117 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

## Chapter 117: Phoenix's Fate The Phoenix's golden eyes glowed, unwaveringly watching the two figures approaching. Its pupils were filled with a dense aura of blood; it attempted to move its wings but was pulled back by chains engraved with inscriptions. The chains emitted a blinding gold light, causing the Phoenix to close its eyes in pain. Qi Xian Qing observed it for a while. "It has inner demons," she said. Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue stood five steps away from the Phoenix, just at the edge of a golden barrier that radiated a rippling light. The two did not step any closer. Yan Jue hesitated, then noticed the divine bird Phoenix opening its eyes again, the golden irises reflecting flickers of flame. "Screech—" The Phoenix suddenly opened its mouth, emitting a deep sound. A few drops of blood sprayed from its mouth, tracing an arc in the sky, spattering onto Yan Jue's forehead. White flashes filled Yan Jue's vision. Boom— In an instant, countless ancient words and images exploded in her mind. Yan Jue's pupils dilated as she saw a scene of extreme darkness: the divine bird Phoenix standing proudly atop the peaks of Yao Hua Mountain. Then came the chaotic era of the celestial and demonic war, where the Phoenix soared across the skies. Then the imagery shifted. The Phoenix was suppressed by its own clan beneath the mountain, entangled in chains. —This era no longer needed the pureblood Phoenix. The world had changed. The visions in Yan Jue's mind swirled quickly. Her pupils trembled wildly, absorbing the massive influx of information. The Phoenix was not just the divine beast of the Luan Terrace; it once was its king. In those tumultuous times, the Phoenix clan needed it. Thus, the Phoenix became the king of Luan Terrace. Before the pureblood Phoenix, its clan was like ants, obliged to obey its commands. During the celestial and demonic war, the pureblood Phoenix undeniably played a vital role, enhancing Luan Terrace's status among the Six Great Celestial Sects. After the suppression of two demon lords in the mountains, peace returned to the world. The Phoenix continued as Luan Terrace's king, leading the entire sect. But as peace persisted, some began to question the Phoenix's rule. Over time, many opposed it. Eventually, the clan staged a rebellion. In such tranquility, Luan Terrace indeed no longer needed the Phoenix—their countless Phoenix eggs could enhance their bloodlines themselves. Thus, the Phoenix was suppressed beneath the mountain. Yan Jue took half a cup of tea's time to absorb this vast information, suddenly opening her eyes, realization dawning. Yan Jue said, "The Phoenix's long imprisonment has given rise to its inner demons." Hence, it was exploited by the demonic cultivators. The demonic cultivators outside must have used some method to infiltrate this secret realm suppressing the Phoenix, then use demonic powers to stir the Phoenix's inner demons. This way, they could utilize a manifestation of the Phoenix for their own ends. Frowning slightly, Yan Jue turned to Qi Xian Qing, "The inner demon... It should be dispelled with the Jade Seal." She hesitated a bit, knowing the Jade Seal worked well for spiritual harm, but it wasn't foolproof. Qi Xian Qing replied, "It's worth a try." Yan Jue nodded and took out the jade-green seal from her spatial pouch, raising it. The Jade Seal emitted a faint halo in the sky, gradually absorbing the massive black aura surrounding the Phoenix. But the Phoenix's inner demons were persistent—the black aura thickly circled the Jade Seal until a shallow crack appeared on the seal. The Phoenix shut its eyes, curling on the ground, letting out a feeble groan. Yan Jue's forehead beaded with cold sweat as she concentrated on continuing to alleviate the black aura with the seal. Suddenly, something soft lightly touched her back, infusing icy true energy into her meridians—Qi Xian Qing was assisting her. Steadying her mind, Yan Jue channeled the true energy into the Jade Seal again. Crack— The crack on the jade-green seal widened. After all, it was her own artifact, and Yan Jue felt an involuntary pang of heartache. The black aura around the Phoenix gradually dissipated. The Phoenix opened its eyes to gaze at her, the enchanting golden pupils now free of hostility, imbued with a hint of gentleness. Suddenly, a low voice murmured in Yan Jue's ear, "This is the Secret Realm of Fern—" "I have been imprisoned here for a millennium. If the Celestial Sovereign can rescue me, I'll be indebted beyond measure. All treasures of this realm shall belong to you." Yan Jue was momentarily stunned. Rescue. How? Qi Xian Qing suddenly stepped forward and pointed upward. "You see that?" Qi Xian Qing asked. Startled, Yan Jue quickly looked up. The Phoenix's position was at the edge of the valley; its chains wound tightly into the cliff's rock face, with a protruding plateau marked by an inscription at the top. The talisman glowed faintly in the sunlight, fluttering in the breeze. Qi Xian Qing moved to the rock face, grasping a vine and peering upward. "A Mountain Suppression Talisman." She considered climbing, but