Chapter 523 - 522: The Original Mission, The Contract

Leaving the palace at Karan, Li Jing found a quiet place far enough away and opened the Little Universe to let the Blue Phoenix out.

At this moment, Blue Phoenix still looked a bit under the weather.

The existence of the Charming Spirit is synonymous with disaster, it’s not to be taken lightly.

Her influence is not limited to igniting primal impulses.

During this period, she also burns the Origin power of the cultivators.

For ordinary people, the consequences would be even worse.

Literally burning life itself.

Seeing the slightly pale face of the Blue Phoenix after coming out, Li Jing asked with concern.

"Master Blue Phoenix, your body..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Blue Phoenix waved him off.

"I’m fine, I just lost a bit of my Origin. Fortunately, you sent me into the Little Universe in time, or the loss could have been much worse."

Saying this, she looked around fearfully, wanting to say something but hesitating.

Seeing this, Li Jing knew she wanted to ask something. He hesitated for a moment before saying:

"The arm that appeared on my chest earlier belongs to the original Demon, the Charming Spirit."

At his words, Blue Phoenix froze, her beautiful eyes widening in shock.

"The Original Demon!? One of the Lust Heavens!?"

Seeing Blue Phoenix’s huge reaction, Li Jing slightly furrowed his brows.

It wasn’t surprising that Blue Phoenix knew about the Original Demon.

If one knew about the Spirit of Origin, naturally they would know about the other Origins.

However, right now.

Blue Phoenix’s reaction seemed a bit too "intense".

Just as he was puzzled, Blue Phoenix gasped out, clearly agitated.

"Don’t you know what she has done in the past?"

At her words, Li Jing nodded subconsciously, asking questioningly.

"Has the Charming Spirit done something in the Immortal Realm?"

"Do you remember when I mentioned the Ancient Fairyland to you?"

Blue Phoenix murmured, continuing:

"There are some unknown factors in the destruction of the Ancient Fairyland, but the one who truly destroyed it was her."

The Charming Spirit, destroyed the Ancient Fairyland?

Li Jing was taken aback.

This...

That was quite impressive!

So...

Why?

As if she knew his confusion, Blue Phoenix shook her head.

"You don’t need to ponder why she acted. Her existence is about destruction, and much of what she does may not be of her own free will. Not just her, including Ling Ling and our Phoenix ancestors, every Origin who was born into this world has an inherent mission. The power of the Original is not ordinary and can be compared, but being an Original itself is a kind of restraint."

Hearing this explanation, Li Jing nodded, somewhat understanding.

Although he didn’t fully grasp the mission of the Origins.

However, after meeting two of them, he had come to understand certain things.

Leave alone the seemingly carefree Ling Ling for now.

The Charming Spirit exists in the realm of lust and desire, evolving the bloodline into an outer realm demon.

Rather than saying she was born naturally, it would be more accurate to say she is part of a balanced mechanism of Heaven.

Life and death are in a cycle.

The decline after prosperity.

Is the fundamental operation of the Heavenly Path.

With the birth and evolution, there must be destruction and decay.

The mission that the Original Demon, the Charming Spirit, whose existence is destruction, carries is self-evident.

Without attempting to probe too deeply, Li Jing said:

"The Charming Spirit is now in the Little Universe, but introducing you to her might be..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Blue Phoenix quickly waved him off.

"There’s no need to go out of your way to introduce me to her. I’m not even qualified to face her unless I reach the Emperor Level."

Having said that, she strangely added.

"You seem to have a broad network of acquaintances, even knowing her. No wonder Emperors like Xiang Dong hesitated over you."

"What they hesitate over is not me, but the Charming Spirit."

Li Jing shrugged, saying:

"And I don’t have a broad network. The reason I know the Charming Spirit is completely because she is friends with Ling Ling."

Hearing it was because of the Spirit of Origin, Ling Ling, Blue Phoenix understood.

Thinking about it, she was right.

