Roar——

The majestic and powerful dragon roar reverberated tumultuously, stirring up a tornado, as Qi Xiu stood tall, his dragon eyes shining, quietly staring at the two ancient fierce birds across from him.

The fully unleashed dragon energy was like a tsunami, shaking the four corners!

The Peacock and the Golden-Winged Roc seemed to faintly see a Green-Scaled True Dragon looking down at them, its dragon eyes cold, vast, and intimidating, bearing down on them.

As if in the next moment, it would crush them into submission.

The True Dragon Clan are the Lords of Ten Thousand Realms, the main characters of Heaven and Earth.

Although Qi Xiu possessed only sixty percent of the bloodline, he bore the True Dragon Mark in his body that only purebred True Dragons have, combined with Dragon Blood, making him almost indistinguishable from a True Dragon.

Though the Peacock and Golden-Winged Roc also belong to the ancient bloodline of divine birds and fierce avians,

when compared to the True Dragon Clan, they fell far short.

At this moment, Qi Xiu fully awakened the True Dragon Blood within him, and under the supreme dragon power, the two divine birds and fierce avians immediately changed their expressions.

With a slight movement in his eyes and countless thoughts turning in his mind, the Peacock suddenly smiled, the icy gruesome aura on him suddenly restrained, and his mouth pulled into a "kind" smile.

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. Daoist, do not take offense.

We are all grasshoppers on the same rope now, there's no need for the saying 'use the millstone to kill the donkey.'

We simply want to use Phoenix Blood to open the Phoenix Nest, which is the secret technique of our guardian clan and cannot be granted to you.

So I ask for your understanding, Daoist."

As he spoke, the Peacock gave a look to the Golden-Winged Roc by his side. The latter, though itching for action, knew now was not the time to be reckless, coldly snorted, and withdrew his killing intent, retreating indifferently to the side.

Yet those fragmented golden eyes still occasionally glanced at Qi Xiu.

"So that's how it is, then I indeed overthought it."

Understanding in his heart that it was not yet the time to break off with the two ancient fierce birds, Qi Xiu chuckled, the overwhelming dragon power swiftly withdrawing into his body.

As if the intense atmosphere from earlier was merely an illusion.

"Time is pressing. Those two Primordial Spirit True Honors must be close to gathering enough Phoenix Blood. We must hurry, go ahead of them to reach the Phoenix Nest.

Otherwise, if they seize the Phoenix Emperor's legacy first, it would all be for nothing."

Nodding, the three, understanding the gravity of the situation, once again embarked on their journey, heading towards the Phoenix Nest that contained the Phoenix Emperor Heritage.

…

"It's done."

In the sea bowl-sized Wutong wooden bowl lay the Phoenix Blood, slightly smaller than the one Qi Xiu held, quietly resting amid boundless divine brilliance, Moon Sea True Venerable's lips slightly curved, her beautiful eyes shimmering with excitement.

This progression brought her a step closer to the Phoenix Emperor Heritage.

"You're so familiar with the matters concerning this heritage, clearly having done quite a bit of preparation, haven't you?"

Giving Moon Sea True Venerable a sidelong glance, Song Baiyi slowly manipulated a string of emerald Buddha beads, each bead housing a virtual image of a Buddha sitting in meditation, chanting scriptures, surrounded by Sanskrit sounds and flowing Buddha Light, accompanied by the faint scent of sandalwood.

This treasure could manifest visions outside this Phoenix Nest.

It almost seemed like a Buddhist treasure itself.

"Protector, you jest. You know my circumstances well. This heritage is a lifeline in the face of desperation for me, and I naturally have to be more concerned." Turning her hand and putting away the Wutong wooden bowl, a fitting trace of concern flashed in Moon Sea True Venerable's eyes.

Primordial Spirit True Honors are said to be as old as Heaven and Earth.

Originally free and unfettered, transcendent and free-flowing.

Yet she, due to an old affliction, harbors anxiety in her heart, even going to the extent of sitting in solitude at Lethean Sea Cliff for millennia, strategizing the grand scheme.

This trace of concern not only reassured Song Baiyi but also revealed a glimpse of her true heart.

"So I hope you won't go back on your promise, Protector,"

"I, as Protector, hold to my word. If this Phoenix Emperor Heritage is genuine, I will immediately contact the Imperial Medical Bureau to treat your hidden wound.

Such an injury is trivial to the Imperial Medical Bureau, it's nothing of consequence." He waved his hand dismissively, Song Baiyi's demeanor remained calm.

The injury that had troubled Moon Sea True Venerable for millennia, in Sheng Tang, was nothing extraordinary.

"Then I thank you, Protector."

With Song Baiyi's assurance, Moon Sea True Venerable's expression slightly relaxed, a breath of relief escaping her heart.

This Song Protector, though cold and unromantic, as rigid and smelly as a rock,

was indeed not one to break his word after physiological satisfaction.

With him around, the Phoenix Emperor Heritage was impossible for her to claim alone, but as long as she could heal her old wound, her goal could be considered achieved.

"Let's quicken the pace, I can't linger far from the ancient city."

"The Phoenix Blood is enough now. All that's left is to proceed to the Phoenix Nest and acquire the heritage." Moon Sea True Venerable nodded lightly.

But although spoken lightly, as if the Phoenix Emperor Heritage was at their fingertips,

inside the Phoenix Nest, the situation was uncertain.

After all, the details of the Phoenix Emperor Heritage had been gleaned from a long-lost stone tablet in a small world outside the domain.

How true it was, she couldn't verify,

but so far, the contents on the tablet were holding true.