was overcome by a wave of dizziness, likely from Yan Jue having absorbed her yang energy earlier—she hadn't fully recovered. "Sister," Yan Jue supported her, her gaze clear. "Let me go." Qi Xian Qing wanted to insist but, seeing Yan Jue's resolve, smiled softly. "Alright, be careful." Yan Jue noticed Qi Xian Qing's state and frowned slightly, feeling a pang of guilt. As if she'd drained Qi Xian Qing completely. And Qi Xian Qing hadn't complained one bit. Perhaps, it was best not to absorb Qi Xian Qing's yang energy in the future. The Secret Realm had restrictions, preventing flight by sword. With this in mind, Yan Jue leaped upward, gripping a vine on the rock wall. In the sunlight, her form made a graceful arc, propelling her to another terrace with a push of her leg. Jumping again, Yan Jue ascended another level. Famed for her agility, Yan Jue reached the summit swiftly. The sun had dipped unknown to her, painting the sky with a blood-red sunset. Dusk had arrived. A harsh wind whipped Yan Jue's black hair, stinging her cheeks. From this height, she could see the entire forest spread below, taking a deep breath before reaching down to peel off the talisman. Instantaneously, the ground quaked. Yan Jue staggered but maintained her balance, flipping forward to land before Qi Xian Qing. Chains binding the Phoenix convulsed violently, countless stones tumbling from the cliff. With golden eyes open, the pureblood Phoenix released a deafening screech, struggling fiercely. Every struggle made the chains flicker weakly until the light vanished altogether. The Phoenix roared in fury, frantically flapping its wings. The chains fell away completely, and the entire mountain collapsed with a thundering roar. Yet, as if drained of strength, the Phoenix fell limp to the ground, its body glinting faintly. Yan Jue paused in surprise until the gentle light faded, revealing a yellow-feathered chick before her. The Little Chick had large wings and an exhausted look, exuding a slight displeasure. Its pale yellow forehead bore a complex mark. Lying on the ground, it emitted a series of soft chirps. Yan Jue: "..." With the barrier completely gone, the two approached the Little Chick, which stood and gazed up at them. Qi Xian Qing crouched and extended a hand, the Little Chick nuzzling its sharp beak against her palm. In the dusk, Qi Xian Qing stroked the sparse, somewhat scruffy feathers of the Little Chick, a barely perceptible softness lurking in her eyes. Seeing this, Yan Jue couldn't help but pause. How did she become so drawn to Qi Xian Qing? Perhaps because Qi Xian Qing, though seemingly cold and solitary, always revealed unexpected facets. The one who slayed demons without mercy would sit beside a pond, gently toying with a fox. However aloof a celestial maiden Qi Xian Qing appeared, she alone knew her less composed moments. No matter how ruthless Qi Xian Qing was with others, it never swayed her regard. Qi Xian Qing should always be the one she cherished. The Little Chick, quivering its wings, looked up at them with its beak slightly open. Realizing its intention, Yan Jue chuckled, "Sister, it's hungry." Qi Xian Qing stood, hands clasped, glancing at Yan Jue. "Then feed it." Where once stood a regal, fierce Phoenix now lingered only this amusing sight. Feeling intrigued, Yan Jue retrieved some diced fruits from her pouch, offering them to the Little Chick. It pecked eagerly at the fruits. Finished, it lifted its head, eyes like black beads, watching them expectantly. "Little one, we've saved you and fed you." Yan Jue crouched down, leisurely observing it. "Shouldn't you repay us somehow?" The Little Chick tilted its head, seemingly not quite understanding. Qi Xian Qing glanced at her. Under the sunset, the girl wore a plain pleated skirt, her face radiant. Her smile was carefree, eyebrows arching in a way that suggested she cared for nothing at all. Yan Jue continued, "We want a few Phoenix eggs, that's not too much, right?" At this, the Little Chick seemed to comprehend. It stood up swiftly, lifting its wings, and charged forward. Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue followed behind it. They moved through dense foliage and passed through a forest, quickly arriving at the entrance of a deep cave. The Little Chick chirped, darting straight inside. Qi Xian Qing hesitated for a moment but followed it into the cave. The sky had completely darkened, but a faint glow illuminated the cave interior. Curiously, there was no apparent light source nearby. The light emanated from the depths of the cave. The pair walked several dozen steps into the cave, feeling the light from its depths growing stronger. Yan Jue's heart inexplicably raced, as if what lay ahead invoked both awe and reverence. The surrounding air became increasingly chilly. A bluish frost seemed to congeal along the walls. Following the Little Chick, they turned a corner and soon reached the cave's end. Yan Jue paused in surprise. At the cave's core was a world of ice and snow. Embedded in the thick ice surface were small, colorful eggs, uneven in shape, somewhat resembling stones. They glimmered, akin to prized spiritual stones of the highest grade. Phoenix eggs!