The Original Demon usually does not leave the realm of Lust and Desire, leaving quietly after destroying part of the world. There is almost no possibility of her wandering outside.

To know her.

One must either go to the Lust and Desire Realm or get to know someone she knows.

Exhaling softly, Blue Phoenix said:

"This Immortal Realm beneath our feet was once nearly destroyed by her. Some of the more ancient texts in this realm have clear records of it. The incident probably happened during the first hundred thousand years after the shattering of the Ancient Fairyland, and it seems to be related to Heaven’s desire to destroy the world."

After saying this, she murmured.

"Later generations speculated that the Big World’s Heavenly Tao’s desire to erase the world and the shattering of the Ancient Fairyland were not unrelated. It is possible that some beings that threaten the operation of the Tao have come from the Ancient Fairyland to the Immortal Realm, which is essentially in the Big World. The Heavenly Path, which normally cannot interfere with the Big World without satisfying certain conditions, would then invite her from the Lust and Desire Heaven. But no one knows the exact reasons, and the real truth behind it is likely only known to her and the Big World’s Heavenly Tao."

Upon hearing Blue Phoenix say this, Li Jing’s expression changed slightly.

The Big World’s Heavenly Tao.

This could also be considered an old acquaintance of his.

When he ascended in the past, the Big World’s Heavenly Tao had said that they might need his help once he became powerful enough.

Could it be...

The matter the Big World’s Heavenly Tao needed his help with had something to do with this?

Thinking that this was still a far-fetched matter for him, Li Jing pushed his thoughts away, saying:

"Discussing this, even at the Emperor Level would be presumptuous. It might be better, Blue Phoenix, for us not to dig too deeply."

Upon hearing this, Blue Phoenix paused and smiling, she said.

"It was just a casual comment, I didn’t mean to dig deeper."

Then, she asked.

"Did you encounter any difficulties escaping from Karan’s palace?"

"No difficulties, in fact, I gained quite a lot."

Li Jing smiled.

Blue Phoenix fell silent.

She was there when Li Jing found his treasures.

Not only did he acquire a rare gem like the Five-colored stone, he also managed to obtain the Stone of All Realms, which directly called upon the Charming Spirit.

Whether or not Li Jing obtained more treasures afterwards, she was unsure.

But with just these two items, his trip to the Western Immortal Realm was more than profitable.

The best part was, all these items were obtained for free.

Remembering how Shi Zixuan and Karan were extorted by someone in turn, Blue Phoenix was at a loss for words.

Before she could think of what to say, Li Jing hesitated before speaking.

"Before leaving, I asked Karan about the Fire Phoenix."

At this, Blue Phoenix considerably stirred and anxiously asked.

"What did he say?"

"It’s not good news."

Li Jing shook his head, then truthfully relayed the information he had received.

Knowing the details, Blue Phoenix wasn’t overly excited. She thoughtfully said.

"The possibility of Fire Phoenix entering the Ancient Fairyland is very small, but can’t be ruled out completely. If she has fallen in the Ancient Fairyland, it could be a bit troublesome. The Phoenix Bloodline will not easily die out entirely, could be reborn from the fire. But if she falls in another world, her God Soul will not be able to return to the Phoenix nest she was born in, to wait for rebirth."

As he listened to Blue Phoenix, Li Jing nodded, feeling a sense of admiration.

The Phoenix Tribe, they are the divine beasts naturally born and nurtured by heaven and earth.

If they die in another world, as long as their god soul returns to the original place, they can still be reborn from the fire.

This is more than just a little bug.

Without further thought, Li Jing said.

"According to the original plan, we should next head to Phoenix Cry Valley. Once we confirm whether the Fire Phoenix has fallen and if her God Soul has returned, I’ll accompany you, Blue Phoenix, to the upcoming opening of the space anchor point depending on the situation."

Hearing his words, Blue Phoenix was slightly stunned, then asked with astonishment.

"You... are you sure you want to accompany me to the upcoming opening of the space anchor point?"

"If I say I won’t accompany you, Blue Phoenix, you would definitely go alone, wouldn’t you?"

