Chapter 176

Chapter 176: Ah, I’m Hurt!

Though this wasn’t You You’s first time seeing Feng Rong’s wings, she still felt awestruck by their closeness. The enormous wings layered with feathers resembled countless masterpieces—dazzling yet softly glowing, with red lotus patterns flickering across them. Their mere sight radiated warmth.

She reached out to stroke the wings, her palm meeting perfect warmth and feathery softness. Reluctant to let go, she marveled.

“Like them?” Feng Rong preened like a peacock, angling his wings into her touch. Without waiting for an answer, he declared, “Of course you do! The Feng Clan’s true form is the world’s most beautiful!”

“Yeah.” You You nodded, unable to look away. “They’re stunning.”

Feng Rong brightened further. Blushing, he whispered, “My tail feathers are even prettier. Want to see?”

“Tail feathers?”

Something brushed her back, and suddenly her arms were full of long, glowing feathers. Each tip bore flame-like red lotus patterns, shimmering as they moved.

“These… are tail feathers?” You You gaped, hugging them. Their warmth and softness begged to be nuzzled. “Gorgeous!”

“Obviously!” Feng Rong smugly tucked more feathers into her hold.

“Wait—this one’s different!” She spotted a golden feather hidden among the rest, shorter and glowing pink.

“Don’t touch th—”

Too late. You You gripped it. Feng Rong choked out a groan, face flushing crimson as he slumped against her, breath ragged.

“What’s wrong?!” She released it, alarmed. “Did I hurt you?”

“Don’t… move.” He clung to her, panting into her shoulder before lifting his head. “That’s… my true feather.”

“Oh! Shouldn’t I touch it?”

“Y-you can…” He avoided her eyes, scarlet-faced. His tail feathers hastily retracted, hiding the golden one.

You You sighed—she’d barely seen it!

“Wait, you said you were injured!” She finally remembered, scanning his flawless wings. “Where’s the wound?”

Feng Rong froze, then thrust his right wingtip forward. “Here! The First Heavenly Emperor’s divine artifact did this!”

You You recalled the battle—Yongqing’s fan had struck his wing. Worried, she inspected it closely. “But… there’s no injury.”

“Look at the top feather!”

She squinted. “It’s fine.”

“Look closer!” He shoved the wing near her face. “See? The tip’s split!”

“……”

Seriously?!

(#=皿=)_-___-_

If split ends count as injuries, my hair’s on death’s door!

“You You…” Feng Rong leaned heavily against her, hand sneaking around her waist. “I feel faint… hold me!”

“Scram!”

————————

Nie Zheng awoke the next day, recounting the Immortal Realm’s turmoil—a power struggle, as Huan Yan had said. His ill-timed return and possession of a divine artifact made him a target.

Yongqing’s alliance with the Third Heavenly Emperor likely involved promising the artifact.

Nie Zheng’s cultivation had suffered damage. Without Feng Rong merging his recovered soul fragment, he’d have never healed.

Learning this, Nie Zheng tearfully thanked Ning Rui, calling him “brother.” Had he not feared Feng Rong and Yuan Qi’s statuses, he’d have sworn brotherhood with them.

Huan Yan located Yuntian’s original spirit through Yongqing, but the fallen former Emperor’s spirit had already entered reincarnation.

The First Heavenly Emperor’s absence would cause chaos, but Huan Yan, the Second Heavenly Emperor, could manage it.

As the group prepared to leave, Nie Zheng insisted on joining them.

You You frowned. “The First Heaven needs a leader. With Huan Yan’s backing, you could be Emperor. Why come with us?”

“No!” Nie Zheng shook his head frantically. “Teaching’s safer. I can’t handle politics.” Why work hard when he could coast?

“……”