# Chapter 823: Hell Netherworld Brahma Flower (Part 1)
When Yun Che landed in Phoenix City, Feng Zukui, Feng Tianwei, and Feng Hengkong, the three generations of Phoenix Emperor of the Shenhuang Empire, were standing there discussing something. Sensing Yun Che's presence, they turned around simultaneously, their expressions unanimous — all revealing faint smiles.
"Che'er, your timing is perfect. In just a little while, the grand banquet will begin." Feng Hengkong said with a chuckle. "The Supreme Sea Palace and the Sun Moon Divine Palace have already arrived, and both came with their Holy Lords in person. A sound transmission just reported that the Huangji Sacred Domain and the Tian Wei Sword Domain have also reached Shenhuang City and will soon be in Phoenix City. Such honor is virtually unprecedented in all of Tian Xuan Continent."
"Alas," Feng Zukui let out a low sigh, then a faint smile reappeared on his face. "The grudges of the past have all drifted away with the wind. Xue'er carries the future of our Fenghuang God Sect on her shoulders, and her feelings for you run deep. I only ask that you treat her well in the future."
"As for other matters, I cannot make guarantees or speak recklessly," Yun Che said solemnly. "But as for Xue'er, I will never betray her in this life. Phoenix Sect Master, where is Xue'er now?"
"Heh heh, at a time like this you're still calling him 'Phoenix Sect Master'? You should change to 'Emperor Father,'" Feng Tianwei said with a chuckle.
"It's fine. What you call me is ultimately unimportant." Feng Hengkong quickly interjected, though a trace of slight awkwardness flickered in his eyes. Half a year ago at Cangfeng Imperial City, Yun Che had told him in an icy tone that even after being with Xue'er, he would never address him as "Emperor Father" — because he would never forget who caused the death of Cang Yue's biological father.
"Xue'er is in the Feng Yin Pavilion. Qixian, take Palace Master Yun to the Feng Yin Pavilion," Feng Hengkong instructed.
"Yes, Sect Master." The Phoenix female disciple called Qixian stepped forward and respectfully led the way for Yun Che.
"Tian Wei Sword Domain Sword Master Xuanyuan Wentian and Young Sword Master Xuanyuan Wendao have arrived!"
An announcement, noticeably elevated in pitch, rang out. Following the Supreme Sea Palace and Sun Moon Divine Palace, the Tian Wei Sword Domain had also arrived — but it seemed only the father and son pair had come.
"It's the Tian Wei Sword Domain. Emperor Father, Grandfather, I'll go receive the guests." Feng Hengkong hurried off. Other guests could be received by the sect's elders, but when a Sacred Ground arrived, he naturally had to greet them personally.
In Phoenix City, the core was the central Phoenix Main Hall, but in the hearts of all Phoenix disciples, the Feng Yin Pavilion was the true "sacred ground" of the entire Phoenix City — because it was Feng Xue'er's private chambers after she left the Phoenix God. However, all Phoenix disciples, including the princes, could only occasionally gaze from afar, with almost no chance to approach, let alone be permitted to enter... that was absolutely impossible.
Upon entering the Feng Yin Pavilion, Feng Xue'er was sitting before her mirror, her snow-white face dusted with nervous pink. Seeing Yun Che approaching from the mirror's reflection, she turned around in delighted surprise: "Brother Yun!"
She wore a large red palace dress adorned with phoenix patterns, a pure jade belt lightly cinching a waist so slender it could be encircled with one hand. Her night-like long hair was loosely and leisurely undone, with a single light purple fragrant flower slanting from a hairpin. Her skin glowed with the soft luster of warm jade, her delicate lips naturally red without any rouge, tempting and alluring.
No matter when, Feng Xue'er was always flawlessly beautiful — a celestial maiden even without makeup.
Her originally exquisite and stunning heavenly face had shed a trace of youthful immaturity, gaining hints of charm. Though only faint, it was enough to captivate souls. Especially her eyes, like starlight and vast oceans — a gentle smile from them could enchant a thousand lifetimes of vanity.
The dreamlike glance he caught before losing consciousness after falling from Feng Jue Cliff all those years ago — those beautiful eyes had already been forever imprinted on his soul, never to fade for all eternity.
