Word Count: 3,058 Words
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The instant they collided, Feng Qing Er's Demon Phoenix Bell completely shattered Ying Jing's.
In truth, when members of super-factions like the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, Gu Clan, or Hun Clan fought, victory was often decided swiftly. Since they all cultivated nearly identical Qi Methods and Dou Techniques, even the slightest advantage would immediately determine the outcome when matching techniques clashed.
"You've reached 9-star Dou Ancestor!" Terror filled Ying Jing's eyes. The moment Feng Qing Er struck, he had sensed her cultivation had reached the level of a 9-star Dou Ancestor, matching his own.
His soul nearly fled his body in fright. He understood his true strength fell far short of hers and turned to escape, but she merely curved her lips into a cold smile. "Trying to escape?"
In a flash, her hand seals shifted. Thunder roared as her Demon Phoenix Bell expanded wildly, swelling to a hundred meters in an instant and trapping the fleeing Ying Jing within.
The Demon Phoenix Bell was the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe's signature beast technique, excelling in both offense and defense. A terrifying sonic wave erupted from within the massive bell.
A deep boom echoed as Ying Jing, trapped inside, vomited blood in torrents. From the outside, observers could only see his bloodied face twisted in a silent scream. The bell prevented any sound from escaping.
Feng Qing Er watched Ying Jing spit blood endlessly as he knelt in supplication and showed no mercy. Instead, an unnatural smile curved her lips. The sight filled her with exhilarating satisfaction.
Her hand seals changed again. Dong! The Demon Phoenix Bell chimed once more. To those outside, it was merely the sound of a bell being struck, but within, it was a soul-reaping death knell!
Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!
The sonic assault ravaged Ying Jing's flesh and blood. Blood vessels burst, spraying crimson fountains. Though he desperately activated defensive Dou Techniques, his strength was simply not in the same league as Feng Qing Er's.
A flash of light swept through, and the critically injured Ying Jing reverted to his true form: a massive eagle with blood-soaked feathers, lying helpless on the ground. Unlike ordinary eagle-type magical beasts, this one had streaks of colored plumage on its head, proof it had inherited a trace of the Ancient Heaven Phoenix bloodline.
A strange light flickered in Feng Qing Er's eyes as she gazed at his beaten form, splattered with blood and utterly devoid of resistance. Her breathing grew ragged while her chest heaved up and down.
Her hand seals formed yet again. Waves of sonic attacks and black flames cascaded down inside the Demon Phoenix Bell. The black flames did not burn but seared like branding irons, leaving charred marks across the eagle's flesh.
The sonic resonance caused the eagle's feathers to explode, reducing its wings to a mangled mess of blood and shattered bone. Even one of its eyes burst from the force.
Yet Feng Qing Er maintained perfect control, always stopping just short of taking Ying Jing's life. She kept him alive and conscious, denying him even the mercy of unconsciousness.
Something shifted in her gaze. Her red tongue darted out to moisten her lips as her hands began to form new seals, clearly intent on prolonging the torture.
"Qing Er, enough. He has received his punishment." The words rang like thunder from the sky. The speaker was Tribe Elder Feng Lan.
Her voice jolted Feng Qing Er back to reality. She looked at Ying Jing, who resembled a pile of rotten meat inside the Demon Phoenix Bell, and seemed stunned by her own actions.
She could not comprehend how she had done something so cruel. Though Ying Jing still lived, his injuries would likely keep him bedridden for a long time, and his cultivation might even regress.
Nevertheless, she quickly regained her icy composure. With a wave of her hand, she dispersed the Demon Phoenix Bell and swept a frigid gaze over the onlookers. "This is the fate of those who make an enemy of me."
As the bell vanished, the sharp scent of blood filled the air. The eagle's massive body bled freely into the soil.
Because the Demon Phoenix Bell had blocked all sound, everyone had witnessed the ten-minute torture in perfect, horrifying silence. The absence of screams made it all the more terrifying, as their minds inevitably filled in the agony.
"My heavens..."
"Miss Qing Er is ruthless…"
"Ugh!"
