Reality

Reality . . . 

The Southern Phoenix Clan, under the leadership of Nanfeng Guhong, returned to their base situated in the Southern Regions. The compound was a sight to behold, adorned with majestic structures and bustling with the presence of numerous experts. Among them were the elders responsible for guiding the holy maidens and overseeing the affairs of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

Above their stronghold, the sky bore witness to the formation of ethereal phoenix images, their fiery plumage seemingly woven from threads of light. Embedded within these mystical apparitions were droplets of nirvanic blood, a painful reminder of the recent losses suffered by the clan. This expedition had taken a heavy toll on the Southern Phoenix Clan.

"The casualties during this expedition can be traced back to Yunxi, and Qin Wentian's interference only exacerbated the situation, eventually escalating into a conflict among the junior members of the peak powers. The Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire and the White Tiger Race were the primary adversaries, and both sides incurred significant losses. Does anyone have thoughts to share?" Nanfeng Guhong addressed the assembled elders. As an immortal emperor and a dao protector of the Southern Phoenix Matriarch, her status within the clan was paramount.

"While casualties on the battlefield are expected, those white tigers were truly abominable. Regrettably, our juniors' cultivations are still lacking; otherwise, they could have captured those white tigers and turned them into vengeance-infused feasts for our people," remarked an elder, her demeanor frosty, causing the junior members of the Southern Phoenix Clan to lower their heads in silence.

"Well said. This conflict occurred within the sacred academy. Though there were casualties, those who survived also partook in white tiger meat. There's no reason for the two parties to escalate this strife beyond the academy's boundaries," added another elder. They recognized that declaring war on the White Tiger Race would not be in their clan's best interests, and it was equally unlikely for the White Tiger Race to declare war on them. The repercussions of such a decision would be too immense to bear.

The elder who had spoken earlier nodded in agreement. "In the future, as you venture into the immortal realms, remember to exact revenge on the white tigers without reservation. No need for courtesy. However, it's a regret that those maidens were forced to ignite their nirvanic blood. I wonder if they'll ever reclaim their former heights."

"Elders, Yunxi has something to report," Nanfeng Yunxi spoke with a deep bow, addressing everyone.

"Yunxi, please continue," Nanfeng Guhong urged, her gaze focused on her.

"In the City of Ancient Emperors, I met Qin Wentian. During our time there, he acquired a secret art that enables one to cultivate a perfect immortal-foundation…"

"Wait." Nanfeng Guhong's abrupt interruption hung heavily in the air. She turned her gaze toward the gathered elders, her expression grave. "All present here are part of the direct lineage. No one is to divulge any information regarding what Yunxi is about to reveal."

"Yes," chorused the assembly, understanding the weight of Nanfeng Yunxi's disclosure. The method for cultivating a perfect immortal-foundation was a closely guarded secret, explaining why Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, Nanfeng Yunxi, and their group possessed saint-grade immortal-foundations—a subject of intense speculation among many. Now, with Nanfeng Yunxi volunteering this information, the gravity of the situation became all too clear.

"This secret art was acquired by Qin Wentian. Although Yunxi has cultivated it, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to circulate it within our clan without his permission," Nanfeng Yunxi continued, her words causing some frowns among the listeners. The value of such a precious secret art was undeniable, and Nanfeng Yunxi's reluctance to immediately share it with the clan stirred a hint of dissatisfaction.

"But during our time in the sacred academy, Qin Wentian fought alongside our Southern Phoenix Clan and explicitly permitted me to share this secret art with our clan," Nanfeng Yunxi concluded.

"Yunxi, you've done well!" The experts couldn't help but smile. With this secret art, the future generations of the Southern Phoenix Clan were poised to enter a golden era. Their powerful lineage would soon boast saint-grade immortal-foundations.

However, Nanfeng Yunxi had a request. She bowed respectfully and spoke, "But I have one request."

"What is your request?" inquired an elder.

"Qin Wentian obtained this secret art, and when we fought together, he graciously allowed me to cultivate it without any conditions. He has already extended his kindness to me once. He didn't hesitate to help me secure the position of the holy successor, which ultimately allowed me to connect with our ancestral phoenix. Without his assistance, I wouldn't have achieved the accomplishments I have today. This secret art has the potential to create a legendary saint-grade immortal-foundation, and yet Qin Wentian has asked for nothing in return. He has selflessly shared this art with our clan. I hope the elders will take note of his generosity. Additionally, as some elders have mentioned, the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire may not target our Southern Phoenix Clan, but they are likely to confront the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect and move against Qin Wentian. I sincerely hope our clan will stand by him and protect him from this impending danger."

"Yunxi," an elder addressed her sternly, "You are the holy successor of this generation. Whatever you do, it must be in the best interests of our clan. Matters of romantic involvement should be secondary."

"I understand," Nanfeng Yunxi nodded respectfully. Although she held the prestigious position of holy successor, this situation could escalate into an emperor-level conflict. Starting an immortal emperor-level war over the fate of an immortal-foundation junior, especially an outsider, was hardly justifiable and not in their clan's best interest.

"Yunxi's words are, in fact, for the clan's benefit," another elder chimed in. "In the sacred academy, Qin Wentian's progress has been remarkable, and he even held his own against the supreme genius Huang Shatian, who is at the peak of the immortal-foundation realm. If an ancient emperor were to emerge, there's a strong possibility it could be Qin Wentian. By providing assistance to a future ancient emperor while he's still in his youth, our clan could secure eternal gratitude."

"However," continued an elder, "you must understand the challenges he'll face in his journey. Overcoming numerous supreme geniuses and formidable foes to reach the pinnacle of the immortal realms won't be an easy task. Our Southern Phoenix Clan can extend its support, but we must carefully weigh the benefits against the potential costs. We don't want our entire clan to be jeopardized for the sake of one individual's ascension to ancient emperor status."

