The water clinging to his feathers made Hong Yuan's movements even more cumbersome. But the most pressing crisis was his need to break free from the iron cage quickly—much faster than the other Fire Sparrows. Otherwise, if the other Fire Sparrows swarmed and blocked the only opening, he would "die" outright.
FLAP, FLAP...
The sound of wings slapping against the water was continuous.
The Fire Sparrows around Hong Yuan panicked, frantically struggling towards the sole exit. Yet, even more Fire Sparrows became immobilized upon sinking into the lake with the iron cage, barely clinging to life.
"Heaven creates all things to nurture man."
"Man has nothing with which to repay Heaven."
"Kill, kill, kill!!!"
Madness glinted in Hong Yuan's eyes, his face twisted and ferocious. Instead of fighting for the only exit, he opened his beak and gnawed at the dying Fire Sparrows beside him, devouring their flesh in huge gulps.