Li Jing grinned and said.

"We came together, of course, we have to go back together. I can’t just abandon you, Blue Phoenix."

Upon hearing this, Blue Phoenix was moved, silently opened her mouth and bit her lip gently.

"I... It’s not worthwhile for you to take such risks. I can go to the space anchor point by myself, you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Li Jing shook his head.

"There’s no room for negotiation."

"..."

Blue Phoenix.

What does he mean there is no room for negotiation?

Is she negotiating with him?

What unsettles her is.

Facing Li Jing’s unreasonably domineering manner before her, she didn’t know why she enjoyed it a bit.

Over the many years, except for the Fire Phoenix, who ever gave her so much attention and indulgence to this extent?

Filled with unease, Li Jing spoke.

"If I’m not with you, Blue Phoenix, you will undoubtedly end up going deep into the perilous Ancient Fairyland, won’t you?"

"..."

Blue Phoenix.

She wanted to say, does she seem so reckless?

Knowing that no one who has entered the shattered Ancient Fairyland has ever returned, how could she rashly go in?

But she had to admit.

She couldn’t be sure that she won’t rush into it when her brain got hot.

Before she could respond, Li Jing said.

"I can accompany you to the Ancient Fairyland."

?

Blue Phoenix slowly put out a question mark.

Li Jing’s sudden words took her off guard.

She originally thought Li Jing was following her to make sure she doesn’t run into the Ancient Fairyland.

Who would have expected him to change the subject and say that he wants to accompany her into the Ancient Fairyland?

Is he going to risk his life with her!?

Blue Phoenix was not easily frightened by risking her life.

After all, she held the Phoenix Bloodline.

Even if she perishes, she won’t truly disappear. She will be reborn from the fire someday, daring to lie dormant for a long period of time.

But Li Jing doesn’t possess this ability!

She was about to speak, when Li Jing gave a playful smile.

"It’s kind of a coincidence, the Stone of All Realms that Karan handed over is essentially a Chaos original stone capable of creating a passage between two worlds. He didn’t realize its true value and gave it to me in vain. I’ve had the Charming Spirit help me link my Little Universe with Chen Tang City. Even if we fall into the Ancient Fairyland, we don’t have to worry about getting back."

After hearing his words, Blue Phoenix was a little stunned.

Chaos original stone?

It can create a passage between two worlds?

The Stone of All Realms Karan gave is actually such a heaven-defying thing?

What is the biggest restriction in an independent world?

The entrance and exit are the creator himself.

Bearing an additional passage means a completely different concept.

Take for example the fallen Ancient Fairyland mentioned by Li Jing.

Even if one has an independent world to protect oneself, it’s impossible to return from such a place.

But when your independent world has another exit, all the impossibilities become a matter of course.

At that time, Blue Phoenix was envious.

Such a heaven-defying treasure, isn’t it something you can encounter but not seek?

She had never even heard of it.

If Kallan knew at that time of the wonderful use of the Chaos original stone, he probably wouldn’t have given it out even if he was beaten to death.

Envyingly staring at the lucky Li Jing, Blue Phoenix did not attempt to discourage him anymore, she hesitated a bit and then held out her hand to him.

?

Li Jing.

"Li Jing, you’ve done so much for me, I can’t just let it slide. From today on, you’re my best girlfriend,"

Blue Phoenix spoke seriously.

???

Li Jing.

In essence, he was trying to help Blue Phoenix as much as he could, keeping in mind the principle of seeing things through.

So dedicated.

On the one hand, he didn’t want to lose such a trump card as Blue Phoenix.

On the other hand, under the premise of being able to protect himself, he was somewhat curious about the Ancient Fairyland.

Blue Phoenix suddenly took his hand, and he was a bit flustered at first.

Could it be that Blue Phoenix was so touched that she wanted to declare love?

Who would’ve thought that she would suddenly say this to him?

Girlfriend!?

He was a grown man...

