Chapter 449: Chapter 449: No Feelings, Only Fear!
Word Count: 3,274 Words
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"Yes, Miss Qing Er. Elder Huang Xuan has gone to investigate, but there are no results yet." The harpy-like woman spoke through gritted teeth. For the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, White Jade Fruits were essential cultivation resources. Each month, resources were distributed based on cultivation progress, contributions, and other factors.
Now that most of the ripe spirit fruits in the orchard had been stolen, those like herself who had only achieved partial transformation would certainly see their allocations reduced.
Feng Qing Er merely flicked her gaze upward, unconcerned with such trivial matters.
As a genius of her tribe, she had not only achieved transformation early but had also ventured out to forge an alliance with the Wind Lightning Pavilion, securing a top-tier agility technique suitable for magical beast cultivation. Having rendered such great service, her own resources would naturally remain unaffected.
"Has a date been set for the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool selection?" Feng Qing Er asked in a clear, cold voice.
"Reporting to Miss, it has been confirmed. The selection competition will be held in three days at Heaven Phoenix Plaza, on the fourth level of the Divine Tree."
Feng Qing Er’s beautiful eyes narrowed at the news. Lightning arced through her gem-like pupils as she slowly rose, a gentle breeze pressing her robes against her body to reveal a graceful figure.
’According to the tribe elders, the Ancient Heaven Phoenix Essence Blood within the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool has grown increasingly diluted. The pool that once opened annually may be changed to once every four years... I must seize this opportunity. If I can obtain the Heaven Phoenix Essence Blood, perhaps I can remove that hateful soul imprint!’
Intense hatred flashed through Feng Qing Er’s eyes. Though the Asura Slave Seal had caused no problems thus far—indeed, thanks to that medicinal pill, her Spiritual Strength had increased dramatically, making her cultivation of the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body remarkably smooth.
Relying on the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body and her enhanced Spiritual Strength, she had shone brilliantly upon returning to the tribe. Her ranking had risen continuously to earn her not only higher status but also more resources and greater inheritances.
In just two short years, she had advanced from a 1-star Dou Ancestor to the peak of 8-star Dou Ancestor, not far from the ninth star. Of course, compared to Xiao Yan charging directly into the Dou Venerate realm, the gap between them only continued to widen.
’If I cannot obtain the Heaven Phoenix Essence Blood to advance my bloodline further, I won’t be able to break through to Rank 8... I’m already at the peak of 8-star Dou Ancestor, just one step away from Dou Venerate. If I miss this chance, I’ll have to wait four years...’ Determination hardened Feng Qing Er’s features as that man’s image flashed through her mind.
When other women thought of Xiao Yan, their lips would curve into smiles and their eyes would fill with spring warmth. Only Feng Qing Er would clench her fists and grind her teeth, wishing she could tear a chunk of flesh from his body or carve him up piece by piece with a sword.
Toward Xiao Yan, she had no feelings, only fear and hatred!
Zzzzt—
Lightning crackled around Feng Qing Er’s body. Thunder boomed as electricity sparked beneath her feet, and she vanished, reappearing in the distance as if she had traversed the void.
"Wow, Miss Qing Er is amazing! She can already control a trace of Spatial Strength!"
"I heard Miss Qing Er recently cleared the third layer of the Phoenix Nest and obtained a Heaven Phoenix feather, which greatly improved her cultivation."
Feng Qing Er originally possessed a wind and lightning physique, making her cultivation of the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body exceptionally smooth. After several more flashes, she arrived at a wooden house.
Inside, an old woman sat in a rocking chair. She sensed Feng Qing Er’s approach and revealed a faint smile. Lightning flashed, and the cold-faced young lady appeared before her.
"Qing Er pays her respects to Elder Feng Lan." Feng Qing Er lowered her head and bowed. Proud as she was, she dared not show disrespect to this person. Elder Feng Lan was one of the few peak Dou Venerate elders of their Feng surname faction.
"What brings you here, Qing Er?" the old woman asked with an amiable smile, her gaze kind and gentle.
"Qing Er wishes to ask whether the next opening of the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool will truly be delayed to four years from now." Feng Qing Er went straight to the point.
The old woman rose from her rocking chair upon hearing this. She understood exactly what this meant for Feng Qing Er.
