Chapter 457: No Emotion, Only Fear!

"Yes, Miss Qing'er, Elder Huang Xuan has already gone to investigate, but there's still no result." The harpy woman also bared her teeth in fury; for their Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, the White Jade Fruit was a cultivation resource, distributed monthly according to cultivation progress and contributions.

Now that most of the ripe spirit fruits in the orchard have been stolen, those of us who have only partially taken human form will surely receive fewer resources.

Feng Qing'er'er merely flicked her eyes, paying no heed to such a trivial matter.

As a clan prodigy like Feng Qing'er'er, she had long succeeded in transformation and even ventured out to ally with the Thunder and Wind Pavilion, securing a supreme body technique suitable for beast cultivation—earning great merit—and thus would be unaffected.

"Has the selection time for the Tian Feng Blood Pool Sacred Site been set?" Feng Qing'er'er asked in a cold, clear voice.

"Replying to Miss, it's confirmed—the selection will be held on the third floor of the Shen Shu, at Tian Feng Square, in three days."

Hearing this, Feng Qing'er'er narrowed her beautiful eyes; her gem-like pupils flickered with a streak of lightning as she slowly rose, a gentle breeze brushing against her, making her robes cling tightly to her graceful figure.

"According to the clan elders, the ancient Tian Feng blood within the pool has grown increasingly thin; the Tian Feng Blood Pool, once opened annually, may now be opened only once every four years. I must seize this opportunity—if I can obtain the Tian Feng blood, perhaps I can break free from that hateful soul seal!"

Feng Qing'er'er's eyes burned with intense hatred; though the Asura Slave Seal had never caused her any trouble—even benefited her, greatly enhancing her Soul Force and allowing her to wield the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body with ease—

With the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body and her enhanced Soul Force, Feng Qing'er'er shone brightly upon returning to the clan, her rank rising steadily, earning her higher status, more resources, and greater inheritance.

In just two years, she had advanced from One-Star Dou Zong to Eight-Star Dou Zong Peak, nearing Nine-Star Dou Zong. Of course, compared to Xiao Yan's direct leap to Dou Zun, the gap had only widened further.

"If I cannot obtain the Tian Feng blood and further refine my bloodline, I cannot break through the Eight Rank barrier. I am already at Eight-Star Dou Zong Peak—only a step away from Dou Zun. If I miss this chance, I must wait four more years." Feng Qing'er'er's expression hardened, and the image of that man flashed in her heart.

Other women, when thinking of Xiao Yan, smiled with affection and glowed with warmth; only Feng Qing'er'er clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and longed to tear off a piece of flesh from Xiao Yan, slicing his SpiritFlesh apart inch by inch with her sword.

To Xiao Yan, she felt no emotion—only fear and hatred!

Zizizi—a flash of lightning surged over Feng Qing'er'er; with a thunderous boom, she summoned lightning beneath her feet and vanished through Space, instantly reappearing far away.

"Wow, Miss Qing'er is incredible! She's already mastered a bit of Space Power!"

"I heard Miss Qing'er recently passed the third layer of the Phoenix Nest and obtained a Tian Feng Feather, greatly boosting her cultivation."

Feng Qing'er'er, naturally possessing a Thunder and Wind body, wielded the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body with ease; in a few flashes, she arrived at a wooden cottage.

Inside, an old woman sat in a rocking chair, sensing Feng Qing'er'er's approach with a faint smile. In a flash of lightning—shoo! —the cold-faced Feng Qing'er'er appeared before her.

"Qing'er pays respects to Elder Feng Lan." Feng Qing'er'er bowed her head, even her pride unable to make her disrespectful—this Elder Feng Lan was one of the few Dou Zun Di Feng elders in their Feng Clan Faction.

"What's wrong, Qing'er?" The old woman smiled warmly, her eyes filled with kindness as she gazed at Feng Qing'er'er.

"I want to ask—is the next opening of the Tian Feng Blood Pool being delayed until four years from now?" Feng Qing'er'er asked bluntly.

At Feng Qing'er'er's words, the old woman rose from her rocking chair; she understood perfectly what this meant for Feng Qing'er'er.

