"You're a cow!"
The crow shrieked in a high-pitched voice. A pair of black, beady eyes burned with rage as it complained to Tang Ning.
"You lied to me!"
"'Bull' and 'cow' are used in the animal world. In the human world, it's divided into 'male' and 'female.'"
Tang Ning scowled at the crow and said, "Also, who lied to whom? You are a Golden Crow, an ancient divine creature, but you deceive others by appearing as a common crow. On the other hand, how have I deceived you? You were the one being desperate to make a contract. I told you our paths are not the same. But when I refused, you sealed the contract against my will."
Tang Ning looked up at the cliff and recalled the events that played out moments ago. She was bitten by the crow, causing her such excruciating pain that she had wanted to grab the bird and strangle it to death. But a bright ray of light suddenly burst through the sky and caused her to lose footing and fall off the cliff. Ultimately, the crow had caught her mid-air and saved her.
The crow had sealed a soul contract with her against her permission. If not for the fact that Tang Ning found out that it was actually a Golden Crow, an ancient divine creature, she would have received the shorter end of the deal.
After being told off by Tang Ning, the crow was dumbfounded and stared at her speechlessly.
It was true that he had sealed the contract without her permission. Now that he had found out Tang Ning was not just a fake monk, but she was a female, he thought about what Tang Ning had just said. The crow put two and two together and realized that he was the one being duped.
"Alright, let's get going now. You caused such a huge commotion just now, we'll be in trouble if we stick around." Tang Ning stood up and brushed the grass twigs off her body. She quickly scanned the surroundings and started to walk forward.
The contract had been sealed, and there was nothing more she could do. Although it looked like she got the better end of the deal, she would have preferred if her companion was a fierce and majestic tiger instead.
"You're the one benefiting most from this, but you still wish for a tiger? Would a tiger be as brilliant as I am? What a shortsighted woman!" The crow spoke fumingly, he was almost out of breath. Eager to throw more insults at Tang Ning, he glanced at her shiny, bald head and quipped, "Caw! Caw! Caw! A woman without hair!"
Tang Ning paused in her tracks, glanced coldly at the crow, and then continued walking.
The crow had initially wanted to continue with more insults. But when he saw the look on Tang Ning's face, he decided against this idea and kept quiet. He swallowed his pride and dignity, turned away, and obediently kept his mouth shut.
"Even if you are unhappy now, you have no right to say anything. Because you were the one who asked for this, not me!"
Tang Ning spoke coldly as she looked at the crow, who was feeling rather awkward. "Also, watch your mouth in front of other people. If anyone were to hear you speak and find out you're an ancient divine creature, you would be only inviting more trouble."
"Hmph! Alright!" The crow sneered and agreed indignantly. After all, he already contracted her, and he knew his contract master was not highly skilled and may not be able to protect him. For the sake of his own safety, he would not speak unnecessarily.
"Come over here, " Tang Ning put out her arm and beckoned to the crow.
The crow had an awkward and uncomfortable expression as he looked at Tang Ning, wondering what she was up to. Nevertheless, he flew up to her and landed on her arm.
"You're a Golden Crow, why is your appearance similar to a common crow?" Tang Ning queried.
Seeing that she was politely speaking to him, the crow also softened his tone and answered, "I have only hatched from my egg not too long ago, so my powers are still sealed. Until my powers are released, and the seal is broken, my true coat will not appear."
When she heard this, Tang Ning smoothed her hand over the crow's shiny, black feathers. She said, "From now on, you shall be called Blackie!"
"Blackie? What a common and sloppy name! I want to be called Snowie!" The crow cried and glared at Tang Ning with his beady eyes.