Forging a Phoenix Nest was the utmost priority for any branch of the Phoenix Clan. Whenever choosing a location to settle, two criteria were indispensable: first, the presence of a Wutong Spirit Tree; and second, the nearby growth of Blackgold Phoenix-Tail Grass. If the latter was absent, they had to find suitable land and plant its seeds themselves.Fortunately, that was rarely necessary. The Wutong Tree and the Phoenix-Tail Grass were symbiotic by nature—where one existed, the other could usually be found.
At a glance, the Phoenix Nest ahead was enormous, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.Inside, the space was vast, resembling a world of its own. Phoenix-Tail Grass flourished everywhere, making the atmosphere especially congenial for any Phoenix.
Within this grand nest stood a palace. Atop its steps, a noble woman clad in a resplendent seven-colored phoenix robe stood with innate majesty. Her presence was suffused with regal dominance, the natural authority of a ruler. Merely seeing her invoked a sense of unworthiness in others. This was undoubtedly the Queen of the Hanhai Phoenix lineage.
Next to her stood a young woman in a red court dress.She had a magnetic charm—like living fire—igniting the soul and making hearts flutter. Her figure was stunningly seductive, leaving one dry-mouthed and flushed just by looking at her.
This was Hongluan, the Eldest Princess of the Phoenix Clan.
Her name wasn't just a symbol. She was a variant phoenix, born with a body glowing not in fiery red, but in a soft pink hue—like peach blossoms. According to legend, she was born under the influence of the Hongluan Star.
What was the Hongluan Star?In ancient myths, it was an auspicious star linked to marriages and joyous unions. When people described two hearts falling for each other, they would often say "the Hongluan Star has stirred," signifying a destined bond.
From birth, Hongluan carried this Hongluan Qi, which often brought great troubles. She couldn't interact closely with the opposite sex—otherwise, the qi would affect them involuntarily, leading to chaos. As a result, she rarely ventured out or interacted with men.
Choosing her for this political marriage had clear motivations.
"Hongluan, this journey to Da Yi for marriage may very well be a blessing in disguise. The Hongluan Celestial Canon you cultivate is one of the supreme arts. However, once you reach a certain level, dual cultivation becomes necessary to stabilize the Hongluan Qi. Otherwise, it will go berserk, and you'll risk deviation.
You've been stuck at the Dharma Phase Realm for a long time. To form a Nascent Soul, dual cultivation is imperative. This is your path. But not just anyone can withstand your qi.
According to calculations, your fated person is none other than the Emperor of Da Yi. When Da Yi's envoy proposed the alliance, the Hongluan Star inside you reacted—that was destiny."
The Phoenix Queen's voice was calm yet weighty.
"We, the Phoenix Clan, are not marrying you off for gain. Once in Da Yi, if you're content, stay. If not, come back.
We Phoenixes have never bowed to anyone."
There was a deep pride in her tone—one that stemmed from the marrow of her bones. The Phoenix Clan was noble by birth, soaring high above the clouds, looking down on all below. Among the three supreme clans, the Phoenixes were undoubtedly the proudest.
"Understood, Mother. I won't shame the clan,"
Hongluan replied with a mischievous smile.She radiated a cheerful, lively energy, tinged with a subtle curiosity about her future. Marrying Da Yi's Emperor didn't sound so bad after all.
"Prepare yourself. The third day of the third lunar month is the wedding day."
Time flew. It was now Eternal Year 12, the third day of the third lunar month.
That morning, a grand entourage departed from Qilin Mountain. A luxurious imperial carriage, pulled by celestial horses, soared through the skies toward Da Yi. Escorting it was a detachment of Tiger-Wolf Guards—elite troops crafted by the Qilin Clan. Each soldier was massive, radiating overwhelming strength even in human form.
They carried a massive dowry.
Da Yi had offered generous betrothal gifts. The Qilin Clan reciprocated with an equally extravagant dowry—neither side lacking in treasures. Thus, without any grand fanfare, the entourage began its journey.
Given their speed, they could easily reach the borders of Da Yi within a short time.
Meanwhile, in the Phoenix Forest, the Phoenix Clan's bridal escort—this time a squad of Azure Luan Guards—was also departing. Though numbering only 3,000, their strength was formidable. They too carried an opulent dowry. Whether it was the Dragon, Phoenix, or Qilin clans, none were short on treasures. Their hoards exceeded imagination.
The two bridal caravans set off.One came from the south of Da Yi, the other from the north.
The news quickly reached the Hanhai Dragon Palace.
"Proceed as planned. I don't want either group reaching the Iron-Blood Great Wall. Bring them back alive if possible. I think they'd do quite well married into the Dragon Palace."
The order came straight from the Dragon King—without question, his will.
The two convoys sped toward Da Yi.Unknowingly, they were now less than 100,000 miles from its borders.
Within the Hanhai Realm lay an island called Camelback Island. Its shape resembled a camel's hump. It contained deserts, oases, and herds of camels. However, resources were scarce, and few races lived there—deserts were harsh environments.
"What an interesting island,"
said Moxue, peeking out of her carriage.From high above, the island looked like an ancient camel walking through the sea. She couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
Suddenly, thunderous roars came from the sea ahead—massive forces surging underwater, stirring towering waves that rose thousands of feet into the sky. The ocean became violently turbulent in all directions.
"On guard!"
A Tiger-Wolf officer shouted.The soldiers quickly formed a protective circle in mid-air around the bridal carriage, eyes sharp and alert. Danger loomed.
Then, enormous shadows rose from the sea, breaching the surface.
ROAR!
A terrifying screech followed—beastly, yet somewhat draconic. Emerging from the depths was a monstrous beast standing on a towering wave, exuding ferocious might.
It resembled a gargantuan ray, mutated and covered in dragon-like scales. Its tail was elongated and barbed with vicious spikes—like a dragon's tail, or some grotesque beast's limb. Its head resembled a dragon's, crowned with a single horn. Its size spanned thousands of feet. On either side of its body, wings had evolved into strange, pseudo-draconic appendages.
This was a mutated sea beast with dragon blood: the Dragon Catfish King.
Its sheer presence radiated the pressure of a peak fifth-rank creature—definitely not something to provoke lightly.
"Dragon-blooded sea beast… this is the Dragons' doing,"
Moxue's eyes sharpened, instantly connecting the dots. It was clear the Dragons didn't want this wedding to succeed.
"General Black Tiger, notify Da Yi. Request their protection."
Her voice was calm, focused—no panic in her demeanor.
"Yes. Launch the beacon!"
Black Tiger gave the order.
Whoosh!
A sharp sound sliced through the air as a soldier launched a signal firework—an invention of Da Yi mimicking the traditional beacon tower. Once fired, it would ignite into a skyborne display visible from over 100,000 miles away.
BOOM!!
The firework erupted, saturating the skies with crimson brilliance like burning clouds—an unmistakable distress call.
At that moment, the sea surged again.Countless sea beasts emerged—each massive and bloodthirsty. Their eyes gleamed with feral savagery as they charged in a unified front.
Together, they stirred the ocean into a massive tsunami. Riding this deluge, the sea beasts surged toward Moxue's group.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
From the waves, countless water spears shot out—dense volleys targeting the bridal carriage and its escorts.
"Protect the princess!"
General Black Tiger roared.
ROAR!!
In the next instant, he transformed into a colossal black tiger over a thousand feet long, radiating killing intent. With a thunderous roar, he unleashed a tiger's cry that shook the skies.