Chapter 775: Shiyue Mojun (1)
Boom! Boom! Boom!!
Amidst the deafening rumbles, the continuously exploding phoenix flames dyed vast expanses of the sea and sky a piercing crimson red. As the exploding flames fell, any island area they touched instantly transformed into a boiling sea of magma.
The terrifying sound and power had long since alarmed the Supreme Sea Palace, but the rampage of the phoenix flames showed no sign of stopping; instead, it grew even more intense and violent.
“Snow Princess, stop! That barrier simply cannot be broken through by force, not even if the Four Sacred Lords join forces!!”
Zi Ji, also at the eighth level of the Sovereign Xuan Realm, was forced to flee far away under the terrifying divine flames and was still retreating.
“Brother Yun… Brother Yun!!” Before the barrier of the Slay Moon Demon Cave, Feng Xue'er was furiously bombarding the barrier with her phoenix flames, but no matter how she struck, the barrier showed not a single crack, not even a slight tremor, only occasionally shimmering with faint, watery ripples of light.
“Xue'er, stop! Don't continue anymore!!”
Xia Yuanba was also forced far away. He tried to approach several times, but Feng Xue'er's phoenix flames were too terrifying. In the blink of an eye, he was driven over a mile away by the shockwaves of the exploding phoenix flames. He could only shout anxiously and helplessly, but no matter how he or Zi Ji tried to dissuade her, Feng Xue'er was completely deaf to their words.
At that moment, the phoenix flames briefly subsided, and the fiery light that had engulfed the entire island finally receded a little. Xia Yuanba thought Feng Xue'er had finally regained some reason and was about to move forward… when a dazzling, immense fiery lotus bloomed brilliantly around Feng Xue'er's body.
Boom!!!!
A wave of sky-covering heat surged toward them. Zi Ji and Xia Yuanba both felt their chests tighten, as if struck by a great hammer from a fiery hell. They were sent flying backward, their clothes and hair instantly catching fire.
This was Feng Xue'er's full-power Burning Star Demon Lotus, the absolute limit of phoenix flames in this world! It was more than ten times stronger than Yun Che's phoenix flames at his limit!
“Xue'er… stop… please!!”
Xia Yuanba's voice was filled with pain. He retreated with all his strength, his entire body feeling as if wrapped in the flames of hell, every inch of his skin burning unbearably. It was a long time before the burning sensation finally diminished to a bearable level. He frantically extinguished the flames on his body, gasping for breath, and every exhaled breath was as hot as blazing fire.
After a long while, the storm of phoenix flames truly ceased, and the firelight began to fade rapidly. Xia Yuanba, panting heavily, tried to calm his inner energy. Only then did he realize he had been forced over ten miles away from the island where the Slay Moon Demon Cave was located.
Although he had witnessed Yun Che's phoenix flames before, he had never fought Feng Xue'er. Only now did he realize with shock that this beautiful, ethereal young girl, who softly called him “Big Brother,” was actually this terrifying!
On the other side, although Zi Ji had not been driven as far as Xia Yuanba, the shock trembling in his pupils was no less intense. His profound strength was also at the eighth level of the Sovereign Xuan Realm, like Feng Xue'er's, and he was even slightly ahead in terms of realm. But at this moment, he was absolutely certain that if he fought Feng Xue'er, he would surely lose!
At the eighth level of the Sovereign Xuan Realm, combined with the purest phoenix bloodline and phoenix flame power, she could definitely match a ninth-level Sovereign Xuan Realm cultivator from the Four Sacred Grounds!
The fiery light dissipated, but the sea breeze remained scorching. However, the original island had vanished, leaving only a massive, sea-blue barrier covering the ocean, sealing off the Slay Moon Demon Cave. Outside the barrier, the island had disappeared without even a trace of dust under Feng Xue'er's Burning Star Demon Lotus.
“Why is this happening… Brother Yun… Brother Yun…”
Above the barrier, Feng Xue'er floated alone, her shoulders trembling slightly. She stared blankly at the unscathed blue barrier, her beautiful eyes filled with sorrow, her lips murmuring words that shattered hearts.
“Xue'er, don't worry too much.” Xia Yuanba quickly flew over from afar, looking rather disheveled—his face and entire body were covered in scorch marks, his outer robe riddled with holes, and half of his hair and eyebrows were singed. But he bore no resentment toward Feng Xue'er; in fact, he liked her even more—because she was in such a state for Yun Che.