Just when he was about to say let’s show our appreciation in some other way, like giving him an extra fresh feather, Blue Phoenix burst out laughing.

"I’m just teasing you, how could I be sisters with a man like you?"

While speaking, Blue Phoenix suddenly pulled him closer.

This sudden change caught Li Jing off guard.

By the time he came back to his senses, Blue Phoenix had already risen on her tiptoes, her charming lips were so close that he could have kissed her with a slight movement.

Even though this was the case, he didn’t dare to move at this moment.

Just when he was about to ask Blue Phoenix what she was doing, a brand quietly formed in Li Jing’s sea of consciousness.

Blue Phoenix then retreated, her face slightly red as she spoke.

"A companion contract, it’s your lucky day,"

"Eh, this..."

Li Jing was taken aback.

This contract, does it not require his agreement?

Then, companion...

Shouldn’t have that meaning, right?

While he was bewildered, Blue Phoenix said.

"From now on, you can summon me anytime, anywhere, even if we are not in the same world, you can summon my God Soul."

So it’s just for summoning?

Li Jing raised an eyebrow, a sigh of relief in his heart.

Before he could exhale fully, there was a slight movement in his hand.

Subconsciously lowering his gaze, Li Jing froze.

The slender jade hand that Blue Phoenix had been holding was now intertwined with his fingers.

Blue Phoenix on the other side also lowered her head, then coughed and released her hand.

"This is the first time I’ve signed a contract with someone, this companion contract seems to be harder to control than I imagined, I need to adapt."

"..."

Li Jing.

What he really wanted to say was.

Can you be any more cavalier about this?!

Before signing a contract, wouldn’t you want to know what the contract does?

What’s the difference between this and giving it away for free?

Control?

Can a contract connected by soul be casually said to be controllable?

Look what he’s done to Ling Ling since they signed the Symbiotic Contract.

Just when he was speechless, Blue Phoenix said.

"With this companion contract, if necessary, you can try to persuade me, if your attitude is firm, I should listen."

Li Jing raised an eyebrow at her words.

This is indeed an advantage.

Blue Phoenix tends to be quite stubborn, he definitely wouldn’t be able to persuade her under normal circumstances.

Just as he was having this thought, Blue Phoenix transformed into her Divine Beast form, and her enormous body pressed him underneath her as though she was incubating a chick.

"..."

Li Jing.

"..."

Blue Phoenix.

After a brief pause, she quietly got up, picked him up and placed him on her back.

"Let’s go, we’re heading to the Phoenix Cry Valley."

"..."

Li Jing was silent, then finally spoke in a low voice.

"Blue Phoenix, can this companion contract be revoked?"

The words were barely out of his mouth when he realized something was wrong.

Normally, he would call her "Senior Blue Phoenix", why did he unconsciously drop the ’Senior’ part?

At this moment, Blue Phoenix spoke softly.

"You can unilaterally give up the contract, but for me, there is only one companion contract in a lifetime."

Upon hearing these words, Li Jing was taken aback.

This Blue Phoenix is definitely messing with his head!

Just as he was left speechless, the Blue Phoenix spoke.

"When I said I would give some indication, I didn’t mean it casually. Although we haven’t been together for long, I believe you will be good to me."

Li Jing was speechless.

This...

It wasn’t a confession or anything, was it?

Before he could ponder any further, the Blue Phoenix spread her wings and let out a clear cry of Phoenix Cry, shooting off into the sky.

...

Phoenix Cry Valley.

Located deep within the western part of the Immortal Realm.

Since Li Jing and the Blue Phoenix had been transported deep within the western parts of the Immortal Realm by Kalan using a flying boat, it did not take much time to reach Phoenix Cry Valley.

Upon reaching the destination, the Blue Phoenix didn’t rush to land.

She spread her wings and soared in the high skies, surveying the condition of Phoenix Cry Valley from above.

Li Jing also looked along with her.

The vast Phoenix Cry Valley was beautiful, with birds chirping and flowers fragrant everywhere, and the trees and plants were lush.