What would happen once inside the Phoenix Nest was unknown, as that part of the content was lost and irretrievable, so she had no knowledge of it.

And naturally, this was something Song Baiyi couldn't be told.

She could only take one step at a time now.

…

Almost simultaneously, both parties rushed toward the Phoenix Nest, each trying to seize the Phoenix Emperor Heritage ahead of the other.

Deep within the boundless and majestic Forest Sea.

The closer to the center, the taller and more towering the giant trees grew, towering sky-high, filled to the brim with intense vitality, like ancient gods and demons in slumber.

The silent, heavy wood color exuded solemnity.

"Just a bit farther, and we'll reach the Phoenix Nest."

Resolving their wings and transforming into human form, the Peacock stood with Qi Xiu and the Golden-Winged Roc atop the canopy of a vast, boundless giant tree, gazing into the distance.

The sky on one side, a striking red.

Millions of divine lights with fiery glows burst forth, forming countless supreme halos, as the ethereal sea of clouds rises, resembling a piece of immortal soil standing here.

At the center of these phenomena, a normally sized ancient tree, as if cast of bronze with profound Dao resonance, stands tall on the immortal soil. Its nine branches each hold a grotto heaven, its interior walls interwoven with world light and the texture of Dao, evolving into layers of world brilliance, cascading downward.

"This is... the Wutong Divine Tree."

Gazing at this ancient divine tree, Qi Xiu was slightly moved.

An ancient saying goes: "A phoenix will not perch on anything but a Wutong tree, and eat anything but bamboo sprouts."

This Wutong Divine Tree has been the sole phoenix nest between heaven and earth, with generations of the Phoenix Clan dwelling here.

The divine tree, nurtured by the boundless vitality of generations of the Phoenix Clan, has transcended the bounds of life and death, becoming one of the few immortals.

Disregarding the Phoenix Emperor's Heritage, merely this divine tree is an unparalleled divine object in the world.

"The Phoenix Nest is atop this divine tree; remember to follow my instructions and do not act rashly.

This divine tree is sentient, ancient, and enduring.

If it is alerted to awaken, even the Primordial Spirit True Honor would be killed."

Seeing the Wutong Divine Tree, the Peacock Great Saint's eyes also showed a trace of solemnity.

Even though he is the protector here, he cannot approach the Phoenix Nest at will, or he would be executed as well.

"Daoist, give me the Phoenix Blood."

Sweeping a glance at the Peacock Great Saint's somber expression, Qi Xiu took out the red gold treasure pearl condensed from Phoenix Blood.

At this critical juncture, this fierce bird wouldn't dare to play tricks anymore.

Unless he truly wants to be captured by two Primordial Spirit True Honors as a mount.

Taking the Phoenix Blood, the Peacock Great Saint took a deep breath, an ancient divine pattern glowing on his brow. The next moment, he split the Phoenix Blood Treasure Pearl in his hand into three parts, and spat out a mouthful of red gold immortal fog.

After exhaling this mouthful of red gold immortal fog, a look of pain flashed in the peacock's eyes, evidently, this mist was extraordinarily precious, even for such an ancient divine bird as himself.

As the mist surged and churned, it continually echoed with the cry of the phoenix, causing the world to tremble.

The three clusters of Phoenix Blood sometimes condense and sometimes disperse.

Finally, they turned into a crimson beam, embedding into the left arms of the three.

Looking down at the faint outline of a divine bird shadow appearing on his left forearm, which closely resembled the Wutong treasure leaf, Qi Xiu hadn't yet asked a question when the seemingly exhausted peacock hastily urged:

"Quickly, go!"

Saying this, he led the way leaping down from the giant tree, and upon landing, he strode forward.

"Approaching the Phoenix Nest, we must walk.

We have to reach the Phoenix Nest before the Phoenix Blood Mark dissipates.

Otherwise, once the Wutong Tree becomes aware,

even ten lives would not be enough against that ancient fellow."

The matter concerning life and death, the Peacock Great Saint didn't mince words, swiftly outlining the gravity of the situation.

By this point, the three were already in the same boat.

Fortunately, although the Phoenix Nest was far, none of the three were ordinary.

A True Dragon accompanied by two ancient fierce birds.

Even walking, their speed was incredibly swift.

With each step, their forms seemed to teleport to the horizon, stirring endless gales, like a rainbow, rapidly approaching the divine tree!

"Here they come, be careful!"

Halfway there, the Peacock Great Saint suddenly warned.

No sooner had he spoken, Qi Xiu felt an overwhelming terror, as if the gaze from an ancient times prehistoric era bore down heavily.

Majestic!

Ancient!

Unfeeling!

The gaze, carrying a myriad of emotions, collapsed the sky, visible to the naked eye, yet bizarrely, the surrounding vegetation remained undamaged.

It was as if the gaze was aimed solely at them!

"It is... that divine tree."

"Indeed.

We are responsible for guarding the perimeter of the Inheritance Land.

The true guardian of the Phoenix Nest is this Wutong Divine Tree.

Without the Phoenix Blood Mark,

anyone, even a Primordial Spirit True Honor, would be subdued by this divine tree in an instant.

From the first generation Phoenix Clan to the present day,

with the continuous support and nourishment by Phoenix Clans of every generation,

this ancient divine tree is beyond human capability to contend."

In his heavy tone, the Peacock Great Saint couldn't hide a hint of unwillingness.

They were clearly foster sons approved by the Phoenix.

But this Wutong Divine Tree recognizes no one other than the Phoenix.

Dare to approach, and it kills indiscriminately.

His great-grandfather was severely injured by this divine tree, ultimately dying in despair.

So today...

He must claim the Phoenix Emperor's Heritage!

...