Chapter 450: Chapter 450: The Pitiful Little Phoenix
Word Count: 3,144 Words
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"It’s Miss Qing Er!"
"Look, Miss Qing Er has arrived! I heard she passed the third level of the Phoenix Nest trial half a year ago and even brought back a Dou Technique for the tribe."
Feng Qing Er, as always, wore a gown of vibrant, colorful silk. For magical beasts, their scales and feathers transformed into clothing after achieving human form, just as Zi Yan’s attire had always been that same purple dress.
Her countenance remained as cold as frost, with a touch of proud aloofness between her brows. Walking through the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe’s territory, she naturally drew all eyes like a dazzling star.
In truth, among the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, Feng Qing Er’s beauty stood out exceptionally. Countless half-transformed or untransformed young tribesmen found themselves spellbound at the sight of her.
Many couldn’t regain their composure for a long while. Even the female members felt overshadowed when faced with Feng Qing Er’s bearing, their own presence paling in comparison!
Moreover, Feng Qing Er now stood just a step away from the Dou Venerate realm. Reaching that level would make her a true member of the tribe’s upper echelon, qualified to compete for an elder’s seat. No wonder her arrival caused such a stir.
"Eh? Who’s that black-robed person behind Miss Qing Er?"
"No idea. Perhaps a servant of hers?"
"Strange, I’ve never seen them before."
Feng Qing Er was not alone today. Following closely behind her walked a figure draped entirely in black robes. This person was, of course, Yan Tianzun, who had set his sights on the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool.
"You’re quite bold, Feng Qing Er, actually planning to use me to help you pass the selection," Xiao Yan’s voice transmitted from beneath his Soul Robe, his features concealed as he chuckled.
He had wondered what brilliant plan this girl had devised. After hearing her out, he discovered that despite her considerable status within the tribe, she still needed to pass a selection trial to enter the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool.
With her current strength, her chances were not high. She needed his help.
"Jie Jie Jie... you should know that those who associate with the Hall of Souls rarely meet a good end."
Feng Qing Er cast him a sidelong glance and replied coldly, "Is my current end particularly good?"
Just then, the delicate tinkling of ornaments announced the arrival of an elegant young lady. Her beauty was such that it might shame flowers into hiding and dim the moon’s radiance. A subtle, noble aura emanated from her body, drawing admiring sighs from all who beheld her. She was truly the essence of nobility made flesh!
When this young lady approached, Feng Qing Er’s steps halted, her eyes narrowing slightly with displeasure and wariness.
"It’s Miss Huang Bao Er! She’s returned from outside as well!"
"Not just her; I heard Huang Pei is back too. They must be returning for the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool selection. Neither has received the baptism before, so they’re both eligible."
Xiao Yan also stopped to appraise the approaching woman from head to toe.
When he had parted from Hei Qing, he had specifically inquired about the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe.
This Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe had formed after the Ancient Heaven Phoenix went extinct, uniting all magical beasts possessing Ancient Heaven Phoenix bloodlines.
The reason they were called the Huang Clan rather than the Feng Clan was simple. Within the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, those carrying the Tian Huang bloodline wielded the greatest power.
The fact that their leader was named Huang Tian made it clear. The Huang Clan with Ancient Heaven Phoenix bloodline was considerably stronger than Feng Qing Er’s Feng Clan.
Xiao Yan had also heard that Huang Tian’s strength was formidable, not at all inferior to the Three Dragon Kings. Otherwise, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe wouldn’t have dared occupy the Beast Region during the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe’s internal strife.
Besides the Tribe Leader, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe boasted three Saint Huangs: Feng Huang, Kun Huang, and Ying Huang, all of whom were true Dou Saints. The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe’s combined might exceeded even the Flower Sect and Profound Sky Sect together.
They were not in the least bit inferior to even the Hall of Souls or Pill Tower.
"Hehe, Sister Qing Er, you’ve returned too. Your strength has improved considerably since we last met. I heard you passed the third level of the Phoenix Nest trial... truly admirable," Huang Bao Er said with a smile upon seeing Feng Qing Er.
Though Huang Bao Er spoke with a clear, melodious voice like a songbird, Xiao Yan was one hundred percent certain this was a two-faced bitch.
