Chapter 458: Poor Little Phoenix

"It's Miss Qing'er!"

"Look quick, Miss Qing'er has arrived! They say she passed the third level of the Phoenix Nest Trial half a year ago and brought back a Dou Technique for the clan."

Feng Qing'er still wore her colorful robe; for magical beasts, after transformation, their scales and feathers became clothing—just like Zi Yan, whose attire was always that same purple long dress.

Her face remained as icy as frost, with three-tenths of cold arrogance in her brow; walking among the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, Feng Qing'er was naturally a brilliant star.

In truth, within the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, Feng Qing'er's beauty was exceptional; for a long while, countless clan members still in partial transformation—or not yet transformed—were left dazed.

They could not recover their composure; even female clan members, upon seeing Feng Qing'er's aura, felt utterly eclipsed and ashamed of themselves!

Moreover, Feng Qing'er was nearly at the Dou Zun level; reaching Dou Zun meant becoming a true high-ranking elder, eligible to compete for an Elder seat—so their exclamations were normal.

"Huh? Who is that black-robed figure behind Miss Qing'er?"

"No one knows. Maybe she's her servant."

"But I've never seen him before."

At this moment, Feng Qing'er was not alone; behind her walked a man in a black robe—this black-robed figure was naturally the Heavenly Venerable of Yan, who had set his sights on the Tian Feng Blood Pool.

"You're bold, Feng Qing'er, even trying to use me to pass the selection," Xiao Yan, hidden within his Soul Robe and concealing his appearance, whispered with a chuckle via Soul Resonance.

Xiao Yan had wondered what clever plan Feng Qing'er had, but after hearing her, he realized that though she held high status within the clan, she still needed to pass the selection to enter the Tian Feng Blood Pool.

And with her current cultivation, her chances of passing were low—she needed Xiao Yan's help.

"Jie jie jie, do you know that those who ally with the Soul Sect never meet a good end?"

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Feng Qing'er glanced at him coldly and said: "Do you think my current fate is any better?"

At that moment, a jingling of jade pendants sounded as a young maiden glided gracefully forward; she was so beautiful she could shame flowers and close the moon, with faint aura of preciousness radiating from her—anyone who saw her could not help but admire her as a true princess of gold and jade.

When seeing this maiden slowly approach, Feng Qing'er halted her steps, her eyes slightly narrowing, her expression showing displeasure and caution.

"It's Miss Huang Bao'er! She's returned from outside too!" Nearby Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan members exclaimed.

"Not just her—Huang Pei has returned as well. They've come back to join the Tian Feng Blood Pool selection; neither has undergone the Tian Feng Blood Pool's purification, so they're eligible."

Xiao Yan also stopped, scanning the approaching woman up and down.

When he had parted from Hei Qing, Xiao Yan had specifically inquired about the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan.

The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan arose after the ancient Heaven Phoenix and Heaven Phoenix went extinct, formed by all magical beasts possessing the bloodlines of the ancient Heaven Phoenix and Heaven Phoenix.

The reason it was called the Huang Clan rather than the Feng Clan was simple: among the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, those with the Heaven Phoenix bloodline were the strongest.

From the fact that the clan leader's name is Huang Tian, it's clear the Huang lineage with ancient Heaven Phoenix blood is far stronger than Feng Qing'er's Feng lineage.

Xiao Yan had also heard that Huang Tian's strength was immense—even comparable to the Three Great Dragon Kings; otherwise, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan would never have dared seize Shou Yu during the turmoil within the Grand Void Dragon Clan.

Besides Huang Tian, the clan had Three Great Sage Emperors: the Phoenix, the Kun Phoenix, and the Eagle Phoenix—all true Dou Sages. The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's strength surpassed the combined power of the Flower Sect and the Tian Ming Sect.

It was even on par with the Soul Sect and Dan Tower.

"Hehe, Sister Qing'er, you've returned too. Your cultivation has improved greatly since we last met. I heard you passed the third level of the Phoenix Nest Trial—truly admirable." Huang Bao'er smiled as she greeted Feng Qing'er.

Though Huang Bao'er's voice was clear and melodious as a nightingale, Xiao Yan was one hundred percent certain she was a classic green tea bitch.

Feng Qing'er's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly; she said nothing. Her departure from the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan to the Wind and Thunder Pavilion had been partly tied to this woman.

