"Are you surprised to see me again?" Rocky asked with a smile as he walked toward Woods.
"How are you still alive?" Once he saw Rocky at the Cao Clan's mansion, Woods felt as though he was in a dream. He never thought he would see Rocky standing in front of him again.
"Lucky, I guess," Rocky answered nonchalantly as he approached Woods who stood with his hands behind his back, appreciating the beautiful scenery that lay before him.
"What are you doing in the Timber Deity Empire? And why were you disguised as part of the Cao Clan?" Woods was finding it difficult to understand everything. He had a feeling that Rocky would have a lot to tell him.
"It's a long story. Perhaps the heavens meant for our paths to cross once more," Rocky sighed and turned to look at Woods. He was quite astonished with everything that happened, as well—dying and then being reborn within the Timber Deity Empire. Without knowing it, he had managed to enter the Xiao Clan. He got lucky establishing relations with Lucas and Queenie because now he was able to connect with the Cao Clan and could meet with Woods to carry out his plans. Perhaps it truly was destiny.
"Then don't say anything." Woods quickly rushed over with a big stride to lock Rocky in a strong, friendly embrace that caught the latter completely off guard.
With his cunning smile, Rocky replied, "Are you happy now? You're lucky we're the only two people here. Otherwise, people might get the wrong idea about us."
Woods quickly released him and said, "Sorry! I'm just happy you're still alive and kicking! Alyssa will surely be surprised and pleased when she hears about this."
"Alyssa? Didn't she always want me to die? She'll want to murder me the moment she locks eyes with me!" Rocky spat and rolled his ey
mething. Then I'll leave the rest for you to do once I return to the Holy Dragon Empire," Rocky said with certainty.
"After the Beast Master Contest? Do you want to help the Cao Clan win the Beast Master Contest? If that's the case, it'll be impossible. The Cao Clan doesn't have a good chance of winning. The Qi Clan is better off since Master Samson from the clan has worked for my sister Alyssa and won her support. They'll surely win this competition, if everything goes well," Woods uttered convincingly. Although he looked forward to the Cao Clan's performance at this year's Beast Master Contest, he knew that the clan winning the contest would be nearly impossible. The Qi Clan held a high position in the Timber Deity Empire due to the numerous powerful Beast Masters that joined their ranks. With Alyssa's support, their win would be a certain one.
As Woods gazed at Rocky, he suddenly remembered something that could possibly change his mind. Rocky was a disciple of Sheridan, the strongest beast curer in the Wild Spirit Land. If Rocky fought for the Cao Clan, then they surely had a chance at winning. But then there was another thing at stake—Rocky's secret identity.