Many swallowed hard, and some even vomited. Several young Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe members who had never witnessed such brutality turned pale and trembled. The sight of Ying Jing's body, reduced to what looked like rotten meat, sent a chill through their hearts.
How vicious!
"So, did anyone notice? Miss Qing Er is a 9-star Dou Ancestor now."
"Yes, and her Demon Phoenix Bell is far larger. Even her bloodline seems stronger."
"What about that alchemist?"
The mastermind behind it all, Xiao Yan, had long since vanished from sight. The selection competition meant nothing to him. As long as Feng Qing Er passed and entered the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool to remove the barrier, his goal would be accomplished.
Yan Tianzun cared only for results, not the process.
A thunderclap rang out. Feng Qing Er flashed forward, appearing before Feng Lan and bowing respectfully. "Qing Er greets Elder Feng Lan."
The old woman carefully examined Feng Qing Er from head to toe, growing increasingly astonished. Surprise filled her aged eyes as she said, "Qing Er, your bloodline strength and physical constitution both seem to have improved considerably."
Advancing to 9-star Dou Ancestor was not strange, since Feng Qing Er had already been at the peak of the 8-star stage. But to enhance her bloodline strength in just two days… this was simply inconceivable.
Feng Qing Er's lowered eyes showed a flicker of fear, terrified that something might be discovered. She then raised her head and smiled. "This is because when I traveled outside the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, I once obtained some Ancient Phoenix Essence Blood."
"I invited an alchemist here hoping to better absorb the Ancient Phoenix Essence Blood and enhance my bloodline strength."
Though the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe had originally been divided into two branches, countless years had passed. Whether they were members of the Feng clan or the Huang clan, their bloodlines had mixed to some extent; the distinction now was merely a matter of which side they leaned toward.
"Oh, so that's how it is." Feng Lan did not harbor much suspicion. After all, Xiao Yan's methods were so extraordinary that even if explained, she wouldn't have believed them.
"The selection is about to begin."
Feng Lan looked at Feng Qing Er with a faint smile. She had initially believed Feng Qing Er had no chance and that participating in the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool selection was reckless. Now it seemed she had underestimated the girl.
To think she had already found a way to enhance her bloodline strength and physique! With her current methods and cultivation, entering the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool no longer seemed impossible.
Feng Qing Er bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder."
…
The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe's giant tree was extraordinarily vast. On the fourth level of this tree world stood an enormous city: Heaven Phoenix Sacred City.
Though called a city, it was more accurately a massive forest filled with towering ancient trees. In the center of this primordial forest lay a vast grassland. Unlike humans with their fighting stages, magical beasts held their competitions in the wild, an environment more suited to their combat style.
The opening of a secret realm like the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool, which could enhance bloodline strength, naturally attracted all eligible members of the tribe.
Chirp! Chirp!
Streaks of colorful light flew in from the horizon. Some Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe members transformed into their true forms and soared through the sky, while others, like Feng Qing Er before, rode on large birds.
Suddenly, a resonant bird cry came from the distance. A massive seven-colored crane beat its wings, stirring up fierce winds as it landed on a tree branch.
Almost immediately, nearly everyone's gaze focused on the crane.
"Look, it's Feng Qing Er."
"Is she really planning to participate? Her bloodline strength isn't high, and her cultivation isn't even at the Half-Venerate level. I doubt she can secure a spot."
"Your information is outdated. Just an hour ago, Feng Qing Er had a conflict with Ying Jing and defeated the 9-star Dou Ancestor with a single move."
"What?! Isn't Feng Qing Er's bloodline strength only average?!"
"It's unclear, but I heard she invited a mysterious alchemist a few days ago. Perhaps she received help from medicinal pills."
Feng Qing Er's name carried considerable weight. Especially after returning from the Wind Lightning Pavilion, she had passed the tribe's trial with thunderous means and received substantial rewards.
Having always been suppressed by Huang Bao Er, her rapid rise naturally drew criticism within the tribe.
She sat cross-legged on the seven-colored giant crane and slowly closed her eyes, waiting for the selection to begin.
Magical beast tribes differed somewhat from human society. Compared to the relatively gentle Jia Nan Academy, they emphasized the law of the jungle more strongly.
This Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool selection, though called a 'selection,' was not actually decided by the tribe's elders. Instead, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe members selected themselves.
There were only ten blood pools, which meant only ten spots were available.
The competition had no cultivation restrictions. However, like the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool in the Heaven Eye Mountain Range, soaking in it once rendered a second time ineffective.
Thus, participants were generally Dou Ancestors or members who had just entered the Dou Venerate realm through some opportunity. Veteran Dou Venerates had long since experienced the Heaven Phoenix Blood Pool.
When she saw Feng Qing Er arrive, Huang Bao Er's expression darkened. She was standing on the back of a colored bird. There was no doubt she was the one who had sent Ying Jing to create conflict and prevent Feng Qing Er from participating.
Two years ago, when Feng Qing Er left the tribe, she was still a 9-star Dou Emperor. Breaking through to Dou Ancestor after visiting the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool was not surprising. But after returning from the Northern Region, she had rapidly passed the Phoenix Nest trial, and in just over a year, she had reached 9-star Dou Ancestor!
This speed was alarming even to her!
"Since you insist on coming, don't blame me for being impolite."
A bell chimed, drawing everyone's attention toward the horizon.
Three elders appeared from the void, led by Feng Lan, who also served as the judge for the selection.
"Alright, I won't waste words," an old man beside Feng Lan announced, sweeping his gaze across the field. "There are only ten blood pools. Those who haven't experienced the blood pool baptism and wish to enter, step forward."
This selection resembled Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy qualifying competition. The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe members would fight amongst themselves, and the final ten remaining would gain access.
As soon as the old man finished speaking, tribe members with powerful auras flashed from the trees into the grassland. All had completed their transformation, and a few had even reached Dou Venerate strength, appearing directly through Wormholes.
When these Dou Venerate-level members appeared, everyone understood that the number of available spots had decreased by default.
The Beast Region was vast; some tribe members ventured out in search of secret realms and inheritances, only returning after becoming Dou Venerates. Therefore, each selection saw some newly advanced Dou Venerates who were considered to have secured spots by default.
No bird would foolishly attack a Dou Venerate, and for the sake of fairness, these Dou Venerates were not permitted to attack.
"Who's that person beside Huang Bao Er?"
"Isn't that her fiancé, Huang Pei? He's reached Dou Venerate as well!"
The Wormhole twisted as Huang Bao Er walked out arm-in-arm with a white-robed man. His delicate features were accentuated by the corners of his mouth, which curved upward with an arrogant, confident smile.
When he stepped out, the other new Dou Venerates instinctively pulled back some distance, revealing Huang Pei's high status within the tribe.
Huang Pei's eyes narrowed as he looked at Feng Qing Er in the distance. "To think she's reached 9-star Dou Ancestor. With her Wind-Lightning Physique, defeating Ying Jing isn't particularly difficult."
A flash of wicked desire passed through his eyes. Though well-concealed, it didn't escape Huang Bao Er beside him.
"Does Brother Pei think her Wind-Lightning Physique surpasses my Heaven Phoenix bloodline?" Huang Bao Er asked with a smile, though her tone carried little warmth.
"Hahaha, how could that be?" Huang Pei laughed heartily. "Bao Er possesses a high-grade Heaven Phoenix bloodline; how could she compare to someone with a middle-grade bloodline? A trivial Wind-Lightning Physique only allows one to cultivate two types of Dou Qi simultaneously. I merely find it unfortunate that I can't help you deal with that Feng Qing Er."
"Hmph."
Feng Qing Er naturally noticed Huang Pei's lustful gaze, and her eyes darkened with disgust.
In the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, bloodline was everything.
As she stood up, preparing to enter the field, a voice suddenly resonated in her mind. The moment it appeared, Feng Qing Er's body trembled uncontrollably, her eyes wide with terror.
[Feng Qing Er, you understand the consequences of disappointing me, don't you?]
Xiao Yan!
He had not left the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe. He had merely used his Soul Robe and Spiritual Strength to conceal himself. As long as no Dou Saint appeared, his Soul Robe and Soul State Spiritual Strength made him nearly impossible to detect.