Seeing Feng Qing'er remain silent, Huang Bao'er turned her gaze to Xiao Yan beside her, curiously studying him—but due to the Soul Robe, she could discern nothing.

"Sister Qing'er, who is this man? He's not from our clan, isn't he? Don't you know non-clan members are forbidden from entering? You might even be punished for this." Huang Bao'er smiled, but anyone with eyes could see she was deliberately targeting Feng Qing'er.

Every family has its own troubles; the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan was not as united as it appeared.

Feng Qing'er coldly smirked, as if she had long anticipated someone would bring this up, and said coldly: "He is the Alchemist I hired to refine Elixirs."

"An Alchemist?" Huang Bao'er frowned, scrutinizing Xiao Yan closely. A man dressed all in black—an Alchemist? Usually Alchemists wear silver-white Alchemist Long Robes.

Is this how you hide yourself?

Xiao Yan did not wish to reveal his identity, so he took a Brocade Box from his storage ring. With a sharp click, he opened it—a refreshing medicinal fragrance instantly filled the space, making everyone's spirit perk up.

"Is that a Fu Zong Pill?!" Huang Bao'er, no doubt a clan prodigy, instantly recognized the Elixir Xiao Yan had produced.

The Fu Zong Pill, though a human Elixir that directly boosts Dou Zong Yi Xing cultivation, requires magical beasts to refine it first, converting it into energy to enhance their bodies.

It still has some effect, but the refining process takes longer, since it was not made for magical beasts.

Upon seeing Xiao Yan produce the Fu Zong Pill, Huang Bao'er's eyes flickered with greed. All Magical Beast Families—including the Grand Void Dragon Clan—had extremely few Alchemists due to weak Soul Force; even if a magical beast possessed Alchemist talent, their Alchemy was poor.

Almost no magical beast could break through Spirit Realm Soul Power and also possess Alchemist talent.

Thus, magical beasts needing special Elixirs had to invite Alchemists into their clans to refine custom pills; aside from Transformation Pills and a few others, almost no Elixirs could be bought directly on the market.

"He's a Seven-Grade High-Level Alchemist!"

"Possibly from the Wind and Thunder Pavilion."

The surrounding Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan members never expected the black-robed man to be an Alchemist capable of refining Fu Zong Pills—such an Alchemist commanded even ordinary Dou Zuns to treat him with respect.

Xiao Yan paid no mind to the murmurs around him; he slowly stepped closer to Feng Qing'er, his large hand hidden within the wide sleeve of his Soul Robe, subtly striking her buttocks with a palm and squeezing hard.

Feng Qing'er's body instantly stiffened, her eyes wide, teeth clenched as she glared at Xiao Yan! How dare he do this here!

"You hired an Alchemist? So, you really like my Elixirs? Should I refine another one just for you?" Xiao Yan asked via Soul Resonance. Since she called him a hired Alchemist, clearly she had a strong fondness for that Elixir.

Feng Qing'er subtly shifted a small step away, avoiding Xiao Yan's lecherous hand—but she could not expose his identity.

If the clan learned that the Pill Gathering Champion had arrived, her fate would be dire.

"Hehe, no wonder Sister Qing'er's cultivation has surged so rapidly since returning from the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, and you passed the Trial—turns out you had a powerful ally behind you. How enviable."

Huang Bao'er flashed a charming smile, extending her Jade Hand to grasp Xiao Yan's hand, sweetly saying: "If Master has time, could you also refine Elixirs for this little sister? Whatever price Qing'er pays, I'll pay double."

Huang Bao'er subtly traced a circle in Xiao Yan's palm.

Though Xiao Yan's action was hidden, the crowd saw nothing—but Huang Bao'er's strength surpassed Feng Qing'er's; how could she miss what he had just done?

She instantly concluded: Feng Qing'er must have betrayed herself to obtain these Elixirs. After all, how could a One-Star Dou Zong like Feng Qing'er possibly hire a Seven-Grade High-Level Alchemist?

But Huang Bao'er failed to notice that beside her, Feng Qing'er showed no worry at all—her lips even curled into a cold smile.

Feng Qing'er hoped this woman would cling to Xiao Yan and free her—she was certain that if Huang Bao'er tried any tricks on Xiao Yan, she would die horribly.

Xiao Yan withdrew his hand—he had no interest in this green tea bitch.