Yun Che's heart was like a pool stirred by a gentle breeze, rippling with wave after wave of emotion. He stepped forward and gently embraced Feng Xue'er, his fingers almost involuntarily stroking her snow-white neck. The fabric of her phoenix dress was fine and glossy, but it couldn't compare to the exposed snow-like jade skin beneath — even in the dim lighting of the Feng Yin Pavilion, it shimmered with crystalline jade luster.
"Xue'er, after the engagement ceremony, I'll take you to meet my parents, alright?" Yun Che said softly.
"Mm..." Feng Xue'er responded tenderly. Though they had only been apart for a little over ten days, her longing for him had only grown with each passing day.
Outside the main hall of the grand building, the Tian Wei Sword Domain had arrived — and indeed it was only Xuanyuan Wentian and his son Xuanyuan Wendao.
Nineteen days had passed, and the wound on Xuanyuan Wentian's right arm had fully healed. The man who was usually arrogantly unbounded and never put anyone in his eyes was today exceptionally humble and courteous, even returning Feng Hengkong's greeting almost simultaneously. As for Xuanyuan Wendao, he was even more thorough — not only was his usual domineering arrogance gone, but his eyes, which occasionally swept the surroundings, faintly flickered with fear and unease.
After brief pleasantries, Xuanyuan Wentian personally presented his congratulatory gift, then lowered his voice and said: "Phoenix Sect Master, might I ask where your esteemed son-in-law, Palace Master Yun, is currently?"
Feng Hengkong's eyes flickered. He said, "Che'er is currently with my daughter in the Feng Yin Pavilion. He'll be entering the main hall soon. Does Sword Master Xuanyuan have some instruction?"
"Instruction is too strong a word." Xuanyuan Wentian quickly said. He glanced at Xuanyuan Wendao, then continued: "Rather, I have a favor to ask. My worthless son Wendao has an important matter he wishes to discuss privately with Palace Master Yun. I wonder if it might be possible..."
Feng Hengkong hesitated: "This..."
"To be honest," Xuanyuan Wentian sighed, "You witnessed the matter at the Demon Sword Assembly with your own eyes, Phoenix Sect Master. Now, both my son's and my lives are in your son-in-law's hands. Today presents an extremely rare opportunity for reconciliation. If you don't help, Phoenix Sect Master, I'm afraid the ten-thousand-year foundation of my Tian Wei Sword Domain will be destroyed by me, and I, Xuanyuan Wentian, will become an eternal sinner of the Sword Domain... I implore you to grant this favor, Phoenix Sect Master. My son and I will be eternally grateful."
With that, he bowed deeply to Feng Hengkong.
If it were before, Xuanyuan Wentian would never have been so humble and courteous to Feng Hengkong — let alone bow to him; even dreaming of it would have been unthinkable. Yet now, it was all happening right before Feng Hengkong's eyes.
The dignified Sword Master of the Sword Domain, one of the four great Holy Lords of Tian Xuan, was pleading with gentle words and bowing deeply before him... Feng Hengkong's vision blurred momentarily, and he felt light-headed, almost doubting he was dreaming. The vanity and pride swelling in his heart were utterly unprecedented. He quickly stepped forward to support Xuanyuan Wentian's arms, saying, "Sword Master Xuanyuan, such a grand courtesy is more than I deserve... Since that's the case, Young Sword Master, please come with me."
"Thank you, Phoenix Sect Master, for granting this."
Xuanyuan Wentian expressed his thanks, then stood still, watching as Xuanyuan Wendao followed Feng Hengkong away... Gradually, his eyes and expression became shrouded in a heavy gloom.
Though filled with endless resentment and unwillingness, he knew well that his words were in no way exaggerated — both his and his son's lives, as well as the fate of the Tian Wei Sword Domain, were firmly in Yun Che's grasp.
Their only choice now was to stay alive... even if it meant losing all dignity.
Because only by staying alive would there be a chance!
He turned his head to look at Feng Ximing standing nearby. Their eyes met, and Feng Ximing lowered his head as if electrocuted, his whole body shrinking.
Just as Feng Hengkong approached the Feng Yin Pavilion with Xuanyuan Wendao, he saw Yun Che and Feng Xue'er walking side by side, seemingly heading toward the main hall. He hurried forward and said: "Che'er, the Young Sword Master Xuanyuan has something he wishes to discuss privately with you. What do you think..."
"Oh?" Yun Che glanced at Xuanyuan Wendao. He knew full well why Xuanyuan Wendao was looking for him. A faint smile crossed his face: "Since that's the case, let's hear what he has to say. Xue'er, wait for me here. I'll be right back."
