"Little one, it's not suitable for you to use a Transformation Pill right now. You'll have to wait until you reach Tier 5."
The Little Amethyst Winged Lion King nodded blankly, still processing the words.
He was simply too young at the moment—equivalent to a seven-year-old human child, still in the middle of his growth phase.
As the dazzling purple light gradually dissipated, the massive form of the Amethyst Winged Lion King vanished. In its place stood a middle-aged man with long purple hair, clad in purple robes, his rugged face carrying an imposing, wild aura.
The man immediately dropped to one knee before Xiao Jietian. "From this day forward, I, Zi Yao, will serve you faithfully as my master and never betray you."
The little cub also hurried to his father's side and prostrated itself obediently.
Xiao Jietian looked down at the purple-robed man kneeling before him and smiled with satisfaction. "Good. From now on, I guarantee your clan will reach heights it has never seen before."
After the Lion King gathered most of his possessions, Xiao Jietian brought both father and son back to the Eternal Heaven World.
He planned to arrange a palace for them at the foot of Eternal Heaven Palace Mountain.
Several magical beasts already resided in this area—all captured by Xiao Jietian from the Black-Corner Region's forests, mostly at Tier 5. White Fang and Fire Spirit now lived here as well, serving as the first line of defense for the palace.
White Fang (the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor) had already advanced to Tier 7 and could now transform into a black-haired middle-aged man.
Fire Spirit (the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake) had reached Tier 6. After consuming a Transformation Pill, she had taken the form of a graceful young woman.
Xiao Jietian entrusted the Amethyst Winged Lion King and his cub to Fire Spirit, asking her to make proper arrangements. Fire Spirit had become the de facto manager of this beast district—even White Fang had to obey her commands.
…
At this moment, Xiao Yan was carefully inspecting his "Rotten Life Brother."
This puppet had been forged using Xie Bi Yan's body, Iron Protector's soul, and a Tier 7 magical core.
During this period, it had absorbed the Pill Lightning from several Tier 7 pills refined by Xiao Jietian, pushing its strength to the peak of Nine-Star Dou Zong.
The result made Xiao Yan grin so widely his face seemed about to split in half.
Nalan Yanran, watching him in this state, could only helplessly massage her forehead.
…
Tian Qing Mountain Range.
Numerous exotic flying magical beasts flapped their wings, soaring through the skies above the range.
A massive Amethyst Winged Lion King flew in from the distance. Its inherent aura alone terrified the other flying beasts, causing them to tremble and nearly lose control of their flight.
The riders on those beasts stared in shock as the purple streak passed by; many faces turned pale with fear.
"Damn! A Tier 6 Amethyst Winged Lion King! Why is it here? Is this a beast tide attack?"
"Are you an idiot? Didn't you see someone riding on top? Clearly, the Lion King is that person's mount."
"Shut your mouth if you want to live. Anyone who can tame a Tier 6 magical beast as a flying mount must come from a deep-rooted family or major power—probably a young master from the Central Plains. Talking carelessly about him here will get you killed for nothing."
"Indeed… some people are simply born at a level we can never reach."
The onlookers watched with envy as the figure atop the Lion King grew smaller and smaller in the distance.
The person seated leisurely on the Amethyst Winged Lion King's back was naturally Xiao Jietian.
Han Yue and the others had not accompanied him this time. They chose to enter seclusion to cultivate intensively, preparing for the conquest of the Central Plains.
Xiao Ling was studying alchemy, Xiao Meng was cultivating alongside Medusa, and the Little Fairy Doctor had to look after Xiao Ze.
…
As they flew onward, a massive city gradually appeared in Xiao Jietian's view—the most prosperous hub within a thousand miles.
As he drew closer, a yellow-robed old man appeared in midair before the Lion King, a pair of Dou Qi wings flapping gently behind him.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King let out a deep roar. The sound wave alone forced the old man back several steps.
The yellow-robed elder quickly stabilized himself. He had intended to deliver the usual reprimand, but upon realizing the beast before him was a Tier 6 magical beast—and specifically the renowned Amethyst Winged Lion King—his composure shattered completely.
Everyone knew taming a Tier 6 beast was more than ten times harder than killing one. Even his own ancestor could slay a Tier 6 beast but could not tame one, let alone a powerful specimen like the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
"Esteemed guest, flying magical beasts are prohibited from entering the airspace above Tian Ya City. Please forgive the offense," the old man said, forcing an awkward smile. He cupped his hands respectfully. "May I ask the purpose of Your Excellency's visit to Tian Ya City? If convenient, this old man can make arrangements for you."
Just then, several figures sensed the energy fluctuation and flew over quickly, shouting: "Who dares cause trouble in Tian Ya City?!"
"Scram!" Xiao Jietian's calm voice fell. The several Dou Huang experts who had just arrived were instantly blasted backward into the city.
"Your Excellency, this is a bit…" The yellow-robed old man had just felt a terrifying aura—stronger even than his ancestor's—but he still braced himself to speak.
"My ignorant family members have offended Your Excellency. Please quell your anger!!" A slightly aged voice rang out. A blue-robed old man stepped through the air from the distance.
He arrived before the yellow-robed elder and looked at Xiao Jietian with faint wariness.
"I am Luo Cheng. May I ask why Your Excellency has come to my Tian Ya City?"
"I merely wish to borrow the spatial wormholes in Tian Ya City," Xiao Jietian replied slowly.
Luo Cheng let out a breath of relief and smiled. "Of course—you are most welcome. The spatial wormholes happen to belong to my Luo family. Allow me to personally escort Your Excellency there."
"You may." Xiao Jietian naturally understood the old ancestor's intentions—he simply feared Xiao Jietian might cause trouble or that other family members might offend him further.
During his earlier seclusion, Luo Cheng had sensed the intruder's aura. Now that they were close, he felt a faint oppressive pressure. His sixth sense screamed that this young man was extraordinarily powerful.
More importantly—he was far too young. He was almost certainly from the Central Plains. If he could establish even a slight connection, it would be immensely beneficial.
"Your Excellency, please." Luo Cheng stepped aside respectfully. He also wanted to use this opportunity to gauge Xiao Jietian's true identity and strength.
Xiao Jietian slowly rose and stepped off the Lion King's back. After he dismounted, the Amethyst Winged Lion King followed closely behind him like a loyal guard.
Xiao Jietian walked straight into the city. Luo Cheng hurried to keep pace.
He raised no objection to the two of them flying directly above the city streets—only smiled apologetically as he guided them toward the spatial wormhole plaza.
Once the group entered the city, the onlookers outside immediately began whispering among themselves.
"How terrifying! Walking on air, and so young yet already a Dou Zong? What kind of monstrous family's descendant is this?"
"Where in the Northwest Continent would such a family even exist? He must be a young master from the Central Plains. Didn't you see—even the Luo family ancestor personally came out and is accompanying him with a smile?"
"…"
Under Luo Cheng's guidance, Xiao Jietian reached a vast plaza in about ten minutes.
It was an extremely wide black stone plaza. The entire area was paved with a special cold, solid black stone that exuded an ancient, heavy aura.