Chapter 117
In the Hall of Imperial Cosmos, Yuan Qi sat upon the highest seat, with five High Venerables of the Heavenly Palace positioned below him. The Sect Leaders of various Immortal Mansions took their seats in order. All the immortals had arrived, yet only the sovereign throne prepared for Feng Yin to Yuan Qi’s right remained empty.
As the auspicious hour for the birthday banquet approached, Yu Feng glanced at the sky and turned his gaze toward Yuan Qi.
"Your Highness, the Phoenix Sovereign has just arrived at the Heavenly Palace and may not be familiar with its halls and pavilions. Should I send an Immortal Attendant to urge her…"
Yu Feng was aware of Feng Yin’s identity, and he truly feared that the young Phoenix Sovereign still harbored resentment over the events of a thousand years ago, holding such anger toward Yuan Qi that she might not even bother attending the banquet.
"No need. She has always been prone to getting lost. It’s just a banquet—we can wait for her," Yuan Qi waved his hand dismissively.
Upon hearing this, Venerable Yu Feng felt a sense of clarity in his heart. It seemed Divine Lord Yuan Qi’s affection for the Phoenix Sovereign remained unchanged from the past.
The other venerable immortals and Sect Leaders in the hall exchanged knowing glances, savoring the rumors that had just spread through the Heavenly Palace, unable to conceal their curiosity. It was said that early in the morning, Divine Lord Yuan Qi had visited Phoenix Roost Palace to admire the scenery, suggesting that a joyous union between Clear Pond Palace and Wutong Phoenix Island might be imminent.
Since the battle at Rakshasa Land a thousand years ago, Yuan Qi had distanced himself from the Immortal Tribe and had no further dealings with the Heavenly Palace. If he were to marry Feng Yin, the disciple of the Celestial Emperor, it would surely curb the rampant arrogance of the Demon Tribe, greatly benefiting the Immortal Tribe.
Hua Shu, however, was unusually quiet. She typically enjoyed taking charge of such occasions, and today’s birthday banquet had been largely her doing. Yet now, she sat silently in her honored seat, seemingly distracted. The other immortals, recalling the incident by the Lingering Immortal Pond, assumed she was embarrassed by the loss of face and paid little mind to her unusual demeanor.
Feng Yin’s delayed arrival was indeed due to getting lost in the Heavenly Palace, just as Yuan Qi had suspected.
All the attendants serving in Phoenix Roost Palace were from her Phoenix Island. Feng Huan had been sent out on an errand, so she had casually brought Feng Yu along. Feng Yu, the daughter of the Elder, had been muddle-headed and fond of excitement since childhood, and she had begged repeatedly to accompany Feng Yin to the Heavenly Palace. Though simple in nature, her Spiritual Power was exceptional among the younger generation. She had already reached the peak of High Lord cultivation three hundred years ago, making it difficult for ordinary immortals to approach her. Feng Yu led her Phoenix Sovereign through the pavilions and towers of the Heavenly Palace for quite some time, finally finding the way, only to collide head-on with an immortal rushing by near the stone bridge of Huaqing Pond.
"Ouch!" Feng Yu, who had never left Phoenix Island before, found everything new and fascinating. Upon seeing the handsome and gentle immortal who had bumped into her, she couldn’t help but exclaim.
The newcomer quickly steadied her, asking with concern, "This humble immortal was careless. Is the fairy alright?"
"Not alright at all! My waist is practically broken from your bump!" Feng Yu seized the opportunity to grab the immortal’s sleeve, putting on a pained expression.
Unexpectedly, the immortal chuckled softly, "Even though this humble immortal has long resided in remote mountains, I can see that the fairy possesses profound Immortal Power. I’m afraid this mere bump of mine wouldn’t be enough to break the fairy’s waist."
Feng Yin, who had been lost in thought and hadn’t paid attention to the minor incident, suddenly found the immortal’s voice familiar upon hearing it. She looked up and exclaimed in surprise, "Qing Yi!"
The young man whose sleeve Feng Yu was holding also paused in surprise. He raised his head to look at the person standing behind the little fairy holding him, a puzzled expression appearing on his face. "You are…" Seeing that her sovereign knew this immortal, Feng Yu dared not continue her playful antics and hastily stepped aside.Qing Yi noticed Feng Yin's attire and the faint divine power emanating from her, recalling recent rumors, and promptly bowed in greeting, "Qing Yi of Great Marsh Mountain pays respects to Your Majesty, the Phoenix Sovereign." He raised his head, "Does Your Majesty recognize this humble immortal?"
Feng Yin concealed her momentary lapse and returned to her usual composure, nodding slightly. "The Phoenix Island holds the collected texts of various immortal sects. The spiritual power within you is cultivated through the Great Marsh Mountain techniques, which is how I recognized it somewhat."
