—"

Shi Ju cut him off impatiently. "Enough. Stop wasting time and let's chase it!" 

Qi Xiongcheng could only give an awkward smile and follow. Privately, however, he wanted nothing to do with whatever lay ahead. If such a powerful illusory beast had suddenly abandoned its lair, something even more dangerous had almost certainly driven it out. After so many years of traveling, caution had become second...