Yun Che strode forward, wearing a smile, and called out loudly from a distance: "So it's the Young Sword Master Xuanyuan. Might I ask what business you have with me, Yun Che?"
The Feng Yin Pavilion area was the most peaceful place in Phoenix City. Xuanyuan Wendao swept his gaze around and didn't see any Phoenix disciples nearby, which eased his mind slightly. He quickly forced a smile onto his face — one that could almost be called fawning: "Palace Master Yun, I have come today first to congratulate you and Princess Xue'er on your union, and second... to apologize for my offenses."
"Apologize?" Yun Che narrowed his eyes.
Xuanyuan Wendao gritted his teeth and said: "My father and I repeatedly offended you during those days at the Sea Palace, and nearly put you in danger. We were blind and extremely stupid. My father and I have deeply regretted it every day since, and we only implore you, Palace Master Yun, to be magnanimous and not take offense at the faults of petty people like us. My father and I will remember your grace, and from now on, should you have any need, our Tian Wei Sword Domain will be at your disposal."
"..." Yun Che fell silent. Xuanyuan Wendao's words were nothing short of utterly humble. If the world heard them, no one would believe they came from the mouth of a Sacred Ground.
"Young Sword Master Xuanyuan, you exaggerate," Yun Che replied indifferently.
Xuanyuan Wendao's body trembled, because he was trampling his own half-lifetime of dignity with his words: "Besides the offenses at the Supreme Sea Palace, my father and I have also committed many acts of offense... and sin... against your family in the past."
"In the past?" Yun Che's brow furrowed slightly, and his voice turned a few degrees colder. "What do you mean by that, Young Sword Master Xuanyuan? I'm afraid I don't understand."
Though he didn't state it explicitly, Xuanyuan Wendao knew Yun Che was surely already aware. He didn't dare speak it outright, so he lowered his head and forced himself to continue: "Palace Master Yun must have heard the saying... a living person is always more useful than a dead one! Our deaths would indeed vent your anger... but keeping us alive will certainly allow us to do more for you."
Yun Che: "..."
"I've said what I needed to say. I believe that with your wisdom and magnanimity, Palace Master Yun, you've already made up your mind. I'll... I'll take my leave now. In the future, if there's anything you need me to do, Palace Master Yun, please feel free to command me. I will do my utmost to satisfy you..."
Xuanyuan Wendao finished speaking, took two steps back, then lowered his head and quickly left. Yun Che stared at his retreating back, his brow slightly furrowed. Xuanyuan Wendao feared death — that was evident from what happened on the Sea God Platform that day. But his capacity for "flexibility" wouldn't reach this level on its own. Behind it was obviously the "teaching" of Xuanyuan Wentian.
"Brother Yun." Feng Xue'er walked over and gently took his arm, smiling brightly. "You're amazing. The Young Sword Master of the Tian Wei Sword Domain was so scared in front of you."
Though she hadn't heard what they said, she had clearly seen Xuanyuan Wendao's cowering manner.
"He's not afraid of me," Yun Che said, shaking his head with a laugh. "He's afraid of my master. As for me, I'm just borrowing that power. When I can make them willingly trample their own dignity and 'fawn' before me with my own strength — that's when you can praise me."
"Hehe, Brother Yun is so amazing; that day won't be far off. By the way, did Brother Yun's master come today?" Feng Xue'er asked. Her mood was as beautiful as the phoenix flowers blooming in her courtyard.
"Mm, but she likes peace and quiet, so she probably won't show herself. Though she might be peeking at us from somewhere," Yun Che said with a smile. But thinking about the strange, hazy feeling he'd sensed from Mo Li today, he felt a slight heaviness in his heart.
As the hour gradually approached nine in the morning, Yun Che and Feng Xue'er walked side by side toward the Phoenix Main Hall.
"Huangji Sacred Domain Holy Emperor Huangji Wuyu has arrived, accompanied by Pain True Person, Absolute Heart True Person, Nine Sighs True Person, Seven Precepts True Person, Gu Cang True Person... a total of fourteen distinguished guests!"
The Huangji Sacred Domain had finally arrived, and their lineup was equally world-shaking. Not only had the Holy Emperor come in person, but among the thirteen people he brought, all twelve True Persons were present. The other person was Xia Yuanba.
Even the elder-level figures of the Huangji Sacred Domain weren't qualified to be brought by him to attend this engagement banquet.