"Alas, yes. According to the clan elders’ discussions, after this opening of the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool, the schedule will change from annually to once every four years." The old woman’s aged eyes held a touch of pity as she looked at Feng Qing Er. Generally speaking, to be selected for the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool required at least half-step Dou Venerate strength, if not full Dou Venerate.
If Feng Qing Er missed this opportunity, she would have to wait four years, which was naturally very unfair to her.
After all, the Ancient Heaven Phoenix had gone extinct. The blood pool containing Heaven Phoenix Essence Blood would naturally weaken over time, unlike the Ancient Void Dragon’s Dragon Blood Pool. At least the Ancient Void Dragons still existed.
"Elder Feng Lan, I wish to participate in this selection!" Feng Qing Er took a deep breath and spoke resolutely.
The old woman was not surprised by her request. She slowly shook her head. "Sigh... Qing Er, you must understand that the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool is a grand event for the entire Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe. All geniuses will compete for those limited spots, including many half-step Dou Venerates and even true Dou Venerates."
"Though your strength isn’t weak and you’ve progressed quickly, you have little advantage against those much older than you. Better to wait four more years until you reach half-step Dou Venerate strength..."
Competition within the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe was incredibly fierce. Unlike the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, they cared deeply about bloodline, resulting in severe internal competition.
One careless mistake during such a selection could even result in death.
"Qing Er understands, but I still wish to participate in the selection. I want to reach Dou Venerate as soon as possible and surpass him!" Revenge was now Feng Qing Er’s entire motivation for cultivation!
"By ’him,’ you mean that Xiao Yan with whom you have a grudge?" Feng Lan frowned, looking at Feng Qing Er’s hatred-filled eyes.
Feng Qing Er didn’t hide it and nodded firmly. After returning, she hadn’t dared mention that Xiao Yan had refined a Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe corpse, claiming only it was a misunderstanding. However, everyone knew about the conflict between the Yan Alliance and Wind Lightning Pavilion, and that she had been defeated by Xiao Yan.
After a moment of silence, the old woman shook her head and spoke gravely. "Qing Er, you’ve been in seclusion for half a year, so you don’t know. That Xiao Yan won the Pill Gathering championship half a year ago."
"Pill Gathering champion?!" Feng Qing Er felt as if she had been struck by lightning! Was that man’s alchemy truly so terrifying?!
"Moreover, at the Pill Gathering, he performed a miraculous feat—refining a tier 8 pill that attracted six-colored Pill Lightning in just one day. The tribe has discussed this matter and decided you are to let go of your hatred and apologize to Grandmaster Xiao Yan." Even the old woman swallowed hard at this. A tier 8 pill with six-colored Pill Lightning in a single day!
When she first heard the news, she thought she must have misheard. Yet reality proved that young man was indeed that terrifying.
An 8th-tier alchemist capable of such a feat was someone even she would have to respectfully address as Grandmaster upon meeting.
"Apologize? Impossible! I will never apologize to him! He—" Feng Qing Er wanted to scream that he had refined the corpse of one of her tribesmen, but the moment the thought formed, a sharp pain shot through her soul, forcing her to swallow the words.
The old woman’s expression darkened at Feng Qing Er’s reaction. She spoke sternly: "Qing Er, this is not a request. This is the tribe’s order!"
"That Xiao Yan is the Pill Gathering champion. Regardless of what he’s done, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe will avoid making an enemy of him. Even if he truly refined one of our tribesmen’s corpses, we can only pretend not to see."
"When necessary... the tribe requires you to do your utmost to please him, at any cost..."
The words ’Pill Gathering champion’ represented far more than mere alchemy skills. It signified that for the next thirty years, Xiao Yan was the alchemist with the most potential in the entire generation.
This was why the champion’s alchemist robe bore no rank; a champion could not be measured by ordinary standards. Xiao Yan had won not because he merely possessed champion-level strength, but because there was simply no higher title to bestow.
His potential was limitless. Perhaps one day he would become a 9th-tier alchemist!
A 9th-tier alchemist! Even the leader of their Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe would have to treat such a person as an honored guest and speak with the utmost courtesy.
Though not every Pill Gathering champion reached that level, what if?
The title ’Pill Gathering champion’ was simply beyond anything Feng Qing Er’s status could compare to.
