Chapter 90

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Chapter 90: Lord Feng Xin

"The hall door is sealed with a Restriction. Qu Yanran and I have tried numerous methods to break it, but to no avail. Eventually, I realized that we might need the black compass."

Zhan Qing Yi nodded in agreement, aware that the black compass was crafted by the Clan Ancestor of the Qin Clan, and its functions surely extended beyond mere navigation.

Qin Chu Yi smiled softly, her expression one of delight, "Indeed, the black compass is essential."

If just anyone could enter the grand hall, how could it be considered a pivotal artifact affecting the fate of the human race?

She gazed at Ming He with a tender look.

Ming He, meeting her gaze, felt slightly bewildered, "Sister Qin, I don’t know how the black compass can break the hall’s Restriction." She assumed Qin Chu Yi was suggesting she open the door.

Hearing this, Qin Chu Yi’s smile broadened, her lips curving into an expression of unparalleled grandeur. Her joy radiated from within, her lively brows and sparkling eyes surpassing even the beauty of the Deep Sea.

She stepped closer to Ming He until they were nearly touching, her warm breath lingering between them, "This is a relic of my clan, so naturally, you wouldn’t know."

Qin Chu Yi chuckled lightly, "But it’s alright. I’ll tell you, and then you’ll understand."

She blinked playfully and leaned in closer to Ming He, softly whispering the incantation to use the black compass to break the Restriction. Her voice was sweet and gentle, tinged with a deliberate softness and allure.

Ming He listened intently, silently committing the words to memory, yet she sensed something different about Qin Chu Yi, though she couldn’t quite place it.

The warmth of Qin Chu Yi’s breath brushed against her ear, and the softness of her body pressed close felt almost too intimate. There was also… Qin Chu Yi’s graceful figure.

Ming He gently pushed Qin Chu Yi away, feeling the distance between them was too close, nearly body to body, much like when Qin Chu Yi had held her before; it had never been like this.

With this realization, Ming He looked up at Qin Chu Yi, noticing the focus and dedication in her smile as she continued to recite the incantation for the black compass.

Perhaps it was because they had shared life-and-death experiences.

In her moment of reflection, Ming He understood why Qin Chu Yi treated her differently. Subtly, she created some distance and turned her gaze towards the hall door, wary that Qin Chu Yi might come close again. She softly said, "Sister, I’ll give it a try."

After speaking, she quickly activated her inner spiritual energy and recited the incantation Qin Chu Yi had taught her, causing the black compass to float from her palm and spin in midair.

Qin Chu Yi watched her without a word, her smile growing more joyful, her expression exuding pride and exuberance, brimming with the confidence of a victorious conqueror. She glanced back at Zhan Qing Yi and Qu Yanran, who looked stunned, her brows lifting in triumph without any trace of her earlier shyness.

Pursuing a girl, having a thin skin was of no use, especially for a determined sword cultivator like Ming He!

Thinking this, she felt a surge of fighting spirit, more confident, especially since Ming He did not seem entirely unresponsive to her.

"Clang!"

As Ming He completed the incantation and channeled her spiritual energy into the black compass, it spun faster in midair until black ink spilled from it like a brush stroke, shooting towards the hall door under her will.

With a loud crash, the ancient red door brightened, then radiated shimmering lights as if March fireworks flickered, akin to boundless morning glow, revealing an unparalleled grandeur within the rippling azure of the Deep Sea.

Ming He reached out to catch the slowly descending black compass, which had lost its light but remained rich and deep, standing side by side with Qin Chu Yi. Together they gazed at the beauty flowing from the hall door, expressing awe; although she had already experienced the breathtaking views of the ocean floor, she was still shocked at the moment.

As the brilliance melted away, accompanied by a heavy rumble, the red door adorned with soaring phoenixes slowly opened, revealing an ancient, untamed atmosphere that did not belong to this world and time.

The Upper Clear Mansion—Wutong Hall, this was the hiding place of the Phoenix Fire Seed guided by the black compass.

"Let’s go!" Ming He looked at Qin Chu Yi, her eyes filled with questions. Even though her cultivation had broken through to Dust Dispersal Stage Seven, she was still the one with the lowest cultivation here, so she naturally sought Qin Chu Yi’s opinion.

However, her rapid breakthrough was due to the Soul Mastery Baptism, while Qu Yanran had somehow gained a higher level of cultivation than her, likely each having their own opportunities.

She lowered her gaze slightly, feeling no sense of pride. After all, just reaching Dust Dispersal Stage Seven was not enough; her goal remained at the pinnacle.

"Hmm." Qin Chu Yi smiled and naturally took Ming He’s hand, her expression deepening with warmth upon seeing Ming He’s confused and uneasy look. She not only didn’t let go but gripped her hand tighter, "What’s wrong?"

Her smile was radiant, and she genuinely seemed puzzled about why Ming He appeared so shy.

“…It’s nothing,” Ming He murmured, her gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. The Wutong Hall was steeped in mystery, undoubtedly harboring numerous dangers. Qin Chu Yi’s grasp on her hand was likely meant to shield her, and this wasn’t the first time.

