Chapter 474

Chapter 474: Feng Wuji

Mad Daoist was deeply unsettled, his palms dripping with sweat.

His ascension site lay next to Fengqi Mountain, and he’d stayed near it ever since, now familiar with the surroundings. He knew full well the master of Fengqi Mountain was the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord.

"She went to hunt down that human Dao Lord—why did she return so soon?" Mad Daoist muttered to himself.

Lu Yunzhao possessed formidable strength; he hardly seemed someone merely impressive.

Mad Daoist had reckoned that even in the worst case, the man ought to last half an hour.

Half an hour would’ve been more than enough to strip the Mountain of Two Realms bare.

"Your audacity truly knows no bounds."

A murderous intent gathered around the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord.

A terrifying chill emanated from her, freezing the void and solidifying the Great Dao. Mad Daoist couldn’t muster a shred of power, feeling as though he’d plunged into an ice cavern.

"Spare me, venerable Dao Lord!"

The instant he sensed the killing intent, Mad Daoist pleaded for mercy without hesitation.

Utter despair engulfed him.

The gap in their strength was so vast, he didn’t even have a chance to flee.

"You wish…"

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord eyed Mad Daoist impassively, offering only an indifferent glance. Yet it was then that she truly saw his face.

This one glance made the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s eyes abruptly fixate, freezing her where she stood.

For an instant, her aura scattered chaotically. The frenzied cold lashed about, forcing Mad Daoist to curl up on the ground like a shrimp, trembling uncontrollably.

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord stared blankly at Mad Daoist. Her long lashes trembled as her gaze shifted incessantly, complex emotions surfacing deep within her eyes.

"Rise."

She regained her composure, a hint of unspoken sentiment lingering in her gaze. She withdrew her aura, and the bone-chilling frost that had spanned the heavens and earth receded like a tide.

Delight flashed through Mad Daoist’s heart.

He could sense that the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s murderous intent had vanished.

Nonetheless, Mad Daoist dared not lower his guard in the slightest. Though he reigned supreme back in the lower planes, in the Hongmeng Dao Realm, he was merely a minor player.

With utmost caution and trepidation, Mad Daoist rose to his feet.

"Where do you hail from?" The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord suppressed her killing intent, her emotions gradually calming as she watched Mad Daoist. Yet she soon became icily aloof once more.

Mad Daoist was utterly bewildered.

He bent low slightly and answered honestly, "This humble one is a rogue cultivator. Not long ago, I merely ascended from a lower plane universe into the Hongmeng Dao Realm."

"What is your name?" the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord pressed further.

Mad Daoist froze for a moment, then bitterly smiled and shook his head.

"Reporting to the Venerable, in my pursuit of transcendence through countless reincarnations, this junior has long forgotten his name. However, outsiders call me Mad Daoist."

"Mad Daoist?" The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s expression shifted, showing a faint light in her eyes, though she swiftly concealed it again.

The Mad Daoist nodded.

Throughout his life, he had pursued the Great Dao, a pure and utter fool for the Dao. To seek the Great Dao, he could resort to any means, abandon everything—truly deserving of the name "Mad" Daoist.

"Are you willing to follow me?" the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord asked lightly.

"I am willing,"

replied the Mad Daoist without hesitation.

"From this day forth, you belong to me." The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord pondered for a moment. "The name Mad Daoist is far too unsightly. From now on, you shall be called Feng Wuji."

"Feng Wuji…" Murmuring the name, the Mad Daoist was utterly bewildered within.

He didn’t understand why the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord would spare his life, much less take him under her wing. From what he knew, the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord was decisive in slaughter, having personally subdued the multitude of demons on Fengqi Mountain. She was certainly no benevolent figure.

Though unwilling, he was under her roof now and had to bow his head.

"Many thanks for the name, My Lord."

"This Daoist temple, please accept it with your graciousness."

Feng Wuji presented the temple with both hands, his heart bleeding.

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord cast a glance at the temple. "I have no use for such things. You keep them."

Was this even possible?

Feng Wuji struggled to suppress his smile.

"Follow me to Fengqi Palace."

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord activated her magical power, enveloping Feng Wuji. The two transformed into a streak of light, flying towards the depths of Fengqi Mountain.

"How many years have you spent in the lower realm?" the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord inquired casually.

A dazed look passed over Feng Wuji’s eyes as he carefully recalled, "From the end of the Primordial Era, when humans first appeared… it should have been over twenty million years…"

"Twenty million years, cultivating in the lower realm to become Sovereign of the World and achieve Ascension to Hongmeng Dao Realm—your aptitude is impressive." A trace of a smile touched the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s lips. She continued, "Just moments ago, you mentioned countless reincarnations… What of that?"