Feng Qing Er’s face turned deathly pale. She wasn’t foolish; she understood the tribe had chosen to sacrifice her rather than make an enemy of Xiao Yan.
As the old saying goes, misfortunes never come singly. A familiar voice, one that filled her with absolute terror, suddenly resonated from the depths of her soul.
[Jie Jie Jie... Within one hour, come to Phoenix Pavilion in Heaven Phoenix City.]
[I don’t like to be kept waiting.]
Terror seized Feng Qing Er’s features the instant she heard that voice. Her body trembled so violently that she stumbled, needing to brace herself against a table to remain standing. Her complexion turned whiter than a ghost’s.
That voice—even if she died and became a ghost, she would recognize it.
It’s him! He’s here! That demon!
The old woman merely shook her head at Feng Qing Er’s ashen face. This was how large factions operated; everyone was a potential sacrifice for the collective benefit.
Of course, she assumed Feng Qing Er simply couldn’t accept the situation.
"Go back now. As for the selection, if you still wish to participate, I can register you. But you’ll bear the consequences yourself." The old woman waved her hand dismissively. The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe’s internal competition was equally fierce; she had seen this sort of thing many times.
Only upon hearing the words ’go back’ did Feng Qing Er snap out of her daze as if awakening from a dream, or rather, a nightmare.
She immediately turned and unleashed the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body, rushing toward the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe’s void exit.
...
Meanwhile, in a certain part of the Beast Region stood a magnificent city. This city was called Heaven Phoenix City, once belonging to the Ancient Heaven Phoenix Tribe. At the city center stood a splendid pavilion, and it was here that Xiao Yan currently resided.
In one of the most luxurious rooms, water was boiling. Dressed in a black Soul Robe, Xiao Yan hummed leisurely to himself as he brewed tea.
His movements were elegant, neither rushed nor slow, as he rinsed the teapot and cups before closing his eyes to let the leaves steep.
Time passed second by second. Suddenly, the door was slammed open with a deafening bang. A panting Feng Qing Er stood in the doorway, her eyes fixed on the man inside.
Disturbed by the noise, Xiao Yan opened his eyes and looked her up and down.
He had to admit, purely in terms of appearance, this member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe did indeed possess a trace of phoenix nobility. Her features were picturesque, her hair like silk, carrying an air of aristocracy. Though her figure couldn’t match Cai Lin’s, it was by no means lacking.
Due to her desperate rush, Feng Qing Er’s ample chest heaved up and down. The exertion had brought a slight flush to her cheeks, but this didn’t diminish the hatred in her eyes as she stared at the black-robed man before her.
Xiao Yan slowly extended one finger in a shushing gesture and said softly: "Shh, quiet down. Close the door."
Feng Qing Er’s eyes were sharp with hostility. She had a thousand questions she wanted to ask—why was he here, what did he want—but she quickly dismissed them as pointless.
After all, Xiao Yan appearing anywhere was no longer surprising.
She slowly steadied her breathing and waved her hand to close the door. She also wanted to see what medicine Xiao Yan was selling in his gourd.
[TL/N: Common Chinese idiom that means "what tricks is he up to?" or "what is he planning?"]
Xiao Yan smiled faintly and made an inviting gesture when he saw her standing motionless and staring at him. "Sit. No need to be so tense. The tea just finished steeping, your timing is quite good."
He hadn’t even specified what would happen if she were late. He truly didn’t understand why she had rushed so desperately.
Feng Qing Er looked at him with vigilance and fear. Knowing she couldn’t resist anyway, she sat down.
Xiao Yan poured himself a cup of tea, then poured one for her.
After tasting his brew, Xiao Yan shook his head. Qing Lin did this best; his own attempt was rather poor.
"Aren’t you going to ask why I called you here?" Xiao Yan used the lid to brush aside the tea leaves, not even glancing at her.
Feng Qing Er’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her proud face darkening. "Even if you are the Pill Gathering champion, I, Feng Qing Er, will not submit!"
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes at her. Was this woman’s brain fried? Answering questions that weren’t asked.
He set down his teacup with a soft clink. "I heard your Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe will soon open the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool. I want you to get me a spot."
!?
Feng Qing Er shot to her feet in astonishment. "How is that possible! That is my tribe’s sacred ground! An outsider absolutely cannot—"
Before she could finish, a tearing pain ripped through her soul. The heart-rending agony spread throughout her entire being as though she were being flayed alive.
