Yang Qing paid for both his and the Zou siblings' meals. The old couple insisted he didn't need to pay but Yang Qing still paid since the meal didn't cost that much and effort should always be rewarded.
The meal was too good for him not to show his appreciation. He was flush with money thanks to the generous per diem he received for his upkeep during his evaluations.
He left for a few minutes to go call Ellie, though that was just an excuse since he wanted to give the old couple and the Zou siblings space to say their goodbyes.
Even if it seemed in all likelihood like the couple would be joining them at the Order, things could happen and plans could change. It was better for them to say their goodbyes now just in case something happened atleast they would have not left any words left unsaid.
…..
Ten minutes later
"Goodbye grandpa and grandma, thanks for taking care of us," Zou Yi gingerly said as he waved his hands.
Zou Liqin went and hugged them both with tears hugging the rim of her eyes.
"Thanks," she softly said. It seemed like those were the only words that could come out of her mouth.
Even if it was just one word all present could feel the weight of the emotion behind it.
"Safe travels master Yang Qing. Yi'er, Liqin'er make sure to eat your meals and use the herbs we have given you, keep warm, don't cause trouble…." Grandma Wang went on with an endless list of things they should be mindful of.
If it wasn't for grandpa Wang forcefully pulling her away it seemed like she would have gone on forever. Zou Yi who had been trying to put on a brave face during the goodbye started tearing up which became the catalyst for the dam in Zou Liqin's eyes to overflow as they waved goodbye.
"Let's go," Yang Qing gently said as he held their hands and flew up with them to meet Ellie who was hidden in the clouds above the restaurant. He made sure to drag the blood fiend cultivator too whom he knocked unconscious before carrying .
Both Zou Yi and Zou Liqin had their eyes wide open the moment Ellie fell into their eyesight. She had a regal bearing, a gold white plumage, and was massively huge that one of her wings could cover the whole of the Wang restaurant and still leave space.
Her questionable habits aside even Yang Qing had to admit Ellie's base looks left an impression. It was only when she started showing her nasty habits does her awe-inspiring look disappear. And one of her nasty habits had come to bear the moment the two siblings appeared.
She released a bit of her fearsome pressure to scare them both however the terrified expressions she expected to see never came. She increased the pressure by a few more levels but still, there was no reaction.
She twisted her head in confusion almost as if to say 'what's happening? How are two brats the size of my nostril handling this much pressure without breaking down? Even that silly dragonfly would be paralyzed by now.'
"Can you stop fooling around?"
Yang Qing's voice halted her just as she was about to up the pressure. Seeing his clenched fist she meekly put aside any plans she had of 'welcoming' the two siblings.
Yang Qing had expected something like this to happen since Ellie always did this sort of thing to someone new. She's suffered a few times when she misjudged the situation but she still maintains the habit no matter how many punches she receives.
Luckily Yang Qing had shielded the two siblings in a formless barrier that dissipated all the pressure that came their way otherwise based on the strength that Ellie had released they would have already passed out by now.
"I'm definitely having her reeducated at the beast hall and have Luo Meili follow up when we get back," Yang Qing thought as he landed on her back along with the Zou siblings.
"So soft," Zou Liqin muttered as she brushed her hands against Ellie's feathers. Zou Yi even looked like he wanted to pluck some from the fervent gaze he was throwing at them.
Yang Qing chuckled as he shook his head at Zou Yi's fearless thoughts. Any one of those feathers that were as soft as clouds could effortlessly slice through an early core formation expert like a knife through butter let alone a bronze body refining stage cultivator.
"We are headed to Green pine county," said Yang Qing. He had already shared an image of their travel route and evaluation points with Ellie earlier so he didn't need to keep showing it to her, he only needed to mention the location and she would be able to get them there.
With a flap of her wings, they were already a few hundred meters away from the Wang restaurant.
Zou Yi and Zou Liqin didn't even have a chance to have a melancholic goodbye to the City that they had called home for three years. They were busy reeling with excitement at how fast Ellie was flying.
Yang Qing had already covered them with a thin water-like barrier that protected them from the winds that would tear them apart due to the high speeds Ellie was flying at. The barrier also helped anchor them to Ellie's back.
Within a few minutes, Purple city was but a dot in the background. Ellie even did a few maneuvers to show off once she heard the excitable shocked voices the Zou siblings were making. Yang Qing didn't interfere as he let both parties enjoy their moments.
….
Earthvine restaurant
"I told you if you don't change your attitude one day you will invite disaster to this place.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID?!" Zhong Quan loudly yelled at the middle-aged man who was sprawled on the floor coughing blood. There was a four-inch deep slice mark on his chest that looked like it was done by a massive claw. He was in no mood to stop the building as he stared fearfully at Zhong Quan.
The current Zhong Quan was vastly different from the amiable and gentle-looking Zhong Quan from the courtroom.
His frame had turned taller and burlier with long wild looking hair with a golden yellow iris. His hands looked like a bear's paw with golden claws that had just soaked in blood.
He looked like a ferocious beast of slaughter with thick killing intent flashing in his eyes.
