Chapter 437: The Feng Family’s Secret
"Sigh…"
The Feng Family Patriarch let out a long sigh before slowly saying, "This isn’t the place to discuss such matters. Once the banquet is over, I will explain everything to you in detail."
"Fair enough. Then let’s keep drinking," Chu Feng said as he lifted his cup again.
"Good!"
Everyone acted as though nothing had happened, laughing and drinking as before.
The banquet lasted deep into the night before it finally ended.
Afterward, Chu Feng and the others followed the Feng Family members to their ancestral residence. The Patriarch dismissed the attendants, leaving only the core figures behind. He personally brewed a pot of tea for Chu Feng.
They sat together around the tea table, quietly sipping and waiting for him to speak.
Once the pot was empty, the Feng Family Patriarch finally set down his cup and began, "This matter must be told from the very beginning of my Feng Family’s lineage. The world only knows that our ancestor married a phoenix and settled here, but none know where that phoenix ancestor truly came from."
Hearing this, Chu Feng and the others showed visible interest.
Ye Beixuan spoke first, "May I ask, Senior—was that ancestor perhaps not from Xuantian Continent, but from another land?"
"Indeed," the Patriarch nodded. "Eons ago, during the great war between the two Desolate Continents, both the Dragon Clan and the Phoenix Clan sought to unify those lands, intending to use them as a foundation to devour the Xuantian Continent.
"But the war ended in mutual destruction. The dragons retreated into the Endless Sea, while the phoenixes withdrew to their ancestral homeland in the Desolate Continent—falling from supreme dominion to merely one among several great powers.
"Our phoenix ancestor was accidentally transported from that continent to Xuantian Continent during that war, where she met and wed our founding patriarch.
"Their love endured for a thousand years. Yet when the Phoenix Clan later came to retrieve her, our patriarch refused to let her go. Thus, a Saint-level battle erupted, neither side able to overcome the other.
"In the end, an agreement was reached: descendants of Fire Phoenix Valley, once they attain Sainthood, must return to the ancestral land to undergo the Trial of Burning Desire and be reborn as true phoenixes.
"Additionally, once every millennium, the descendants of Fire Phoenix Valley may participate in the Phoenix Ancestral Trial. The top three participants receive a branch from the ancient Wutong Tree."
"There is only one year left before the next trial begins," he continued. "Among the younger generation, only Qiong Yu and Qiong Hua have awakened the phoenix bloodline.
"Qiong Hua is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Spirit Nurturing Realm and cannot emerge within the year. The responsibility thus falls entirely upon Qiong Yu.
"However, for her alone to enter the top three will be exceedingly difficult. That is why the Feng Family conceived the idea of a martial contest for marriage—to find a prodigy who could accompany her to the trial."
After hearing this, realization dawned across everyone’s faces.
Cao Youqian asked, "But Junior Brother Ye doesn’t possess the phoenix bloodline. Can he still participate in the trial?"
The Feng Family Patriarch replied, "As long as the two of them marry beneath the Wutong Tree, he will be qualified to enter. That is why I hope they can marry as soon as possible."
As he said this, his gaze shifted to Chu Feng.
A teacher for one day is a father for life—and at this point, Chu Feng was no different from Ye Beixuan’s own father.
"In that case, this matter should not be delayed," Chu Feng said considerately. Turning toward Ye Beixuan, he added, "Beixuan, in my opinion, you should select an auspicious date next month and hold the wedding then."
The Feng Family Patriarch’s eyes brightened instantly. "Many thanks, Chief Chu!"
Chu Feng chuckled. "No need for thanks, my friend. Time is short, though. My suggestion is to hold two ceremonies—one here at the Feng Family and another at Wendao Academy—so that no guests are left out."
"A splendid idea! I’ll go check the almanac right away," the Patriarch said excitedly.
"Good. Then we’ll take our leave for now," Chu Feng said as he and his disciples rose to depart.
On the way back, Cao Youqian spoke with excitement. "Junior Brother Ye, congratulations! You’ve gained both your beloved and a chance to train in the Desolate Continent!"
Ye Beixuan smiled and said, "All of this is thanks to Master and my two senior brothers for lending their aid. Otherwise, I might have needed a hundred years before I could finally marry Qiong Yu."
Chu Feng patted his shoulder. "No need for a hundred years. Within sixty, you’ll surely reach the Great Sage Realm. By then, the Feng Family would naturally have married their daughter to you anyway. But as it stands, this is already a fine outcome—just prepare yourself to be the groom."
"Yes, Master."
Ye Beixuan’s eyes shone with excitement as he responded.
Even though he had lived two lifetimes and long since learned to take things lightly, the thought of marrying Feng Qiongyu still stirred a rare wave of joy within his otherwise tranquil heart.
——
Time passed swiftly, and two months later, Ye Beixuan and Feng Qiongyu completed their second wedding ceremony at Wendao Academy.
Three days after their marriage, Ye Beixuan came to bid farewell to Chu Feng.
"Master, your disciple is departing for Fire Phoenix Valley."
Chu Feng gazed at his spirited disciple, then retrieved a jade sword talisman from his storage ring and handed it over.
"This journey will take you far to the Desolate Continent. No doubt, you will face many difficulties along the way. I need not explain what this jade talisman can do. Take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Master."
After bowing deeply, Ye Beixuan departed with Feng Qiongyu.
Watching his back, Cao Youqian muttered, "I really envy Junior Brother Ye. He gets to travel to another continent for training."
Chu Feng chuckled. "What, you want to go test your fists on another continent too?"
Cao Youqian nodded. "Every cultivator across the Xuantian Continent has heard of me and Senior Brother’s fame. I want to make a name for myself beyond these lands."
"That’s hardly difficult," Chu Feng said with a smile. "Wendao Academy has branch institutes across other continents. You can use the teleportation array to go there and train."
Cao Youqian smacked his forehead. "How could I have forgotten that?"
Xiao Chen, standing nearby, added, "In that case, I’d also like to see the other continents for myself."
"Very well," Chu Feng said as he rose. "Let’s go find the Dean and have him open the teleportation array for you both."
Hearing this, both disciples’ faces lit up with joy. "Thank you, Master!"
The three of them took to the skies, flying straight toward the Dean’s secluded residence.
As soon as they landed, one of the residence stewards came forward to greet them.
"Greetings, Chief Chu, and greetings to the two Holy Sons."
Chu Feng smiled. "At ease. Is the Dean in?"
The steward replied, "Reporting to Chief Chu—the Dean is brewing tea. I’ll go announce your arrival at once."
Chu Feng nodded. "Go ahead."
Moments later, the steward returned and bowed. "Chief Chu, the Dean invites you inside."
"Thank you."
Chu Feng led his two disciples through the courtyard. Soon, they arrived at the rear garden, where birds chirped among blooming flowers. The Dean sat there, entirely focused on brewing tea.
Though he sensed their presence, he didn’t pause his actions. Calmly, he said, "Xiao Feng, the joyous event from your Miscellaneous Dao Institute has just ended, and you’re already eager to stir up something new?"
Chu Feng feigned a wounded look. "Teacher, that’s unfair. I didn’t come to cause trouble—this time, it’s about helping Xiao Chen and Da Qian with their cultivation."
"Oh?"
At those words, the Dean’s interest was immediately piqued. "So even you’ve reached the point where you can’t guide your disciples yourself?"
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