In the end, immortals in this world aren’t invincible, especially for newcomers like Xiao Jie. Their advantage lies more in their high status and future potential, as well as their ’immortal’ characteristics, rather than instantaneous invincibility and absolute power over the world.

Fortunately, the Golden Crow Xi Huang didn’t show any intention of attacking. It snapped up the Flame Essence as if eating candy and swallowed it. The light and flame on its body, originally restless due to hunger, became a bit calmer.

Seeing this, Xiao Jie continued using the [Feeding] skill, throwing out over ten pieces of Fire Element Materials, [Flame Essence], [Flame Crystal Core], and [Undying Elemental Fire] of varying quality. Eventually, the status of the name above the Golden Crow Xi Huang’s head turned from hostile red to neutral yellow.

Seeing that the Golden Crow was no longer hostile, and was merely curiously tilting its huge, burning head to observe the direction they were hiding, Xiao Jie boldly released his invisibility, revealing himself. As he slowly approached, he greeted the Golden Crow while fully expanding his Immortal Sense. His eyes were like the most precise scanner, recording every inch, every detail, every flow of energy of the Golden Crow into his mind.

"Hey, hello there, big bird! Don’t be nervous, I’m just passing by to take a look, no malice..." Xiao Jie tried to make his tone sound friendly and harmless.

The Golden Crow Xi Huang looked at the little figure that suddenly appeared, a hint of doubt flashed in its burning eyes. It seemed to sense something unusual about the other’s aura (Immortal Qi). Hesitating for a moment, it surprisingly spoke slowly in a peculiar and ancient, stone-grinding quality voice:

"You... know... our... language?" Its voice was clear yet searing, like sunlight through glass.

"A bit." Xiao Jie smiled and continued to approach, "I’ve long admired the renowned name of the Golden Crow Divine Bird, and am here to look up to you, wishing to see your majestic demeanor without any malice." As he spoke, he carefully threw out a Magma Heart Fragment.

Xi Huang snapped it up, crunching loudly, seeming quite satisfied. It tilted its head, scrutinizing Xiao Jie for a while. Although it didn’t quite understand why this strange creature insisted on ’looking’, it acknowledged the delicious snacks, eventually nodding and chirping: "Look... okay. Stay quiet. Don’t... disturb."

Seeing the Golden Crow agree, Xiao Jie completely relaxed and signaled An Ran to come out of invisibility as well. Because they were in a team, sharing reputation, the Golden Crow also held a neutral attitude toward An Ran.

"Wow!" As soon as An Ran emerged, she was utterly shocked by the majestic divine bird made of gold and flames in front of her, unable to resist exclaiming, "This big bird is so magnificent! So cool! So beautiful!"

Xi Huang seemed to understand the praise, joyfully shaking its shimmering feathers, scattering a fine spray of golden sparks. Turning its gaze to An Ran, it chirped: "Your... wife... has great... taste." Its vocabulary seemed sparse, or perhaps their social relationships were simpler.

"What’s it saying?" An Ran curiously asked Xiao Jie.

Xiao Jie suppressed his laughter and translated, "It’s complimenting your taste."

An Ran chuckled instantly, waving at Xi Huang, "Haha, thank you, Mr. Big Bird! I’m just speaking the truth; you’re truly the most beautiful, majestic bird I’ve ever seen!"

Xi Huang seemed even happier, looking again at Xiao Jie, "Haha. You should... tell my... wife too." It appeared it thought good things should be shared, especially compliments.

Xiao Jie, amused and helpless, threw out a few pieces of his last remaining materials, then stopped talking and focused entirely on [Visualization].

Xiao Jie held his breath and calmed his mind; his Immortal Sense enveloped Xi Huang like invisible tendrils. He no longer watched merely with his eyes, instead utilizing all his senses and Immortal Ability to ’feel’. He recorded the arrangement of Xi Huang’s every feather, the flame aura beneath it; analyzed its breathing rhythm and the resonance with the surrounding Fire Spirit Qi; calculated the energy fluctuation frequency of the True Sun Fire in its core; even endeavored to interpret the meaning of the law represented by the incandescent light in its eyes. In his Sea of Consciousness, a complex 3D model comprising countless golden light strands and flame runes was rapidly forming, with each detail continuously refined.

After a while, Xiao Jie felt that he had almost recorded the Golden Crow Xi Huang’s appearance and static energy characteristics thoroughly. However, upon opening the [Myriad Phenomena Atlas], he was surprised to see the visualization progress was merely 37%.

"What the ghost is this?" Xiao Jie was somewhat baffled. This way, I can only change my appearance, unable to gain any power from the Golden Crow, rendering it quite useless. At least, reaching the second realm—’Control Its Ability’ in the Three Realms of Visualization—is needed to utilize the form’s Innate Divine Ability.

But it’s fine, just like before when visualizing the rabbit, the next portion probably can’t be completed by merely ’watching’; it requires experiencing and observing its various activities and habits.

Although visualizing the rabbit was considerably easier, this wasn’t going to be normally challenging. Rabbits can at least be caught and touched or hugged, but who would dare touch a Golden Crow entirely enveloped in True Sun Fire?

"An Ran," Xiao Jie said, turning, "Next I might need to stay here for a relatively long period to conduct deep visualization. This environment is harsh, and there might be other risks. Do you want to leave first, head back to Ginkgo Village or elsewhere to level up?"