"Alas, yes. After deliberation among the clan elders, after this opening, the Tian Feng Blood Pool will be changed from annual to once every four years." The old woman's aged eyes held regret as she looked at Feng Qing'er'er, for normally, one needed at least Half-Dou Zun—or even Dou Zun—to qualify for the pool.

That meant Feng Qing'er'er, if she missed this chance, would have to wait four years—unfair indeed.

After all, the ancient Tian Feng were extinct; this blood pool, infused with Tian Feng blood, naturally weakened over time—unlike the Tai Xu Gu Long Blood Pool, where the Ancient Dragons still thrived.

"Elder Feng Lan, I want to enter this selection!" Feng Qing'er'er took a deep breath and spoke firmly.

The old woman was not surprised by Feng Qing'er'er's words; she slowly shook her head. "Alas, Qing'er, you must understand—the Tian Feng Blood Pool is a grand event for the entire Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. All prodigies vie for the scarce pool slots, including Half-Dou Zun and even Dou Zun-level prodigies."

"Though your strength is not weak and your progress rapid, against those older prodigies, you have little advantage. Why not wait four more years until you reach Half-Dou Zun?"

Competition within the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan was brutal; unlike the Nine Underworld Serpent Clan, they placed extreme value on bloodline, leading to fierce internal strife.

In such selections, one misstep could mean death.

"I know, but I still want to enter the selection. I want to reach Dou Zun as soon as possible—to surpass him!" Revenge was now Feng Qing'er'er's sole driving force in cultivation!

"He means that Xiao Yan, the one you had a feud with?" Feng Lan frowned, gazing at Feng Qing'er'er's eyes filled with hatred.

Feng Qing'er'er did not hide it; she nodded heavily. After returning, she dared not say Xiao Yan had refined the corpse of a Heavenly Demon Phoenix—only claimed it was a misunderstanding. But everyone knew she had been defeated by Xiao Yan during the Yan Alliance's clash with the Thunder and Wind Pavilion.

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—Xiao Yan won the Pill Gathering Championship six months ago."

"Pill Gathering Champion?!" Hearing those four words, Feng Qing'er'er was struck as if by lightning! Could that man's pill alchemy truly be this terrifying?!

"And during the Pill Gathering, he miraculously forged an Eight Grade Pill with Six-Colored Pill Lightning in just one day. The clan has decided—you must abandon your grudge and apologize to Master Xiao Yan." Even the old woman swallowed hard at the thought—one day, Six-Colored Pill Lightning, Eight Grade Pill!

When she first heard it, she thought she'd misheard—but reality proved that man was truly this terrifying.

An Eight Grade Alchemist who could forge Six-Colored Pill Lightning—even she, upon meeting him, would address him respectfully as Master Yan.

"Apologize? Impossible! I will never apologize to him! He—" Feng Qing'er'er wanted to say Xiao Yan had refined the corpse of a Heavenly Demon Phoenix, but the moment the thought formed, her Spiritual Soul seared with agony—forcing her to swallow it back.

Seeing this, the old woman's face darkened. "Qing'er, this is not a request—it is a clan order!"

"Xiao Yan is the Pill Gathering Champion. No matter what he did, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan must avoid conflict with him—even if he truly refined one of our people's corpses, we must pretend not to see."

"At necessary moments… the clan demands you do everything possible to please him—no matter the cost."

The four words "Pill Gathering Champion" meant far more than mere pill alchemy—they meant that, over the past thirty years, Xiao Yan was the most promising Alchemist of his generation.

Thus, the Alchemist Long Robe of the Champion carries no rank, for the Champion cannot be measured by rank—Xiao Yan won not because he possessed Champion-level power, but because there is no higher title than Champion.

His potential is limitless—he may one day become a Nine Grade Alchemist!

A Nine Grade Alchemist! Even our clan leader would treat him as an honored guest, speaking to him with utmost respect.

Not every Pill Gathering Champion reaches that level—but what if he does?

The four words "Pill Gathering Champion" cannot be compared to Feng Qing'er'er's status.

At this moment, Feng Qing'er'er's face turned deathly pale. She was no fool—she understood the clan had chosen to sacrifice her rather than risk conflict with Xiao Yan.