At first glance, there seemed to be no issues.

But upon closer inspection, the land could be seen to be black as if it were scorched earth.

Recalling what Kalan had mentioned earlier about Phoenix Cry Valley once being a significant cultivation resource spot with Phoenix Heavenly Fire burning all year round, Li Jing’s brow furrowed repeatedly.

The Phoenix Cry Valley below was now merely more scenic.

The entire scorched land had become fertile, full of birdsong and flowers, and greenery was abundant. This suggested that the Phoenix Heavenly Fire here must have been extinguished for quite a long time.

While he was considering this, the Blue Phoenix landed at the entrance of a cave covered with vines deep within the valley. She then turned into a human form, waved her hand, and cast a ball of scorching fire.

"Whoosh."

In an instant, the vines were burned to ashes, revealing the inside of the cave.

It was an extremely deep cave.

Now and then a warm breath would waft out from the depths of the cave.

The path inside the cave was straight and sloped downward, indicating that it penetrated deep into the earth’s crust.

"Let’s go, we’re going down."

The Blue Phoenix spoke.

As she spoke, she pulled Li Jing along.

Her delicate hand unconsciously gripped his tightly.

Li Jing glanced down, hesitated for a moment, and then grasped her hand in return, trying to reassure her.

The Blue Phoenix noticed his action, returned his glance with a forced smile, and led the way.

In a short while.

The two of them delved deep underground within the cave.

It seemed like the deepest part of the cave was connected to an underground volcano, where molten lava flowed slowly like an underground stream.

Guided by Blue Phoenix, Li Jing soon arrived at the place where the rivers of lava converged.

Then.

A nest made of volcanic ashes came into view, with the rock wall behind the nest smooth as jade and etched with an extremely ancient mural.

In the mural.

A Fire Phoenix was spreading its wings in the sky, while countless humans, Alien Species, and animals were worshipping it below.

Seeing that the Blue Phoenix had halted before the bird’s nest and looked around as if expecting to find something, Li Jing spoke.

"Is this where the Fire Phoenix is born?"

"Yes."

The Blue Phoenix replied, stopping her search and turning to look at him.

"You... try to cast Burn the Sky. Don’t force yourself too hard and don’t hurt yourself."

Li Jing nodded hesitantly and said,

"How about you let go of me first and step back a bit?"

The Blue Phoenix blinked at his words, let go of his hand reluctantly, and moved away to a safer distance.

Seeing her looking back at him with every other step, Li Jing couldn’t help but shake his head in amusement and closed his eyes to connect with heaven and earth.

The next second.

A surge of intense heat was drawn out from the core of the bird’s nest. On the surface, it appeared as if the volcanic ash that made up the nest was slowly dissolving, revealing a red substance within that seemed to be some sort of top-grade ore.

This mineral, as if resonating with Li Jing’s casting of Burn the Sky, began to heat up gradually.

Standing at some distance, the Blue Phoenix watched Li Jing. Along with a slight worry, her face was filled with astonishment.

Li Jing’s casting of Burn the Sky was a bit too swift.

In just a breath or two, it was nearly formed.

Even a Fire Phoenix proficient in Burn the Sky couldn’t have achieved this here.

As she was still in shock, a terrifying heat erupted from Li Jing as its center.

The next second.

Phoenix Heavenly Fire filled the entire cave.

The Blue Phoenix was taken aback.

This...

He did it just like that?

What Li Jing had just performed was not a complete execution of Burn the Sky. If he had performed it completely, the Blue Phoenix would have been even more shocked.

The main reason was that there was no need for it now.

He manifested Burn the Sky to confirm if the Fire Phoenix was waiting for its rebirth, not to kill someone. There was no need to go all out.

With the spread of Phoenix Heavenly Fire, a silhouette of an enormous egg quietly appeared within the nest composed of the unknown reddish ore.

Observing this, the Blue Phoenix’s face fell.

"You... did you really perish?"

A soft, mournful whisper echoed in the quiet.

...