Chapter 152: Ancient Ferocious Beast, The Undying Phoenix

Elder Chen's mind went blank, unable to understand the situation unfolding before his eyes.

How could a True Phoenix possibly appear on the Immortal Spirit Continent, and even more, so casually encountered by him?

Furthermore, it was a Phoenix that carried the aura of the Ancient Era.

The Ancient Era was the very first epoch since the creation of heaven and earth, predating the Ancient Era.

Phoenixes of the Ancient Era had bodies red as flames, like spirits within fire, but those from the more distant Ancient Era were different. It was rumored that Phoenixes of that time were born with colorful plumage and a multicolored tail, signifying an omen of great disaster.

In the Ancient Era, there were two calamities, one being the Undying Phoenix, the other called 'Soul'. Legend has it that they battled fiercely, both suffering great injury, eventually leading all things in the world to disintegrate into nothingness and re-evolve into the myriad forms of life.

Only thereafter did True Dragons and Phoenixes emerge, giving rise to the birth of the nine dragon offspring, and from there the Qilin Bloodline came into being.

The creature standing before them was a being that should only exist in legends, how could they believe it?

If Elder Chen had not read the family records, he would never believe this to be true, but from every angle and in every way he could think to verify it, the brightly colored bird before him strongly resembled the legendary Undying Phoenix.

This was too much of a coincidence!

Ergouzi was extremely excited at that moment, seeing a glimmer of hope for escape. The grass chicken that usually only boasted and bragged had miraculously transformed into a Golden Phoenix.

This meant that what he heard from Li Xiaobai was true after all – that eating a Spirit Stone could make it grow larger, unexpectedly to such an extent.

He punched and kicked at the air, trying to catch Ji Wuqing's attention and save himself.

"Is that, Ji Wuqing?"

Ouyang Shuanger was also flabbergasted. What was happening to this world?

A mangy dog that only cursed and cleaned house turned out to be a Qilin Divine Beast, and now this mangy chicken that only boasted and bragged was actually a Phoenix!

She felt her worldview was about to shatter.

"Are you of the Phoenix Bloodline?" Elder Chen asked tentatively.

"Since you recognize me, then kneel, make peace, and scram. That mangy dog, I'm protecting it, understand?"

Ji Wuqing said calmly, elegantly preening her feathers.

Watching the Phoenix's feathers glow with divine light, Elder Chen swallowed hard, but at the same time, he furrowed his brows slightly.

He felt that something wasn't quite right, his intuition telling him that this Phoenix might be problematic. Just now, he had been caught off guard and overpowered by the Bloodline Power, which had thrown him into disarray. But now, after carefully considering everything that had happened, he immediately realized there was a catch.

If this Phoenix were truly of the calamitous bloodline spoken of in legends, it would not have allowed them to pursue it relentlessly, and it certainly wouldn't be calmly asking them to release someone at this moment.

The only reason for the creature's behavior was that it wasn't confident it could defeat them, and it was trying to scare them off with intimidation.

Elder Chen smiled faintly, "I have long heard of the great name of the Undying Phoenix. Having seen it today, it truly is extraordinary. At the risk of my life, I wish to experience a few of your esteemed moves."

Ji Wuqing was inwardly shocked. Although it looked intimidating at the moment, it was merely a shell without any true power. If it really came to blows, its cover would be blown instantly.

"If I were to take action, the mountains and rivers would crumble because of me, and all the creatures in the world would melt away in an instant. Can you bear such causality?" Ji Wuqing said indifferently.

"Your eloquence impresses me, Elder. There's no need for more words. Whatever the consequences, I alone shall bear them!"

With that, Chen Ping sneered, activating his Qilin Bloodline and completely breaking free from the suppression of the Phoenix Bloodline.

His body became covered in red scales, and a massive Fire Qilin appeared behind him, swallowing Yin Yang Qi in its mouth, its gaze fierce as it locked onto Ji Wuqing, ready to pounce and tear the opponent to shreds at Chen Ping's command.

Ji Wuqing swallowed hard, knowing that at this rate, it might truly meet its end here.

Its eyes suddenly grew fierce, and streams of golden flames burst forth from its eyes, quickly spreading their wings as they swept through the void.

"This sovereign loves to strike down those who regard themselves as exceptional, so today I'll indulge you in a little game!"

Wuqing swooped down, transforming into a flash of golden lightning, racing towards the area where Ergouzi was.

Elder Chen had originally wanted to bluster a few more words, but he didn't expect the other party to strike so suddenly, and he was caught off guard for a moment.

"Stop it, the Qilin Divine Beast must not fail!"

Elder Chen's face was livid with rage as the Qilin Divine Beast behind him went berserk, pouncing towards the Phoenix in the void like a starving tiger lunging at its prey.

The temperature in the air gradually rose, and as soon as the Qilin Primordial Spirit touched the Phoenix's tail feathers, the golden flames that were released from them were suddenly extinguished.

Elder Chen was furious, having guessed correctly that this Phoenix was all show and no substance.

It may resemble a Phoenix, but perhaps it only contains a hint of the Phoenix Bloodline.

"How daring of you to impersonate a Phoenix and deceive me. You resemble the Undying Phoenix described in the books, so it seems you must also possess the Phoenix Bloodline within you. It will serve well for my Fire Qilin Cave disciples!"

Elder Chen sneered, his hand transforming into a sky-covering red giant claw, radiating terrifying heat, and he fiercely smashed it down towards Ji Wuqing.

The color drained from Wuqing's face—it had been discovered.

The golden radiance on its body intensified. It wasn't just for show; it did have some abilities. It transformed into a streak of light and began weaving swiftly through the scene. This was a natural ability of the Phoenix, which, when fully mastered, could traverse space-time. Alas, its strength was weak now, and it couldn't fully invoke it.

The streak of light charged toward the direction where Ergouzi was.

Elder Chen and many cultivators burst forth in pursuit, catching up with the streak of light, aiming to capture it.

A Demonic Beast with the Phoenix Bloodline was also rare. If used in medicine, it could greatly enhance a cultivator's power, and perhaps even strengthen the Kylin Blood within them.

But at that moment, just as it was mere inches from Ergouzi, the light suddenly changed direction, moving even faster towards Ouyang Shuanger instead.

With two claws, it grabbed Ouyang Shuanger's shoulders and, spreading its wings, soared towards the horizon.

It left behind Ergouzi, whose smile gradually solidified.

"Ergouzi, everyone must die someday. It's either as light as a feather or as heavy as Mount Tai."

"Rest assured, I won't forget you. You'll live forever in my heart. In eighteen years, you'll still be a good dog!"

"I'll go inform Li Xiaobai first, then return to battle with that Kylin for three hundred rounds!"

"You old fool, you're done for!"

Wuqing's rage was at its peak, letting out curses and shrill cries that echoed through the valley; it was the first time it had ever been beaten so badly.

A gentleman may take his time for revenge; finding Li Xiaobai is the top priority. As for Ergouzi, he seems unlikely to die just yet, so let him stay in enemy territory for now.

"Roar!"

The Fire Qilin's roar echoed from behind, its scorching breath billowing and its formidable Spiritual Power suddenly erupted.

"Qilin Treasure Technique!"

"Flame Array!"

Elder Chen, overcome with shock and rage, had his Primordial Spirit go wild. Opening his mouth, he spewed a sky-covering torrent of molten lava that swept through the void, rapidly enveloping the distant pair...