Chapter 67
Ming Jian Su nodded seriously. She would agree with anything Feng Chiyue said.
Zhu Wan and Que Chenyi, standing behind them, exchanged glances, unsurprised by her words.
The Star Monarchs were speechless, exchanging uneasy looks. They couldn’t utter a single word. Anyone with eyes could see that the Heavenly Emperor’s accusation of Ming Jian Su colluding with the demons was baseless, a trumped-up charge. But with their attitude, could it be that they truly had dealings with the Demon Abyss? Had they given that Minor Realm to the demons, abandoned Chang Li, and, in exchange, received the demons’ support on the battlefield?
No, that didn’t make sense. After the “Fall of the Phoenix” incident, hadn’t those greedy demons from the Demon Abyss been even more despicable? Ming Jian Su, while stationed at the battlefield, had slain countless demons. Why would she help them now? The current situation was the Heavenly Emperor’s fault. As the East Abode Master, Ming Jian Su had made many contributions to the Immortal Realm. He had stripped her of her position and even forced the Celestial Pivot Department to frame her just because she had failed in a single task. This was clearly a personal vendetta. But Ming Jian Su wasn’t one to back down. She had caused endless turmoil in the Immortal Realm.
“This… this is a misunderstanding,” a Star Monarch stammered, staring at the sword beams flashing through the mountain. Most of the feathered immortals in Danxue Mountain were dead or injured. There was no saving them. They should be more concerned about their own situation. Although they had many Heavenly Soldiers, the Feather Guards had formed a powerful formation, the “All Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix” phenomenon lingering, and reinforcements from Phoenix Mountain had arrived. Escaping unscathed would be incredibly difficult. Not only those who had been hesitant but even the Star Monarch who had been loyal to the Emperor, ordering the Heavenly Soldiers to draw their bows, fell silent.
“What misunderstanding?” Feng Chiyue asked. “Didn’t he even use the Heavenly Constitution Seal?”
“We’ll return and explain the situation to the Emperor,” a Star Monarch said, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
A cold chuckle was his only response. Ming Jian Su flicked her sword. “Since you’ve come,” she said, “don’t leave.” A deafening boom echoed through the air, and the brief lull in the battle ended. Sword beams, like a flood breaking through a dam, swept across the mountain. She was determined to eliminate all those involved in that past betrayal. She ignored the Heavenly Soldiers, her focus solely on hunting down the remaining elders.
Their expressions changed drastically. They had already humbled themselves, even ignoring her slaughter of the feathered immortals right before their eyes, but she remained unyielding. This couldn’t be resolved peacefully. If they wanted to survive, they had to fight. Their faces hardened, and with a single command, a rain of arrows descended upon them. The Feather Guards instantly reacted, their sharp cries piercing the sky. The flying ships formed a formation in mid-air, an impenetrable barrier. As the arrows, imbued with spiritual energy, struck, a series of clangs and blinding flashes erupted, the sound deafening, but no one was injured.
“What are those ships made of?” the leading Star Monarch wondered. He looked up, his gaze meeting Feng Chiyue’s smiling eyes, and his heart skipped a beat. He now knew that she was the former Phoenix Sovereign, and alarm bells rang in his head.
But she didn’t move. She stood there calmly, then, her gaze shifting, she followed Ming Jian Su’s movements, her expression focused. Despite the thunderous explosions and the blinding flashes of sword light and fire, she seemed oblivious, as if she were in a world of her own.
“If we can’t capture Ming Jian Su, it won’t be easy to explain to the Emperor,” someone whispered, snapping him out of his thoughts.
He turned to his companion. “The Heavenly Constitution Seal couldn’t restrain them,” he said. “The Feather Guards have formed a powerful formation. What are our chances of winning?”
His companion didn’t answer but simply took out a silver ring, its surface cold and gleaming. After a moment of hesitation, he tossed it to the Heavenly Soldiers behind them. The ring, called “All Manifestations United,” could absorb the magic power of others, enhancing its user’s strength.
As expected, the moment the ring landed, the air around him seemed to boil, invisible ripples distorting the space. He roared, his aura surging, and a golden armored manifestation, several feet tall, appeared behind him, its eyes fixed on the Feather Guards on the ships with malice. As its massive body moved, waves of power rippled outwards. If they didn’t dodge quickly enough, they would be torn to shreds. It raised a sharp axe and slammed it down towards the barrier formed by the ships!
Chang Huai’s expression changed slightly. She landed on one of the ships and activated all the protective formations. She had supervised the construction of these ships. The Feather Guards, although they had been training in Danxue Mountain, hadn’t been there for long. Their chances of winning a direct confrontation against the Heavenly Soldiers were slim. They had to rely on the ships to enhance their strength. If the barrier was breached, their casualties would be heavy.