Feng Qing Er’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, but she offered no response. Her decision to leave the tribe for the Wind Lightning Pavilion years ago had not been unrelated to this woman.
When Feng Qing Er remained silent, Huang Bao Er turned her attention to Xiao Yan and examined him curiously. However, the Soul Robe prevented her from discerning anything.
"Sister Qing Er, who might this person be? They’re not from our tribe, are they? Surely Sister knows that outsiders cannot enter without permission? I fear Sister might face punishment," Huang Bao Er said with a smile, though anyone could see she was deliberately targeting Feng Qing Er.
Every faction harbored its own internal conflicts, and the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe was not as united as it appeared on the surface.
Feng Qing Er’s lips curled into a cold smile. She seemed to have anticipated someone would make an issue of this. "He’s an alchemist I invited to refine pills."
"An alchemist?" Huang Bao Er’s brows furrowed as she studied Xiao Yan more intently. Dressed entirely in black... was this an alchemist?
Don’t alchemists usually wear silver-white alchemist robes?
Must you be so secretive?
Xiao Yan had no intention of revealing his identity and simply drew a brocade box from his storage ring. He opened it with a click, releasing a refreshing medicinal fragrance that instantly permeated the space, invigorating everyone’s spirits.
"That’s an Ancestor Progression Pill?!" Huang Bao Er, worthy of being a genius of the tribe, recognized the pill at a glance.
The Ancestor Progression Pill was designed for humans and could directly elevate a Dou Ancestor’s cultivation by one star. For magical beasts, they needed to refine the pill and convert it into energy that strengthened their physical bodies.
While still effective, the refinement process took longer since it was not a pill designed for them.
The moment Xiao Yan revealed the Ancestor Progression Pill, a flash of covetousness crossed Huang Bao Er’s eyes. All magical beast tribes, including the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, had extremely few alchemists due to their weak Spiritual Strength. Even when magical beasts with alchemist talent appeared, their skills rarely reached impressive heights.
Almost no magical beast could break through to the Soul State while possessing alchemist talent.
Therefore, when magical beasts needed special pills, they would invite alchemists into their territories. Apart from specialized pills like the Body Transformation Pill, there were almost no ready-made options available in the market.
"He’s actually a high-grade 7th-tier alchemist!"
"Possibly from the Wind Lightning Pavilion."
The surrounding Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe members never imagined the black-robed person was an alchemist capable of refining Ancestor Progression Pills. Such an alchemist deserved courteous treatment even from ordinary Dou Venerates.
Xiao Yan naturally ignored the discussions around him. He moved closer to Feng Qing Er and, with his large hand hidden in the wide sleeve of his Soul Robe, delivered a concealed slap to her perky rear, followed by a firm squeeze.
Feng Qing Er’s body instantly went rigid. Her eyes widened as she glared at Xiao Yan through clenched teeth. This man! To do such a thing in a place like this!
"An alchemist you invited? What, do you enjoy eating my pills that much? Should I refine another for you?" Xiao Yan transmitted through spiritual communication. Claiming he was an invited alchemist—it seemed this Feng Qing Er really liked that pill.
Feng Qing Er inconspicuously edged a small step away, evading his wandering hand. She could not risk exposing his identity. If the tribe discovered the Pill Gathering champion had come, her fate would be miserable.
"Hehe, no wonder Sister Qing Er’s cultivation advanced so rapidly after returning from the Wind Lightning Pavilion. Even clearing the trial seemed effortless. Having an expert’s hidden support certainly makes all the difference."
Huang Bao Er revealed an enchanting smile, extending her jade-like hand to grasp Xiao Yan’s. "If Grandmaster has time, could you perhaps refine pills for this little sister as well? Whatever price Qing Er can afford, I can certainly match."
As she spoke, her finger subtly traced a circle on his palm.
Though Xiao Yan’s actions had been discreet and unnoticed by others, Huang Bao Er’s strength exceeded Feng Qing Er’s. How could she miss what he had just done?
She immediately concluded that Feng Qing Er must have sold her body in exchange for pills. Otherwise, how could Feng Qing Er, then merely a 1-star Dou Ancestor, have afforded a high-grade 7th-tier alchemist?
Yet Huang Bao Er failed to notice that Feng Qing Er showed no concern whatsoever. Instead, a cold smirk played at her lips.
