"This is a gift from the Golden Crane Sect," Mother Bing explained.
"A gift?" Yuan's brow furrowed. "Why would they give me such a present?"
As far as he knew, the pavilion had already received the reward of 50 gold coins for saving the crane. He knew the reward was low but he didn't care. He simply treated the bird because he wanted to, not for the reward or something.
But after seeing Mother Bing's power a few days ago, the Golden Crane Sect Master realized his mistake of not giving Yuan a proper reward and making things difficult for PM Meng during the competition. To make amends, they sent the bird as an apology under the pretax of the present.
Yuan face darkened at the explanation. He opened his mouth to refuse, but PM Meng intervened.
"Yuan, it would be rude to return a gift. Accept it." PM Meng voice carried authority but also understanding. He knew this kind of thing was common. People followed the rule of a fist. Whoever's fist was bigger would get to decide things. Golden Crane sect thought their fists were bigger so they didn't care and now when they realized they were being delusional, they admitted their mistakes.
After a moment, Yuan relented.
"I will help you tame it," PM Meng offered. "It'll serve as your means of travel."
Yuan thought for a moment and turned to the crane. "Do you want to travel with me? Explore the world together?" His tone was normal as if speaking to another human.
PM Meng and Mother Bing shook their heads but to their amazement, the bird nodded his head and rubbed his head against Yuan's hand.
Mother Bing turned toward PM Meng in shock, only to realize he looked in more disbelief than her. PM Meng's eyes widened. "Yuan, how did you tame it so easily?"
"Dad, this guy is quite intelligent. When I treated him last time, I realized he could understand me. So, I simply asked whether he wanted to follow me or not." Yuan shrugged casually. He didn't consider it a big deal.
PM Meng shook his head in disbelief, though his heart swelled with pride.
Then Yuan named the bird Black because he was black in color. His sense of naming left everyone lost for words. Both his pets were named after their color and now he was doing the same for 3rd one. But no one could do anything. They were his pets after all.
"No, brother! We will call it Big Birdy" Xu'er refuted his words and spoke. This caused an argument between the brother and sister pair.
"Black"
"Big birdy"
They started fighting and none of them wanted to step back. Only when his parents stepped in, they stopped.
"Okay let's take both of your suggestions and call it Big Blackey." Mother Bing said.
Xu'er glared at his brother and reluctantly nodded.
To cheer her up, Yuan hoisted her onto Blackey's back. The bird took to the skies, circling the pavilion. Xu'er initial squeals of fear turned into peals of laughter as she held on tightly.
When they landed, Xu'er claim of the bird reignited their sibling rivalry. Yuan stood firm, insisting Blackey was essential for his travels, while Xu'er argued vehemently for custody. The debate continued until the day of Yuan departure.
On the morning of his farewell, PM Meng and Mother Bing summoned Yuan to the study. PM Meng handed him a crimson scroll. "This is the fire-element cultivation method. It's a profound-grade treasure—the best in our family. Study it carefully, but keep its existence secret."
Yuan accepted the scroll with a solemn nod.
Mother Bing pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice trembling. "Yuan, strength is your best protection. Work hard, but if you ever feel overwhelmed, come home. We'll always be here." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she released him.
Outside, Xu'er threw her arms around him. "Brother, take care of Blackey, and bring him back to me someday."
Yuan smiled and hugged her tightly. "I will. Be good, Xu'er."
A few moments later, Qiu Zhi arrived at the pavilion gate, her elegant figure framed against the soft morning light. She exuded a serene confidence, her voice lilting with charm as she called out, "Yuan, are you ready?"
Yuan glanced back at his family, their faces etched with unspoken emotions, before giving a determined nod. He adjusted his clothes and stepped forward.
Qiu Zhi smiled faintly and summoned her contracted beast with a wave of her hand from her pet space.
Pet space was a special space formed when a person contracted with a pet. The size of the space depended upon the cultivation of a person as well as the beast. Only the contracted pet could be stored in this space. Yuan also had such space but he couldn't access it because of not having any Spirit Qi in his body.
From her pet space emerged a creature that starkly contrasted her refined demeanor—a Vicious Vulture. Towering at five meters, its sharp beak gleamed ominously, while its eight-meter wingspan cast an imposing shadow over the pavilion grounds.
The most bizarre thing was its bald skull. There was not a single hair on his skull and had a shiny look that didn't matched with its big, majestic body. Its piercing eyes swept over the gathered onlookers, eliciting gasps of alarm. Xu'er let out a small shriek and darted behind Mother Bing, clutching her skirts tightly.
Qiu Zhi's cheeks flushed slightly under the weight of their stares. Fortunately, no one said anything.
"Yuan, you can ride with me," Qiu Zhi offered, climbing onto the vulture's back. "Your pet can follow us from behind. It'll be faster this way."
Yuan hesitated, glancing at Blackey, who lowered his head under the vulture's scrutinizing glare. With a reluctant nod, Yuan climbed aboard the vulture. He waved goodbye to his family as the beast's powerful wings beat the air, lifting them skyward. Below, tears rolled from Mother Bing eyes, and Xu'er waved enthusiastically, oblivious to the truth of his departure.
As May (Vicious Vulture) soared into the sky, carrying Yuan toward his new journey, the pavilion and his family grew smaller in the distance. The wind whipped past him, and his heart swelled with determination. His path lay ahead, shrouded in mystery but blazing with promise.
"Can I ask you a question?" Yuan asked.
"Shoot?"
"Why did you form a contract with Vicious Vulture?" Yuan looked at the beast below him and asked.