Seeing a layer of light suddenly appear on the barrier, making it even more impenetrable, the golden armored manifestation snorted and, with a flash, sprouted three heads and six arms. Various weapons descended, their attacks intensifying, as swift and relentless as a downpour, like a rapid drumbeat on the battlefield. The Feather Guards, protected by the barrier, also emerged from the ships, engaging in a fierce battle. As the golden armored manifestation lost an arm, two ships were destroyed, crashing to the ground with a loud boom.
“Your barrier doesn’t seem very effective, Fellow Daoist Chang Huai,” Que Chenyi said, glancing at her.
Chang Huai glared at her. “That Star Monarch is using the silver ring to absorb everyone’s magic power and focus it on the barrier,” she said. “Of course, it’s difficult to withstand. Give me enough time, and I can create an even stronger barrier.” However, this battle had revealed the weaknesses of their current design. The ships’ movements, merging and separating, disrupted the flow of the formations, leaving gaps. If their enemies exploited those momentary weaknesses, the barrier would struggle to repair itself. But they couldn’t change the ships’ movements. She could only focus on strengthening the weak points. She wondered where she could find enough black gold.
“Tsk.”
Feng Chiyue had finally looked away from Ming Jian Su.
She looked up at the golden armored giant, its eyes like glowing lanterns, and a look of disgust crossed her face. She had always disliked such ugly creatures. She waved her hand, and a red light, tinged with black, shot forward, engulfing the manifestation. In an instant, the light vanished. The manifestation’s head had been severed, and its charred body was engulfed in flames, its fragments, burning brightly, falling to the ground, forming a sea of fire.
Manifestations were typically composed of magic power and energy, not physical matter. Once destroyed, they would dissipate like dust. But this golden armored manifestation was different. Its fragments resembled chunks of flesh and blood. The Star Monarch who had summoned it looked surprised, then a wave of pain, as if his skin were being burned, washed over him. He looked down and saw that his body had been severed from his head, mirroring the fate of his manifestation. His soul, still clinging to consciousness, tried to escape, but a flaming arrow pierced it. In his final moments, he saw the phoenixes, their bows drawn, their eyes filled with hatred, staring at him.
Flames danced in the wind.
Terror and despair filled the hearts of the surviving Star Monarchs. Their bodies were engulfed in black flames, impossible to extinguish. The flames devoured their magic power and life force, like a ravenous beast gnawing at their very essence. In their panic, some summoned their protective artifacts, desperately trying to escape. But as they rose into the air, they were completely enveloped in flames and, moments later, exploded into showers of sparks.
Seeing their leaders perish, the Heavenly Soldiers lost their will to fight. They dropped their weapons and surrendered.
By the time Ming Jian Su had eliminated all those hateful traitors from the feathered lineages, the battle against the Heavenly Soldiers was over. The wind dispersed the stench of blood. Feng Chiyue’s red sleeves billowed like flames, a brilliant sight. Ming Jian Su frowned, her lips pursed, her face filled with regret. She had been too slow, forcing her junior sister to act.
She had promised to avenge her junior sister, and yet, she had still allowed her to get her hands dirty.
“What’s wrong?” Feng Chiyue asked, noticing her dejection.
Ming Jian Su sighed. “I’m still too weak,” she said.
Que Chenyi, Zhu Wan, and the others who had gathered around them: “…” They were speechless.
Feng Chiyue smiled, her eyes twinkling. “Not at all,” she said without hesitation. “In my heart, you’re always the strongest.” She didn’t give Ming Jian Su a chance to dwell on it. “Did something happen in the mountain?” she asked.
Ming Jian Su nodded. There was indeed something that had delayed her. “Some lineages have wandering immortals residing in the mountain,” she said seriously. “They’re all young and weren’t involved in the events of a thousand years ago. I was planning to eliminate them all, but Yuan Wuxin pleaded for their lives.” Yuan Wuxin, a wandering immortal from the Golden Pheasant lineage, had helped them with the “Heavenly Phoenix Fruit” incident. They had to repay that favor.
“Do whatever you want,” Feng Chiyue said.
“I’ll spare those who were unaware,” Ming Jian Su said. “Their future will depend on their own actions. But those who are close relatives or disciples of the elders, as well as those who harbor resentment… none of them will be spared.”
Feng Chiyue didn’t care about the fate of those feathered immortals. She took Ming Jian Su’s hand. “Is this all you have to say after a battle?” she asked. “These boring matters?”
Ming Jian Su blinked and, pulling Feng Chiyue closer, embraced her, her lips brushing against her forehead, then trailing down her eyebrow, her cheek, finally reaching her lips. With others present, she restrained her desire, the kiss brief and chaste. But even this small gesture was enough to attract attention, drawing a series of gasps.
“My Master and her junior sister have always been ‘in their own world,’” Zhu Wan whispered, transmitting her voice.