She would have been delighted to see this woman entangle herself with Xiao Yan and thus free herself from his grasp. She was certain that if Huang Bao Er played her little games with this man, she would meet a most miserable end.
Xiao Yan withdrew his hand. He had no interest in two-faced bitches.
Huang Bao Er’s expression soured visibly when she saw him dismiss her so casually.
"Let’s go. Stop wasting time." The voice that emerged from beneath the Soul Robe had been altered. Feng Qing Er nodded and led Xiao Yan away from the area.
Huang Bao Er watched their departing figures, and her delicate features turned increasingly grim as her eyes gleamed viciously. She murmured, "Feng Qing Er, don’t think hiring a high-grade 7th-tier alchemist will let you soar above your station. The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe will always be ruled by our Huang Clan!"
"Since you want to participate in the selection and compete with me, don’t blame me for being ruthless!"
Following Feng Qing Er through the territory, Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back, leisurely admiring the surrounding scenery.
During his time on Eastern Dragon Island, he had been busy refining pills and had not properly appreciated the magical beast world. In terms of territory alone, this Heaven Demon Phoenix realm far exceeded Eastern Dragon Island.
He occasionally spotted giant birds with varied plumage returning through the entrance, their magnificent tails streaming behind them. The sight evoked the feeling of a hundred birds returning to their nests.
’Very beautiful... Xun Er would probably like this.’ Xiao Yan thought, his mind drifting to that lovely figure far away in the Gu Realm.
A year had passed since their parting, with two more years remaining until the Heavenly Tomb’s opening. Now that he had claimed the Pill Gathering championship, he stood ever closer to his goal, and he could hardly contain the burning anticipation building within his heart.
Though Xun Er had not said it explicitly, reclaiming the Xiao Clan’s qualification to enter the Heavenly Tomb would not be achieved through words alone. The Xiao Clan had been destroyed for a thousand years. Now, for someone to suddenly appear and demand entry meant taking away another’s spot. He needed strength to succeed.
This Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool represented precisely such an opportunity, one he was determined to seize!
Creak—
A door opened ahead. Xiao Yan looked up to see an exquisite wooden house.
Upon crossing the threshold, a wave of vitality instantly enveloped his body. The lumber was not ordinary wood but emanated a special life force that nourished the body.
This could only be Feng Qing Er’s residence.
"It’s safe here. No one will monitor us." Feng Qing Er’s eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Xiao Yan warily. She was now tantamount to a traitor, having led a wolf into her home.
Xiao Yan was still not at ease. He waved his hand, and a powerful Spiritual Strength enveloped the entire wooden house. Unless facing a Dou Saint, even a peak Dou Venerate would struggle to penetrate his spiritual barrier.
At this, Feng Qing Er’s body tensed. She could not predict what he might do.
Xiao Yan lowered his hood and glanced at Feng Qing Er, who was standing rigidly in a corner. Amused by her obvious tension, he suddenly shouted, "BOO!"
!!!!!
Feng Qing Er drew a sword with a metallic ring. Yet strangely, she did not point it at Xiao Yan but pressed it against her own throat, adopting a suicidal stance.
"I-if I die, you won’t be able to enter the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool!" Feng Qing Er’s eyes held a hint of desperation as she threatened him. She had reached the end of her rope.
This Feng Qing Er bore no resemblance to her cold, domineering public persona.
Xiao Yan’s lips curved into a cold smile as he approached step by step. Seeing him advance, Feng Qing Er retreated in panic until her back hit the wall with nowhere left to flee.
Her hands trembled, yet she dared not swing the sword.
A large hand reached out, one finger pressing against the blade. Xiao Yan had already seen through her completely. "Your methods are too crude. If you had the courage to commit suicide, you would have done so long ago."
He could tell at a glance. Feng Qing Er was proud and ambitious. Her departure from the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe for the Wind Lightning Pavilion was not just because the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body suited her wind-lightning physique. She craved greater power.
An ambitious soul would never choose death so easily.
Clang—
The sword fell. Feng Qing Er’s beautiful eyes filled with despair as she collapsed against the floor.
Utterly helpless!
Facing this man, she could not conceive a single strategy. Like meat on a chopping block, she could only await her fate.