It was one thing to have studied the Great Marsh Mountain techniques, but to also speak his name so readily—this Phoenix Sovereign seemed unusually attentive to Great Marsh Mountain. Qing Yi suppressed his inner doubts and clasped his hands respectfully. "So that is how it is."
"I have heard..." Feng Yin paused briefly before asking, "After the chaos at Great Marsh Mountain back then, the mountain's entrance was sealed by Divine Lord Yuan Qi's divine power. May I ask where you have cultivated over the past millennium, Immortal Lord?"
Qing Yi's eyes flickered slightly, and he glanced at Feng Yin with a hint of confusion but still replied dutifully, "Since the mountain entrance was sealed, I wished to gain more experience and did not remain at my uncle Yuan Qi's Clear Pond Palace. Instead, I have been wandering throughout the Three Realms."
Feng Yin was Feng Ran's disciple and could be considered a longtime acquaintance of his uncle Yuan Qi. Qing Yi felt a certain warmth and goodwill toward this Phoenix Sovereign he had never met before.
A shadow passed through Feng Yin's eyes. Great Marsh Mountain had once been so prosperous, yet now its only disciple had no mountain gate left for cultivation.
"Phoenix Island is naturally endowed with spiritual veins, making it highly suitable for cultivation. If you have time in the future, Immortal Lord Qing Yi, you are welcome to visit my Wutong Phoenix Island at any time." Seeing Qing Yi's surprised expression, Feng Yin added, "There is no need for concern, Immortal Lord. High God Dong Hua once gifted me the Soul Suppressing Pagoda to temper my soul, a kindness I have always remembered. Meeting you today is also a matter of fate."
Hearing Feng Yin mention this, Qing Yi suddenly understood. Although he had been a mere child when he entered Great Marsh Mountain a thousand years ago, he had heard of this old tale. He bowed to Feng Yin. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly visit Phoenix Island to pay my respects." He then glanced in Feng Yu's direction. "Your Majesty, earlier I was in a hurry to attend my uncle Yuan Qi's birthday banquet at the Hall of Imperial Cosmos and accidentally offended the fairy from Phoenix Island. I ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness."
"It is of no consequence. We are also on our way to the banquet. You seldom come to the Heavenly Palace and may not know the way. Feng Yu, step forward and lead the way." Feng Yin waved her hand toward Feng Yu.
Upon hearing that this handsome immortal lord would be accompanying them, Feng Yu immediately beamed with joy and, without hesitation, darted to Qing Yi's side, pointing toward a palace in the east from which faint music drifted. "Your Majesty, the Hall of Imperial Cosmos is over there. I will lead you and Immortal Lord Qing Yi there."
As she spoke, she tugged at Qing Yi's sleeve and began walking. Feng Yin followed behind the two, watching Qing Yi's slender and solitary figure with a faint trace of sorrow in her eyes.
The Qing Yi who had once tugged at her sleeve, calling her "Aunt-Master" and leading her all over the mountains, had now become this mature and reserved figure.
Apart from her and Yuan Qi, of the vast Great Marsh Mountain, only he remained.
After taking a few steps, Feng Yin suddenly glanced slightly toward the sky above Huaqing Pond behind her, her eyes flickering, before continuing toward the Hall of Imperial Cosmos.
Once the figures of the three disappeared at the end of the stone bridge, a surge of immortal power stirred in the air above Huaqing Pond. Yan Shuang parted the immortal mist and landed on the bridge.
Given Feng Yin's divine power, she had likely detected her presence, hadn't she?
Why was this newly descended Phoenix Sovereign so familiar with Great Marsh Mountain? And why had Hong Yi asked her to come to the Heavenly Palace to seek help from Feng Yin?
She rubbed the golden whip at her waist, her eyes reflecting the same confusion as Qing Yi's.In the Hall of Imperial Cosmos, the assembled Immortal Lords waited for a full half-incense stick of time before finally seeing the Phoenix Sovereign enter the great hall. When they noticed Qing Yi following behind her, many of the older Immortal Lords showed expressions of surprise.
A thousand years ago, Qing Yi had been rescued by a High Immortal of the Heavenly Palace and remained there to recuperate, so the Immortal Venerables and Sect Leaders in the hall naturally recognized him. As the sole remaining disciple of Great Marsh Mountain, he had been almost unheard from in recent years. No one expected him to appear in the Heavenly Palace today.
Qing Yi bowed to the assembled High Immortals, and Yu Feng personally arranged an additional seat for him.
Once Feng Yin and Qing Yi were seated, the Azure Dragon Bell tolled, and the birthday banquet finally began.
Hua Shu snapped back to attention at the sound of the bell, mustering her energy to preside over the banquet.
