Chapter 936

Aside from Shan Shan, who was guarding in front of him and didn't see it, everyone else noticed the little movements of the male phoenix.

Ao Jing felt a surge of angry fire the moment he saw that face; he wanted nothing more than to grab the male phoenix's head and dunk it into the Linghai waters to sober him up.

Others felt more astonishment toward the male phoenix.

When this guy took human form, his fur hadn't fully shed; he couldn't beat Ao Jing in a fight, yet he wasn't the least bit timid.

He seemed aware of how rare he was, and that the Feng Clan would protect him, making him rather overconfident.

Ao Jing finally let go, said nothing, and left directly.

Shan Shan's attitude indeed made him angry, but he realized at this moment that he could barely hold himself together.

Although from the perspective of those in high positions, the sudden appearance of such a rare male phoenix in the clan indeed warranted special protection.

But… but he happened to be a pure-blooded male phoenix.

Ao Jing understood all too well how much the Feng Clan now needed such an excellent‑gene male phoenix; perhaps… childhood sweethearts aside, many are snatched away by a sudden heavenly blade.

Moreover, between him and Shan Shan there always seemed to be a thin membrane; he had a strong feeling that Shan Shan saw him only as a brother, not… as a possible future lover.

Ao Jing rarely felt a lack of confidence.

When people are lost, they are prone to act impulsively.

Ao Jing didn't want to make a mistake because of this.

Even if he and Shan Shan never become lovers, given the intricate ties between their families, they will always be kin.

Ao Jing is a decent person.

For a decent person, the most painful thing is having to swallow coptis and still smile while forcing it down.

Shan Shan watched the direction Ao Jing left, feeling deeply upset; she instinctively took a few steps forward, wanting to call him back, but thinking of the male phoenix behind her, she decided for now not to.

Ao Jing and the male phoenix don't get along, but this male phoenix is something she must have!

Not only must she bring him back to the Feng Clan, she must also nurture him well; the Feng Clan needs such excellent genes, and she believes everyone will support her choice.

As for Ao Jing's side, Shan Shan worried but wasn't afraid; her older cousin, cold‑outside warm‑inside, could always be coaxed back no matter how angry he got.

Shan Shan is the sweetest and best at coaxing people.

Thinking this, Shan Shan turned to the male phoenix and asked, "Are you willing to go home with me, to the Feng Clan?"

The male phoenix lifted his proud neck and said matter‑of‑factly, "The Feng Clan is naturally my home; of course I want to go back!"

Um…

The male phoenix's answer once again exceeded everyone's expectations.

Shan Shan then smiled and said, "Then welcome home."

With the dust settled, several groups went their separate ways after a few hours.

Liu Junyan and Xiao Jiu stayed behind temporarily to handle some aftermath, then continued forward along the vein line.

Hui Moqiong led his people back to Jiangcheng.

The rest returned to the Feng Clan.

The news that the Feng Lord had brought back a purebred male phoenix spread like wildfire; the Big Family all scrambled to catch a glimpse of his true appearance, burning with curiosity.

In the end, A Cheng had to issue an order temporarily forbidding anyone from visiting the male phoenix.

The male phoenix was given his own room, with all daily necessities provided; A Cheng sat knee‑to‑knee with him for a long talk, initially learning about his plans for life and cultivation.

The male phoenix's character was quite flamboyant and very talkative; after chatting until deep into the night, A Cheng grew ever fonder of him, their thoughts aligning in many ways, making A Cheng more willing to accept the male phoenix.

Shan Shan's side was the same.

Since the male phoenix was the one she brought back, she had to settle him well; for the next period, Shan Shan took him daily to learn about the Feng Clan's territory, history, and duties—the male phoenix was highly curious, like a curious baby, wanting to know everything.

Because she was busy, Shan Shan temporarily forgot about going to the Linghai Dragon Clan to coax Ao Jing.

Ao Jing also didn't come to look for Shan Shan again.

Shan Shan didn't notice anything amiss, after all her older cousin was very busy.

The first to notice that Ao Jing's mood was off was Zhong Shushu.

Actually, after Ao Jing left that day, Xiao Jiu called Zhong Shushu and subtly reminded her that Jing'er recently needed psychological counseling.

Zhong Shushu is a meticulous mother; she did not, upon Ao Jing's return to the Linghai Dragon Clan, immediately pull him aside to ask about his affairs with Shan Shan.

She knew Ao Jing too well; if he didn't want to say something, not even a pry bar could open his mouth.

Zhong Shushu simply paid a bit more attention to Ao Jing, giving him time to ease his emotions while also giving herself a chance to gauge his thoughts.

His son's disposition is very strong; perhaps he could achieve self‑reconciliation, who knows.

During Ao Jing's first week back, there was nothing abnormal.

Aside from keeping a stern face all day, he handled affairs in an orderly, busy manner, just as before.

That week, his work efficiency was extremely high; he not only put the clan's big and small affairs in perfect order, but also went on to urge his useless younger brother to break out of his shell sooner.

Precisely because Ao Jing was so diligent that week, a week later the clan had no major matters left for him to worry about.

Usually, when Ao Jing had free time, he would definitely make a trip to the Feng Clan to chat with A Cheng and see Shan Shan; sometimes they would even arrange to go together to Yin Dang Hang to meet up with their friends.

But this time, Ao Jing went nowhere; instead he stayed in his room, closed the door, and cultivated.

Even Hui Yu's invitation to go out for drinks was refused.

Zhong Shushu then said to Xiaoye, "Bad, this kid is done for."

Xiaoye wondered, "I see him doing quite well, don't I?"

"Good?" Zhong Shushu frowned, "Which of your eyes sees him as doing well?"

Xiaoye pondered, "Both my eyes saw it—he works diligently without mistake, whenever he has time he cultivates properly, his ambition is strong; isn't that the very picture of a good man?"

Zhong Shushu's gaze darted between Xiaoye's two eyes: "When did you go blind? I never noticed anything before."

Xiaoye was laughed into anger by Zhong Shushu, unwilling to hit or scold, he could only offer an apologetic smile: "My love, I have loved only you; I have never known the pain of being rejected or of a third party stealing love with a heavenly blade—it's normal not to understand."

Zhong Shushu raised her brows: "Oh? It seems you still regret it, huh? Well then…"

"No regrets at all!" Xiaoye immediately declared, "I love my wife most, for this life and the next, lifetime after lifetime."

Zhong Susu's cheeks flushed pink, then she let out a soft sigh: "If Jing'er's temperament were like yours, that would be fine."

Xiaoye has feared neither heaven nor earth since childhood; in the three realms and six paths, whenever he takes a dislike to someone, he goes and messes with them, and even if he clearly knows he's no match for the opponent, he doesn't back down in the slightest.

His life motto consists of only four words: "If you're not convinced, then fight!"