Di Feng, Emperor Azure

Di Feng, Emperor Azure...

In the days of the Azure Emperor, the realm trembled beneath the might of the Azure Emperor Palace, an unrivaled force in the vast expanse of Grand Xia. The ranks of skilled practitioners within its walls were as countless as the stars.

Yet, amidst this assembly of experts, not all bore the distinguished surname "Di." The assembly included the disciples of the Azure Emperor, his unwavering sentinels, and even his humble attendants. Together, they composed the formidable Azure Faction.

After a narrow escape from the brink of annihilation that nearly shattered the Azure Emperor Palace, the majority of this assembly silently dispersed, melting into the hidden corners of Grand Xia. Some even adopted new identities, disappearing into obscurity. However, despite their elusive existence, a singular purpose bound them: to once again rally behind the heir of the Azure Emperor. The possessor of the Emperor's token would wield dominion over all the covert branches of the Azure Faction, enabling them to resurge from the depths and claim supremacy over Grand Xia.

These were the ancient tenets upheld by the venerable White Deer Institute.

Yet, the years dragged on, stretching into millennia. With the passage of time, the allegiance of these concealed factions to the Azure cause waned, tethered only by the echoes of ancestral directives.

The one who held the Azure Emperor Token was destined to be the rightful heir. During that era, a number of the Emperor's disciples adopted the surname "Di." Among them was a particularly staunch cadre, responsible for selecting the next in line.

A burst of indignation surged from the elderly figure standing behind Di Cheng when confronted with Bailu Yi's suspicions. "Outrageous!"

The exhalation of anger resounded like a whip's crack, shattering the stillness of the courtyard.

Nonetheless, Di Cheng's lips curled into a placid smile as he waved a dismissive hand. "Little Yi is youthful; her doubts are understandable. Take no offense. And since she's curious for the truth, I shall oblige. The guardian of the Azure Emperor's Token, as of now, languishes within the clutches of the Nine Mystical Palace. It's possible he's spilled secrets under duress. Should that be the case, your existence, along with all the veiled branches of the Azure Faction, will be exposed to our forebear's adversaries. Thus, I must take preemptive action, uniting the dispersed factions."

"Our ancestral doctrine asserts that only the token's true heir would possess knowledge of our scattered sanctuaries. Since the Azure Emperor Token isn't in your grasp, how did you ferret out our locations? Or has the central sect already strayed from the original ancestral principles?" The intervention came from a venerable elder of the White Deer Institute, his tone composed but his words honed to a fine edge.

"In the future, I'll delve into the details with Senior," Di Cheng chuckled, his voice laced with confidence. "The White Deer Institute is the foremost among the branches I intend to unite. Rest assured, I'll treat the Institute with the reverence it deserves. As for Little Yi here, she shall be my esteemed partner. With her by my side, the White Deer Institute can ascend to prominence within the 'hidden' faction."

Bailu Yi's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. Who did this audacious young man think he was? He spoke as if offering a precious gem to her and the Institute. The sheer audacity of it made her struggle to maintain her composure, causing her chest to rise and fall, much to Di Cheng's apparent fascination.

"Perhaps we can revisit this discussion later, Young Master. For now, why not find some reprieve and rest?" A composed voice intervened, another supreme elder clearly signaling his disinterest in prolonging the conversation.

Di Cheng, recognizing the futility of immediate compliance, concurred and departed.

With Di Cheng's accommodations settled, the upper echelons of the White Deer Institute reassembled for deliberation.

Within the grand hall, the Institute's core members convened. The quartet of supreme elders, the council of nine grand elders, along with the mightier figures from the newer generations' direct lineage, all congregated.

Presiding over the discussion was none other than Bailu Yi's great-grandfather, the present headmaster of the White Deer Institute.

This elder sported a snow-white mane and beard, yet his eyes blazed with the vitality of dragons and tigers, emanating a commanding aura with every gesture.

"Now, what are your sentiments on this matter?" the elder inquired calmly, his gaze sweeping toward the four supreme elders.