Xiao Yan slowly squatted before her, hooking a finger under her chin to force her gaze to meet his. A smile played across his face as he spoke. "There’s no need for such desperation. I, Xiao Yan, keep my accounts straight when it comes to grudges and gratitude."
"The grievance between us isn’t that deep. Besides, aren’t we cooperating now?"
At his words, a glimmer of light returned to Feng Qing Er’s despairing eyes.
"Good girl. Now tell me in detail about the selection and the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool. How do you want my help, and what can I gain?" Xiao Yan straightened and sat in a nearby chair, propping his face on one hand as he gazed at Feng Qing Er coldly.
Don’t talk about feelings with Yan Tianzun. Talk about money.
Hadn’t Qiu Ping made Yan Tianzun smile with three top-tier Rank 8 Monster Cores?
Work hard—you can do it too.
Feng Qing Er slowly stood and looked at Xiao Yan. "I want you to help..."
Before she could finish, Xiao Yan interrupted coldly, "Your form of address is incorrect."
A look of numb resignation passed over Feng Qing Er’s eyes. She nodded woodenly. "I understand... Master."
"Continue."
"Yes, Master."
Feng Qing Er cast aside all dignity. At least before Xiao Yan, her dignity was worthless, and holding onto it was pointless.
"The Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool is an inheritance secret realm of the former Ancient Heaven Phoenix Tribe, similar to the Phoenix Tomb. When Ancient Heaven Phoenixes died in meditation or battle, their corpses and Monster Cores were stored in the Phoenix Tomb to accumulate wind and lightning power. Their essence blood, however, would be collected on Heaven Phoenix Mountain. Nourished over time by the energy of the world, it formed the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool."
One must understand that while legendary creatures like the Ancient Heaven Phoenix were now extinct, they had been a major tribe in ancient times. Back then, myriad factions filled the world, disputes were fierce, and great battles erupted almost daily with rivers of blood flowing.
Xiao Yan gained a general idea of what the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool was after hearing Feng Qing Er’s description. The Sky Serpent Mansion’s Half-Saint essence blood had allowed Cai Lin to break through to Dou Venerate. This Ancient Heaven Phoenix blood pool surely once contained Dou Saint-level phoenix essence blood.
But after so much time with the Ancient Heaven Phoenix extinct for many years, he wondered how much essence blood remained in Heaven Phoenix Mountain.
’Combined with my alchemist methods, if I can obtain some Rank 8 or even Rank 9 Heaven Phoenix essence blood, not only will it strengthen my bone wings, but it should also allow me to advance one or two stars within half a year.’ Xiao Yan began calculating. Ordinary people certainly could not directly devour Dou Saint essence blood.
But he was not just a Dou Venerate; he was an alchemist capable of refining tier 8 pills that attracted seven-colored Pill Lightning. His methods extended beyond just pill refinement. Harmonizing essence blood and concocting spiritual liquids were all his specialties!
Xiao Yan gazed at Feng Qing Er with a faint smile. "A very enticing place, but such an important location can’t be unguarded, can it?"
Feng Qing Er did not conceal anything. With the Asura Slave Seal in place, she could not harbor any ill intentions anyway. "Each opening of the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool is guarded by multiple elders plus one peak Dou Venerate Grand Elder. Moreover, the pool has protective barriers left by the Ancient Heaven Phoenix. Humans cannot enter."
Xiao Yan watched her quietly. He knew she must have a solution.
Feng Qing Er bit her red lips with her pearly teeth, her expression very conflicted, because this was betraying her tribe. But ultimately, she gave up. Her tribe had abandoned her first; she had no reason to throw away her life pointlessly.
"I am, after all, from the Feng Clan. That’s a secret realm left by our ancestors. My clan has methods to secretly open the protective barrier and allow you into the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool."
Xiao Yan smiled inwardly. He knew these allied magical beast families all kept tricks up their sleeves. He estimated Feng Qing Er’s Feng Clan often secretly snuck inside.
"Can that two-faced bitch’s strength pass the selection?"
"Two-faced bitch?"
"Oh, that chick called Bao Er or whatever. She’s half-step Dou Venerate, right? You probably can’t defeat her as you are now," Xiao Yan said with a knowing smile. He had long since seen through Feng Qing Er’s little scheme.