Chapter One Hundred and Nine
When the Phoenix Sovereign’s imperial carriage entered the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace, it caused quite a stir within the celestial court.
A grand procession of forty-nine Phoenix Divine Beasts swept across the sky, stretching from the Heavenly Gate all the way to Phoenix Roost Palace, their numbers too vast to take in at a glance. The Unicorn Heavenly Horse Imperial Carriage carrying the Phoenix Sovereign passed through the Heavenly Gate and proceeded directly to Phoenix Roost Palace, while the Immortal Generals guarding the gate blinked in astonishment, not daring to stop it.
The Phoenix Sovereign’s status was on par with that of the Celestial Emperor, and this current Phoenix Sovereign was the Celestial Emperor’s only disciple. Moreover, the forty-nine phoenix lords accompanying her, each possessing profound Spiritual Power, served merely as her attendants. With such a divine entourage arriving at the Heavenly Palace, who would dare to obstruct her?
Fortunately, the new Phoenix Sovereign showed some consideration for the Immortal Generals guarding the Heavenly Gate. Before entering, she had someone present the invitation Hua Shu had sent to Wutong Phoenix Island.
It was widely known throughout the Three Realms that Hua Shu would be hosting a birthday celebration for Divine Lord Yuan Qi of Clear Pond Palace in three days. However, no one had expected that the new Phoenix Sovereign, who resided far away on Wutong Phoenix Island, would make such a grand and imposing entrance into the Heavenly Palace, accompanied by the Phoenix Clan, which had not ventured into the mortal world for a thousand years.
Though she was a guest from afar, her arrival bore the grandeur of a new emperor ascending the throne.
Inside Xiuyang Hall, Hua Shu, who had been resting with her eyes closed, was taken aback upon hearing Hong Que’s report.
It was unclear whether she was surprised that Feng Yin had left Wutong Phoenix Island or astonished that Feng Yin would enter the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace with such domineering force.
Neither scenario was something Hua Shu wished to see. The phoenix was the Emperor of All Birds, and Feng Yin was the sovereign while she was merely a subject. Moreover, it was because of Hua Shu that Feng Yin had failed her Nirvana Rebirth all those years ago. Though no one knew of this, Hua Shu still harbored a lingering unease toward Feng Yin.
For a thousand years, no female Immortal Lord among the Immortal Tribe had managed to outshine Hua Shu. Now, with the Phoenix Sovereign suddenly emerging, Hua Shu felt a sense of vigilance stirring within her.
“Why would she come to the Heavenly Palace?” Hua Shu’s expression turned cold and somber.
“The Immortal Generals guarding the gate said that when the Phoenix Sovereign entered the Heavenly Gate, she presented the invitation you sent to Phoenix Island, claiming she was here to attend Divine Lord Yuan Qi’s birthday celebration.”
Hua Shu had borne Yuan Qi’s anger in the Ghost Realm and knew he would not come to the Heavenly Palace. As soon as she returned, she informed the leaders of the various Immortal Sects that Yuan Qi was devoted to cultivation and would not attend the banquet. She added that, given Yuan Qi’s esteemed status, the birthday celebration would still be held in his honor.
Hua Shu was still relatively young, and without Yuan Qi’s presence, the banquet she hosted was not significant enough to warrant the personal attendance of the leaders from various mountain sects. Thus, most Immortal Sect Abodes sent their younger disciples instead. Though Hua Shu felt her pride wounded, she still made every effort to ensure the success of the banquet. With the selection of a new Celestial Emperor just a few months away, winning over the younger generation of various sects was an important matter for her.
“A thousand years ago, the Celestial Emperor decreed that the Phoenix Clan must no longer interfere in the affairs of the Three Realms. That invitation was merely a formality!” Hua Shu took a deep breath, her face flushed with anger.
Feng Ran’s decree to select a new Celestial Emperor in three months had already been issued. Over the years, the Peacock King had bestowed all of the Peacock Clan’s Heavenly Spirit Supreme Treasures upon his daughter. Hua Shu’s Spiritual Power had reached the peak of the High Lord level three hundred years ago, which was why she could rightfully govern the Four Seas. Having grown accustomed to wielding power in the Heavenly Palace and backed by Peacock Island, she naturally intended to contend for the position of Celestial Emperor in three months. However, she never expected Feng Yin to leave Wutong Phoenix Island.
If Feng Yin was willing to attend this birthday celebration, what about the competition for the Celestial Emperor in three months? Could it be that she also wanted to get involved?
Seeing Hua Shu’s expression grow increasingly grim, Hong Que couldn’t help but remind her, “Your Highness, the Phoenix Sovereign has entered Phoenix Roost Palace.”At these words, Hua Shu's expression grew even more unpleasant. A thousand years ago, that Water Condensation Beast Ayin had resided in Phoenix Roost Palace. After her death in Rakshasa Land, whether intentionally or not, no one had dared to live there since.
