Chapter 436-437 (Patreon)

436. Re-entering the Secret Realm, Encountering the Phoenix!

"Buzz."

Within Lin Fei, a new bloodline emerged. The Phoenix bloodline!

"System."

Lin Fei promptly accessed the system for a check.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Realm: Late-stage Martial King

Supreme Saber Dao Bloodline: Perfection

Grand Yin Wind Dao Bloodline: Perfection

Triple Yin True Fire Bloodline: Perfection

Supreme Yang Heavenly Thunder Bloodline: Perfection

Annihilation Frost Bloodline: Perfection

Earth Pulse Divine Mountain Spirit Communication Bloodline: Perfection

Endless Vitality Green Wood Bloodline: Perfection

Phoenix Bloodline: Mastery (Progress 56%)

Lin Fei's Phoenix bloodline wasn't at the beginner level but at mastery. It started at mastery! In fact, it's not far from transcendence.

Lin Fei realized this was due to the trace of genuine Phoenix blood within him. Just this mere trace had propelled his Phoenix bloodline to mastery. As for transcendence, he was still slightly lacking.

"Whoosh."

Lin Fei opened his eyes. Perfecting the Phoenix bloodline seemed rather straightforward. If one trace of genuine Phoenix blood wasn't enough, he'd need two or three traces. After all, within the secret realm, there was a genuine Phoenix!

Thus, Lin Fei got up and directly approached Feng Ling.

"Feng Ling, I've chosen the Phoenix bloodline as my eighth bloodline. To perfect it, I need more of the genuine Phoenix blood. Hence, I plan to re-enter the secret realm."

"Genuine Phoenix blood?" Feng Ling nodded, "Alright, let's enter together. But be cautious. The Phoenix is continually growing stronger as it undergoes its rebirth from the flames. It's been some time since we last entered the secret realm. The Phoenix might have grown even stronger."

Lin Fei was aware. When the Phoenix undergoes its rebirth from the flames, it doesn't even need to cultivate. It just needs to patiently wait. And it will recover its peak divine strength.

Hence, Lin Fei, along with Feng Ling, arrived at the mountain's secret entrance. Feng Ling opened the entrance. Hand in hand, the two stepped back into the secret realm.

"We're back!"

Both found the surroundings familiar. From afar, they saw the massive plane tree. On the tree, a dazzling red glow was unmistakably the Phoenix!

Moreover, the genuine Phoenix blood within both of them began to faintly "pulse" as they neared the plane tree, becoming incredibly active.

"Let's go!"

Lin Fei pulled Feng Ling forward, quickly reaching the base of the plane tree.

"Whoosh."

The Phoenix opened its eyes. Terrifying flames spread out in all directions.

"You're back."

To their surprise, the Phoenix spoke human words.

"Huh?"

Lin Fei was slightly taken aback. However, upon reflection, it wasn't surprising. The Phoenix was a being at the pinnacle of divinity. Speaking was nothing special. It would be stranger if it couldn't speak!

Indeed, strictly speaking, the bloodline within Feng Ling and others of the Feng Clan is all of the phoenix bloodline. They have a close relationship with the phoenix.

Lin Fei remained silent, and Feng Ling's expression also grew solemn. She has never conversed with the true phoenix either. Even in ancient texts, they all warn future generations that only when absolutely necessary should one enter the secret realm. Only when the formation's power is weakened, that is, at the level of the Martial King, can one enter the secret realm. And Feng Ling entered the secret realm only when the true phoenix was weakened.

However, last time, the true phoenix did not speak. It seemed that because last time, the true phoenix had just undergone rebirth through the flames. Its wisdom was not particularly high.

"In my memory, there are images of you. Last time, you came as well. But at that time, I was unable to command, allowing you to succeed. Are you here again to demand my blood?"

The gaze of the true phoenix appeared very calm. It seemed that neither Lin Fei nor Feng Ling drawing its blood had provoked its anger. Instead, it remained remarkably calm as if a sage.

"You already know?" Lin Fei inquired.

"To which aspect do you refer? If you mean your last visit to the secret realm, then yes, I know. However, last time, I had not yet attained enlightenment, unable to communicate with you. This time, I have unlocked enlightenment, thus able to communicate with you. But your actions from last time are still remembered."

Lin Fei fell silent. This situation was somewhat awkward. Last time, he forcibly took the blood of the true phoenix. And now, here he was, would take blood from the phoenix. How could he speak?

"Your intention to draw blood differs from last time. If I do not consent, none of you can take my blood. Even if you defeat me, I can immediately choose Nirvana. At that time, unless you can endure waiting for a long time, for me to undergo rebirth through the flames again, grow stronger, only then can you draw blood."

Lin Fei and Feng Ling exchanged a glance. Dealing with an intelligent true phoenix was truly challenging. Not fearing the opponent's strength but their wisdom. Because with wisdom, they could choose mutually assured destruction or leave Lin Fei with nothing.

"True phoenix, what do you desire in exchange for a drop of true phoenix blood?" Lin Fei suddenly asked.

He also discerned the implied meaning in the other's words. It seemed that the other party wasn't entirely incapable of extracting true phoenix blood. It's just that they also needed something.