Seeing Xiao Yan so openly disregard her, Huang Bao'er's expression darkened, her face sinking into gloom.

"Let's go, no more delaying." A voice altered by the Soul Robe spoke out; Feng Qing'er nodded and led Xiao Yan away from the place.

Watching the retreating backs of Feng Qing'er and Xiao Yan, Huang Bao'er's delicate face grew even darker, her eyes fierce as she muttered: "Feng Qing'er, don't think bringing in a Qi Zhi Gao Ji Alchemist lets you soar to the top—the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan is still ruled by my Huang Clan!"

"Since you want to compete against me in the selection, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Following Feng Qing'er as they walked, Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back, casually admiring the scenery around him.

Back on Ancient Dragon Island, Xiao Yan had been too busy refining pills to appreciate the magical beast world; in terms of territory alone, this Heavenly Demon Phoenix Realm was far larger than East Dragon Island.

Xiao Yan frequently saw giant birds with feathers of varying colors flying back through the entrance, their long tails trailing as they soared—evoking the image of a hundred birds returning to their nest.

"So beautiful. Xun Er would love this." Seeing the magnificent sight of the returning birds, Xiao Yan couldn't help but think of the graceful figure far away in the Ancient Realm.

Since parting from Xun Er, a year had passed; two more years remained until the Heavenly Tomb opened. Xiao Yan was now the Pill Gathering Champion, drawing ever closer to his goal, and he could barely conceal the heat in his heart.

"Wait for me, Xun Er." Xiao Yan now craved strength more than ever.

Though Xun Er hadn't said it outright, the qualification to enter the Heavenly Tomb could not be reclaimed by the Xiao Clan through words alone—not after being wiped out for a thousand years. Now, with someone suddenly demanding entry, it meant someone else would lose their share. Xiao Yan needed power.

This Tian Feng Blood Pool was an opportunity—he, Xiao Yan, would claim it at all costs!

A sharp creak echoed from ahead as a door opened; Xiao Yan looked up to see an elegant wooden cabin.

Entering the cabin, a surge of Life Force instantly enveloped his entire body—the wood used here was no ordinary timber, emitting a special Life Force that nourished his flesh.

Without doubt, this was Feng Qing'er's residence.

"You're safe here—no one is watching." Feng Qing'er's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Xiao Yan warily; she was effectively a traitor to her clan, inviting a wolf into her home.

Xiao Yan still wasn't convinced—he waved his hand, and powerful Soul Force wrapped the entire cabin. Unless it was a Dou Saint, even a Peak Dou Zun could not pierce Xiao Yan's Soul Shield.

Seeing this, Feng Qing'er's body tensed instantly—she hadn't anticipated what Xiao Yan might do to her.

Removing her Hood, Xiao Yan glanced at Feng Qing'er, standing far away in the corner, her spirit taut—and silently smiled. Suddenly, he shouted: "Whoa!"

!!!!!!!

With a metallic clang, Feng Qing'er drew a precious sword—but strangely, she didn't point it at Xiao Yan; instead, she pressed it against her own throat, as if ready to kill herself.

"If I die, you won't be able to enter the Tian Feng Blood Pool!" Feng Qing'er threatened Xiao Yan with a desperate gaze—she was utterly out of options.

This Feng Qing'er was nothing like the cold, domineering woman outside.

Xiao Yan's lips curled into a cold, sharp smile as he stepped closer. Seeing him advance, Feng Qing'er retreated step by step until she finally hit the wall—with nowhere left to flee.

Her hands trembled, yet she dared not move the sword.

A large hand reached out, one finger pressing against the blade. Xiao Yan's eyes had seen through her long ago—he smiled: "Your trick is too crude. If you had the courage to kill yourself, you'd have done it long ago."

Xiao Yan saw at a glance: Feng Qing'er was proud, ambitious. When she left the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan to train in the Wind Thunder Pavilion, it wasn't just because the Three Thousand Thunder Illusion Body suited her Wind Thunder Body—she wanted to become stronger.

A person with ambition won't kill themselves.

With a thud, the sword fell to the ground; Feng Qing'er's beautiful eyes filled with despair as she collapsed onto the floor.

No way out!

Faced with this man, she couldn't think of a single solution—she was like fish on a chopping block, entirely at his mercy.