Nanfeng Guhong added her perspective, and those present nodded in agreement, recognizing the delicate balance that must be maintained between aiding Qin Wentian and safeguarding the interests and survival of the Southern Phoenix Clan.

The path to becoming an ancient emperor was littered with the remains of countless individuals, victims of the fierce competition and deadly challenges that lay ahead. Qin Wentian's journey would undoubtedly pit him against formidable adversaries, and despite his exceptional talent, achieving the status of an ancient emperor remained a minuscule probability. The tranquil facade of the immortal realms concealed a turbulent underbelly.

Nanfeng Guhong harbored no qualms about aiding Qin Wentian, having assisted him in the past. However, if this assistance jeopardized the Southern Phoenix Clan's future and destiny, she would not hesitate to withdraw from the conflict.

Nanfeng Yunxi, bearing the weight of her clan's expectations, expressed her understanding. "I will share the secret art, but I implore the elders to remember Qin Wentian's generosity. This technique can only be practiced by those with a supreme physique; others who attempt it will risk body-shattering and true death," she cautioned. "Furthermore, Qin Wentian has a message for all of you."

She continued, "His message is, 'My connection with the Southern Phoenix Clan runs deep, and I hope to maintain this friendship. I will entrust you with the secret art in the hope that the injured holy maidens, who transformed into nirvanic flames, can use it to regain their peak strength. In the future, I, Qin, promise to bestow the Southern Phoenix Clan with an even more valuable gift if we can preserve our friendship.'"

Her words echoed in silence, punctuated only by the gleam of Nanfeng Guhong's sharp gaze before a radiant smile graced her face. She turned her attention to Nanfeng Yunxi and commended, "Your friend is growing increasingly astute."

Nanfeng Yunxi found herself at a loss for words. She and Qin Wentian had discussed this scenario during their time in the academy. He had anticipated this outcome, understanding that an alliance with such an ancient and powerful clan came at a cost. A mere immortal-foundation cultivator had no grounds to form an alliance with such a venerable lineage like the Southern Phoenix Clan. Qin Wentian knew that for an alliance to flourish, it must be founded on mutual benefit and strong bonds.

While the relationship between Qin Wentian and the holy maidens was straightforward, the clan's elders held the authority to decide, and they were unlikely to prioritize the friendships of the younger generation.

In the days that followed, Qin Wentian assisted his friends in enhancing their constitutions, imparting suitable immortal arts to them. Although he was unaware of the exact events transpiring within the Southern Phoenix Clan, he had his suspicions.

Nanfeng Yunxi's words had not been part of his original plan. He had merely instructed her to share the secret art with her clan. Nanfeng Yunxi's gratitude had prompted her to promise the clan's protection even after his departure from the academy. At the time, he had lightly brushed off her assurances, knowing that the holy maidens enjoyed the shelter of their ancient clan. However, peak powers from the Eastern Regions would undoubtedly seek to confront him and Qing'er, and the White Tiger Race might also interfere.

Nanfeng Yunxi believed their adversaries would seize any opportunity to target Qin Wentian, and she promised to do everything in her power to persuade her clan to protect him. Qin Wentian, however, responded with a carefree laugh, cautioning her that reality might not align with her expectations. Regardless of the outcome, he remained unperturbed. Nanfeng Yunxi couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at his response, doubting that her clan would deny aid to Qin Wentian.

As events unfolded, it became clear that Qin Wentian's assessment had been correct. Nanfeng Yunxi's perspective on the world began to shift, marking a significant step in her personal growth—a transition toward maturity.

In the skies above the Cloud Prefecture, a group of experts soared through the air, led by Little Rascal, who had transformed into a Great Roc. His speed outstripped that of ordinary immortal weapons.

"Why did they choose the bride's clan as the location for Senior Lin's wedding?" Qin Wentian asked as he sat on Little Rascal's back with Mo Qingcheng, Ye Lingshuang, Qin Yao, and others who had accompanied him. They were all en route to offer their congratulations to Lin Shuai.

"Little Yi is the daughter of the Chen Clan, and while the Chen Clan may not compare to the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, it is still considered a first-grade clan in the Cloud Prefecture. They have produced many immortal-foundation experts, and there's even a rumor that they have an immortal king in their clan. Compared to that, our Battle Sword Sect only has ascendants... In any case, Senior Brother Lin Shuai couldn't possibly insist on holding the wedding at the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Moreover, we aren't considered members of the sect, and so Senior Brother Lin didn't mention it to the Chen Clan," Ye Lingshuang explained.

"Lingshuang is correct," added the old ancestor of the Battle Sword Sect. "Wentian, given our sect's level of strength, we have no choice but to yield to the Chen Clan, even if it means Senior Brother Lin Shuai losing some face."

Qin Wentian sighed. If Senior Brother Lin Shuai had consulted him on this matter, he could have easily resolved it. However, he understood that Lin Shuai had his own pride and dignity. How would it appear if he went around telling the Chen Clan that his junior apprentice brother was a heaven's chosen of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect?

In the grand scheme of things, a junior apprentice brother was just that—a junior. Furthermore, Qin Wentian wasn't a member of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, and neither his parents nor clan elders were attending. 

"Things will only improve if my fellow disciples in the Battle Sword Sect grow stronger," Qin Wentian thought to himself. While he enjoyed a carefree existence within the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, his companions lacked a sense of belonging. Consequently, even the marriage of his senior apprentice brother, Lin Shuai, was held at the bride's clan, a decision that might raise eyebrows among the Chen Clan members. Despite Lin Shuai's easygoing nature, some might still view him with disdain.