"I find their proposal disagreeable. Our White Deer Institute has already cemented its own standing. Why must we subordinate ourselves to another's rule? Besides, Di Cheng lacks the token," a supreme elder responded, his annoyance palpable.

"Indeed, this warrants contemplation. While ancestral teachings bear significance, we mustn't hastily accept Di Cheng's lineage."

"I stand with the eldest brother."

The final supreme elder drummed his fingers on the armrest before interjecting, "Let's hear the perspectives of the younger generation."

Observing the reactions of the assembly, Bailu Yi couldn't help but be surprised by the subtle undercurrents. Astonishingly, the supreme elders seemed to oppose the notion.

A wry smile involuntarily tugged at the corners of Bailu Yi's lips as she mulled over Qin Wentian. It appeared that the path he had set upon would be far rockier than he might have envisioned.

"Little Yi, what are your thoughts on this matter?" A gaze, belonging to one of the elders, turned inquiringly toward Bailu Yi. The elder in question happened to be none other than her own grandfather.

Bailu Yi contemplated for a moment before venturing, "I dare not assume the collective sentiments of the esteemed supreme and grand elders concerning the White Deer Institute. Yet, my wish is that our Institute retains its traditional role, remaining veiled within the bounds of the Moon Continent. Only when the rightful successor manifests before us, substantiating both identity and might, should we join forces to ascend once more to the zenith of Grand Xia. Naturally, if such a successor fails to emerge, then there exists no need for further deliberation."

A fleeting pause seized many of the elders, quickly replaced by approving smiles.

"In our dotage, our minds have evidently grown muddled, since this young lady has succinctly encapsulated the crux of the matter. She's correct," Bailu Yi's great-grandfather chimed in with an affectionate grin.

"As long as the potential successor possesses the capability to resurrect the Azure Emperor Palace, my reservations are negligible," a supreme elder chimed in.

Subsequently, each core member presented their viewpoints. Bailu Yi observed with intrigue that the majority were leaning towards revealing the White Deer Institute's affiliation with the Azure Emperor Palace, thereby mounting a resurgence within the Grand Xia.

"Little Yi, you've assimilated the perspectives of our core members. Share with us your own convictions," Bailu Yi's great-grandfather instructed, casting a gentle smile her way.

"Great-Grandfather, it appears that many of our core members find the present status of our White Deer Institute unsatisfactory," Bailu Yi responded, a faint smile touching her lips.

"After all, the realm of Grand Xia remains the dominion of transcendent powers. Though our White Deer Institute holds considerable might, the four transcendent powers of the Moon Continent have been subtly pressing upon us," the elder explained.

"Mhm, given the prevalent discontent, it implies the necessity for seizing an opportunity," Bailu Yi affirmed with a nod.

"Are you suggesting we yield to Di Cheng?" the elder inquired.

"No, but I have faith in the genuine successor of the Azure Emperor. The possessor of the Azure Emperor Token is bound to be an extraordinary individual." Bailu Yi's countenance softened into a sweet smile, her eyes sparking with certainty. She realized that Di Cheng's emergence might not bode ill for Qin Wentian after all.

Di Cheng's demeanor offered little hope of persuading the White Deer Institute to pledge allegiance.

Bailu Yi's great-grandfather wore a look of perplexity, grappling with the question of why this girl placed such unwavering faith in a non-existent successor.

"Yet, Di Cheng claims the guardian of the Azure Emperor Token is already in Nine Mystical Palace's clutches. The token's current whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery."

"Do you take his words at face value, Great-Grandfather?" Bailu Yi inquired, prompting a dismissive chuckle from the elder. "Absolutely not."

"Enough for now, we shall deliberate further. Younger members, you may depart, but remember, utmost discretion must be maintained. A slip of this meeting to the outside world will warrant swift intervention by the supreme elders." His tone bore a cautionary weight; this matter was grave, implicating the very survival of the White Deer Institute. Even within these trusted circles, a reminder was justifiable—better safe than sorry.

