Chapter 51
It would take some time to confirm the location of the new Minor Realm after its initial detection. No one in the Immortal Realm mentioned it, and Ming Jian Su didn’t bother asking.
She was more concerned about Chang Li’s movements, wondering if she would uncover any clues related to the Phoenix Sovereign and, consequently, her junior sister. She had two options: remain passive or secretly infiltrate the Demon Abyss and eliminate Chang Li. However, if the Heavenly Emperor was determined, a thousand Chang Lis would rise for every one she killed. Her junior sister’s true identity would eventually be revealed. It was better to use Chang Li’s absence to consolidate the feathered lineages further, eliminating those who supported Danxue Mountain, even Danxue Mountain itself.
Ming Jian Su looked down at the drowsy Feng Chiyue and said softly, “Junior Sister, would you give me a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree?”
Feng Chiyue didn’t ask why, simply nodding repeatedly. She rolled over, covering her ears with her sleeve, clearly unwilling to listen to Ming Jian Su’s chatter.
Ming Jian Su chuckled helplessly.
In the new Danxue Mountain.
Since the Vermilion Bird Elder’s death, the elders of various lineages had been in low spirits. They had visited South Vermilion Lord Mountain several times but hadn’t even caught a glimpse of Chang Li. Before his death, the Vermilion Bird Elder had warned them not to act rashly, but seeing the Celestial Feather Ministry’s relentless encroachment, they couldn’t suppress their anxiety. If they waited any longer, they might lose any chance of regaining their lost power. They had thought the Heavenly Emperor would be their backer, but when trouble arose, he had been the first to retreat.
“The Celestial Feather Ministry has established their own Artifact Crafting and Alchemy Palaces,” the Golden Pheasant Elder said, his face grim. He sat cross-legged behind a bronze table, his massive shadow, cast by the candlelight, looming on the giant pillars adorned with carved dragons and phoenixes like a menacing monster. “They’ve even blocked our direct access to the Heavenly Prosperity Department.” Without registering with the Celestial Feather Ministry, they couldn’t obtain documents from the Treasury. But in the past, if they had a good relationship with the Heavenly Prosperity Department, they could easily acquire what they needed without any paperwork.
“They’ve also established a library,” the Swan Goose Elder added. “It might not have many scriptures yet, but it contains a vast collection of historical records, likely provided by Phoenix Mountain. Promotion and recruitment now require passing tests on history, and the Celestial Feather Ministry’s collection is considered the definitive source. This means that all our past efforts in compiling those records were in vain.” Even immortals enjoyed embellishing their own history, creating fantastical tales and depicting a glorious and thrilling past to inspire awe in future generations. Some feathered lineages had pledged their allegiance to Danxue Mountain after seeing the newly compiled historical records. Once they discovered that it was all a fabrication, they would surely be disillusioned and abandon them.
“The most pressing issue is that the Vermilion Bird Elder declared his clan’s assets as his personal property, and they’ve all been confiscated by the Celestial Feather Ministry,” the Swan Goose Elder said. Although he understood that the Vermilion Bird Elder had done so to protect the other lineages from being implicated in the collusion with the Demon Abyss, he still felt a surge of anger, his gaze lingering on the Vermilion Birds with displeasure. That wasn’t just the Vermilion Bird Clan’s wealth, but the accumulated wealth of the Swan Goose, Golden Pheasant, Bifang, and other lineages! It was all gone, given to the Celestial Feather Ministry. He felt a pang of heartache.
“Cinnabar Jade, artifacts, elixirs… those are trivial. But those mountains with spirit mines…” The Bifang Elder hesitated, then said carefully, “Can we buy them back?”
They would rather simply take them by force, but they were no match for Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue. After a moment of silence, the Golden Pheasant Elder said, “Will the Celestial Feather Ministry agree?”
The Swan Goose Elder lowered his eyelids, his eyes filled with weariness. “There’s always been a system for buying and selling. The Celestial Feather Ministry has no reason to refuse.”
The matter of buying back the mines remained unresolved. The elders couldn’t reach a consensus.