Seeing Hua Shu remain silent, Hong Que spoke again, "Your Highness, should we go to Phoenix Roost Palace to pay respects to the Phoenix Sovereign...?"
Before Hong Que could finish her sentence, Hua Shu shot her a cold glance. Trembling inwardly, Hong Que quickly knelt to beg forgiveness, "Your Highness, please calm your anger! This servant misspoke!"
The Phoenix Sovereign was the Emperor of All Birds. Although Hong Que was merely a maid of the Peacock Clan, she naturally felt deep submission and reverence toward the ruler of the Avian Clan from the bottom of her heart.
"She's just a little girl still wet behind the ears, only able to inherit the Phoenix Sovereign's position because of the Celestial Emperor's protection and favor. As the princess of the Peacock Clan and the Immortal Venerable Who Governs the Four Seas, why should I go pay respects to her?" Hua Shu's voice rang out coldly.
"Then, Your Highness..." Hong Que stammered, "Are we just going to leave the Phoenix Sovereign in Phoenix Roost Palace without any regard?"
"Treat her as a guest, that's all." Hua Shu regained her composure and waved her hand dismissively. "There are so many guests coming to the Heavenly Palace for the birthday celebration. Treat her like any other Immortal Lord guest."
"What if the other three High Venerables ask about it...?"
After the battle of Rakshasa Land, the Celestial Emperor Feng Ran still resided overseas on Phoenix Island, while Venerable Yu Feng secluded himself in Wind Spirit Palace. The other three High Venerables, not being female immortals, had little patience for managing the trivial affairs of the Heavenly Palace and had entrusted all daily matters to Hua Shu. Coincidentally, these three High Venerables had gone together to Kunlun Cave Abode to Discuss the Dao and would only return on the day of the birthday celebration itself.
"All three High Venerables have gone to Kunlun. When they return three days from now, it will already be the day of the birthday banquet. At that time, we can say that I was preoccupied with preparations for the banquet and unintentionally neglected the Phoenix Sovereign."
Hong Que looked surprised and wanted to say something, but after glancing at Hua Shu's expression, she didn't dare speak further. She acknowledged the order with a "Yes" and withdrew.
The Phoenix Sovereign's entry into the Heavenly Palace was a major event, yet Xiuyang Hall showed no sign of activity whatsoever, as if the arrival was not that of the Phoenix Sovereign but merely an ordinary Immortal Lord guest. The immortals waiting to see the Phoenix Sovereign's grace, observing Hua Shu's attitude, quietly began to understand the situation. After all, Hua Shu was the princess of the Peacock Clan and had governed the Four Seas for a thousand years—her pride was extremely high. By the looks of it, she was unwilling to submit to the new Phoenix Sovereign. Indeed, in a few months, a new Celestial Emperor would be crowned. If Hua Shu obtained the imperial throne, that position would be half a rank higher than the Phoenix Sovereign's.
With the Celestial Emperor not yet returned, Venerable Yu Feng secluded in Wind Spirit Palace, and the other three High Venerables gone to Kunlun to Discuss the Dao, the Immortal Lords attending the banquet in the Heavenly Palace felt they couldn't afford to offend either side. Thus, the number of immortals who had intended to go to Phoenix Roost Palace to pay respects to the Phoenix Sovereign quickly dwindled by more than half.
After all, that little Phoenix Sovereign had only just descended into the world. Even as a sovereign, she was still just a young girl. For the next thousands or tens of thousands of years, if no new talents emerged within the Immortal Tribe, the Heavenly Palace would likely defer to Princess Hua Shu.
In Phoenix Roost Palace, the peach tree behind the hall bloomed in vibrant reds and purples, its flowers unfading for a thousand years.
Feng Yin stood beneath the tree, somewhat dazed.
The Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace was the place most longed for by immortals, a place of utmost glory and power, yet her memories of the Heavenly Palace were not particularly pleasant.
The last days she had lived as a Water Condensation Beast were spent in this Heavenly Palace.
Cold stares, slander, ridicule, condemnation, imprisonment, thunder punishment—the most humiliating days of her life as Ayin were lived right here in Phoenix Roost Palace.
She just hadn't expected that a thousand years later, everything in Phoenix Roost Palace would remain exactly as it had been back then."Your Majesty." Feng Huan called out to Feng Yin, who seemed somewhat lost in thought, and reported, "There's still no movement in Xiuyang Hall, but a few Immortal Lords came to pay their respects to Your Majesty. I sent them all away."
