Build an independent territory?

As it so happens, this idea from the old monster just so coincides with Ling Yue’s own intent.

The actions thus far from the king had long disgusted the girl to the core. Now that things are coming together, it’s only normal she would take it. To be clear, it’s not like she’s just going to make claim to this ancient forest on her own, she intends to use the reward from solving the black fog to her advantage.

“As expected of you Chief. If we occupy this piece of land then you can even become the first female lord on this continent!”

Like the gleeful looking A’bone, the rest were all showing looks of approval.

“Whether or not this will succeed is still up for debate. The key is to solve the black fog first. Until then, any further planning about the long term is pointless right now.” Not wanting her friends to jump ahead of themselves, Ling Yue first doused the flame before it got out of hand.

There’s a lot of things to get done here until they headed out for North Qing, the first and foremost being the matter with her friend Little Crow. She’s got the essence blood from that ancient phoenix already, it’s time she got down to business since there’s space in this timeframe.

“Little Crow, go head and take it. Me and Little Squeak will watch over you during this time.”

Receiving the drop of essence blood, the bird was so full of gratitude that it looked like she would start crying at any moment.

“Squeak (Boss, Little Crow would be fine right?)” Instead of the bird herself, it was the little guy here who seems to be the most nervous about the matter.

“I can’t say for certain, the fusion of the phoenix blood can be small and big. From what I heard, that ancient phoenix from the Immortal Jade Garden is at least a thousand years old, that means the drop here should equate to a hundred years of its cultivation. Whether or not Little Crow can integrate it properly is all up to her own fate and ability.” Cautious in her face, Ling Yue also seems a tad worried there as well.

After drinking the blood as instructed, the bird initially didn’t show any reaction. But then……

BANG!!

From that tiny black body of hers came a torrent of flame, engulfing the bird in its entirety.

“!”

Naturally Ling Yue and Little Squeak were both majorly scared off their feet at the sight, especially the little guy who wanted to rush over immediately. Luckily he was caught in the nick of time, otherwise the flames would’ve engulfed him too and turned the entire process into a mess.

“Hold on Little Squeak, settle down. Little Crow is the child of an ice and fire phoenix, she shouldn’t be afraid any flames.” Her guess wasn’t wrong.

Within the ball of fire, the bird’s original black feathers were being burned away and slowly replaced by something entirely new.

After a full day later, the girl and fox were both fast asleep after tiring themselves out. That’s why, by the time these two managed awake from their slumber the following morning, what came into their view was something truly astonishing and mind-blowing.

It was a girl, or to be more precise, a Lolita looking girl of exemplary appearance.

She had big pearly eyes like a pair of grapes, long curly red hair and a coat made entirely out of feathers of different color. Truly a lovable doll that needs to be hugged at first glance.

That’s right, this newly appeared Lolita was none other than Little Crow!

Wow, talk about a child grows fast…..

Just when Ye Ling Yue and Little Squeak were both too dumbfounded to say anything, it was the Lolita herself who first spoke, “Boss, Little Squeak~”

“Little Crow, you can talk now?” Showing incredulous in her eyes, Ling Yue couldn’t move her sight from the rigidly moving girl.

“Mhmm, it’s the effect of the essence blood. Boss, from now on I can also take on my human form and phoenix form as I want, are you proud of me?”

Although the bird was a super rare variant of the phoenix specie, but she still had trouble speaking the human tongue even if that was using telepathy back then. Now she could even properly pronounce the words using her vocals, what an improvement!

“Then are you able to take on my appearance now?” Before those words could even come to an end, a puff of smoke had already enveloped the Lolita to reveal a carbon copy of “Ling Yue” from within.

And as if that wasn’t delightful enough, it appears Little Crow could also copy the vocals of whatever she was transforming into.

“Squeak~”

While the two girls were endlessly chatting away over the joyous occasion, the little guy on the other hand was quite depressed. Making a few mournful cries to no avail, he then went ahead to crawl over to one corner to mope by himself.

He wanted some attention too…..

Yet, instead of showing pity over the poor guy’s sad display, the girls actually found it hilarious by the time they realized what was happening.

Then again, the blame couldn’t be pinned on the two ladies here. The main reason for Little Squeak’s depressed state was the fact that his little follower was now leagues ahead of himself after using a big cheat.

Moreover, his self-esteem was also taking a major blow after the bird lost those black feathers. She’s practically a beauty in the making! He knows, it would just be a matter of time before Little Crow becomes as beautiful as her mother. By then, what reason would she have to continue being his future wife?

Overwhelmed with fear for his future, the little guy became all teary in his big blue eyes.

Understanding the woes of her friend there, Ling Yue figured its time she stepped in: “What’s wrong little guy, aren’t you happy Little Crow can now take on her human form? Think about it, wouldn’t it be an awesome sight to take a beautiful wife out for a stroll in front of the public? I’m sure its far better than having an ugly one wouldn’t you say?”

Men always like to show off. Whether it be an animal or human, such logic works regardless of their specie. As a result, Little Squeak’s mood instantly livened up somewhat.

“Squeak (But that’s not right, would Little Crow still want to be my wife after she became beautiful?)

The most worrying part remains. He’s an ancient primal beast, making it much more difficult to advance in his own cultivation. What if his wife runs away with another mate before he could get strong enough?

“You would have to ask Little Crow this question yourself.” The promise of making the bird his wife was just a casual remark way back then. Therefore, it’s only proper they get the consent from the girl herself now that she’s mentally capable of making the decision.