C102 An Adult Purple Lightning Bird

The cultivation levels of these two girls were skyrocketing as if propelled by a rocket. They had both reached the status of Peak Battle Masters. In Jing City, no other children their age could hold a candle to them, not even Qin Zheng's youngest princes. Third Master Ning was eager to take them under his wing as disciples, but Ning Qi decisively turned him down.

Ning Qi had once planned to send the trio to Jing City's Big Dipper Academy for further training. However, considering the rapid pace of the girls' cultivation, he scrapped the idea to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

One day, Ning Qi was sitting in the pavilion in the backyard, his attention riveted on the system's display of Purple's transformation progress.

"99.97%."

"99.98%."

"99.99%."

An hour later, the progress bar hit 100%.

"Ding! Host, your Purple Lightning Bird's transformation is complete. Congratulations!"

Overjoyed, Ning Qi summoned Purple from the Pet Space. Upon its arrival, the creature's massive form shot up into the sky, only to descend gracefully back into the courtyard moments later.

With its wings unfurled, Purple spanned over 20 meters, easily capable of carrying five or six people on its back. Standing tall, it was nearly the height of a small house, its purple plumage shimmering with an enchanting sheen, while sparks of electricity danced along its feathers.

In its juvenile stage, Purple had seemed somewhat comical, but now, fully matured, it was majestic and even more impressive than its mother.

If Purple hadn't affectionately nuzzled Ning Qi's chest before opening its beak to hint for a Spiritual Nourishment Pill, Ning Qi might have doubted whether the system had replaced his pet with another Purple Lightning Bird.

"Purple, you're truly formidable now. As a Fifth Rank Mid-grade Demon Beast, you're equivalent to a Four-Star Battle King. With you by my side, I've got nothing to fear from Sun Zeshi's underhanded schemes."

Ning Qi burst into hearty laughter, pulling out a handful of Spiritual Nourishment Pills and tossing them into Purple's waiting mouth. After gulping them down, Purple contentedly bobbed its head.

Zhang Loong and Zhao Hu had just caught a glimpse of a blur of purple. It moved too swiftly for them to get a clear view. Concerned that someone might be infiltrating the Marquis estate, they hurried over. Upon spotting Purple, they were taken aback. Only when they saw Ning Qi standing beside Purple, smiling at them, did they feel assured that this was indeed Purple.

"Master Ning, is this Purple?" Zhao Hu inquired, a note of uncertainty in his voice.

Ning Qi nodded, giving Purple's wings a gentle pat. The electric arcs that danced upon its wings were harmless to its master but could injure others, meaning that from now on, only Ning Qi would have the privilege of riding on its back.

"Purple has matured, that's wonderful!" Zhao Hu exclaimed with joy.

With a proud glance and a chirp, Purple acknowledged the familiar faces.

Then, it seemed to search for something, calling out to Ning Qi. After a moment's thought, Ning Qi summoned Whitehorse from the Pet Space. The Whitehorse galloped joyfully around the courtyard until it caught sight of Purple. A flicker of fear crossed its eyes, and it began to back away.

Without any reservation, Purple snatched up Whitehorse, lifting and dropping it repeatedly. As a Third Rank Boss level Demonic Beast, Whitehorse wouldn't be harmed by the fall. Ning Qi let them be; after all, it was only natural for Purple to frolic with an old friend after such a long separation in Pet Space.

Zhao Hu and Zhang Loong watched Whitehorse with a hint of schadenfreude. The Whitehorse often regarded them with contempt, and now it seemed fitting for Purple to give it a taste of its own medicine.

Suddenly, Purple ceased its play and settled next to Ning Qi, casting a wary eye toward the courtyard entrance where a figure stood watching them.

"Don't worry, I know him; that's Third Master Ning," Ning Qi reassured Purple, stroking its wings.

At this, Purple eased its guard.

Third Master Ning approached, observing Purple intently before turning to Ning Qi with a sigh, "Is this a fully-grown Purple Lightning Bird?"

Ning Qi nodded affirmatively. "Yes, Third Master Ning, allow me to introduce you to my demonic pet, Purple."

Third Master Ning offered a warm smile and a nod to Purple, a gesture of friendliness, before turning to Ning Qi with a teasing glint in his eye. "During the recent hunt, a Purple Lightning Bird attacked Falling Leaf Valley and was driven off by the Ninth Prince's guards. It wouldn't happen to be because you snatched its offspring, would it?"

Ning Qi chuckled awkwardly, "Merely a coincidence."

While speaking, he affectionately stroked Purple's wings. Didn't Third Master Ning realize that a Fifth Rank Demon Beast possessed a fair amount of intelligence? To suggest in front of Purple that it wasn't its own kin was downright offensive.

As expected, a flicker of suspicion crossed Purple's eyes, but it vanished as soon as Ning Qi offered it a Spiritual Nourishment Pill. Seizing the moment, Whitehorse craned its neck forward, mouth agape.

"You're the little brother. You get less."

The pill Ning Qi handed to Whitehorse was only a third of what Purple received. Clearly unfair, but Whitehorse seemed quite satisfied, munching away with a blissful grin.

"They're fortunate to have you as their master. Back at the Marquis family, we would only feed a Demonic Beast a single pill at a time. Our practices seem downright stingy compared to yours," Third Master Ning remarked with a hint of envy.

Ning Qi grinned. "Naturally. Ning Hongtian is no match for me."

He never missed an opportunity to belittle Ning Hongtian's reputation, especially in front of others.

Third Master Ning was well aware of the longstanding feud. There was a time he might have sided with Ning Hongtian, but now Ning Qi's influence was clearly more beneficial to the Marquis family's ascent. The Grandmaster favored and valued Ning Qi, prompting Third Master Ning to lend his full support. Hearing Ning Qi disparage Ning Hongtian didn't seem improper to him; it felt justified.

"I'm going to take Purple for a quick spin. No need for anyone to tag along."

With a cheerful expression, Ning Qi leapt onto Purple's back. Understanding the cue, Purple took off, soaring towards Tianfeng Forest.

"Master Ning!"

Zhang Loong and Zhao Hu could only silently gaze at Ning Qi's retreating figure.

"The Fifth Rank Purple Lightning Bird is more than capable of protecting him. Your presence wouldn't make a difference."

Third Master Ning offered a slight smile before making his way over to Whitehorse, playfully engaging with the creature as it digested its Spiritual Nourishment Pill. Recognizing him as a Battle King, Whitehorse looked up with an affectionate gaze and affectionately licked his palm.

Meanwhile, Zhang Loong and Zhao Hu stood frozen, struck by Third Master Ning's blunt assessment: "Your going would be pointless."

"Right. With Purple by Master Ning's side, aren't we just superfluous?" Zhao Hu murmured to himself.

Zhang Loong's gaze sharpened. "No. If we diligently cultivate, we can still be of assistance to Master Ning."

"Time to train!" Zhao Hu agreed with a nod.

Watching their determined departure, a smile crept onto Third Master Ning's face. He murmured softly, "Ning Qi's command far surpasses that of Hong Tian, and his followers are fiercely loyal. The Dragon Slaying Marquis's house is bound to grow in strength. It seems the Grandmaster's decision to choose Ning Qi as the heir to the Champion Marquis was indeed wise. Such a shame."