Following Bailu Yi and her companions' exit, the White Deer Institute continued extending courtesy to Di Cheng, albeit on the surface. The Institute believed Di Cheng was truly a scion of the Di Clan. After all, his familiarity with concealed truths was hard to explain otherwise.

However, despite their hospitality, the Institute's stance of obeisance toward Di Cheng remained unwavering. Opportunities to meet the supreme elders eluded him.

Yet, Di Cheng's audacity persisted. He lingered within the White Deer Institute, always finding excuses to draw near Bailu Yi.

His actions and demeanor didn't escape notice, causing the Institute's core members to knit their brows. Even granting him the Di Clan's lineage, how could they select an individual of his ilk as successor?

It wasn't until the arrival of another young man, Di Feng, that the Institute's suspicions were validated.

Di Feng embodied a stark contrast to Di Cheng—composed, dignified, a natural leader. His presence resonated with extraordinary capability.

Furthermore, his combat proficiency dwarfed that of Di Cheng.

Di Cheng's arrogance waned in the wake of Di Feng's arrival. The once-bold heir ceased parading his impending succession, speaking volumes to the White Deer Institute.

Di Feng, the genuine heir anointed by the Di Clan, had emerged. Comparing Di Cheng and Di Feng, the Institute's core members couldn't help but feel a conviction that Di Feng was unparalleled. Perhaps, he indeed bore the potential to resurrect the Azure Faction.

...

Within the training grounds of the White Deer Institute, numerous eyes were fixed upon the two figures standing there—the formidable Di Feng and the spirited Bailu Jing.

In the midst of their exchange, Bailu Jing found himself in an undeniable bind as Di Feng's onslaught compelled him to retreat. As the lingering force dispersed, an unmistakable gleam ignited within his eyes. "You carry a dual identity, don't you?"

Di Feng casually brushed his robe, a glacial smirk tugging at his lips. "Brother Jing wields remarkable strength. I anticipate an elevation in your rank during the upcoming evaluation. And yes, you're right—I bear another name. Emperor Azure, to be precise."

"Emperor Azure, the Azure Emperor," Bailu Jing mused, comprehension dawning upon him. "As I suspected, you are none other than him. Only now do I fully grasp the layered significance concealed within the moniker Emperor Azure."

The witnessing elders collectively jolted, this young man was, in truth, the vaunted 'Emperor Azure'.

"Emperor Azure," Bailu Yi uttered in disbelief. The fifth-ranking individual on the Heavenly Fate Ranking was none other than Emperor Azure.

The appellation 'Emperor Azure' resonated throughout Grand Xia, yet how many could have fathomed that his true identity was Di Feng?

"Emperor Azure, Azure Emperor—so that's the story," Bailu Yi's grandfather murmured, discerning the unspoken narrative contained within the name.

Nevertheless, the grandeur of Emperor Azure hadn't secured him the Azure Emperor's inheritance or the authority token.

This was a lingering remorse for Di Feng, a result of the circumstances in which he grew up. In his youth, he had journeyed alongside his master, traversing the world. By the time he returned, it was too late. His ascent to the Yuanfu realm precluded him from participating in the Emperor Star Academy's evaluation, overseen by Di Yi.

Yet, Di Feng remained untroubled by this.

Even without the Azure Emperor Token, he would still stand as the beacon of the Azure Faction.

"Little Yi, do you reckon this young man possesses the mettle to revive the Azure Faction to its former glory?" Bailu Yi's grandfather inquired, prompting a momentary shift in her expression.

An inkling flickered within her—could this all be orchestrated? Had the Di Clan strategically dispatched Di Cheng to leave a negative impression, paving the way for Di Feng, the formidable fifth-ranked contender on the Heavenly Fate Ranking?

Bailu Yi's thoughts swirled, grappling with what to voice. Just then, a hurried figure darted before her, breathless as they reported, "Miss Bailu, Qin Wentian has returned."

Bailu Yi's astonishment gave way to an exuberant smile. That individual had finally come back!