“Turn!”
Ling Xiao’s pupils contracted sharply, releasing a powerful soul force that seemed to distort space itself.
No, it truly was distorted.
Kong He, the Peacock Phoenix Son, had been charging straight at him, but as he got close, he visibly veered, circling over Ling Xiao’s head.
To an onlooker, it might seem the Peacock Phoenix Son chose not to harm him.
Only Ling Xiao and those nearby, like Ji Mingkong, understood what had happened.
Kong He glanced back at Ling Xiao, his eyes flashing with irritation and surprise.
But he soon turned and flew away.
On the Divine Phoenix Continent, unlike humans, most clans could fly shortly after birth.
Of course, they needed to be in bird form to do so. Only upon reaching the Heavenly Human Realm could they gradually fly in semi-human form.
This was an advantage over the humans of the Heavenly Dragon Continent.
In combat, however, there wasn’t much difference. Their bloodline powers were very similar to martial spirits.
In fact, human martial spirits were created by the Human King, inspired by the demon clans’ bloodline powers, and could even surpass them.
Martial spirits were more versatile than bloodline powers.
“The Peacock Phoenix Son is truly impressive. No wonder he ranks in the top ten of the Phoenix Fledgling List. Both strength and presence are top-notch!” the crowd murmured, watching Kong He fly off, filled with envy.
In the Mysterious Realm, martial prowess was revered.
A powerful warrior, no matter their clan, was honored and respected everywhere.
“Kong He, I don’t bother competing with you in speed. Otherwise, your Peacock Clan could never match our Thunder Eagle Clan,” a figure crackling with lightning shot past, startling the crowd into covering their ears.
It was like a thunderclap.
On the Divine Phoenix Continent, only the top ten on the Phoenix Fledgling List earned the title “Phoenix Son.”
These ten Phoenix Sons included two from the Fire Phoenix Clan, two from the Ice Phoenix Clan, two from the Nether Phoenix Clan, and one each from the Peacock Clan, Thunder Eagle Clan, Great Peng Clan, and Vermilion Bird Clan.
The Nether Phoenix Clan held a unique position on the Divine Phoenix Continent.
They had once attempted a rebellion and were defeated, losing their right to compete for the Emperor’s throne.
Thus, when people spoke of the Phoenix Clans, they usually meant the Fire and Ice Phoenix Clans, with little mention of the reclusive Nether Phoenix Clan.
“I heard there’s trouble on the Heavenly Dragon Continent, and with the Emperor election approaching, all ten Phoenix Sons have arrived in the Imperial City. Things are about to get lively.”
“Indeed, I just heard that a terrifying youth appeared at a clothing shop outside, beating even Feng Yanran from Qingxu Academy’s Fledgling Phoenix Class.”
“Not just that, they also crippled a noble lady from the Phoenix Clan.”
“So powerful!”
“Absolutely, must be someone with a big background. The Imperial City’s going to be buzzing. We came at the right time.”
Hearing the crowd’s chatter, Ling Xiao only smiled faintly.
While the ten Phoenix Sons were generally stronger than the twenty prodigies of the Heavenly Dragon Continent, he, Saint Son Ji Mingkong, Qin Bixue, Mo Wushang, Bai Qianjiao, Hong Li, and Long Chen could definitely hold their own against them.
Especially he and Ji Mingkong—if they wanted, securing a Phoenix Son title wasn’t impossible.
“Let’s keep moving,” Ling Xiao said, his fighting spirit ignited after witnessing the strength of the Peacock and Thunder Eagle Phoenix Sons.
He wasn’t their match now, but give it some time, and that might change.
…
Inside the Imperial Palace.
This was the power core of the Divine Phoenix Empire, and indeed the entire Divine Phoenix Continent.
Though the empire hadn’t unified the continent, it was undeniably the strongest and largest nation, with surrounding countries paying tribute.
The palace was a city within a city.
Its grandeur and vastness surpassed even the inner and outer cities.
The rising aura of royal destiny made it clear who resided there.
The palace was heavily guarded, with formidable warriors making intrusion nearly impossible for ordinary martial artists.
It was divided into four sections: Fire Phoenix Palace, Ice Phoenix Palace, Emperor’s Palace, and the Rear Palace.
The Fire and Ice Phoenix Palaces housed the two heir-apparents, Feng Yinshan and Feng Mingqishan, potential successors to the Emperor.
Their safety was paramount.
Rumour had it each palace was protected by a thousand overt and covert defenses, making it nearly impossible to reach the center.
In the Fire Phoenix Palace, Feng Yinshan sat at a desk, reviewing memorials.
His plain attire and refined demeanor made the heir-apparent seem approachable.
Yet his eyes gleamed with wisdom and depth, as if he could see through everything.
The issues in the memorials were easily resolved under his intellect.
Per Divine Phoenix Empire tradition, memorials not involving state fundamentals could be handled by the heir-apparents, preparing them for the throne.
But “not fundamental” didn’t mean simple. Many trivial matters were trickier to handle.
This tested the heir-apparents’ capabilities.
A waft of fragrance drifted in, and Feng Yinshan frowned slightly before smiling.
With a creak, the door was pushed open.
A woman entered, the fragrance emanating from her.
Feng Yinshan looked up with a warm smile, like a spring breeze.
“Brother Yinshan, you have to stand up for me!” the woman said, hands on hips, fuming.
It was Feng Yanran.
Here, she shed her elegance and nobility, acting like a younger sister next door.
“Sit down first. Who dared offend our princess? The Peacock Phoenix Son or the Thunder Eagle Phoenix Son? They just arrived in the Imperial City today, and you were out playing. Did they really bully you?” Feng Yinshan asked with a smile, setting down his brush.
“Not them!” Feng Yanran said, transforming in front of her cousin, her personality shifting, likely due to their close bond.
“Oh? I guessed wrong?” Feng Yinshan was surprised.
Few things in the Imperial City escaped his informants.
He’d known about the Peacock and Thunder Eagle Phoenix Sons’ arrival days ago.
Was there something he didn’t know?
Unless it just happened, and his informants hadn’t reported yet.
“Brother Yinshan, you’re sharp, but you won’t guess this. It’s about some refugee warriors from the Heavenly Dragon Continent,” Feng Yanran said with a smile.