"A promise! I only need one promise! Young man, I can sense the boundless potential within you. Your future achievements are limitless! At the very least, becoming a god-level being, you will have no issues. I need a promise from you."

"A promise? What kind of promise?" Lin Fei inquired.

"Young man, rest assured, do not be so wary. I will not harm you, and the phoenix scorns to use deceit and lies to deceive you. Only cultivators like you would cunningly employ lies and deceit. Just like that person did back then, tricking me into this cage, permanently trapping me. I only need your promise, that in the future, if you can achieve Dao Integration as a true immortal. Then, break this small world and release me."

A jolt went through Lin Fei's heart. Dao Integration True Immortal! From within the Dubhe Dao Artifact, he already understood. Among the immortal cultivators, there were stages of Nascent Soul and Deity Transformation.

Beyond Deity Transformation lay Void Transformation. An enigma, almost unfathomable. The above Void Transformation was Dao Integration. Dao Integration - the very definition of a True Immortal!

Immortals, with vast Divine Abilities, infinite lifespans, living in eternal leisure.

Achieving the utmost freedom is the epitome of leisure. Once one reached Dao Integration, they truly became immortal, virtually omnipotent. There was nothing a Dao Integration True Immortal couldn't achieve.

Unexpectedly, for the true phoenix to be freed, Lin Fei had to attain the Dao Integration True Immortal level.

"True Phoenix, isn't this place merely a secret realm? Perhaps the realm is special, but surely it doesn't require Dao Integration to break through?" Lin Fei voiced with a tinge of hesitation.

"A secret realm?"

The true phoenix shook its head, "This is a minor world, not some secret realm. The difference between a secret realm and a minor world is vast. A mere secret realm wouldn't be able to confine me. But a minor world, especially a unique one like this, can. The Daoists say, 'A grain of sand, a world unto its own.' Imagine how many grains exist in the world, that's how many minor worlds there are."

Lin Fei exchanged a glance with Feng Ling. This was truly staggering. One grain, one world. How many minor worlds could that possibly mean?

"True Phoenix, just how long have you lived? Moreover, why are you trapped in this particular minor world? And who confined you here?" Lin Fei couldn't help but inquire.

437. Lin Fei's Vow! A Drop of True Phoenix Essence Blood, Completing the Phoenix Bloodline!

A shiver ran down Lin Fei's spine.

"How long have I been alive? I can't recall; it's been eons. The Phoenix clan can be reborn from the flames. As long as our true spirit remains, we are virtually immortal, enduring through the ages. The only difference lies in consciousness, but our bloodline carries memories. As for who imprisoned me, it holds little relevance. That great battle has concluded."

The Phoenix shook its head, stretching out its wings.

"Whoosh."

A golden glint burst forth. It was, astonishingly, a drop of blood.

"This is no ordinary blood; it's a drop of my essence blood. It rivals, if not surpasses, numerous regular drops of blood within me and will aid in cultivating the Phoenix bloodline. If you vow to me, this essence blood is yours."

The Phoenix's piercing gaze fixed on Lin Fei.

Essence blood! This was the Phoenix's essence blood! Who could attain such a treasure?

All Lin Fei had to do was agree to an elusive promise. After all, it was merely about freeing the Phoenix. And so, without hesitation, he thought: even if he truly reached the level of Dao Integration True Immortal, it would be nothing to release a Phoenix.

Even at its peak, the Phoenix was only comparable to the top-tier gods. Compared to Dao Integration True Immortal, the disparity was vast!

"If one day I attain the power comparable to Dao Integration True Immortal, I vow to shatter this small world and set you free."

"Very well, the essence blood is yours."

With a flick of the Phoenix's wing, that drop of essence blood instantly merged into Lin Fei.

"Boom."

Lin Fei, uncontrollably, began to activate the Phoenix bloodline within him. Instantly, Lin Fei's True Martial King Form ignited. He was invoking the Phoenix bloodline. Consequently, his True Martial King Form was engulfed in roaring flames - the Phoenix fire. The aura of Lin Fei's True Martial King Form soared.

Feng Ling experienced in such matters, quickly discerned that Lin Fei was elevating his Phoenix bloodline.

"Is that single drop of essence blood so potent?"

Feng Ling was taken aback. However, she remained wary of the Phoenix, not letting down her guard, ready to deploy the Heavenly Pillar Seal at a moment's notice. With the Heavenly Pillar Seal, even the Phoenix couldn't challenge her. She could defend Lin Fei. Yet, the Phoenix showed no intention of striking, instead watching Lin Fei with keen interest.

At that moment, Lin Fei's body seemed to be aflame. The power within that single drop of Phoenix essence blood was astonishing. Just one drop was equivalent to hundreds, even thousands, of Phoenix blood drops. The overwhelming energy, upon entering him, erupted instantaneously.

Fortunately, Lin Fei also bore the Phoenix bloodline. Hence, his Phoenix bloodline was voraciously absorbing this drop of Phoenix essence blood.

"Your Phoenix lineage has ascended to Mastery!"