“Brother-in-law is such a clever person… since he chose to stay inside, he must have a necessary purpose and a way to get out.” Xia Yuanba tried to comfort Feng Xue'er, but his own palms were sweating, and his heart was burning with anxiety.
“But… it's so dangerous inside. Senior Zi also said that once someone is locked inside, they will… they will…” Feng Xue'er's voice trembled, and she looked on the verge of tears.
“Don't worry, it'll be fine.” Xia Yuanba did his best to console her in the gentlest tone: “Brother-in-law decided to stay inside himself; he wasn't forced in. He must have a way to come out. Between Brother-in-law and Mr. Zi's words, we should believe Brother-in-law! He also said himself that he would come out in a few days. And besides…”
Xia Yuanba glanced secretly at Zi Ji's location and transmitted his voice: “Don't forget, Brother-in-law has the Primordial Mystic Ark. It can teleport across hundreds of thousands of miles in an instant. Escaping from inside should be simple.”
The words “Primordial Mystic Ark” brought a bright glimmer to Feng Xue'er's tearful eyes. Xia Yuanba's words were not empty comfort; they calmed her chaotic mind a little.
“I also think there's no need to worry too much.” Zi Ji flew over from a distance. Although her body was also scorched in many places, she still maintained a calm and composed demeanor: “I am certain that no one in this world can break this barrier. But don't forget, Yun Che's master is a reclusive expert. Back then, he was able to bring Yun Che back from the Primordial Mystic Ark. Bringing him out of the Slay Moon Demon Cave might be easy for him.”
“Yes, yes, that must be it.” Xia Yuanba nodded quickly in agreement, but his heart was not relaxed at all—because he knew clearly that Yun Che's “master” was fake.
“What happened!!”
A sharp shout came from the north, accompanied by a surge of air approaching rapidly. Both the tone and the movements were extremely urgent.
Xia Yuanba turned to look north. A person in a blue robe was flying toward them at an astonishing speed, trailing a wave dozens of meters high stirred up by his profound energy. Behind him, four people in red robes followed at a distance.
“Supreme Sea Palace's Grand Elder, Mo Chenfeng!” Xia Yuanba blurted out.
Seeing the four people in red behind him, Feng Xue'er was startled. Then she flew over excitedly to greet them: “Father, Grandfather, Crown Prince Brother, and… Great-Grandfather!?”
Seeing Feng Xue'er flying toward them, the four people in red also stopped, each showing deep excitement on their faces. Feng Hengkong said excitedly, “It's Xue'er… it's really Xue'er!”
Feng Xue'er had been bombarding the barrier with all her might with phoenix flames. The excessively powerful phoenix aura had spread over a hundred miles, also alarming the Fenghuang God Sect members who were in the Supreme Sea Palace. In this world, only Feng Xue'er could release such pure phoenix aura!
So the four of them, disregarding everything else, rushed south with all their strength. And here they really found Feng Xue'er, who had been away from the sect for months.
“Great-Grandfather?” Hearing Feng Xue'er's shout, Xia Yuanba's gaze instantly fell on the person on the far right. He had white hair, a face red as fire, and pupils like two burning flames. Even a mere glance made Xia Yuanba's eyes feel a momentary scorching sensation.
Xue'er's great-grandfather… right! The strongest person in the Fenghuang God Sect that master mentioned… Feng Zukui!!
Xia Yuanba had once heard True Person Gu Cang say that Feng Zukui's profound strength had already reached the late stage of the ninth level of the Sovereign Xuan Realm a hundred years ago. Due to his phoenix flames, his overall strength even slightly surpassed True Person Gu Cang!
He was also undeniably the strongest person in Tian Xuan Continent outside the Four Sacred Grounds!
Feng Zukui rarely appeared in the world. Even most Fenghuang disciples had never seen him. But his presence at this Demon Sword Conference was not too surprising.
“Mr. Zi, what happened here?”
The sea surface below was only the isolation barrier, while the island area had vanished without a trace. Mo Chenfeng's brows furrowed deeply, his face full of shock.
Zi Ji, however, waved his hand lightly: “There are no enemies. It's just that Yun Che is still inside the Slay Moon Demon Cave.”
“What!?” Mo Chenfeng was greatly startled.
“But it's not because he couldn't get out in time. He chose to stay inside.” Zi Ji said. “According to him, it seems the Netherworld Brahma Flower has not fully bloomed and cannot be picked, so he must wait inside until it does.”