The Hall of Imperial Cosmos was filled with joyous guests, celestial maidens dancing to music, yet only the two seated in the high positions remained expressionless throughout.
The old Dragon King of the Southern Sea was a shrewd man. Noticing Yuan Qi's indifferent demeanor, he suddenly raised his cup to toast him. "Divine Lord, today is your thousandth birthday. This old Dragon King has something to say, though I wonder if it is appropriate?"
"Oh? What is it?" Yuan Qi drank the wine offered by the Dragon King and smiled.
"Among our Southern Sea relatives, there are still several princesses who have yet to marry. Since you, Divine Lord, remain unmarried and are in the prime of your life, might you be willing to take a few wives or concubines into Clear Pond Palace to serve you?"
The Dragon King's clan was famously fond of taking many wives and concubines. Though this proposal was inelegant, it was in line with the old Dragon King's usual temperament. However, given Yuan Qi's status, how could mere princesses from the Southern Sea's relatives possibly be worthy of him? Moreover, who didn't know by now that Divine Lord Yuan Qi likely had feelings for the Phoenix Sovereign?
Hearing the Dragon King's words, Feng Yin's expression remained unchanged, though she raised an eyebrow slightly.
Yuan Qi also hadn't expected the old Dragon King to suddenly ask such a question. He paused for a moment before politely declining, "Dragon King, your kindness is appreciated, but I have no intention of marrying. Please do not take offense." As he spoke, he raised a cup in return as an apology.
The old Dragon King drank the wine without taking offense, merely smiling and sighing. "Is it that you, Divine Lord, are unwilling to marry, or that you already have someone in mind and do not wish to enter into a marriage lightly?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Yuan Qi instinctively glanced to the side, only to meet Feng Yin's gaze. Both felt somewhat awkward and immediately looked away, each picking up their wine cups to drink.
This scene did not escape the eyes of the assembled immortals in the hall—none failed to understand its meaning.
"Hahaha, it seems the Divine Lord already has someone in his heart! This old dragon has overstepped!" The old Dragon King stroked his beard and laughed heartily.
Seeing the Southern Sea Dragon King laugh as if he had struck a gold mine, the Immortal Venerables couldn't help but inwardly scorn the old dragon. Truly, a creature who had lived tens of thousands of years—no one could match his cunning. By helping Yuan Qi break through half a layer of the window paper, if Clear Pond Palace and Wutong Phoenix Island were to become in-laws in the future, Divine Lord Yuan Qi would owe the Southern Sea a great favor.
The Immortal Lords in the hall wore various smiles, almost ready to settle the marriage between these two families in their minds, when suddenly a surge of demonic power rippled outside the Hall of Imperial Cosmos. The expressions of the immortals inside changed drastically. Before they could rise, a seductive female voice echoed from midair outside the hall.
"Chang Yun of the Fox race, by decree of the Demon Emperor, has come specially to congratulate Divine Lord Yuan Qi on his thousandth birthday!"
As the demonic wind dissipated, Chang Yun, Elder of the Fox race, stood on the stone steps outside the Hall of Imperial Cosmos in a fiery red robe, leading twelve elite members of the Demon Tribe. She nodded slightly in Yuan Qi's direction.
The Hall of Imperial Cosmos fell silent. Aside from Yuan Qi, Feng Yin, and Qing Yi, nearly every gaze directed at Chang Yun burned with anger.Back when the Demon Tribe ignited the war in Rakshasa Land, how many of the Immortal Tribe were slaughtered, a debt of blood piled high. Now, barely a thousand years have passed, yet the Demon Emperor dares to send people straight into the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace—does he think the Immortal Tribe has no one left?
Even the usually steady Venerable Yu Feng, recalling the death of High Immortal Quan Lin, felt anger rising in his eyes. Since Lan Feng's death, Hua Shu had harbored a deep-seated hatred for Hong Yi. Seeing Chang Yun of the Fox race appear now, she swept her sleeves and rose in fury. "How dare a mere member of the Demon Tribe trespass into the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace! Immortal Generals, where are you? Seize this Fox race member for this venerable one!"
Having long held authority in the Heavenly Palace, Hua Shu's command was immediately heeded. Outside the Hall of Imperial Cosmos, Immortal Generals raised their long halberds, pointing them at Chang Yun and her companions.
Chang Yun remained utterly unmoved. She looked toward Yuan Qi seated above and clasped her hands in salute.
"I never expected that with Divine Lord Yuan Qi present, a mere one of the Heavenly Palace's Five Venerables could overstep the Divine Lord to issue a death sentence against us."
She met Yuan Qi's gaze, neither humble nor arrogant. "Chang Yun would like to ask: Is Your Highness Yuan Qi the Divine Lord of the Heavenly Palace, or the master of Clear Pond Palace?"
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