Chapter 33: The Ugly Eagle

Qiao Mian was currently in the Dinosaur Park.

Standing before him was a giant raptor over three meters tall.

Its feathers were sparse, its appearance unsightly, and a red fleshy growth bulged from its forehead.

“Brother Eagle, go on,” Qiao Mian nodded at the ugly raptor.

The bird screeched oddly and charged forward.

Ahead was an allosaurus over eight meters long.

As the ugly raptor rushed in, the allosaurus snapped its massive jaws at it.

Just as it seemed about to be caught, the raptor nimbly dodged behind the beast and delivered a vicious peck to its back.

It was then sent flying by a powerful sweep of the allosaurus’s tail.

Qiao Mian couldn’t help but grin.

Naturally, the ugly raptor was a companion he’d brought from the world of “The Return of the Condor Heroes.”

He was quite adept at dealing with these exotic beasts by now.

They were far easier to appease than humans—give them a little food and a few sparring partners, and they’d be content for ages.

If that wasn’t enough, he could promise them a future mate.

Unlike humans, their simple minds believed every promise Qiao Mian made.

After five or six minutes, the ugly raptor returned, cawing triumphantly.

Its head was held high, chest puffed out, its stride full of swagger.

Despite its bloodied state, it looked every bit the victorious general.

And indeed, it had won.

The allosaurus lay on the ground, covered in blood and groaning in defeat.

Qiao Mian patted the raptor’s side. “Let’s go, Brother Eagle!”

Though small, this fellow was immensely strong, agile, and masterful in combat—taking down an allosaurus was no challenge.

He truly was a treasure.

Qiao Mian planned to put him in charge of the arena.

When he had free time, he could even step into the ring to spar with other challengers.

Knowing his temperament, Kong and the rampaging T-Rex would likely be thrilled.

Qiao Mian had considered sending the raptor to challenge those two as proof he wasn’t lying.

But upon seeing Kong and the T-Rex sharing a freshly killed prehistoric crocodile, he abandoned the idea.

It was rare for those two to get along; best not to disturb them. Who knew, maybe they’d pair off and save him the trouble and expense of finding a female Kong to clone.

As Qiao Mian escorted the ugly raptor to the edge of the arena, he happened upon Xiaoyu Liang, followed closely by Little Dragon Maiden and Old Madam Sun.

After a morning of training, Xiaoyu Liang had finally learned how to hold a sword properly.

Now, she was wandering the park with her two companions, introducing them to its wonders.

Though Optimus Prime had already given them a tour, he wasn’t human—his explanations lacked warmth and detail.

Just as she was cautioning them against visiting the snake house, Xiaoyu Liang spotted a figure in the distance.

A person appearing here...

Her mind immediately raced with curiosity.

But as she looked closer, she was left speechless.

The figure was wearing a V for Vendetta mask.

Even so, it was clear the man was tall and upright, his steps light and graceful, almost otherworldly.

Beside him stood that ugly, hulking bird.

“Mr. Qiao,” Little Dragon Maiden stepped forward, her voice soft.

Her gaze lingered in puzzlement on the bird at his side.

Such an ugly, enormous creature was rare indeed—was it also a resident of this place?

Qiao Mian nodded. “Are you all settling in?”

“Everyone has been very warm and welcoming. Miss Liang has shown me many strange and wonderful things,” Little Dragon Maiden replied.

Old Madam Sun quickly added, “We’ve both been wanting to thank you, Mr. Qiao. This evening, my lady wishes to cook for you herself.”

Little Dragon Maiden’s cheeks flushed as she lowered her gaze.

She hadn’t planned such a thing, but since her old nurse had spoken, she couldn’t refuse.

Qiao Mian was the first man she’d truly come to know—mysterious and powerful...

Inevitably, her innocent heart was drawn to him.

Xiaoyu Liang watched this scene unfold, feeling an unexpected pang.

She stared hard at Little Dragon Maiden.

Come on, say something.

You’re like a fairy—how can you cook for some random man?

Qiao Mian was taken aback, and asked, “Miss Long, you know how to cook?”

Little Dragon Maiden blushed. “Granny taught me. I’m not very good—please don’t be disappointed.”

Don’t be disappointed?

Did I even agree to this?

Qiao Mian laughed. “Then I’ll have to trouble you.”

After an intense inner struggle, Xiaoyu Liang cleared her throat. “Can I come and join you for dinner?”

Qiao Mian tilted his head, glancing sidelong at the streamer.

Such a thick skin?

Little Dragon Maiden looked momentarily startled.

She wanted to refuse instinctively, but after spending the morning together and getting along, she felt it would be rude to say no outright.

As she hesitated, Old Madam Sun interjected, “Tonight, we wish to thank Mr. Qiao for his hospitality. How about we invite Miss Liang tomorrow?”

Xiaoyu Liang, thoroughly unwilling, had no choice but to nod. “Then I’ll bring something and come by tomorrow.”

She snuck a glance at Little Dragon Maiden.

A seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girl, elegant as a goddess, breathtakingly beautiful, with a shy, delicate charm that could steal anyone’s heart.

Even though she prided herself on her looks, worshipped by millions online as a “goddess,” she still felt utterly outshone by Little Dragon Maiden.

“If I were a man, there’s no way I’d pick a twenty-five-year-old old woman like me over her,” Xiaoyu Liang thought, suddenly melancholic.

She straightened her back, only to feel even more dejected.

Age brought her no advantage at all.

“Maybe I should get on the good side of this future Mrs. Qiao in advance?” she mused, glancing at Qiao Mian.

But the mask only revealed that inscrutable V-shaped face.

“Is that your pet?” Xiaoyu Liang asked, pointing at the ugly raptor, changing the subject.

If she kept thinking about it, she’d collapse.

The raptor fluttered its wings and cawed twice, glaring at her with unmistakable hostility.

Under that menacing gaze, Xiaoyu Liang felt a sudden chill down her spine.

“Brother Eagle is here to manage the arena,” Qiao Mian said, patting the raptor’s wing. “As for where he’s from, you should have an idea.”

“The Sword Tomb of Dugu Qiubai?” Xiaoyu Liang blurted in surprise.

Qiao Mian only smiled.

She glanced at her phone screen.

[Mr. Qiao even brought the Condor over; poor Yang Guo.]
[So jealous—Little Dragon Maiden is cooking for Mr. Qiao.]
[I’d eat anything Little Dragon Maiden made, even the burnt bits.]
[Did no one notice Xiaoyu’s face turn green? Hahaha.]
[Old Madam Sun is such a traitor, trying to matchmake my wife with someone else.]
[The point is, Little Dragon Maiden didn’t refuse! I’m crying.]
[If even scallions are simps, what hope for your goddess?]
...

Xiaoyu Liang felt her chest tighten painfully again.

“Is it really that Dugu Qiubai—the one who ‘roamed the martial world for over thirty years, vanquished all villains, defeated every hero, and found none to challenge him, so was forced into seclusion and befriended only an eagle? How lonely, to seek a worthy foe in vain’?” Little Dragon Maiden asked suddenly.

She’d seen the story on TV, after all.

Qiao Mian nodded.

The ugly raptor seemed to understand and lifted its head in pride, cawing twice.

“Brother Eagle,” Little Dragon Maiden stepped forward and gently touched its feathers.

The raptor’s wings shivered slightly, and it cawed back in response.

...