For this visit to the Heavenly Palace, Feng Yin had brought only the younger generation of the Phoenix Clan. Feng Huan, who had recently been promoted to High Lord, served as her Guard Captain. He was resilient and taciturn, earning Feng Yin's deep trust.
"No movement is fine, no need to concern ourselves with her." Feng Yin waved her hand. "Have you paid a visit to Venerable Yu Feng at Wind Spirit Palace?"
"I have," Feng Huan replied. "However, Venerable Yu Feng has been in seclusion for a thousand years. I heard that even the Celestial Emperor has repeatedly invited him to assist in governing the Heavenly Palace, but he has politely declined."
A thousand years ago, during the battle at Rakshasa Land, Venerable Yu Feng's close friend, Lin Quan High Lord, fell in battle, and countless members of the Immortal Tribe were killed or injured. Moreover, the Demon Tribe had always pinned the assassination of the Demon Emperor on him. Unable to prove his innocence, Venerable Yu Feng became disheartened and withdrew into seclusion at Wind Spirit Palace, not leaving for a millennium. If not for this, the authority to assist in governing the Heavenly Palace would not have fallen into Hua Shu's hands.
Feng Yin nodded. "Understood. You may go. Investigate the matter I entrusted to you."
Feng Huan bowed in acknowledgment and retreated. After taking a few steps, he glanced back at the Phoenix Sovereign beneath the tree, feeling that her usually carefree figure seemed particularly lonely today.
When he looked up again, Feng Yin was no longer under the peach tree. Startled, he blinked and gazed at the empty courtyard before quietly withdrawing.
When news of the Phoenix Sovereign's arrival at the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace to attend Divine Lord Yuan Qi's birthday celebration reached Clear Pond Palace, Chang Que was quite taken aback. However, he dared not conceal it and hurriedly reported to Yuan Qi.
His Highness had returned to the mountain a few days ago, covered in blood, and had been recuperating—or rather, to put it nicely, recuperating, but in truth, he had simply been lost in thought—by the Clear Pond in the rear hall. Perhaps hearing this news would lift his spirits somewhat.
"You say she has taken up residence in Phoenix Roost Palace?" By the Clear Pond, Yuan Qi's expression seemed somewhat dazed.
"Yes," Chang Que nodded, glancing at Yuan Qi's expression. "The immortal messenger reported that the Phoenix Sovereign arrived at the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace riding a divine beast." He paused before adding, "Your Highness, for the Phoenix Sovereign to reside in Phoenix Roost Palace... perhaps she still remembers the sentiments of the past..."
"Sentiments of the past?" Yuan Qi raised his phoenix eyes slightly, a hint of self-mockery in his tone. "You mean the crimes pinned on her or her imprisonment?"
Chang Que fell silent, offering no reply. After a long while, he ventured another question: "Your Highness, will you not go to the Heavenly Palace to see Her Majesty Feng Yin?"
By the Clear Pond, Chang Que never received Yuan Qi's answer.
During the thousand years Hua Shu had been governing the Heavenly Palace, she would periodically invite the Ladies from various Immortal Sect Abodes to gather. This had become a pastime she never tired of in her long immortal journey. On the day before the birthday banquet, she followed her usual custom and hosted a small banquet for the Ladies in the garden of Xiuyang Hall.
"Venerable One, the peonies in your Xiuyang Hall are truly breathtakingly beautiful. Not just in the Heavenly Palace, but I doubt such exquisite and opulent flowers can be found anywhere else in the entire Immortal Realm."
The Ladies who had once been on Wutong Phoenix Island were no longer the naive and inexperienced youths of a thousand years ago. When it came to flattering Hua Shu, they had long since mastered the art.As Lady Nan Feng of the Southern Mountain Abode finished flattering with a smile, a chorus of agreement rose from the crowd. However, a few upright ladies, such as the princesses of the Dragon King and Lian Yue, sister of High Lord Lian Xi of Kunlun Abode, who had never gotten along well with Hua Shu, could not openly slight her and thus sat at a distance.
"Lady Nan Feng, your words are rather exaggerated," a soft, delicate laugh sounded nearby. "I’ve heard the peach blossoms in Phoenix Roost Palace are also unparalleled in the Heavenly Palace. I’ve always loved flowers and plants—I wonder when Your Highness might find time to take us to Phoenix Roost Palace to see those peach blossoms?"
The speaker was Lady Mu Rong, a member of the Second Prince of the Eastern Sea’s household. Due to some past grievances, her dislike for Hua Shu was almost an open secret. In recent years, Mu Rong had rarely attended Hua Shu’s banquets. Somehow, upon hearing that the Phoenix Sovereign had come to the Heavenly Palace, and with the Eastern Sea being nearby, she had used the Second Prince’s invitation to ascend to the Ninth Heaven to join the excitement and unexpectedly made it to this small banquet before Hua Shu’s birthday celebration.
