122. We Have Long Since Forged a Pact

At this very moment, upon grasping the implication behind Nalan Dijiou’s words, a faint sense of loss welled up within Baili Tianchang.

"The Divine Phoenix’s territory—is it a place just anyone can enter on a whim? The Divine Phoenix has invited only you to enter its domain. But rest assured, I shall stand guard outside the Divine Phoenix’s realm, keeping my spiritual sense locked onto you at all times. Should you encounter any danger, I will rush in the moment it occurs."

Seeing that Baili Tianchang had developed a sense of reliance upon him, Nalan Dijiou felt an indescribable sweetness in his heart.

His little fairy; it was only right that she should always rely on him like this. He was the one who could not bear to be separated from her, even for an instant!

Hearing Nalan Dijiou’s words, Baili Tianchang felt an inexplicable sense of peace. Though, by her nature, she was not a timid or fearful person. She had not been afraid of the Great Phoenix’s request for a private conversation; she had simply grown accustomed to Nalan Dijiou always being by her side.

After hearing Nalan Dijiou’s reassurance, she waved to him, then let the Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly come to rest in the palm of her hand, ready to depart with the Great Phoenix.

The Great Phoenix extended a talon and scooped Baili Tianchang up, holding her securely beneath it. Baili Tianchang felt at ease; after all, the Great Phoenix treated its own offspring by carrying them in its talons, so there was no question of it being rough.

The Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly seemed quite happy in the palm of Baili Tianchang’s hand. It flapped its obsidian wings, dancing gracefully as it hummed a cheerful tune.

Baili Tianchang suddenly thought of a question.

"Little Phoenix, why is it that I cannot understand a word the Great Phoenix says, yet I can understand you perfectly?"

She was unlike Nalan Dijiou, who possessed the ability to understand the language of beasts. She had never studied it, and by all accounts, she should not have been able to comprehend the Great Phoenix. So why could she understand the Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly so effortlessly?

"Because you are my master. We have long since forged a contract; those bound by such a covenant can always understand one another," the Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly replied in a sweet voice.

*Master, because you are my master.*

*Because fate has ordained that you are my master, we are able to communicate so seamlessly.*

"You and I... we forged a contract long ago?"

Baili Tianchang searched her mind for any memory of such an event, but she recalled nothing. It was clear that no such thing had ever happened!

Why would the Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly say such a thing? Was it afraid she wouldn't accept it as her spirit beast?

"Hee hee, Master, we are almost there. Won't you enjoy the scenery along the way?"

Faced with Baili Tianchang’s inquiry, the Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly dodged the question, refusing to elaborate further.

*Oh dear, that was a slip of the tongue just now—a momentary lapse.*

*Heh heh, surely it isn't too late to take it back, is it?*

Hearing the butterfly’s words, the clever Baili Tianchang knew it was intentionally diverting her attention. However, since there was truly no such memory in her mind, she decided to simply wait for the truth to reveal itself in time.

Why should she torment herself with fruitless contemplation? Perhaps that experience of forming the contract had been between the Black Phoenix-Tail Butterfly and the original Baili Tianchang.