Chapter Fifteen: Farewell to the Black Panther (Part One)

"Really?" Wang Luo asked excitedly upon hearing Lion Mother’s words, though his heart felt uneasy. He knew that following Lion Father and Lion Mother only burdened them, yet he still didn’t want to be separated from them. Despite his discomfort, Wang Luo put on a joyful expression; curiosity about the human world of this strange land burned within him, and he didn’t want to spoil the pleasant atmosphere they’d just found together.

Lion Mother, seeing Wang Luo’s expression, understood how he truly felt. But her insight wasn’t shared by everyone—like...

With a loud crash, Wang Luo was slammed into the water, powerless to resist. His whole body ached, and as soon as his head broke the surface, he heard a man’s disgruntled voice.

"Hmph! You little rascal, just as I thought—no sense of loyalty at all. My own son is much better!"

Wang Luo turned toward the sound. On a bench by the pool, a man sat with his back to Lion Mother, facing her. He was roughly handling Little White, making the cub yelp incessantly.

Like Lion Mother, the man wore a pale golden long robe—almost as if they were dressed in matching outfits. His long golden hair was draped carelessly over his shoulders, blending with the robe, even his hair a part of the ensemble.

Sensing Wang Luo’s presence, the man released Little White, who continued to cry, and turned around, glaring irritably at Wang Luo in the water.

The man’s face had a fatal allure for women, but now it was contorted in anger, his handsome features marred by displeasure and his eyebrows drawn sharply upward. Wang Luo didn’t need to guess who had just thrown him into the water; sheepishly, he smiled at the man and called out, "Lion Father, long time no see!"

At Wang Luo’s greeting, Lion Father snorted dismissively, though his expression softened somewhat. He turned to grab Little White, intent on continuing his rough play.

But clever Little White clung tightly to Lion Mother’s clothes, looking up at her pitifully and whimpering.

Lion Mother’s eyes narrowed; Lion Father released Little White sheepishly. Wang Luo had just climbed out onto the shore, and Little White immediately leaped onto him, determined to stay as far away from Lion Father as possible.

Lion Father, already in a foul mood, raised his eyebrows at the scene, preparing to teach these two troublemakers a lesson.

However, Lion Mother, having anticipated his intentions, fixed him with a stern glare. Lion Father glanced at her, frustrated, but obediently refrained from touching Wang Luo or Little White.

He dared not provoke Lion Mother now; if he angered her, he knew he’d be sleeping alone tonight. After all, he’d been holding back for over a year—if he didn’t get relief tonight, he’d either go mad with frustration or explode. He wasn’t about to find some random magical beast to vent his feelings; he was nothing if not devoted.

As he thought, his gaze toward Lion Mother grew strange. He kept glancing at her, his eyes full of desire, and his breathing became erratic.

Lion Mother, naturally, noticed Lion Father’s odd behavior and guessed his intentions. A blush of allure swept across her face.

She shot him a flirtatious look, making Lion Father swallow involuntarily. The next moment, he wrapped his arms around her.

Surprised by the embrace, Lion Mother quickly regained her composure. Feeling Wang Luo’s awkward gaze from nearby, she twisted Lion Father’s waist sharply with her small hand.

Lion Father snapped out of his trance, then turned to glare fiercely at Wang Luo and Little White, the two nuisances.

Little White let out a puzzled whimper. Wang Luo understood he was asking what Lion Father and Lion Mother were doing. Of course, the two adults understood, too.

The atmosphere grew awkward. Wang Luo stroked Little White’s head and forced a laugh, breaking the tension.

"Lion Father, where’s the black panther? Didn’t you capture it as a pet for me?"

At Wang Luo’s words, Little White’s attention immediately shifted. Lion Father snorted, then bellowed into the forest.

"Stupid panther! If you don’t want another beating, get out here right now!"

Before Lion Father finished speaking, Wang Luo saw a black shadow flicker among the trees. The next moment, an injured black panther appeared not far from Lion Father, whimpering at him.

Lion Father strode over to the panther, casting a triumphant glance at Wang Luo. He began muttering to the panther, occasionally glancing in Wang Luo’s direction, nodding and shaking his head, leaving Wang Luo utterly baffled.

Wang Luo and Little White stared with wide eyes, curiously sizing up the black panther, which stood nearly two meters tall, much like Lion Father’s previous companion.

The panther bore several fresh wounds, clearly burned by fire, evidence of a fierce battle with a fire-type magical beast.

In the end, whatever Lion Father said, Wang Luo saw the panther’s eyes light up as it stared at him for a moment, then nodded vigorously at Lion Father.

Seeing the panther finally agree, Lion Father nodded happily at Lion Mother and, with a look of pride, addressed Wang Luo.

"Little Luo, it’ll follow you from now on. You’d better treat it well, or I’ll show you what happens if you don’t!"

"Lion Father, don’t worry—I’ll value it more than myself and protect it with all I have!"

No sooner had Lion Father finished speaking than Wang Luo replied, his face earnest.

Seeing Wang Luo’s sincerity, Lion Father was satisfied, though he muttered inwardly: Hmph, at least the brat knows what’s good for him. But now I have no excuse to hit him—I wonder how long I’ll have to wait before I can teach him another lesson. No, I must find a reason to give him a beating.

"Come here!"

As Lion Father pondered ways to legitimately beat Wang Luo, he called him over.

"Oh!"

Catching the gleam in Lion Father’s eyes, Wang Luo knew he was up to something. Still, with Lion Mother present, he wouldn’t dare throw Wang Luo around without reason. Since they were about to part ways, Wang Luo decided to comply, obediently carrying Little White over.

"Take blood from your brow!"

Lion Father gave the order as Wang Luo approached. Wang Luo hesitated briefly, then obediently pricked his brow, drew a drop of bright red blood, and handed it to Lion Father.

Azure Dragon of the Other World, Chapter 15: Farewell to the Black Panther (Part One) — End of update!