***
While they hesitated, news about the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit suddenly appeared on the Chaos Mirror. Not only the feathered lineages but also other clans were interested in this rare and valuable fruit. Since the Fall of the Phoenix a thousand years ago, many precious spiritual fruits had withered and died. Only a few had survived on Danxue Mountain, but due to the volcanic eruptions, the entire mountain was now a fiery inferno, avoided by all immortals.
Whether the news was true or false, the feathered lineages wouldn’t let it go, especially the Vermilion Birds and the Bifang. After some investigation, they traced the source to an obscure wandering immortal from the Golden Pheasant lineage, Yuan Wuxin. The outcome was better than they had expected. They had initially assumed that Phoenix Mountain was behind it. The Golden Pheasant Elder rushed to Yuan Wuxin’s cave and, without much effort, obtained a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit from her.
He flew into a rage, his bell-like eyes bulging as he glared at her. “Why didn’t you inform the clan about such a major discovery?” he roared.
Yuan Wuxin looked at him innocently. “I didn’t recognize it.” Wasn’t it customary to share any new discoveries on the Chaos Mirror? She wasn’t the only one doing it.
The Golden Pheasant Elder was so angry that he almost fainted. He channeled his magic power, ready to strike her.
She respected him as an elder, but she wasn’t overly afraid of him. Seeing his intention, her eyes turned cold, and she summoned her weapon, holding it defensively.
The Golden Pheasant Elder was furious, but the immortal accompanying him managed to restrain him. He smiled apologetically at Yuan Wuxin and asked, “Where did you find this Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?”
Yuan Wuxin glared at the elder, a disdainful sneer twisting her lips.
The feathered lineages had diverse personalities, especially the wandering immortals, who were often rebellious and unruly. The accompanying immortal felt a surge of displeasure but didn’t forget his purpose. He bowed to Yuan Wuxin and apologized, then asked her about the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit again.
Yuan Wuxin stopped playing games. “Changliu Mountain,” she said and sent them away.
The feathered immortals were stunned. Changliu Mountain, now under the Celestial Feather Ministry’s control, contained a Cinnabar Jade mine. It was a valuable mountain, but they had never found any trace of Heavenly Phoenix Fruits despite mining it for many years. They all assumed that Yuan Wuxin was lying. After some hesitation, the Golden Pheasant Elder sent one of his clansmen, skilled in stealth, to investigate.
***
Two days later, new gossip emerged on the Chaos Mirror, and the topic of the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit faded into oblivion. The Golden Pheasant immortal who had gone to investigate returned to Danxue Mountain, presenting a recording jade slip to the elders. There, on a sheer cliff face, nestled in a crevice, grew a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree, its branches laden with heavy, half-ripe fruits resembling phoenixes taking flight. The immortal had even picked a few fruits, unable to resist sampling two on his way back. The remaining ones were presented to the elders.
“There’s actually a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree in Changliu Mountain,” the Golden Pheasant immortal confirmed. “I also saw some Chongming birds nearby. They weren’t Mountain Patrol Emissaries. They seemed to be searching for something.”
One Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree meant there could be more… They had tried to cultivate these trees in the past, but for some unknown reason, they had always failed. The appearance of a wild tree in Changliu Mountain suggested that the environment might be suitable for their growth. The elders were both excited and apprehensive. They exchanged glances, then quickly reached a decision: they had to buy back Changliu Mountain before the Celestial Feather Ministry or Phoenix Mountain discovered it!
***
The Golden Pheasant Elder went to the Celestial Feather Ministry personally.
His face was tense, his eyes cold and determined.
In the past, he could enter and exit the Celestial Feather Ministry freely, but now he had to register his name first. The difference was stark, and resentment simmered within him.
The gatekeeper was a puppet. Although it had a human appearance, it couldn’t read his emotions. After sending a message to the Ministry, it bowed to him and said stiffly, “Please enter, Fellow Daoist.”
He flicked his sleeve, scoffing inwardly. Who would call a puppet “Fellow Daoist”? As he walked further, he heard the rumbling of thunder and saw a thunder pillar suspending a barely alive Bai Zifeng. A wave of grief and sorrow washed over him, intensifying his hatred towards Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.
However, snippets of conversation from passing officials reached his ears, forcing him to suppress his boiling emotions.
“Why isn’t there any news about the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit on the Chaos Mirror anymore?”