With that thought, the strange and uneasy feelings that had momentarily surfaced in her heart dissipated. She tightened her grip in return, her body leaning closer, her expression calm and composed.

“There’s nothing here!” Zhan Qing Yi’s voice, filled with confusion, echoed through the hall, its resonance lingering faintly.

Ming He looked up. The hall was indeed as Zhan Qing Yi had described—utterly empty. The intricately carved jade pillars and the ornate designs exuded an air of ancient mystery. The high-arching eaves bore the image of a phoenix soaring through the heavens, its fiery eyes radiating an oppressive aura that made prolonged gazing unbearable.

Yet, beyond these, there was truly nothing—no altars, no curtains, no furnishings, not even a side chamber.

They had walked through the crimson hall door and now stood at the center of the hall. As Ming He glanced back, the entirety of the hall lay before her, yet it was inexplicably barren.

Ming He found it hard to believe. With a flick of her sleeve, she retrieved the black compass, cradling it in her palm. With her other hand, she pointed her fingers like a sword, channeling her Star Power into the compass, hoping it might reveal some clue.

But the black compass, activated by her Star Power, remained lifeless in her hand, utterly unresponsive within the confines of the Wutong Hall.

Qin Chu Yi frowned. “The ancient texts are not mere fabrications. The Phoenix Fire Seed is said to be hidden within the Deep Sea ancient palace, a conclusion drawn by human cultivators through divination.

Even if there were uncertainties before, we’ve now found the Wutong ancient palace. Given that this hall is named after the phoenix and its sacred Wutong tree, the Phoenix Fire Seed must exist.”

“Let’s search again. Perhaps this hall conceals secrets yet unseen,” Zhan Qing Yi suggested, her eyes narrowing in thought. “Upper Clear Mansion, Wutong Hall, Phoenix Fire Seed.”

She turned, her gaze sweeping the hall once more, then lightly stepped forward, her figure gliding to the crimson hall door. She placed her right hand on its upper edge, tracing its surface. “The patterns resemble blazing flames, the phoenix resting upon the Wutong tree. This door is crafted from Wutong wood.”

Zhan Qing Yi’s eyes brightened as she infused her inner spiritual energy into the wooden door. When her hand reached the middle, she noticed an intricately carved hollow. This spot… could it be the phoenix’s eye?

Her expression shifted, pensive, and she turned to Qu Yanran, calling out, “Yanran, bring the blood-red orb we obtained from the Zongheng Hall.”

“What’s happening?” Qin Chu Yi asked, stepping closer.

“Yanran and I were fortunate to enter the Lower Source Mansion’s Zongheng Hall, where we found a blood-red orb. It burns like a raging flame, its aura fierce, as if it hails from ancient times. Now that I think of it, it resembles an eyeball.”

Zhan Qing Yi took the orb from Qu Yanran, took a deep breath, and with her spiritual energy, guided the orb into the hollow in the hall door. The four of them shared a look of anticipation.

The Wutong Hall did not disappoint. As the orb settled into place, a deep, resonant sound emanated from the center of the hall, and something began to rise slowly from beneath where they stood.

The previously empty candlesticks in the hall’s corners suddenly ignited with blood-red flames, casting the already luminous hall in an even more dazzling light.

Qin Chu Yi and Ming He paid no heed to the flames. Their attention was drawn to the center of the hall, where an ice coffin emerged, radiating the same ancient and profound aura as the hall, yet with an added layer of oppressive force.

“An ice coffin?”

Zhan Qing Yi’s voice, clear and tinged with surprise, broke the silence. She was the first to approach the coffin, her curiosity evident. But the next moment, she gasped in pain, blood trickling from her lips as she recoiled, injured.

“Zhan Qing Yi!” Qu Yanran cried out, rushing to her side, her concern palpable. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Zhan Qing Yi replied, wiping the blood from her lips, though her expression was grave. She turned to Qin Chu Yi. “There’s a woman lying in the ice coffin.”

A woman?

Qin Chu Yi’s expression mirrored her seriousness. What kind of woman could injure Zhan Qing Yi with just a glance? Could it be the pressure of a powerful being?

She held Qu Yanran back, her tone firm. “Your cultivation is too low. I’ll go.”

Zhan Qing Yi was at the Seventh Level of Wind Control, and if even she couldn’t withstand it, how much more vulnerable would Qu Yanran, at the Eighth Level of Dust Dispersal, be?

Qin Chu Yi caught Ming He’s worried gaze and offered a reassuring smile. Then, she stepped forward, ascending the stairs that led to the ice coffin, her eyes fixed on the woman within.

“Pff!”

Blood sprayed from Qin Chu Yi’s mouth as her body swayed. Ming He, alarmed, grabbed her sleeve and pulled her into an embrace, guiding her down the stairs. “Senior Sister, are you hurt?”

Ming He held her tightly, her brow furrowed, as she gently wiped the blood from Qin Chu Yi’s lips with her fingertips. After a moment’s thought, she retrieved a pill and placed it in Qin Chu Yi’s mouth.

