I wanted to say something to call her back but I refrained, the words caught in my throat. She didn't even look back as she disappeared into the grasslands, leaving me standing there, bloodied and alone. Her words echoed in my mind: "You're just another unlucky soul."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I muttered under my breath. My chest throbbed, reminding me that I didn't have time to stand around sulking. If there really was a Linglong Phoenix nearby, I needed to find it. Healing was my top priority, and bonding with such a creature could be a game-changer since she said it wouldn't be aggressive but I couldn't trust her, I would wait for the system to tell me about the creature when I found it.
Pushing myself forward, I stumbled toward the direction Liu Xueying had indicated. Every step sent sharp pain through my side, but I gritted my teeth and kept moving. The grasslands stretched out endlessly, dotted with grazing beasts that thankfully paid me no mind. I kept my distance, not wanting to draw attention to myself, my gaze fixed forward as I weaved through them, cursing why I didn't have a weapon like Liu Xueying had, I would have killed one of these creatures and found a way to prepare it for consumption.
As I walked further and was almost at the end of the herd, the system's voice suddenly rang out, startling me.
"Beast Detection Activated. Target Identified: Linglong Phoenix. Classification: Rare. Elemental Affinity: Healing and Light. Threat Level: Minimal."
"Minimal threat? Finally, some good news," I muttered, my heart lifting slightly as I realized that the woman had indeed told me the truth. Great to know that there were some people in here who I could trust. The system continued its usual ramble while I just looked around, searching for this beast amongst this herd.
"Linglong Phoenix: A small, elusive bird sought after for its ability to heal injuries and illnesses. Bonds selectively with individuals who demonstrate resilience and kindness. Approach with caution. Beasts in the vicinity may become aggressive if it feels threatened."
Just great again. I had to win over a picky, healing bird without upsetting its protective entourage. No pressure.
I moved carefully, scanning the area for any sign of the Phoenix. The tall grass made it hard to see, but eventually, I spotted a glimmer of light flickering in the distance. It wasn't like the harsh glow of lightning or fire—it was soft, golden, almost serene.
"There you are," I whispered, my breath catching as I approached it carefully.
The Linglong Phoenix was perched on a low branch of a large tree, its feathers shimmering like molten gold. It was small, barely the size of my hand, but its presence was mesmerizing. Even from a distance, I could feel its energy—a calming, soothing warmth that made my chest ache less. I wanted it. No, needed it.
I took a step closer, trying not to startle it.
"Hey, little guy," I said softly, holding out my hand. "I'm not here to hurt you. I just need a little help and I think you can give it to me."
Just a day here and I was starting to talk to beasts, just great, I was losing my mind now.
The Phoenix tilted its head, its bright eyes studying me. For a moment, I thought it might actually let me approach. I inched closer, keeping my movements slow and deliberate to let it know what I wasn't a threat.
But then, the ground trembled.
A low growl echoed through the grasslands, and the herd of wild boars nearby scattered in panic. I froze, my eyes darting around, but I couldn't see what had caused the disturbance. The Phoenix, however, seemed to sense it immediately. It let out a soft chirp and took off, its golden wings carrying it away in a blur.
"No, no, no!" I shouted, stumbling forward in a futile attempt to follow it. "Damn it, come back!"
Shit!
I watched helplessly as the Phoenix flew across the clearing. My heart sank when I realized it wasn't flying aimlessly—it was heading straight toward someone else.
She was standing at the edge of the clearing, her dark hair glimmering in the light as the Phoenix landed gracefully on her outstretched arm. She didn't flinch or hesitate, her movements calm and assured as if she had been expecting it.
The system's voice chimed in again.
"Bond with Linglong Phoenix failed. Linglong Phoenix Bond Established. Bondholder: Mia Chen."
"Mia Chen?" I muttered, staring at the woman in disbelief. She was striking, her sharp features framed by the golden light of the Phoenix. But her expression wasn't welcoming—it was annoyed, her dark eyes narrowing as they locked onto me
Now, the second person I had met who just happened to not like me at first sight also. I just happened to keep bumping into women who looked at me that way here.
"Is there a reason you're standing there like an idiot?" she called out, her tone cutting as she stared at me, annoyance evident in her tone.
I opened my mouth to reply, but no words came out. What was I supposed to say? Sorry for trying to bond with your bird?
Before I could figure out a response, the system's voice interrupted again and this time I froze in place as I heard what it said next.
"Warning: Shadow Panther Detected. Combat Engagement Imminent."
My blood ran cold as the low growl from earlier returned, louder and closer than before. I turned slowly, dread pooling in my stomach as I saw the glint of amber eyes watching me from the shadows of the grass.
The Shadow Panther had found me.
Mia whipped her neck to the source of the sound, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the beast approaching slowly, amber eyes fixed on both of us then suddenly the Linglong Phoenix perched on her hand vanished like it hadn't even been there but I paid that no heed. Not my problem right now. Not even in the least as I stared at the panther, my legs rooted to the spot.
I thought I'd lost the goddamn thing! Did it really hold that much of a grudge against me?
"Locked in combat," the system declared.
Holy shit.