“Phoenix Mountain is also looking for it! I wonder if they’ve found any clues. If there really is a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree, wouldn’t we have a chance to transform into phoenixes?”
The Golden Pheasant Elder’s face turned pale. Just because the Chaos Mirror was silent didn’t mean the feathered lineages had forgotten. If he didn’t act quickly, someone else might beat him to it! The main gate of the Celestial Feather Ministry’s hall was closed, guarded by two puppet servants. He had heard about Feng Chiyue’s laziness. He changed direction and headed towards the side hall, where someone was always on duty.
***
Que Chenyi had already received news of the Golden Pheasant Elder’s arrival from the puppet. He had followed protocol, and she had nothing better to do. She couldn’t refuse him entry without a valid reason.
“So it’s the Golden Pheasant Immortal Monarch from Danxue Mountain,” she said, her lips curving into a polite smile, but her eyes remaining cold. She didn’t get up from her seat.
The Golden Pheasant Elder took a deep breath, reminding himself not to argue with a junior. “I’m here to buy a mountain,” he said directly.
“Buy a mountain?” Que Chenyi drew out her words, smiling. “Which one has caught your eye, Immortal Monarch?”
“Changliu Mountain,” he said calmly.
Que Chenyi knew that Changliu Mountain was one of the mountains they had confiscated from the Vermilion Birds. He was so eager to buy it back after such a short time. Was there some hidden treasure there? She was curious but replied, “I’ll have to consult the Ministry Head about this.”
The Golden Pheasant Elder lowered his gaze. “Thank you, Assistant Ministry Head,” he said.
In Dong’e Mountain.
Feng Chiyue received Que Chenyi’s message and called out to Ming Jian Su.
A cold glint flashed in Ming Jian Su’s eyes. She summoned the Chaos Mirror and replied, “Phoenix Mountain is also interested in Changliu Mountain.”
Upon seeing this message, Que Chenyi’s eyes flickered. She hadn’t heard anything about Phoenix Mountain wanting to buy a mountain. The Ministry Head’s words implied one thing: a bidding war. After a moment of thought, she looked at the Golden Pheasant Elder, feigning distress. “Phoenix Mountain beat you to it,” she said.
“What?” His expression changed dramatically. Meeting Que Chenyi’s questioning gaze, he quickly composed himself. When his heart finally stopped pounding, he continued, “Have they already bought it?”
Que Chenyi narrowed her eyes. “Not yet.”
He let out a breath. “Changliu Mountain is still available. We can also buy it.” Seeing her hesitate, he steeled himself. “Changliu Mountain contains a Cinnabar Jade mine that can be mined for a thousand years,” he said. “We’re willing to exchange it for three mountains with Cinnabar Jade mines, along with various other treasures.” They had initially planned to offer a one-for-one exchange, but with Phoenix Mountain involved, things were different.
Que Chenyi observed him calmly, neither nodding nor shaking her head. “The Cinnabar Jade mine in Changliu Mountain is like an old man on his deathbed,” she said casually. “Is it truly worth such a high price?”
He frowned. Had Phoenix Mountain also offered three mines for Changliu Mountain? He gritted his teeth, the muscles in his jaw twitching. “Four mountains with Cinnabar Jade mines,” he said. There weren’t many mountains in the Immortal Realm that contained Cinnabar Jade, and most of them were controlled by human officials. Four mountains for one was a significant sacrifice. But the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit held a special significance for the feathered lineages. This was merely a temporary concession. In the future, they would have a chance to reclaim everything they had lost. He repeated this to himself, trying to ease his frustration.
“The Cinnabar Jade mine in Changliu Mountain isn’t worth that much,” Que Chenyi said, lowering her gaze. “Let’s discuss the sale after our Ministry reassesses its value. Otherwise, people will accuse us of cheating, damaging our reputation.”
Her sudden concern for fairness didn’t move him but only heightened his anxiety. If the Celestial Feather Ministry reassessed the mountain’s value, the secret of the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree would be exposed! Then it wouldn’t be a matter of a few mines anymore. All the feathered lineages would be fighting for it! “That won’t happen! We’re doing this willingly!” he exclaimed, his voice sharp.