The cool pads of her fingers brushed against Qin Chu Yi’s warm red lips. Nestled in Ming He’s embrace, Qin Chu Yi’s eyes shimmered with joy, her face unable to conceal a radiant smile. “I’m fine.”

“I couldn’t see the woman’s face clearly,” Qin Chu Yi admitted, meeting Zhan Qing Yi’s concerned gaze, her expression tinged with frustration.

By now, it was clear to everyone that the woman in the ice coffin was inextricably linked to the Phoenix Fire Seed. Yet, they couldn’t even get close enough to the steps to see her face clearly, let alone uncover anything else.

“Sister Qin, let me try!” Ming He declared, her voice firm, her eyes filled with determination.

“You know I have the Star Lock and the black compass. I’m the most likely to see that woman’s face clearly.” Ming He’s tone softened as she noticed Qin Chu Yi’s disapproving look, her words gentle, almost coaxing. “Perhaps I can help the human race obtain the Phoenix Fire Seed!”

“Besides, even if it doesn’t work, the worst that could happen is I’ll spit out a bit of blood like the rest of you. There’s no life danger.

We’ve come this far, narrowly escaping death, and we’ve managed to open the hall door to find the ice coffin. Are we really just going to leave now?” She helped Qin Chu Yi lean against a pillar and then turned, walking resolutely toward the ice coffin.

Qin Chu Yi watched Ming He’s retreating figure, knowing she was right. Ming He had been chosen by the Star Lock and could wield the black compass; she truly was their best hope for finding the Phoenix Fire Seed.

But deep down, Qin Chu Yi didn’t want her to go. She couldn’t bear the thought of Ming He being hurt.

Even if it was just a little blood, even if there was no life danger, she still couldn’t stand it. She wanted Ming He to stay safe, but she knew there was nothing she could do to stop her.

Ming He was a genius of the human race, and injury was inevitable.

Since they had met, they had faced countless life-and-death moments, and there would be many more in the future. This was the fate of every human genius.

Die and turn to ashes, or survive and grow stronger.

Grow stronger.

Qin Chu Yi clenched her fists, repeating those words in her mind.

Grow stronger—not just Ming He, but she too had to grow stronger!

She needed to grow stronger to protect the human race and to protect Ming He.

The ice coffin seemed to be crafted from ancient ice, thousands of years old. Just a few steps closer, and a bone-chilling cold seeped into her very soul, though it dissipated under the silent tremors of the Star Lock.

Ming He ascended the steps, her robes trailing behind her, following the path Qin Chu Yi had taken earlier. She stood beside the ice coffin, her figure steady.

At the same height but from a different angle, she didn’t immediately look into the coffin. Instead, she cast a reassuring smile at Qin Chu Yi below before slowly lowering her gaze.

The ice coffin was plain and unadorned. Through the thick layer of ancient ice, she saw a woman lying inside, her eyes tightly closed, her body devoid of any sign of life.

But that didn’t matter. What mattered was that Ming He hadn’t been injured—not even a drop of blood had been spilled.

Ming He glanced back at Qin Chu Yi, then extended her hand, channeling her spiritual energy to push open the icy lid of the coffin. The barrier between her and the woman inside vanished, and she finally saw the woman’s face clearly.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, her delicate features rivaling Qin Chu Yi’s own stunning beauty. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes shut, and a frost clung to her brows, exuding an aura of bone-deep cold. Her lips were slightly pursed, and she wore a fiery red robe embroidered with wutong trees.

The connection to the Phoenix Fire Seed was undeniable.

But her eyes were closed, and there was no breath of life. Could it be… Ming He’s brow furrowed again—if she had no life force, she couldn’t speak.

And apart from this mysterious woman, there was nothing else inside the ice coffin.

They still hadn’t found the Phoenix Fire Seed.

As Ming He studied the woman, warmth surged in her chest—the Star Lock was vibrating.

In the next moment, as if guided by an unseen force, Ming He reached out and placed her right hand on the woman’s face. Star Power surged, melting the frost between the woman’s brows and thawing the ice coffin around her.

“Bang!”

The woman’s eyes snapped open, a crimson flame igniting between her brows. Her once icy demeanor transformed, now radiant and powerful under the fiery mark. With a flick of her sleeve, a mysterious, overwhelming energy erupted, shattering the ice coffin into nothingness. In an instant, she stood before Ming He, her presence commanding.

Her black hair flowed freely, her bare feet touching the ground. Her fiery red robe billowed as if caught in an unseen wind, her figure blazing like the sun. Outside the hall, the deep sea waves retreated in awe, unwilling to challenge her.

“Who are you?” the woman asked, her voice clear and melodic, yet carrying an innate regal pride. She looked down at Ming He, her demeanor lofty and unyielding.

“I am Ming He,” Ming He replied, steadying her heart and meeting the woman’s gaze with the boldness of a sword cultivator, her pride unshaken.

“Ming He,” the woman repeated, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I am Feng Xin, master of the ancient demon phoenix clan.”

She leaned closer, her eyes slightly lowered. “You have awakened me. Will you follow me to Wutong Heaven and become my Phoenix Lord?”