“This…” Mo Chenfeng's face twitched, then he said solemnly, “But that's the Slay Moon Demon Cave! Being trapped inside means only death! The Sea Emperor herself once said that even she couldn't last more than three hours inside. Him choosing to stay inside… is simply seeking death!!”
Zi Ji, however, shook his head: “If it were anyone else, that would be true. But Yun Che once escaped alive from the Primordial Mystic Ark. Moreover, although he is proud, he is not so arrogant and ignorant as to scoff at the Slay Moon Demon Cave at the cost of his life.”
He turned to look at the barrier of the Slay Moon Demon Cave and said calmly, “Right now, I am quite curious to see if he can really survive inside the Slay Moon Demon Cave for long, break out of this isolation barrier… and successfully obtain the Netherworld Brahma Flower, which no one has ever been able to approach alive!”
Mo Chenfeng fell silent.
“However, my expectations will last at most until this time tomorrow.” Zi Ji continued, “His 'master' might have extraordinary abilities, but Yun Che himself is not even at the mid-stage Sovereign Xuan Realm, and his vitality is far from sufficient. Even the Sea Emperor could not survive three hours there… If he hasn't been brought out by his 'master' by this time tomorrow, then there is no possibility that he is still alive. At that point, either his 'master' doesn't know he's trapped, or the 'master' doesn't exist at all.”
“Mr. Zi's reminder is timely.” Mo Chenfeng said slowly, “The elemental laws and spatial laws inside the Slay Moon Demon Cave are completely different from the outside. There, all sound transmission jades and various spatial profound artifacts are completely useless. If Yun Che's confidence in staying inside was to send a message to his 'master' to rescue him, or to escape through a spatial profound artifact, then he is truly digging his own grave.”
“…” Zi Ji's brows furrowed further. His originally calm expression became more hesitant and regretful: “In any case, let's first return to the Supreme Sea Palace and report to the Sea Emperor. Focus all efforts on preparing for the Demon Sword Conference in the coming days. Don't let external matters distract you.”
“Mm.” Mo Chenfeng nodded and turned away cleanly. Whether the island where the Slay Moon Demon Cave was located was destroyed was irrelevant, because the barrier sealing the Slay Moon Demon Cave could never be destroyed.
“Xue'er, why are you here?” Feng Hengkong asked, both excited and concerned. With him were three others: Feng Ximing, Feng Tianwei, and… Feng Zukui!
“Xue'er, you… are you alright? During these months in the Cang Feng Kingdom, has anyone… especially that bastard Yun Che, bullied you!” Feng Ximing's hands trembled slightly, his face flushed, and his eyes were fixed on Feng Xue'er, barely able to control his excitement.
“I came with Brother Yun. Earlier, I wasn't sure if Brother Yun would bring me, so I never told Father. Great-Grandfather, you actually came too. Xue'er hasn't… hasn't seen you for a long time.” Feng Xue'er lightly bowed to Feng Zukui.
“I visited you many times during the three years you were unconscious.” Seeing Feng Xue'er, Feng Zukui was in an excellent mood. His usually imposing face now wore a doting smile. He looked Feng Xue'er up and down, and a red light flashed in his eyes. His smile deepened, and he nodded heavily, sighing, “Xue'er, you truly are our clan's greatest treasure. In just a few short years, your phoenix profound strength has already far surpassed your father and grandfather. Perhaps by this time next year, even this old man will be far outshone by you, hahaha!”
Feng Zukui threw back his head and laughed heartily, brimming with joy. As far as Feng Hengkong could remember, he had only seen Feng Zukui laugh four times, and each time it was because of Feng Xue'er. This time was especially joyous. He stepped forward and bowed: “Grandfather, by the way, Xue'er's transformation owes much to Yun Che. Three years ago, on the Primordial Mystic Ark, Yun Che taught Xue'er the fifth and sixth levels of the 'Phoenix Ode Scripture,' allowing her phoenix flame power to fully integrate and awaken rapidly.”
“Although Yun Che caused great disaster to our sect a few months ago, he has always been sincere to Xue'er. He first saved her life, then gave her a new lease on life…” Feng Hengkong closed his eyes: “So, in these past months, I have been willing to swallow the hatred for my son's death. As for the hatred for the two Grand Elders, I no longer have the heart to pursue it.”
Feng Tianwei swept his gaze around and frowned: “Xue'er, you said you came with Yun Che. Then why are you the only one here?”
This question made Feng Xue'er's delicate body tremble, and tears almost instantly fell from her beautiful eyes. Although Yun Che was the person she trusted most in this world, and although she knew about the Primordial Mystic Ark… the intense worry and fear in her heart could not stop.