"I told you to be quiet. Why are you shouting so loudly?"
Thud.
Feng Qing Er’s entire body collapsed to the ground. A black Soul Chain materialized around her neck with a clatter, its length extending all the way to Xiao Yan’s hand.
He slowly pulled the Soul Chain. Feng Qing Er immediately lost her balance and pitched forward, hastily bracing herself with both hands, forced to her knees.
The terrifying soul chain prevented her from even circulating her Dou Qi. At this moment, she was like an ordinary girl, completely powerless to resist.
Wearing his Soul Robe, Xiao Yan’s eyes were ice-cold as he lifted the chain. Feng Qing Er struggled as she was hoisted up by the soul chain binding her neck.
A feeling of suffocation overwhelmed her. She clawed at her throat, trying to break free, but she couldn’t even touch the ethereal chain, let alone shatter something of the soul realm.
Xiao Yan looked at Feng Qing Er’s suffering, but not a trace of pity flickered in his eyes. Just like her, he felt absolutely nothing for her.
If the Yan Alliance hadn’t been in a weak position back then, requiring intelligence about the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, this Feng Qing Er would already be a pill.
Clatter.
Xiao Yan released his grip, and the chain went slack. Only then was Feng Qing Er’s soul freed, the suffocating sensation vanishing as she gasped desperately for air.
She knelt before him, her beautiful eyes filled with terror, yet Xiao Yan could see the killing intent still hiding in their depths. He smiled. Remaining seated, he leaned down to meet her gaze. His large hand reached out, gently lifting her delicate chin.
His fingers swept across her jaw like a brush, feeling the fine, tender skin. His thumb gently pressed against her soft red lips, then pinched her nose and cheeks as if playing with an exquisite toy.
’No wonder the ancients enjoyed teasing birds. There’s certainly something to it.’
His hand slowly moved from her cheek to her chin, then to her neck. That jade-white neck fit perfectly in his grasp.
Feng Qing Er’s eyes widened and her pupils contracted when she felt Xiao Yan’s hand gently gripping her throat. She couldn’t help recalling that scene from two years ago. Though her heart was resolute, a tear still betrayed her, escaping from the corner of her eye.
The tear rolled down her cheek and dripped onto Xiao Yan’s hand, but his heart didn’t waver in the slightest. After all, this Feng Qing Er hadn’t been particularly friendly back then. To put it bluntly, she was a prisoner of war.
"Feng Qing Er, oh Feng Qing Er, you don’t seem to understand. I’m not asking for your opinion." Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of cruelty.
He was unquestionably a Tianzun at this moment, one ruthless and cruel toward his enemies.
That gaze in particular. Yan Tianzun’s eyes held a fierceness and coldness reminiscent of an Asura. Currently, he resembled someone from the Hall of Souls more than Mu Gu did.
In his eyes, Feng Qing Er was an enemy. Normally, he didn’t let his grudges last overnight, but she was somewhat special; she had utility value.
He had indeed taken a liking to that Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool. If he could soak in it and refine the energy with his Ten Thousand Beast Flame, his bone wings should be able to evolve again!
Perhaps they could even transform into true Ancient Heaven Phoenix Wings.
"I’m merely stating my requirements. How you accomplish them is your business. As a genius of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, you must have some methods, right?"
Xiao Yan slowly released his hand, revealing a faint smile, and sat up straight, showing no lingering attachment to the ’beautiful scenery’ before him.
He didn’t know if it was because of the Life Flame, but he felt even Nalan Yanran was more endearing than this woman.
Still shaken, Feng Qing Er looked up at the man before her, her heart filled with pure terror. She swore to the heavens that she had no affection for this man. There was only fear!
To reiterate: no feelings!
"Sit down. Or do you prefer kneeling?" Xiao Yan crossed his legs, leaned back in his chair, and sipped his tea leisurely.
Feng Qing Er didn’t dare resist in the slightest, because she now knew with certainty: This man... He wasn’t just the Pill Gathering champion; he had broken through to become a Dou Venerate!
"Drink up. Tea isn’t good when it’s cold."
Feng Qing Er picked up the teacup and drained it in one gulp, like an obedient slave.
"I have a way to get you into the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool."