Noticing how Xiao Bao wanted to ask her for an explanation, Baihe quickly came up with a reason that even she felt was dubious. “After staying in that cave, I was suddenly able to cultivate.” With deadpan eyes, she looked straight at Xiao Bao. “We all know cultivation is greatly beneficial to our health, but I recently found out that it can also improve our complexions and work as a beauty enhancer,” she lied through her teeth without batting an eye.

Understanding filled Xiao Bao’s eyes as she slowly nodded her head in agreement. “So it was like that! That cave must be a sacred ground and have good feng shui! No wonder that spider wanted it as well! Good thing Eldest Miss found it first!”

Qian almost choked on himself, seeing how her maid actually believed all the nonsense sprouting out of this woman’s mouth. “Only an idiot that been influenced by your bad energy would believe such brainwashing!”

Baihe ignored his jab, even though she knew he was right. “I’ll be staying in that cave for its good feng shui to aid my cultivation. The energy here is good and blessed with good luck.” Her hand reached into the breast pocket of her robe and pulled out a stack of money notes. “Take this and make the place a bit homier,” she lightly said before adding: “you can also cultivate in there too once you’re done with the given task.”

Reaching out a trembling hand to accept the money notes, Xiao Bao bit her lips to prevent herself from crying, but her eyes were already red. She looked at her Eldest Miss, eyes filled with worship. Miss is truly caring! To even grant a lowly servant like her such a sacred training ground for cultivation!

“This servant understands. I will make sure Miss has a comfortable stay!” Her voice spoke with grave determination as if she were given the most important task.

“Tsk, tsk… I say, woman, your brainwashing technique is quite good. I’ve never seen someone so eager to repay back false kindness after being used as an errand dog. Just look at that silly girl, ready to prostrate herself at your feet! Ridiculous humans!” His wings flapped rapidly as he performed a one-man play, mimicking the worshiping tone of Xiao Bao followed by a bad imitation of Baihe’s voice.

This bird…Baihe shook her head and released a long sigh. He must be really bored! I ought to let him out of the chicken coop soon. But, how to undo his seal…

Just as she was thinking that, his one-man production reached its climax, ending with her tragic death as a phoenix came whooping in to save the maid in distress from the clutches of an evil monkey girl, burning the villain with his sacred flames. “See, all along you been worshiping the wrong species!”

Engrossed in his play, he failed to notice the throbbing veins on Baihe’s temples as three black lines appeared on her forehead; nor did he feel the temperature dropping below freezing point because his fire body was hotter than the scorching sun.

A sugary voice, so utterly sweet, transmitted to him telepathically, nearly causing him to gag in fright; but the words she spoke emitted a chilliness that penetrated him to the bones. “Chicken nuggets, chicken strips, chicken burgers, fried chicken, and chicken fried rice… sigh…I really missed those from our old world. I wonder how exotic the taste will be if I substitute it with phoenix meat. What do you think Qian?”

Peace and quiet once again restored within her inner mind after a soft grumble. “Evil Monkey Girl: 1, Mighty Phoenix: 0″

Sporting a victorious smirk, Baihe returned to the cave. For the haughty phoenix to admit defeat on his own, she wasn’t able to muster her anger over being called a monkey girl. Quickly grabbing the set of clean clothes, she headed back toward the river to bathe and scrub away the slime glued to her hair. Her muscles relaxed as her body dipped in the water, washing away her stress.

Refreshed and cleaned, she felt her mood brighten as she allowed the gentle wind to brush against her skin, tousling her long black hair. Taking advantage of her good mood, Qian suggested: “let’s break into the Feng Empire Palace; the secret scripture to unsealing me might be stored inside their treasury vault.” His voice was so light and casual, he might as well had suggested to take a little stroll through the garden.

“What kind of medication are you on? The Feng Empire Palace is tightly guarded! How exactly do you propose I break into their treasury vault?”

A light laughter rang out in her head, followed by a voice she wanted to silence forever by slitting a dagger across his annoying phoenix neck. “Didn’t you break into that most wanted criminal’s place from your old world? Ah, what was his name again…well, that’s not important! The point is that he was just as highly protected, but against an expert like you, he didn’t stand a chance! With your sets of amazing skills and prowess, we will have zero problems getting in! Zilch, zip, nada!” Qian flattered.

Speechless, Baihe was flummoxed. This bird’s face is too thick! Must be all those frigging feathers! Ignoring his fake fawning, she sharply retorted out loud: “yes, I clearly remember someone took the liberty to force a contract, resulting in a failed mission and my miserable death.”

Qian flapped his wings energetically, “monke—no, I mean Little Missy, why dwell on the unimportant things? We are already merged in body and soul, no need to calculate so much between us!” His frivolous voice and ambiguous words made Baihe’s entire face turn black.

“And…” he deliberately paused, stalling out his next word. “By freeing me, you’ll be able to utilize my powers.” As expected, those words produced the desirable reaction he was counting on.

“Explain!”

Baihe’s curt response only made him grin because he could detect the wisp of urgency. “My Little Missy, cultivation allows one to control the force of energy around them based on their capabilities; however— armaments, scrolls, magical objects and contractual spiritual beasts enable one to utilize its special properties, borrowing its powers and elements. Of course, under the assumption that it has recognized and acknowledged the person as its master.”

His voice suddenly raised louder, making sure she heard his next words clearly. “The effectiveness and strength depends not only on the quality and grade of the item or beast, but also on the innate talent and skills of the wielder,” he explained. “For example, a legendary divine beast such as myself, can enable you to use my sacred phoenix flames as long as I permit it; and no fire in this world can compare to the flames of a phoenix, the monarch of the fire element. The only limit is you, who may not have the strength to bring out this grandpa’s max potential!”

A scene of the phoenix puffing up his chest like a peacock surfaced in her mind. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes from his self-advertisement because something he said had caught her attention.

“What is the current level of your power? And what exactly do you mean by as long as YOU permit it?”

Author's note: One person gave me a rating of 1.5 star and although it made me a little sad, I still respect it because we are all entitle to our opinions. I'm sorry you didn't like the story *cries in the corner*

However, someone else immediately gave me a 5 star to help bring the rating back up and I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the effort. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and taking the time to do so!

And as always, for faster release and access to new chapters, visit my site at Queendrops.wordpress.com and leave a comment if you have spare time. I love to hear from you, the good, the ugly, and the bad =) I reply back to all comments on my WordPress, so make sure to check back if you leave any comments.