Feng Hengkong and the others were stunned. Feng Ximing even jumped up, his hair standing on end, his features twisted, and he let out a beastly roar: “Is… is he bullying you! Is he… where is he! Bastard! Beast! I'll kill him… I'll tear him into a thousand pieces!!”
Feng Hengkong shot a fierce glare at Feng Ximing and said in a low voice, “Xue'er, what exactly happened?”
Feng Xue'er bit her lip. After a long while, she finally spoke with a sobbing voice: “Brother Yun… he was trapped inside the Slay Moon Demon Cave.”
“What!?” The faces of Feng Hengkong and Feng Tianwei changed drastically. Feng Ximing was stunned for a moment, then an uncontrollable ecstasy instantly appeared on his face.
Apart from the Four Sacred Grounds, there was one other sect that knew of the Slay Moon Demon Cave’s existence—the Fenghuang God Sect!
“Don't worry too much.” Feng Zukui's expression was calm: “I just overheard the conversation between Mr. Zi and Grand Elder Mo of the Sea Palace. It seems Yun Che chose to stay inside voluntarily, so he must have a way to come out. Moreover, his master is the legendary 'Duotian Old Man,' said to have extraordinary abilities. So being trapped in the Slay Moon Demon Cave might not be absolutely fatal for Yun Che.”
“Yes, yes!” Feng Xue'er's tears pierced Feng Hengkong's heart like needles. He nodded frantically in agreement: “Your great-grandfather is absolutely right! For others, being trapped in the Slay Moon Demon Cave means certain death, but Yun Che is different! Back then, not even the Primordial Mystic Ark could trap him. Come back to the Sea Palace with your father first. Perhaps when you wake up tomorrow morning, he will have already come out.”
Feng Xue'er raised her jade hand to wipe the tears from her snow-white face and said softly, “I know… I believe more than anyone that Brother Yun will definitely… definitely come out safely. So, I will wait here for Brother Yun to come out. Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, Father, Crown Prince Brother, Xue'er is fine. You all go back to the Sea Palace first. After Xue'er waits for Brother Yun to come out, I will immediately go visit you all.”
“Tch…” Feng Xue'er's words and the determination on her face caused Feng Ximing's just-relaxed expression to twist again. He clenched his hands tightly and muttered viciously through his teeth: “Yun Che~~ fall into the eighteenth level of hell in the Slay Moon Demon Cave! Die! Die! Die!!!”
“Xue'er…”
“Don't try to persuade her.” Xia Yuanba walked over, his expression serious: “No matter how much you try, she won't leave here now. You all go back to the Sea Palace first. I'll stay here. When her emotions calm down a bit, I'll persuade her to return.”
“He is Xia Yuanba, the Saint Domain disciple said to possess the Overlord Emperor Divine Meridian! He is related to Yun Che by marriage.” Feng Hengkong transmitted to Feng Tianwei and Feng Zukui.
Their gazes toward Xia Yuanba instantly changed sharply.
Feng Hengkong frowned deeply, then let out a soft sigh: “In that case… Xue'er, we will be at the Blazing Heart Hall in the northwest of the Sea Palace. If anything happens, be sure to inform us through sound transmission… No matter how anxious or worried you are, your father is even more so. No matter what, don't force yourself or be hard on yourself.”
Feng Xue'er's beautiful eyes were misty: “Father…”
“Father, this is the Sea Palace after all. How can you leave Xue'er here alone? Please allow this child to stay and accompany…”
“Shut up!”
Feng Ximing hadn't finished speaking before Feng Hengkong sharply cut him off. Without even glancing at him, he turned to Feng Tianwei and Feng Zukui: “Father, Grandfather, let's leave for now. With us here, Xue'er will find it harder to calm down.”
The four from the Fenghuang God Sect left, and Zi Ji also departed. Above the now-calm barrier sea, only Feng Xue'er and Xia Yuanba remained, silently gazing at the sea-blue barrier, long speechless.
“Brother-in-law, you will definitely be alright!” Xia Yuanba clenched his fists, repeating silently.
“Brother Yun, Xue'er will wait here for you to come out safely.” Feng Xue'er pressed her hands to her chest, her beautiful eyes closed, her snow-white lips murmuring: “If Brother Yun doesn't come out in one day, Xue'er will wait one day. If he doesn't come out in one year, Xue'er will wait one year… If… if Brother Yun never comes back, Xue'er will stay… forever… forever here to accompany Brother Yun…”
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