Chapter 153

Chapter 153: The Crisis of the Feng Family

After Qiu Zhang gained official recognition, the Zhen Yan Sect’s prestige soared, making it seem like the leader among immortal sects. This differed entirely from Ning Rui’s past two lifetimes. In his previous life, he’d heard about Master Qiu Zhang joining the Zhen Yan Sect decades later. Back then, the sect had been a minor faction shrouded in controversy, with rumors claiming the ghost cultivator Qiu Zhang secretly controlled it.

Even after the sect master repelled the demon tribes during the Immortal Realm calamity, those rumors persisted. Now everything had changed early. Nie Zheng, who’d caused that disaster, still lingered in the sect. Heaven’s Sacred Mountain remained quiet, and no demon invasion loomed. Ning Rui couldn’t grasp why things had shifted so drastically.

"What’s confusing? It’s all your doing," You You interrupted, turning from her ledger.

"Me?" Ning Rui blinked. He’d done nothing but switch sects out of fear.

"You told us the truth," You You stated firmly. "At Yuyu Island, you warned us about the Soul Breath. Without that, we’d never have found the resentful souls or investigated further."

"Correct," Ling Qi agreed. "The Immortal Sect Competition incident happened because Qiu Yao feared we’d uncover his crimes. Had he more time, he’d have stolen the celestial maiden’s vitality discreetly. Acting recklessly during the competition proved his desperation."

"Nie Zheng never reached Heaven’s Sacred Mountain because of your warning," You You added. "Without you, we’d still be waiting for Feng Rong to hatch. If anyone saved the world, it’s you."

"Saved…the world?" Ning Rui stammered. He’d only wanted survival, never imagining his honesty about past lives could rewrite fate so completely.

"Speaking of Nie Zheng," You You asked, "still crashing at your place? Given up searching?"

Ning Rui grimaced. "He claims the sect has better leads than his years wandering. Truthfully, he’s just leeching off us." Had Nie Zheng not been an Immortal, he’d have joined the sect outright.

"Let him assist Qiu Zhang’s classes then," You You decided. "Immortal guidance benefits disciples."

"But deduct lodging fees from your account," Ling Qi interjected. "Work out the details between ‘brothers.’"

Ning Rui scowled. "We’re not related!"

"Build Nie Zheng his own cave mansion nearby," You You suggested. "Ask Feng Yu about construction—wait, where is he?"

"Now that you mention it," Ling Qi frowned, "Feng Yu’s been absent for days."

You You shrugged. "Handle this, Ling Qi. I’m delivering an orange."

"An…orange?"

She’d promised Feng Rong a contract after his recovery, but sect affairs kept delaying it. Though impatient, he’d helped tirelessly. Now was the time.

Reaching Second Peak, she found Feng Rong rushing out, face tense. "Where to?"

"Wushan," he answered urgently. "Feng Yu reported the Sacred Tree is dying."

"Sacred Tree?"

"Our clan’s foundation," he explained. "All phoenixes originate from it. Without its power, we can’t rebirth. If it perishes…" His jaw tightened. "Even Feng Family members with phoenix blood will suffer."

"Bring Yuan Qi," You You insisted. "His Divine Clan knowledge might help."

Feng Rong nodded tersely. After alerting Ling Qi, the three flew toward Wushan by sword.

En route, Feng Rong elaborated: The Sacred Tree birthed the first phoenix. Its vitality sustained the Feng Clan’s legendary rebirth ability during Ancient Times. As the clan dwindled, the tree weakened. Now, as the last phoenix, Feng Rong knew its end meant their extinction.

"I thought the Sacred Tree vanished," Yuan Qi murmured.

"It’s clinging to life," Feng Rong said bitterly. "But Divine Clans…we don’t belong here anymore."

Yuan Qi fell silent. Both knew the unspoken truth—this might be their final chance to save what remained.