As soon as she spoke, the garden fell silent.
Hua Shu’s expression tightened slightly, her gaze turning cold as it settled on Lady Mu Rong.
The Phoenix Sovereign was the ruler, while the sparrow was the subject. Hua Shu’s unwillingness to submit was plain for all to see—how could she possibly go to Phoenix Roost Palace to pay respects to the Phoenix Sovereign? These words were clearly meant to provoke her. Yet, the speaker happened to be the lawful wife of the Second Prince of the Eastern Sea and the treasured daughter of High Lord Mu Hua. The Dragon Clan of the Four Seas had always held high prestige and deep roots among the Immortal Tribe. Even Hua Shu could not easily punish her.
"Sister-in-law, His Highness assists in managing the Heavenly Palace and is busy with affairs. How could he have time to take us to Phoenix Roost Palace to admire flowers? If you like peach blossoms, I’ll accompany you to Phoenix Roost Palace tomorrow to pay respects to the Phoenix Sovereign and enjoy the blossoms," said Jin Yun, the Third Princess of the Southern Sea, who had married into the Mansion of High Lord Jing Lei years ago. Having lived in the Heavenly Palace for a long time, she understood Hua Shu’s proud nature well. Smoothing things over, she urgently tugged at Lady Mu Rong’s sleeve.
Seeing her husband’s cousin looking troubled, Lady Mu Rong snorted but ultimately fell silent.
"Jin Yun is right. This venerable one has been preoccupied with trivial matters lately, making gradual preparations for High Lord Yuan Qi’s birthday banquet, and I’m afraid I won’t have much time to spare," Hua Shu’s laughter came from the seat of honor, lightly picking up Jin Yun’s words. She took a sip of tea, adopting the demeanor of an elder and a high-ranking figure. "I’ve heard our young sovereign has never left Wutong Phoenix Island since birth. The Heavenly Palace has many rules—you could also advise the young sovereign, lest the Immortal Attendants accidentally offend him."
As Hua Shu leisurely finished speaking, the ladies below changed expressions but dared not defy her, preparing to agree.
Just then, the Azure Dragon Bell was struck. In the due east direction of the Heavenly Palace, the phantom of a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon flashed above the Hall of Imperial Cosmos, its majestic roar echoing through the heavens alongside the bell.
The Hall of Imperial Cosmos, the main hall of the Heavenly Palace that had not opened for a thousand years since the fall of the Former Heavenly Emperor Mu Guang, had actually been opened today.
The Hall of Imperial Cosmos was sealed by the Celestial Emperor—who could open it so easily?
The ladies in Xiuyang Hall looked astonished, their gazes turning toward Hua Shu.Hua Shu's face also showed unconcealable surprise. Frowning, she was about to order someone to investigate what had happened when Hong Que led an Immortal General through the courtyard gate.
"Your Highness, Jing Zhu Immortal General from Wind Spirit Palace requests an audience."
Since Yu Feng had secluded himself, the Immortal Generals from Wind Spirit Palace had not visited the Heavenly Palace for a long time. Hua Shu straightened her expression and looked solemnly at Jing Zhu.
"Jing Zhu pays respects to Venerable Hua Shu." Jing Zhu bowed respectfully.
"High Lord Jing Zhu, it has been some time since I last saw you. Has Venerable Yu Feng sent you to convey a message to this venerable one?"
"Yes, my lord learned that the Phoenix Sovereign has arrived at the Heavenly Palace and invites His Majesty to the Hall of Imperial Cosmos for a meeting. He specifically sent me to inform you, Venerable One." Jing Zhu looked at the gathering of ladies in the courtyard, his expression unchanged, and replied in a steady voice.
Venerable Yu Feng, who had secluded himself for a thousand years, has left Wind Spirit Palace? And he opened the Hall of Imperial Cosmos to invite the Phoenix Sovereign for a reunion?
The ladies in the courtyard exchanged glances and immediately turned their eyes to Hua Shu. As expected, Hua Shu's face revealed an inscrutable expression. Her voice lowered slightly, as if casually asking in return, "You said High Lord Yu Feng invited the Phoenix Sovereign to meet in the Hall of Imperial Cosmos?"
"Not only that." Jing Zhu's steady voice sounded again. "Venerable Jing Lei, Venerable Ling Dian, and Venerable Yan Huo, along with the Sect Leaders of the Three Mountains and Six Prefectures and the Kunlun Patriarch, having heard that the Phoenix Sovereign has arrived at the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace, have just personally come to the Nine-Layered Heaven and entered the Hall of Imperial Cosmos to pay their respects to His Majesty the Phoenix Sovereign."
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