Feng Wuji’s smile turned bitter.

"In each lifetime, the subordinate managed to cultivate to the peak of Three Yuan Proof. Yet, burdened only with cultivation and talent, I remained ignorant of the method to transcendence."

"I attempted countless times. Ultimately, it was only with the help of the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion that I refined a Dao fruit of obliteration, devoured a universe, surmounted limitations, and ascended."

He concealed nothing from the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord.

After all, she could pierce his cultivation at a glance; concealment was futile.

"Could it be… you never took a companion during your time in the lower realm?" The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s expression held a hint of amusement.

"I’ve forgotten."

Feng Wuji strained to remember, adopting a serious tone. "I believe… none."

The expression on the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s face grew extremely peculiar.

"Absolutely none,"

Feng Wuji stated solemnly.

His heart belonged entirely to the Dao pursuit; how could he squander time on worldly affairs?

"You need not be nervous; I am merely curious about someone who has reincarnated countless times." The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord chuckled with a smile.

As they spoke, a majestic Divine Mountain came into view within their line of sight, draped in immortal mists and crisscrossed by countless threads of auspicious energy. Layers of cave worlds were nestled within, vividly displayed between the drifting mists. Numerous brilliantly colored phoenixes perched atop the landscape, painting every corner with signs of profound blessings and harmony.

Though clearly a dwelling place for the demon clan, it resembled nothing more than a celestial paradise – dazzlingly grand and magnificent in its splendor.

"Palace Master!"

As the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord descended upon Fengqi Palace, numerous formidable experts of the demon clan bowed respectfully.

Feng Wuji’s gaze swept unnoticeably over the assembled demons, and a chill touched his heart.

Each demon present, even the weakest among them, was a Demon King of the World Master realm.

As a member of the humans, Feng Wuji stood out starkly, utterly out of place.

The gazes of the demons also carried an unmistakable strangeness, lingering heavily upon him.

"Demon King Hongluan."

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord summoned.

"Your humble servant is present."

A woman clad in an enchanting crimson gown, radiating captivating charm and adorned with heavy makeup, sashayed forward, her slender waist swaying gracefully as she stepped to the center of the palace hall.

"Investigate Heaven’s Secret Pavilion in Canglan Divine City." The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord stroked a golden book and jade slip as she issued the command.

The very reason she had spared Lu Yunzhao was this; pressed by overwhelming force and left with no choice, he had handed over the golden book and jade slip containing information about the Mountain of Two Realms to the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord in desperation.

Moreover, Lu Yunzhao had divulged the profound mysteries surrounding Heaven’s Secret Pavilion directly to the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord.

Otherwise, the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord would not have let Lu Yunzhao off so easily.

"Yes, my Lord."

Demon King Hongluan acknowledged the order and withdrew from Fengqi Palace.

"The Master has already come to the Hongmeng Dao Realm?"

Upon hearing those three words – "Heaven’s Secret Pavilion" – Feng Wuji experienced the greatest shock.

Yet, he kept this turbulence confined within his heart, a silent cry of astonishment.

Even so, the subtle shift that flickered across his expression did not escape the notice of the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord, whose gaze had remained steadily fixed on him.

"Hm?"

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord tilted her head slightly, regarding Feng Wuji with unveiled astonishment. "You know the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?"

Within Fengqi Palace, the eyes of every demon expert present converged upon Feng Wuji with swift intensity.

An immense, mountain-like pressure descended upon Feng Wuji. He swallowed nervously before replying, "I beg to report to the Palace Master. During my time in the lower plane universe, I did indeed know one master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, and we shared a deep bond."

"However… this humble servant cannot confirm whether the Heaven’s Secret Pavilion located within Canglan Divine City bears any relation whatsoever to the one I once knew."

"Lu Yunzhao informed me that Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is a place of commerce. As long as one pays, they can uncover any and all information one seeks." The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord stated evenly.

"How could such a miraculous place truly exist in this world?"

One demon expert voiced skepticism, his expression caught between doubt and grudging belief.

"In that case… that must be basically it." Feng Wuji responded aloud. Yet, within the deepest corners of his mind, a silent echo reverberated: The Master moves with truly astonishing speed. I barely set foot away, yet here he is, already returned to the Hongmeng Dao Realm.

Feng Wuji bowed and explained, "Palace Master, the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is all-knowing and approachable. If you have any information you wish to know, you just need to bring enough money, and you can buy it at Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"To be honest, the reason I was able to transcend was due to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"Laughable!"