As the old saying goes: Misfortune never comes alone; good fortune never arrives twice. Just then, a familiar voice—terrifying to her—sounded from deep within her Spiritual Soul.

【Hehehe, come to the Fenghuang Pavilion in Tian Feng City within one hour.】

【I dislike waiting.】

The instant she heard that voice, Feng Qing'er'er's face turned terrified; with a sharp crack, her body trembled violently, unable to stand—she had to grip the table to keep from collapsing.

Her face was whiter than if she'd seen a ghost.

That voice—she would recognize it even if she died and became a spirit.

It was him! He had come! That demon!

Seeing Feng Qing'er'er's pallor, the old woman merely shook her head. In great clans, everyone must sacrifice for the clan's interest.

Of course, she assumed Feng Qing'er'er was simply unable to accept it.

"Go back. As for the selection—if you wish to enter, I'll register you. But bear the consequences yourself." The old woman waved her hand. Internal competition within the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan was fierce—she had seen this many times before.

Upon hearing the words "go back," Feng Qing'er'er snapped out of her dream, only to realize it had been a nightmare.

She turned and immediately activated the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body, rushing toward the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's Space exit.

On the other side, in a corner of Shou Yu, stood a magnificent city named Tian Feng City—the former capital of the Tian Feng Clan. At its center rose a lavish pavilion, where Xiao Yan now resided.

In the most opulent room, the sound of boiling water rose. Xiao Yan, clad in a Black Soul Robe, lounged comfortably, humming a tune as he brewed tea.

Xiao Yan's movements were elegant, neither hurried nor slow—he cleaned the teapot and teacup, then closed his eyes slowly, waiting for the leaves to unfurl.

Moments passed, then—BOOM—a loud crash shattered the door. Feng Qing'er'er stood panting outside, her eyes locked tightly on Xiao Yan inside.

Startled by the noise, Xiao Yan opened his eyes and scanned her from head to toe.

One had to admit, in terms of appearance alone, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan indeed carried a trace of phoenix grace—eyebrows and eyes like painted scrolls, hair like silk, a hint of nobility. Though her figure fell short of Cai Lin's, it was far from lacking.

Having rushed here at full speed, her chest rose and fell rapidly; her Qi depletion had flushed her cheeks slightly, yet it did nothing to dull the hatred in her eyes as she stared at the black-robed man before her.

Xiao Yan slowly extended one finger, making a "shh" gesture, and whispered, "Shh, be quiet. Close the door."

Feng Qing'er'er's gaze sharpened. She had many questions—why was Xiao Yan here? What did he want? But after a moment's thought, she realized these were pointless.

After all, Xiao Yan appearing anywhere was never strange.

Calming her breath slowly, Feng Qing'er'er waved her hand and shut the door. She wanted to see what kind of trick this medicinal gourd was pulling.

Seeing Feng Qing'er'er standing motionless, staring at him, Xiao Yan smiled faintly and gestured with his hand. "Sit. Don't be so formal. The tea is just brewed—you're right on time."

He hadn't even said what would happen if she was late. Why was she in such a rush?

Feng Qing'er'er glanced at Xiao Yan with wariness and fear, knowing she could not resist, and sat down.

Xiao Yan poured himself a cup of tea, then poured one for Feng Qing'er'er.

Sipping his own brew, Xiao Yan shook his head. Qing Lin still made the best tea—he was mediocre at it.

"Aren't you going to ask why I called you here?" Xiao Yan scraped the tea leaves with the lid of his cup, not even glancing at Feng Qing'er'er.

Feng Qing'er'er's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her proud face darkening. "Even if you're the Pill Gathering Champion, I, Feng Qing'er'er, will never submit!"

Xiao Yan gave her a withering look. Had this girl lost her mind? Answering the wrong question.

CRACK—he slowly set down his teacup. "I heard your Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan will soon open the Tian Feng Blood Pool. I need you to get me a spot."

!?

Hearing this, Feng Qing'er'er leapt to her feet in shock. "That's impossible! That's our clan's Secret Realm—no outsider can possibly enter!!!!"