Que Chenyi glanced at her, thinking, “Zhu Wan, working in Morning Phoenix Mountain, is truly the most pitiful one.”
Those two wouldn’t hesitate to abandon her if necessary.
After holding Feng Chiyue for a moment, Ming Jian Su finally released her.
Her eyes were like a clear autumn lake, their surface rippling in the breeze.
“Let’s go home,” she whispered, ignoring the ruined new Danxue Mountain, the flying ships, and the Feather Guards. They transformed into streaks of light and vanished.
After a moment of silence, Zhu Wan spoke. “We need to cover this Danxue Mountain with our flags,” she said. Her Master had given her detailed instructions beforehand. She had been puzzled, thinking it was unnecessary to mention so many details, but now she understood. Her Master had no time for lengthy discussions. After a merciless slaughter, all she needed was Feng Chiyue.
The feathered immortals from Phoenix Mountain had also arrived. “We’ll handle it,” Feng Yao said to Zhu Wan. Although she had learned the truth from the elders, seeing that awe-inspiring phoenix manifestation had still stirred her heart. However, amidst her joy, a sense of unease and sorrow lingered. Phoenix Mountain’s thousand-year-old history had taught them that they were followers of the Phoenix Sovereign, and that she would one day lead them to glory.
But now, she had returned, and she didn’t want their loyalty.
How could she explain their past hesitation to the younger generation? How could she explain their betrayal, born out of selfishness or forced by circumstances?
Zhu Wan looked at her. She had a good impression of Feng Yao.
More helpers meant less work for her.
However, she didn’t answer directly but turned to Que Chenyi.
Que Chenyi was unaware of that buried past. But after spending time with Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, she had learned to be more observant. The Phoenix Sovereign distancing herself from her lineage – this was clearly not a simple matter. If they allowed Phoenix Mountain to get involved, she might end up like that Swan Goose, hanging outside the Celestial Feather Ministry.
She placed her hand on Qing Xun’s shoulder, forcing a smile. “Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist,” she said, “but this is a simple task. Qing Xun can handle it alone.”
Qing Xun, lost in thought, looked at her blankly.
Seeing that phoenix rising from the flames had sparked a desire within her to undergo Nirvana. She had diligently studied the scriptures given to her by Feng Chiyue, but she hadn’t grasped the key. But recently, she had a breakthrough, believing she was now capable of it. Preoccupied, she hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation.
Que Chenyi’s voice hardened, her smile turning “friendly.” “Right?”
Qing Xun nodded vigorously. “Right.”
Feng Yao pursed her lips. The young feathered immortals who had accompanied her wanted to say something, but a single glare from her silenced them. They hung their heads, dejected.
“Those from Phoenix Mountain look so pitiful,” Zhu Wan whispered, watching them.
Chang Huai didn’t understand the intricacies of their relationships, but while repairing the flying ships, she still had time for gossip. “Based on my experience in the mortal world,” she said, “it’s mostly their own fault. Why would a ruler abandon their people? They must have done something terrible.”
Que Chenyi agreed inwardly, casting a sympathetic glance at the dejected phoenixes. They exchanged greetings and went back to work.
Although they had won this battle, the matter wasn’t settled. The Heavenly Court wouldn’t let this go.
In the Purple Empyrean Palace on Kunlun Mountain.
Learning that none of the Star Monarchs or Heavenly Soldiers had returned, the Heavenly Emperor flew into a rage.
He had been forced to fight the Celestial Mother in the Great Yin Palace. Thankfully, he had come prepared. Otherwise, he would have been trapped there.
If he had known that she had cultivated the Taiji Dao Body and was attempting to usurp the Mandate of Heaven, he would never have gone there.
The Star of Destiny’s light was dim but hadn’t completely vanished. This meant there was still a chance.
He had to eliminate all potential successors. The Great Yin Celestial Mother herself was born from the Mandate of Heaven. The Heavenly Emperor could only achieve a complete Mandate by uniting with the Great Yin. Apart from her, his own descendants could also seize it. His eyes darkened. “Where is Chu Yi?” he asked coldly. He had no valid excuse to target his daughter, but using her against Ming Jian Su would be beneficial, regardless of the outcome.
“She’s gone to the battlefield under the Celestial Mother’s orders,” Si Li Star Monarch replied quickly.
The Emperor frowned. “Aren’t Bai Guchan and Ming Yuheng enough?”
An official stepped forward and sighed. “The Kingdom of Qingqiu has reappeared.” After their internal conflict, Qingqiu had closed its borders, limiting contact with the outside world. The immortals had suspected that they had connections with the Demon Abyss, and now, their suspicions were confirmed. Feathered immortals from Qingqiu were supporting the demons. They finally had evidence of their collusion, but it seemed useless now. Qingqiu, like a sharp blade, had stabbed the beast lineages from behind, causing chaos in the White Tiger Department. The Heavenly Court wasn’t winning on the battlefield.
