The Phoenix King

Exquisite beyond measure, the Heavenly Court's throne room was far more resplendent than what any architect in the mortal realm could conjure.

Its pillars, fiery red while the marbled floor and walls shone with prestige. At its helm was a gaudy throne, overseeing the 12 seats that belonged to his eminence's subordinates.

In Feng Shui, the number 13 denoted luck. But the members of the Heavenly Court needed no such thing, their strength alone ensured their prosperity into the powerhouse that they are now, crushing and unifying all of the Heavenly Realm under the Phoenix King's banner.

Feng, along with Qiuyue, both kneeled in reverence before the empty throne.

A pillar of flame engulfed the throne, a flame so immaculate that it gave the impression that one might get burned simply by gazing at it.

The pillar subsided to reveal a man gorgeous enough to make every woman in all realms swoon. His long kempt hair, a flowing red mane, its luster looking more vibrant than gold while at the same time hotter than a streak of lava. The black robe he wore was adorned with gold, a fit tailored for a king.

Although spectral, the pressure of the qi he emitted simply by existing was otherworldly. His might was unbound by the natural laws that he was even able to manifest his soul outside of his inner realm.

Such was his presence that the heat of his fire qi seeped into his skin, Feng was now sweating bullets. A mixture of admiration and fear rose in his chest.

Qiuyue basked in his radiant heat, even if the element of their qi was incompatible, she didn't care as long as she can be engulfed in his flames. Flames that would one day scorch all of creation.

For he was the harbringer of unity, the fated one who will rule heaven and earth, all cultivators will unite under his banner or be incinerated.

For he was the Phoenix King, Zhu Haojun.

Haojun's voice teemed with grace as he addressed his those kneeling before him.

"The both of you may be seated."

The two stood, cupping their hands before taking their respective seats based on their number. Namely, the seventh and the tenth.

"You have seen the performance of Marici's protege. Relay to me your honest bearings about our new 3rd seat. Qiuyue, speak." Haojun commanded.

"Yes, your majesty. The rookie is far too green, the dragon prophesied to be your fated foe revives in a hundred years, I have my reservations if this mortal can breakthrough into transcendence given that time."

Satisfied with Qiuyue's observation, the Phoenix King's scorching gaze were now at Feng.

"Feng, what about you?"

"Marici's chosen has potential. Bao trained her well. Given time, the two cultivators might become one and even surpass Zhen."

It was a remark that Qiuyue did not appreciate in the slightest. It took the Haojun's intervention to finally put an end to her master. Saying that a simple mortal cultivator can be on an even playing field with Zhen was an absurdity higher than the stars in the sky.

"Mind your tongue, Feng. I won't hesitate to feed them to you if you make such a dumb statement again." Qiuyue glared at the lightning user.

"If we weren't scarce in number I would gladly cleave you into two. That said, it would be wise for you not to test my patience."

Their killing intent was about to clash, but a simple admiration from Haojun causing his oppressive qi to heighten made the two shut up, a lust for battle so strong that it reminded the two that they are in the presence of someone in the cusp of godhood.

"Such passion! Go all out is what I would love to say, but I need the both of you to hold off on killing each other until I am done with my mediation."

The thousand year meditation of their king was nearly close at hand. A hundred years from now, the Phoenix King will emerge once more, clashing against his promised adversary that will elevate him into finally becoming a deity. His name, the almighty dragon, Huang Long.

"Qiuyue, now that we are discussing your former master, Bao informed me that her new vessel will allow her to rise to the same strength from before. Is there truth in this?"

A mocking laughter resounded in the King's chamber.

"Do not believe Bao's lies, your majesty. This mortal's cultivation will never reach Transcendence. Even with my master's help, an ant simply cannot move a mountain."

"That may well be, but I would love to see the potential of my former's friend vessel. We both know Zhen, she is not someone who will pick a disciple on a simple whim. With this, I forbid you on making a move on Zhen, are we clear?"

"But, your majesty, my master's soul belongs to this court, and by extension to you! It is a disgrace, master Zhen has no business inhabiting that monkey's body!"

"First, I will judge for myself of this vessel's worth, if she can elevate me into the Celestial realm then we will let her live, if not then, this vessel is free for you to destroy as we claim Zhen."

Peeved that she had to wait, Qiuyue nonetheless honored their King's command.

"As you wish, your majesty."

"Now, onto other matters. I have tasked Yanglei, and Gumin to eliminate Shangying's merry little band of assassins. I would invite you both to join them but I would advise you both to rest."

Their respective ninth and eleventh seat. Although powerful, the two shared a glance as they thought of the same thing.

Feng spoke, "Your majesty, are you sure it is okay to send only two? Shangying is a formidable foe."

"Do not misunderstand. The aim is not to capture Shangying, like Zhen's vessel, we have use for her yet. Their goal is to cripple her forces. Because as much as I would love to welcome them with open arms, I am at the last stretch of my cultivation. I will not tolerate any premature interruption."

In unison, the two sang the Phoenix his praise.

"Glory to the Phoenix King!"

"Glory to the Phoenix King!"