Que Chenyi smiled faintly.
“In addition to the exchange agreement,” he added, “I can also establish a new pact on behalf of Danxue Mountain.” He didn’t hesitate. He drafted a pact, affixed his name seal, and stated that the purchase of Changliu Mountain was entirely voluntary, and they wouldn’t hold any grudges. He had done everything he could. If he was still rejected, he wasn’t sure if he could maintain his composure. His eyes were cold, and his aura unconsciously surged outwards.
“Alright,” Que Chenyi said, feigning reluctance. She pretended to send a message to Feng Chiyue. After a moment, she looked up at the Golden Pheasant Elder and waved her hand generously. “Our Ministry Head said you can have that Swan Goose at the entrance as a bonus.”
The Golden Pheasant Elder was so angry that he almost choked. What “bonus”? She was clearly trying to humiliate them! But he needed Changliu Mountain. He couldn’t antagonize the Celestial Feather Ministry before the deal was finalized. He urged her to proceed with the paperwork and only relaxed when he saw the Celestial Feather Ministry Head’s seal on the agreement. He glared at Que Chenyi, his eyes filled with mockery and malice. Afraid of losing control, he turned and left – but just as he exited the Ministry, a blood-soaked white figure slammed into his face. Rage surged within him, assuming it was some kind of sneak attack. He channeled his vast magic power and struck the figure. With a loud bang, his power shattered the figure into a bloody mist, spraying blood everywhere.
A puppet servant, standing amidst the clouds nearby, said in a monotone, “Please don’t forget the Swan Goose, Immortal Monarch.”
He realized with horror that he had just killed Bai Zifeng, the Swan Goose!
Despite his fury, Que Chenyi felt a sense of relief.
That Swan Goose, hanging outside the Ministry, had terrified many of the weaker feathered immortals. He hadn’t been completely dead and would occasionally let out a few eerie moans, sending chills down their spines.
Was the Celestial Feather Ministry some kind of shady place? Finally, they had gotten rid of that Swan Goose.
In Dong’e Mountain.
Ming Jian Su received news from Que Chenyi that the Golden Pheasant Elder had purchased Changliu Mountain. She chuckled coldly.
Did they really think they could get their hands on the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit? What a delusional dream. She had already tampered with the tree. It would wither and die soon.
“What did you do, Elder Sister?” Feng Chiyue, bored, finally remembered her duties as the Ministry Head and asked casually.
“I acquired four large mines from them,” Ming Jian Su said, raising an eyebrow.
“They won’t miss them,” Feng Chiyue said with a snort. Those guys were loaded.
“Cinnabar Jade mines,” Ming Jian Su added.
Surprise flickered in Feng Chiyue’s eyes. After a moment of thought, she figured it out. “You used a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit to exchange them, didn’t you?”
Ming Jian Su nodded. “And it’s not over yet.” What she truly desired was those traitors’ lives, not their wealth. This was just a step towards provoking those feathered lineages in Danxue Mountain.
***
The first thing the Golden Pheasant Elder did after obtaining the agreement was to arrange the handover with the Celestial Feather Ministry. Since they were the ones eager to acquire Changliu Mountain, the feathered immortals guarding the four mines relinquished control quickly, afraid of jeopardizing the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree. Once the handover was complete, the Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, Swan Gooses, and Bifang all sent their most promising young disciples to guard Changliu Mountain, forbidding anyone from approaching the tree. However, their meticulous care didn’t result in the fruit’s ripening but rather its withering. The shriveled fruits fell from the branches before reaching maturity, either tumbling down the cliff or rotting in the soil.
This change alarmed the elders. They immediately sought the help of a skilled cultivator from the Poisonous Wasp lineage, asking him to tend to the tree. However, even the most experienced elder from that lineage could only shake his head, claiming it was beyond saving. Before leaving, he said, “This tree seems to have died unnaturally.”
Died unnaturally? They had been so careful after acquiring the mountain. Not even a fly could get through! If there was foul play, it must have happened before they bought it! Was it those from Phoenix Mountain? Impossible! Then it must be the Celestial Feather Ministry! The Golden Pheasant Elder’s face turned pale, his body trembling like a withered leaf in the cold wind. He realized he might have been tricked, but he refused to believe it.
