Chapter 739

Although the immortal crane protested vehemently, it wanted to give itself the name Golden Crown Lightning Eagle.

But Xiao Feng still resisted this cross‑species naming method.

Thus both sides compromised: the crane would no longer call itself the ancient demonic bird Golden Crown Lightning Eagle, and Xiao Feng would not name it Little Chick.

Instead, he gave it a pleasant name—Da Bai!

"Da Bai, come on, take your master for a stroll on Nine‑Colored Island." Xiao Feng leapt onto the white crane's back.

Da Bai shouted angrily: "You wish!"

Then, with an honest push of its feet, it flapped its wings and rose into the air.

Xiao Feng laughed: "You say no with your mouth, but your body is still honest~"

"Ahhh, this damned contract!"

Da Bai was so angry it stomped its feet, but unfortunately there was no way to solve this problem.

Riding on the immortal crane's back felt quite comfortable; Da Bai's size was large enough, its back was spacious, and it was steady as a rock, so there was no worry of falling off.

When this white crane took flight, it became even more ethereal, its black‑white coloring sweeping across the sky like yin and yang, subtly echoing the rhythm of the Heavenly Dao.

A tuft of red feathers on its head swayed in the wind, adding a touch of color.

Although it was only level 70, its speed was already fast—nearly 2000 kilometers per hour, slightly faster than a normal player's mount.

If it grew to a higher tier, it would become unbelievably swift!

Mount upgrades are fairly easy; after entering Shen Jie, besides gaining experience through distance traveled, there is also a "cultivation" method and the method of consuming heavenly treasures and earthly riches.

Some high‑quality, high‑intelligence mounts can also gain cultivation on their own like players, thereby increasing their strength.

If luck is good and one encounters some heavenly treasures and earthly riches—for example, the 【Spirit of Myriad Beasts】 mentioned earlier by the Divine Deer of Light—it can not only raise cultivation but also has a chance to improve quality.

However, top‑grade heavenly treasures and earthly riches are rare; usually one just eats something fairly ordinary, gaining only a little cultivation.

Xiao Feng rode the immortal crane low over Nine‑Colored Island, and all along Da Bai kept grumbling.

He really disliked being a mount, after all, for a strong one it is a disgrace.

But with loyalty at 100, he could not resist.

"Da Bai, you're at least a Nascent Soul cultivator—can't you cut the nonsense?"

After ten minutes of being nagged, Xiao Feng could hardly take it anymore and blurted out.

Da Bai snapped: "Try switching places—would you be willing to be tossed to a mindless little creature as a wet nurse?"

Xiao Feng, unhappy upon hearing that, retorted: "How can you lump me together with a mindless little beast? And how do you compare yourself to a wet nurse?"

Da Bai snorted coldly: "Your strength is merely early Nascent Soul—how much wisdom could you have? You went to all that trouble to subdue me just so I could nurse and protect you as a wet nurse."

Xiao Feng, speechless, said: "Have you forgotten how I beat you before your fetal rebirth? Do I need your protection? Even if you returned to your peak, I could kill you in a heartbeat."

"Bluffing without a draft! Earlier I was weak, about to undergo fetal rebirth, with only a tenth of my strength. Otherwise, with your puny abilities, I wouldn't even need spells—I could tear you apart with a single claw!" Da Bai's tone was full of resentment.

"Tch~"

Xiao Feng scoffed: "Say what you like; anyway, I only need a mount for getting around on the Myriad Heavens Battlefield. If you don't want to be a bodyguard, fine—I don't lack your fighting power, so from now on just be a pure means of transport."

"Absurd! Absurd!" Da Bai grew even angrier upon hearing this: "I, a noble ancient demonic beast, one of the strongest of the Kyushu demon cultivators' line—how could I be a useless mount?"

"Then will you be my bodyguard?" Xiao Feng asked it.

"No!" it immediately refused.

"Oh, then it's just a transport."

Da Bai: ……

It fell silent for a moment, then squeezed out: "I fight only for myself; it has nothing to do with you."

"Got it, that's tsundere." Xiao Feng showed understanding.

Da Bai: ……

It was nearly furious, really wanting to toss Xiao Feng off and kill him.

Unfortunately, its loyalty was too high to do such a thing.

……This damn bug!!

After Xiao Feng strolled around Nine‑Colored Island a few laps, he decided to leave.

Before departing, he earnestly told Da Bai: "Da Bai, from now on, speak less in front of others. As long as they don't know you used to be a Nascent Soul Golden Crown Lightning Eagle, becoming like this now isn't shameful. Once I make a name for myself on the Myriad Heavens Battlefield and have enough strength, I'll also set you free."

"Are you serious? Don't bluff me, kid!" Da Bai, upon hearing the latter part, instantly rejoiced—but worried Xiao Feng might be lying.

Xiao Feng said: "Of course not—I'm the most trustworthy person. And even if I were deceiving you, you couldn't resist anyway, right?"

"Well…"

Da Bai fell silent.

This is true: the system's power is the strongest binding force in the game world; once it became a mount, unless its loyalty drops to zero, it has little chance to rebel.

Besides, Xiao Feng's earlier remark also makes sense!

As long as others don't know how glorious it once was, no one will think it's now pitiful.

At least it has evolved into a seventh‑tier spirit beast, transforming from a demonic bird into a divine bird.

Given the qualities and conditions of this new body, it is still superior in all respects; it certainly won't end up doing poorly!

But…

If he really did that, he could only bury his past fame and achievements in memory, unable to use them as conversation material.

That would be a cruel thing for a big shot!

Who among the mighty under heaven doesn't like to show off?

Anyone with a bit of strength will occasionally put on a display, right?

"Alright, then let it be so—I hope you keep your promise and release me when you become a celestial immortal." Da Bai sighed.

Seeing this, it was a compromise.

But… I never said anything about becoming a Heavenly Immortal!

He asked, "Did I ever say that becoming an immortal would let you go?"

Da Bai heard this and angrily said: "Huh? What do you mean? You didn't say that if I make a name for myself in the Myriad Heavens Battlefield you'd let me go? As long as I reach the Heavenly Immortal realm, I can make a name for myself!"

Xiao Feng curled his lips: "Originally I meant that after I reach level 500 and can fly freely in the Myriad Heavens Battlefield, I'd let you go. But since you don't want to leave, fine—I'll wait until I reach level 1000 and become a God King, then we'll talk."

Da Bai: "……"

"No, no!! Don't do this, level 500 is great, level 500 is awesome! Brother, big brother! I take back what I just said—please stick to your original intention!" Da Bai regretted it repeatedly and shouted loudly.

Xiao Feng smiled faintly: "A gentleman's word is hard to take back; you yourself said Heavenly Immortal realm, so it must be the Heavenly Immortal realm."

"God damn it…"

At this moment Da Bai really wanted to slap himself twice.

Although it doesn't have the function to slap ears.

Xiao Feng thought for a moment; indeed, letting him go after becoming a God King would be better.

Because he still has a chance to be reborn at level 999!

Doesn't that mean he can ride Da Bai for an extra 999 levels' worth of upgrade time?

(End of chapter)