These events had all occurred within a short time, perhaps deliberately concealed, so the news reached the Heavenly Court in a delayed and fragmented manner.
His eye twitched. He suppressed his anger. “What about the Four Seas?” he asked. “They’ve always wanted to break free from the Heavenly Court’s control. Promise them anything as long as they capture Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.”
“But Ming Jian Su only attacked Danxue Mountain and those who tried to stop her. She hasn’t declared war on the Heavenly Court,” an official said boldly. “They acted impulsively and made a mistake. If Your Majesty pardons them, perhaps there’s still room for reconciliation.”
“Reconciliation?” he scoffed, a metallic taste filling his mouth. He glared at the officials. “Feng Chiyue is the Phoenix Sovereign,” he said. “She’s back to seek revenge! You’ve all deluded yourselves into believing that she willingly went to the Demon Abyss for the sake of the greater good. No, she was forced! How many died in Danxue Mountain and the Heavenly Court to capture her? Don’t you remember?! If she’s returned with a vengeance, none of you will escape!”
“We need to win over the Four Seas, recruit wandering immortals, and relax the restrictions at the Heavenly Gate,” he continued. “Conscript all those who ascend into the Heavenly Army! And if that’s not enough, we still have the Realm Beyond Heaven!” His final words reassured the anxious officials. They still had those Star Monarchs cultivating in the Realm Beyond Heaven. Some were even stronger than Yuan Yao. Even if one wasn’t a match for Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, what about two, three, or even more?
“Open the Heavenly Prosperity Department’s treasury to the Heavenly Soldiers,” he said. “Give them unlimited access to Cinnabar Jade, elixirs, and artifacts.” He was no longer stingy.
In Morning Phoenix Mountain.
Ming Jian Su received a jade slip and several Qiankun bags from a puppet servant.
She scanned the slip with her divine sense and immediately understood their origin.
They were from Chu Yi, sent before she went to the battlefield.
Feng Chiyue rummaged through the bags. Some contained Chu Yi’s personal belongings, but many bore the Heavenly Prosperity Department’s emblem. “Did she rob them?” she asked curiously.
Since Yu Gao’s appointment as the Head of the Heavenly Prosperity Department, it had been dysfunctional. Their records were a mess. Chu Yi’s move was ruthless. She had effectively cut off an important source of elixirs and artifacts for the Heavenly Soldiers. After all, with the Department’s officials incompetent, they were heavily reliant on their treasury.
“We should have some peace and quiet now,” Ming Jian Su said thoughtfully. This was likely the calm before the storm. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to continue, but the Celestial Feather Ministry needed time to refine elixirs, craft barriers, and forge weapons. She wanted a decisive victory, not a pyrrhic one.
Feng Chiyue hummed noncommittally. Time only mattered when she was with Ming Jian Su.
As night fell, mist shrouded the high platform, and bright stars twinkled in the vast expanse above.
They didn’t return to the Dharma Hall but sat side by side on the platform’s railing, chatting.
Feng Chiyue had grown tired of hearing about Ming Jian Su’s life in the mortal world. Instead, she listened to her tales of Suxin’s “cultivation.”
“Phoenixes excel in fire, but very few are alchemists. My alchemy skills must have come from you,” she said, stating the obvious, turning to look at Ming Jian Su’s profile, bathed in moonlight. “Your alchemy was terrible. You said you didn’t have many close friends. Was it because of those elixirs?”
Ming Jian Su chuckled awkwardly, remembering the lingering poison with a twinge of guilt.
Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Even if you’re bad at everything, you’re still my favorite Elder Sister,” she said.
Ming Jian Su felt a strange warmth. This was her junior sister’s unique way of offering comfort, with a hint of teasing.
Seeing that she was silent, Feng Chiyue realized her words hadn’t been sufficiently sweet and reassuring. “It’s a great honor for those herbs to be refined into elixirs by you,” she said.
Ming Jian Su chuckled and pulled her into an embrace.
When had her junior sister become so considerate, so skilled in saying sweet things to please her?
The moon shone brightly, and their sashes fluttered in the gentle breeze.
It was a peaceful and serene night.
Ming Jian Su lowered her gaze, meeting Feng Chiyue’s clear eyes.
“What are you thinking about, Junior Sister?” she asked softly.
Feng Chiyue, never one to hide her feelings, replied simply, “You.”
She thought about her when they were apart, and she thought about her when they were together.
Feng Chiyue stared at her, as if lost in a sea of stars. She knew the answer, but she still asked, “What about you, Elder Sister?”
Ming Jian Su leaned down and kissed her eyes. “I love you,” she said sincerely.
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