Before she finished speaking, her Spiritual Soul tore apart—a searing, soul-shattering pain surged through her entire being, as if her soul were being flayed alive.

"I told you to be quiet. Why are you screaming so loud?"

THUD—Feng Qing'er'er collapsed to the floor. SPLASH—a Black Hun Chain emerged from her neck, stretching all the way to Xiao Yan's hand.

SPLASH—he slowly tugged the chain. Feng Qing'er'er lost balance and lunged forward, frantically bracing herself with both hands, kneeling on the ground.

The terrifying Spiritual Energy Sealing Chains rendered her unable to channel any Qi. Now, she was just an ordinary girl, utterly powerless.

Clad in the Soul Robe, Xiao Yan's eyes turned icy as he lifted the chain. Feng Qing'er'er, her soul's neck bound, writhed as she was hoisted upward.

Instantly, she felt suffocation. She tried to break free, but soul-bound chains—she couldn't even touch them, let alone shatter them.

Watching Feng Qing'er'er's agonized face, Xiao Yan's eyes held no mercy. Just as she felt nothing for him, he felt nothing for her.

Had the Yan Alliance not been weak back then, and had he not needed intelligence from the Ancient Dragon Clan, Feng Qing'er'er would already be an Elixir.

SPLASH—he released the chain. Feng Qing'er'er's soul was freed; the suffocation vanished. She gasped for air, heaving deeply.

Looking at Feng Qing'er'er kneeling before him, her beautiful eyes filled with terror yet hiding a sliver of murderous intent, Xiao Yan smiled. He sat back in his chair, leaned forward, and met her gaze. His large hand gently lifted her delicate chin.

His fingers swept across her jaw like a brush, feeling the smooth, tender skin. His thumb pressed lightly against her soft Red Lips, pinching her nose and cheeks—as if playing with a fine toy.

"No wonder ancient people loved to toy with birds. There's some truth to it."

Xiao Yan's hand slowly moved from her cheek to her chin, then to her neck—the pure white neck, perfectly sized for his grip.

Feeling her neck held gently in his palm, Feng Qing'er'er's eyes widened, her pupils shrinking. Memories of two years ago surged back. Though her spirit was strong, tears welled helplessly in her eyes.

The tear traced her cheek and fell onto Xiao Yan's hand. Yet his heart remained unmoved. After all, Feng Qing'er'er had never been kind to him—she was, plain and simple, a prisoner of war.

"Feng Qing'er'er, Feng Qing'er'er, you still don't understand—I'm not asking for your opinion." Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed, revealing a cruel glint.

At this moment, Xiao Yan was unquestionably a Heavenly Venerable of Yan. Ruthless toward enemies, merciless.

Especially his gaze—he resembled a demon incarnate, cruel and cold. At this moment, he was even more like a Soul Hall member than Mu Gu.

In his eyes, Feng Qing'er'er was an enemy. Xiao Yan usually settled scores the same day—but she was special. She had value.

He truly wanted the Tian Feng Blood Pool. If he could bathe in it, combined with the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame, his Bone Wings might evolve further!

Perhaps even into true Tian Feng Clan wings of antiquity.

"I'm merely stating my demand. How you achieve it is your problem. As a prodigy of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, you must have some way."

Smiling faintly, Xiao Yan slowly released his grip, sat upright, and showed not the slightest lingering interest in the "beauty" before him.

For some reason, perhaps due to the Spiritual Flame, he found Nalan Yanran more likable than this girl.

Still shaken, Feng Qing'er'er looked up at the man before her, her heart brimming with terror. She swore to heaven—she felt no emotion toward him, only fear!

Let me reiterate: no emotion!

"Sit. Or do you enjoy kneeling?" Xiao Yan crossed his legs, leaned back in his chair, and sipped his tea calmly.

Hearing this, Feng Qing'er'er dared not resist. She now knew—Xiao Yan had reached Dou Zun. Not only was he the Pill Gathering Champion, he had broken through to Dou Zun!

"Drink. The tea will turn cold if you wait."

Feng Qing'er'er picked up the teacup and drained it in one gulp, like a obedient slave.

"I have a way to get you into the Tian Feng Blood Pool."

(End of Chapter)