Xiao Yan slowly crouched down, tilting Feng Qing'er's chin up so she met his gaze, smiling gently: "You don't need to be so hopeless. I, Xiao Yan, am straightforward—I know right from wrong, debt from favor."

"Our grudges aren't that heavy—we're already cooperating, aren't we?"

Hearing this, Feng Qing'er's despairing eyes flickered with a faint glimmer of hope.

"Good. Tell me in detail about the selection and the Tian Feng Blood Pool. What do you want me to do for you? And what can you give me in return?"

Xiao Yan stood straight, sat on the chair behind him, propped his chin on his hand, and stared coldly at Feng Qing'er.

Don't talk about feelings with Heavenly Venerable of Yan—talk about money.

Didn't Qiu Ping make Heavenly Venerable of Yan smile with three top-tier Eight Rank Magic Cores? Try harder—you can too.

Feng Qing'er slowly stood up, looked at Xiao Yan, and said: "I want you to help—"

Before Feng Qing'er could finish speaking, Xiao Yan cut her off coldly: "Your address is wrong."

Instantly, Feng Qing'er's eyes went numb; she nodded, voice hollow: "I understand. Master."

"Continue."

"Yes, Master."

Feng Qing'er now abandoned all dignity—at least before Xiao Yan, her dignity had no value, and no need.

"The Tian Feng Blood Pool is the Inheritance Secret Realm of the ancient Heavenly Phoenix clan, just like the Phoenix Tomb. When ancient Heavenly Phoenixes passed away or died in battle, their corpses and Magic Cores were stored in the Phoenix Tomb to accumulate Wind Thunder energy, while their essence blood was collected on Tian Feng Mountain, nourished by Heavenly Energy, eventually forming the Tian Feng Blood Pool."

The ancient Heavenly Phoenixes and Heaven Phoenixes—though now extinct—were once great clans in ancient times, when the world teemed with countless races, fierce conflicts raged daily, and rivers ran red with blood.

Hearing Feng Qing'er's description, Xiao Yan now understood what the Tian Feng Blood Pool was. Even the half-Sage essence blood of the Snake Clan had enabled Cai Lin to break through to Dou Zun—this ancient Tian Feng Blood Pool must have once held Dou Saint-level Tian Feng Essence Blood.

But so much time has passed since the ancient Heavenly Phoenixes went extinct—no one knows how much essence blood remains inside Tian Feng Mountain.

"With my Alchemist skills, if I can obtain even a bit of Eight Rank or Nine Rank Tian Feng Essence Blood, I can not only strengthen my Bone Wings, but likely raise my cultivation by one or two stars within half a year." Xiao Yan began to ponder—ordinary people could never directly ingest Dou Saint essence blood.

But Xiao Yan wasn't just a Dou Zun—he was also an Alchemist capable of refining Seven Colored Pill Thunder Eight Grade Pills. His methods went far beyond pill refining—blending essence blood, preparing Spirit Liquid—those were his specialties.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, gazing at Feng Qing'er: "A fascinating place—but such an important site surely isn't unguarded."

Feng Qing'er didn't hide it—she had the Asura Slave Seal on her, so she couldn't harbor other ill intentions. She spoke plainly: "Each time the Tian Feng Blood Pool opens, multiple Elders guard it, along with one Supreme Elder at Dou Zun Di Feng. Moreover, the Tian Feng Blood Pool is protected by a Barrier left behind by the ancient Heavenly Phoenixes—humans cannot enter."

Xiao Yan watched Feng Qing'er silently—he knew she had a way.

Feng Qing'er bit her Red Lips, her expression torn—this was treason. But in the end, she gave up. Her own clan had abandoned her; she had no reason to throw away her life for nothing.

"I am still of the Feng Clan. That Inheritance Secret Realm was left by our Ancestor—our clan has a way to secretly open the Barrier and let you enter the Tian Feng Blood Pool."

Xiao Yan smiled inwardly—he'd known these allied Magical Beast Families always kept a trick up their sleeves. He guessed Feng Qing'er's Feng Clan had been sneaking in secretly for years.

"Can that green tea bitch pass the selection?"

"Green tea bitch?"

"Oh, the girl just now—the one named Bao'er. She's at Half-Dou Zun, right? You still can't beat her." Xiao Yan smiled—he'd seen through Feng Qing'er's petty schemes long ago.