***
Just as despair settled over Danxue Mountain, new information about the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit appeared on the Chaos Mirror.
This time, it wasn’t someone claiming to have stumbled upon the fruit in the mountains. It was a young feathered immortal, boasting about her experience while visiting the Celestial Feather Ministry.
“Do you guys know what this is? A Heavenly Phoenix Fruit!”
“By the way, how did you know that the Assistant Ministry Head treated me to a Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?”
The Celestial Feather Ministry had Heavenly Phoenix Fruits?! Those in Danxue Mountain knew exactly what the Ministry possessed. If they had to obtain them from somewhere, it could only be Dong’e Mountain! Connecting the dots, the elders immediately recalled the incident at Changliu Mountain. How could they not understand? That Heavenly Phoenix Fruit tree had been moved there from Dong’e Mountain! They had been blinded by the allure of the fruit, losing several Cinnabar Jade mines in the process! Their rationality was instantly overwhelmed by rage. Danxue Mountain had been willing to reconcile, to let bygones be bygones, but Dong’e Mountain had deliberately set a trap and lured them in. They had been willing to take a step back, but Dong’e Mountain had never intended to let them go!
The young immortal’s boast fueled the desires of all the feathered lineages. Some even started visiting the Celestial Feather Ministry frequently, hoping to receive the Assistant Ministry Head’s favor. Meanwhile, the previous news about the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit resurfaced, and curious immortals, following the clues, traced it back to Changliu Mountain. But this mountain, once belonging to the Celestial Feather Ministry, had suddenly been returned to its original owners, sparking all sorts of speculation.
Infuriated, the Vermilion Birds took to the Chaos Mirror, accusing the Celestial Feather Ministry of deception, claiming they had been cheated out of several mines and countless treasures.
Que Chenyi, unwilling to let them spread lies, posted the exchange agreement on the Chaos Mirror, along with the Golden Pheasant Elder’s pact, bearing his name seal. It was clear that the Golden Pheasant lineage had willingly purchased Changliu Mountain. What did it have to do with them? The agreement clearly stated that the value of Changliu Mountain lay in its Cinnabar Jade mine. There was no mention of any Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.
— I get it now. It was a wandering immortal from Danxue Mountain who found the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, and they decided to buy back Changliu Mountain. They knew the fruit was incredibly valuable and were willing to pay a price far exceeding the mountain’s actual worth. Perhaps some other lineages were also interested in the mountain. Otherwise, there would have been no need for them to be so hasty.
— The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit withered and died. Did Danxue Mountain just shoot themselves in the foot? Are they trying to use the Chaos Mirror to slander the Celestial Feather Ministry and demand the return of those four mines? How shameless.
The Chaos Mirror erupted in insults directed at the Vermilion Birds, Golden Pheasants, and other lineages of Danxue Mountain.
In a small, unnoticed corner, Zhu Wan discreetly made deals with some wandering immortals.
Why hadn’t she realized how useful the Chaos Mirror was before? She couldn’t win a debate against a crowd, but she could hire others with Cinnabar Jade! Seeing Danxue Mountain rendered speechless, she felt a surge of satisfaction.
Inside Danxue Mountain, the lineages’ fury reached its peak.
The conflict on the Chaos Mirror added fuel to the fire.
It was clearly Ming Jian Su who had been cunning and deceitful, so why were they being portrayed as the ones at fault?
“Dong’e Mountain has gone too far! Are we going to keep hiding like this?”
“Without Chang Li, none of us can stand against the East Abode Master.” Perhaps even Chang Li wouldn’t be a match for Ming Jian Su. After all, even Yuan Yao Star Monarch, who had come from the Realm Beyond Heaven, had been defeated.
“Yuan Yao Star Monarch wasn’t the most powerful in the Realm Beyond Heaven. We underestimated the East Abode Master’s strength. She might be able to handle one Yuan Yao, but what about three, four, or even more?”
“Should we ask those seniors in the Realm Beyond Heaven for help? The price would be steep.”
“If we don’t eliminate Ming Jian Su, we’ll pay an even greater price!” A powerful voice boomed.
If Danxue Mountain couldn’t coexist with Dong’e Mountain, they had to strike first!
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