The moment they stepped past the gates, Xu Tianyi said softly,
"Prepare yourselves."
Before either woman could respond, Xu Tianyi's sleeve flickered. The world around them blurred, and suddenly, they were high above the clouds, the immortal city shrinking beneath their feet.
She gasped, wind whipping through her hair, her heart pounding as she steadied herself.
"Fengfeng "
She heard him call out and was confused for a moment but Then a resonant phoenix cry cut through the sky as a fiery bird approached, brilliant in color and majesty. Both Mu Qing and her daughter could only stare in awe.
Xu Tianyi reached out as the phoenix approached, stroking her beak affectionately. "Good work, Feng Feng."
The mighty creature nuzzled her head against him like an affectionate pet.
Mu Qinglaun's Luan Bird trembled, sensing overwhelming bloodline suppression, while both women stood speechless.
Mu Qing stared in awe, her lips parting slightly. "A… true phoenix…"
Xu Tianyi reached out to stroke the bird's neck, his expression filled with quiet fondness.
Fengfeng lowered her head affectionately, letting him climb onto her back. He turned to the mother and daughter.
Mu Qingluan and Mu Qing exchanged a glance, their eyes wide with wonder and disbelief, before stepping forward.
As they stepped onto Feng Feng's back, the phoenix let out another cry and soared into the heavens.
The night wind carried the scent of clouds and fire, while the two women looked at each other — both awestruck, both silently realizing the same thing.
Their destinies had changed forever.
---
High above the clouds, the crimson silhouette of the phoenix glided gracefully across the endless sky.
Beneath the blazing feathers of Feng Feng, a faint shimmer of spiritual fire rippled through the air like flowing silk. The wind howled softly, carrying the scent of clouds and freedom.
Seated upon the phoenix's back were Xu Tianyi, Mu Qing, and Mu Qingluan. The two women sat behind him, their eyes filled with awe and disbelief. The entire world stretched beneath them — mountains like the backs of dragons, rivers like threads of jade, forests blanketed in mist.
Mu Qinglaun could hardly breathe.
"So this is what it feels like… to fly freely in the sky…"
Mu Qinglaun was only in the Qi refinement realm so she was Flying so high in the Sky fir the first time, Only cultivators in the Foundation establishment realm can fly Freely in the Sky.
Her voice trembled with excitement and wonder. Xu Tianyi turned slightly, the corner of his lips curving into a faint smile.
"You'll get used to it soon. With proper cultivation, this sky will no longer be beyond your reach."
Mu Qing glanced at him respectfully. "My Lord, may this humble one ask… what role we should take within the Heavenly Sword Sect once we arrive?"
Xu Tianyi leaned back lazily against Feng Feng's feathers, his tone casual but decisive.
"You, Mu Qing, will serve as my personal maid within the sect. You'll be under my direct protection, so you won't need to involve yourself with the sect's daily matters."
Mu Qing bowed deeply. "This servant understands."
Then his golden gaze shifted toward Mu Qingluan, who instinctively sat straighter.
"And you," he said with a faint smile, "tell me, Mu Qingluan… would you be willing to become my disciple?"
Mu Qingluan froze, eyes wide, her mind blank for a moment before her heart erupted like thunder.
"D-Disciple?!"
Her mother's eyes widened too, disbelief and joy mixing in her expression.
Xu Tianyi's voice was gentle, yet carried a weight that made her soul tremble.
"You have potential. I see sincerity and courage in you. If you are willing, I will take you under my tutelage and guide you personally."
Her heart pounded so loudly she could hear it in her ears. She quickly lowered her head, her voice filled with excitement and reverence.
"Disciple greets Master!"
A faint smile curved Xu Tianyi's lips as he nodded approvingly. "Good."
Feng Feng let out a playful cry, the wind shimmering with golden-red flame.
---
A while later, Xu Tianyi spoke again, his tone thoughtful.
"Mu Qing, Mu Qingluan — you both carry a faint trace of Phoenix bloodline. It's not much, but pure enough that it can awaken fully with proper guidance."
The mother and daughter looked at each other in astonishment. "Phoenix bloodline?" Mu Qinglaun whispered.
"Yes," Xu Tianyi continued, gesturing toward Feng Feng who was soaring proudly ahead.
"Feng Feng's cultivation stems from her bloodline memories — the Divine Phoenix Nirvana Sutra. She awakened it when she reached the True Spirit stage in her Bloodline. Most Heaven-Grade and True Spirit-Grade demon beasts like her are born with cultivation techniques etched in their souls, passed down from ancient times."
He paused, explaining with patient clarity.
"Unlike human cultivators who must search, study, and comprehend their own paths, divine beasts awaken their cultivation arts and innate divine abilities naturally. The stronger their bloodline, the greater their inheritance."
Both women listened intently, eyes shining with admiration.
Xu Tianyi looked at them both meaningfully. "If you wish, I can ask Feng Feng to teach you her technique. It will harmonize with your bloodline and accelerate your cultivation speed."
Before he even finished, Mu Qinglaun's eyes lit up like stars. "We're willing! Of course we're willing, Master!"
Mu Qing chuckled softly beside her. "My Lord, this is a fortune we could never dream of. We'll follow your guidance wholeheartedly."
Feng Feng let out a melodious laugh, her voice echoing in their minds through spiritual transmission.
"Very well. Once we arrive at the sect, I'll personally guide you both. My cultivation method is strict, but with your bloodline, you'll certainly grasp it with enough efforts."
Mu Qinglaun clasped her hands together with excitement. "Thank you, Elder Feng Feng!"
The phoenix flapped her wings, chuckling. "Little one, just call me Senior sister Feng. Elder makes me sound old."
Xu Tianyi's lips quirked upward. "Be careful, Feng Feng. She might surpass you one day."
"Then I'll be proud,Master." the phoenix replied, voice filled with warmth.