A man full of killing aura and with a strange appearance sneered and said, "Even a Dao Sovereign cannot be all-knowing. What ability does a master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion have?"

"With that kind of power, would he need to do business in the mortal world?"

Feng Wuji kept his head down, not refuting this person, but not speaking further either.

"Palace Master, why have we never seen this person?" Another old woman with snow-white hair spoke, looking at Feng Wuji with a puzzled expression.

"Does this lord need your questioning?" Ice Phoenix Demon Lord said coldly.

"Subordinate dares not."

The old woman hastily withdrew.

"In half a month, Dao Sovereign Penglai will hold a grand ceremony for the demon clan. I will personally head to Penglai Immortal Island. You all stay properly at Fengqi Mountain."

Ice Phoenix Demon Lord commanded, "During this time, if anything happens, you shall not handle it yourself. You must wait for this lord’s return to make a decision."

"Subordinates obey the order."

A group of demon clan experts half-knelt and said.

"All of you withdraw. Feng Wuji, you stay."

"Subordinates take leave."

The crowd looked at Feng Wuji in surprise, not understanding who he was to gain the Palace Master’s favor.

But in Fengqi Palace, Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s word was as weighty as the Nine Cauldrons, and they dared not ask more.

A few breaths later, in Fengqi Palace, only Ice Phoenix Demon Lord and Feng Wuji remained.

Feng Wuji kept his head lowered.

Up to now, he was utterly bewildered.

Fengqi Mountain was the territory of the demon clan, and Ice Phoenix Demon Lord ruled it with might. Why keep him, a human, on the mountain?

"Tomorrow, accompany me to Penglai Immortal Island," Ice Phoenix Demon Lord said.

"Me?"

Feng Wuji was astonished.

He was completely confused.

"Could it be this demon clan Dao Lord has taken a liking to me?" Feng Wuji thought absurdly in his heart. "Though I’m as handsome as the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, she is a demon clan Dao Lord; she wouldn’t be that shallow, would she?"

The ceremony hosted by the Dao Sovereign was extraordinarily significant.

Ice Phoenix Demon Lord and he had never met before, yet she was bringing him along; this was surely a privilege only a trusted follower could enjoy.

The two of them, one after the other, walked out of Fengqi Palace.

"From now on, you will live in Hanzhang Hall."

Ice Phoenix Demon Lord led Feng Wuji to a side hall. It was elegantly decorated, with screen paintings like intricate art; the incense burner smoked gently, filling the air with a strange fragrance that soothed and calmed the mind.

Thank you, Palace Master.

Feng Wuji agreed.

For a human, his treatment in the demon clan seemed excessively good.

Qing’er.

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord called out, and a girl in green clothes arrived gracefully, bowing to the two of them.

This was her personal maid.

If you need anything, just give Qing’er orders.

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord said.

As soon as these words were spoken, not only Feng Wuji, but Qing’er was also stunned.

From now on, you will take care of his daily needs here in Fengqi Palace.

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord said.

Ah?

Qing’er opened her eyes wide, unable to believe her ears.

Mmm?

The Ice Phoenix Demon Lord’s voice lowered.

Your servant obeys.

Qing’er said immediately.

Feng Wuji could be said to be both flattered and alarmed.

When something is abnormal, there must be a trick.

Feng Wuji thought to himself, It seems I should still look for an opportunity to leave Fengqi Mountain.

He was a cautious person by nature; the kinder the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord was to him, the more uneasy he felt.

After all, the two of them had no prior connection.

After Feng Wuji was settled in, the Ice Phoenix Demon Lord turned and entered the Paulownia Hall to the right of the Xiangxiang Hall.

As he entered the hall, its twin doors slowly closed.

Miss Qing’er, please prepare me some food.

Feng Wuji said with a smile.

Young master, just a moment.

Qing’er said.

Qing’er quickly left.

With Qing’er sent off, Feng Wuji returned to the Xiangxiang Hall.

This time, the treasures I obtained from Dao Lord Qianyuan should allow me to push through in one go and forge the Great Dao World of the Nine Heavens.

Feng Wuji said solemnly.

In the World Master Realm, the most powerful could forge the Dao Realm of the Thirty-three Heavens.

This stage had a brilliant similarity to the Dao Palace stage in the mortal realm.

Without reaching the perfect state, one’s achievements on this path are limited.

Feng Wuji declared with a resolute gaze, In this life, I will definitely climb to the highest mountain and look down upon all others.