As if talking to herself, Feng Qing Er whispered in terror, "Qing Er understands. Please rest assured, Master."
[Jie Jie Jie, the Hall of Souls does not tolerate failure.]
"Yes."
Cold sweat soaked Feng Qing Er's back. She dared not imagine the consequences if she failed the selection. Death might be a blessing!
The terrifying methods of the Hall of Souls filled her with even more fear and despair. She dreaded a fate worse than death!
Feng Lan saw Feng Qing Er standing motionless on the crane's back and transmitted her voice, "Qing Er? Are you not participating in the selection?"
Feng Lan's voice jolted Feng Qing Er back to the present. Her breathing became rapid. Fear had made her forget to breathe!
She took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing the terror in her heart. Looking at the dozens of fully transformed tribe members on the grassland, all high-star Dou Ancestors or above, her eyes grew fierce.
She had to win. No matter the cost!
Taking another deep breath, Feng Qing Er floated down to stand before Huang Bao Er. She stared coldly at her rival and declared, "Since you want to block my path, I will cut you down!"
Her words stunned not only Huang Bao Er but also the three elders in the sky. What had come over Feng Qing Er today? To think she would provoke Huang Bao Er directly!
"You shameless bitch who doesn't know life from death! Today, I'll tear you apart with my own hands!" Huang Bao Er shrieked, snapping back to her senses. A terrifying might instantly erupted from her as the cry of a phoenix rang out.
Though she had already planned to target Feng Qing Er and cripple her if possible, she had not expected the other party to be so bold.
The women stood with weapons drawn, but the three elders showed no surprise or pity. Competition within every tribe was inherently cruel.
"Since everyone is assembled, let it begin." Feng Lan waved her hand, her voice spreading throughout the grassland.
Huang Bao Er let out a sharp cry, a divine sword appearing in her hand as she rose into the air. Her blade was wrapped in a layer of Heaven Phoenix Black Flame, which poured down like a mighty river.
Sensing the terrifying power of her attack, the other contestants quickly distanced themselves, not daring to interfere in the grudge match.
"You worthless wretch!" Huang Bao Er slashed downward. The black flames blasted toward Feng Qing Er, and with a thunderous boom, she was instantly engulfed.
This terrifying flaming sword slash activated the formations on the grassland, which had been reinforced with protective arrays to prevent destruction. Without them, even mountains would have been pulverized by this heaven-shaking flame.
"Hmph," someone mocked as the flames consumed Feng Qing Er's position. "She only managed to defeat that piece of trash Ying Jing, a coward who didn't even dare participate. She's getting ahead of herself."
Just then, a flash of wind and lightning flickered where she had stood. Space distorted, and an instant later, Feng Qing Er appeared behind Huang Bao Er, her body crackling with arcs of lightning and gusts of wind. Her eyes were ice-cold.
Wind and lightning power condensed in her palm as she struck Huang Bao Er from behind, sending her flying. Strands of wind and lightning unfurled around her, inspiring awe in all who witnessed it.
"Was that a clone just now?!"
"Is that the Wind Lightning Pavilion's Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body?"
A knowledgeable spectator exclaimed in shock. Even the watching Dou Venerates couldn't help but stare intently at Feng Qing Er, their faces twitching in surprise. That clone had been far too realistic! Even they hadn't realized it was a mere illusion!
'It seems that Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body truly has some merit. The clone is remarkably convincing.' Huang Pei nodded to himself, no longer surprised that the Tribe Leader had agreed to support the Wind Lightning Pavilion.
"Kill!"
Huang Bao Er's face turned incomparably dark. She charged forward with a deep shout. In that instant, her speed became unimaginably fast, swift as wind and lightning. The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe also possessed powerful agility-type Dou Techniques.
She moved like a crashing meteor. Many observers' expressions changed at the display. Huang Bao Er now relied on pure speed, needing no Dou Techniques—it was a contest of raw physical power.
"Bao Er's 'Heaven Phoenix Light Chasing' has already reached the major level of mastery," a Huang Clan elder commented with a smile, stroking his beard.