"Your Phoenix lineage has soared to Transcendence!"

"Your Phoenix lineage has achieved Perfection!"

In but a fleeting moment, Lin Fei's internal Phoenix lineage astonishingly reached perfection. Perhaps, this lineage was the swiftest he ever cultivated after embarking on this path.

Just how much time had passed? Since his arrival in this minor realm and his acquisition of the Phoenix's pure blood essence, his lineage became complete. It seemed almost too effortless. But of course, it was easy for Lin Fei.

When Feng Ling, and even the other Martial Kings of the Feng Clan, first cultivated their lineage, it wasn't such a breezy endeavor. It was a painstaking journey, every bit achieved through sheer determination and innumerable sacrifices, progressing step by step to lineage perfection.

Lin Fei's attainment of this pinnacle was due to his prior arduous training, which bestowed him with formidable strength, earning the Phoenix's acknowledgment.

Otherwise, for Lin Fei to even dream of obtaining a single drop of the Phoenix's pure blood essence would have been a fool's errand.

With a "whoosh", Lin Fei opened his eyes, retracting his True Martial King Form.

"Gratitude for the blood bestowed by the true Phoenix."

“Think nothing of it. Just remember your promise."

With that, the Phoenix closed its eyes.

"I take my leave!"

Then, Lin Fei, along with Feng Ling, once more soared out of this minor realm.

In a flash, Lin Fei and Feng Ling safely returned to the rear mountain of the Feng Clan.

In a grave tone, Feng Ling intoned, "Lin Fei, examine yourself carefully once more. Do you sense any anomalies? I can't shake this feeling. It all seems rather surreal. Just like that, we have a drop of the Phoenix's pure blood essence? Is the Phoenix so amiable?"

Feng Ling hailed from the Feng Clan. From childhood, he bore the Phoenix lineage and dedicated his life to its cultivation. Having perused numerous ancient texts, though none explicitly detailed the Phoenix's temperament, a being of such celestial pinnacle, a figure of legends and myths, surely wouldn't possess a mild disposition.

Past Martial Kings entered this realm but never heard the Phoenix utter a word. Perhaps it deemed them unworthy of its attention. Yet, with Lin Fei, the Phoenix recognized his potential, thus speaking voluntarily and even granting a drop of its pure blood essence. Otherwise, the Phoenix likely wouldn't have uttered a word.

It signified the Phoenix's inherent "arrogance". For many years, as the Feng Clan guarded this sanctuary, no one ever heard the Phoenix speak. But, unexpectedly, upon Lin Fei's encounter, the Phoenix willingly addressed him.

Lin Fei responded with a slight smile, "The Phoenix stands majestic in legends, a supreme celestial being. What plots could it possibly have? It merely wishes to leave. This place, I fear, might not be the sanctuary we perceive but the minor realm as described by the Phoenix. Alas, why the Phoenix is trapped in this realm remains a mystery. The ancient world holds many secrets, and we, mere Martial Kings, aren't even entitled to these hidden truths. Unless, of course, we ascend to the stature of Martial Gods!"

Lin Fei was now brimming with confidence. He had already cultivated eight lineages. Only the final one remained.

"Lin Fei, what lineage do you intend to cultivate as your last?"

"The Azure Dragon lineage! I once subdued an Azure Flood Dragon King, obtaining his lineage. Thus, to cultivate the Azure Dragon lineage, I just need to visit the Azure Flood Dragon King. He should have a way to perfect my Azure Dragon lineage."

Lin Fei didn't conceal anything. He had long set this plan in motion. Once the Phoenix lineage was perfected, he would cultivate the Azure Dragon lineage as his ninth.

"Azure Dragon... that's the true dragon lineage. The true phoenix and true dragon lineages..."

Feng Ling fell silent. The caliber of Lin Fei's lineages was profound. Any one of them was legendary. Be it the Phoenix or the Azure Dragon lineage, neither was ordinary.

"So, you're preparing to leave?" Feng Ling inquired.

"Indeed, I plan to depart temporarily. To strive and perfect the Azure Dragon lineage as soon as possible. And then, find my own Dao to eventually challenge the ascent to Martial Gods. Of course, regardless, when I make my move towards becoming a Martial God, I'll return. After all, our union of yin and yang allows me a chance at rebirth. I wouldn't miss such an opportunity."

Lin Fei took Feng Ling's hand.

Feng Ling said no more. The union of yin and yang was a pursuit among Dao companions. And it held immense benefits. She wouldn't have to wait a decade, which was rather fortunate. Once she united with Lin Fei in yin and yang, she too could try ascending to the level of Martial Gods.

"Go. I'll wait for you at the Feng Clan."

Feng Ling didn't play the damsel. She was clear-headed. Cultivation was the essence. Both she and Lin Fei were martial practitioners. Even if they became Dao companions, it was because they shared the same aspirations: to reach the pinnacle of the martial path.

"With the Heavenly Pillar Seal, I am at ease. But one still needs to be wary of the Heavenly Artifact Ancestor. Once I become a Martial God, I'll slay him, and there will be no need for such caution."

With that, Lin Fei transformed into a streak of light, vanishing into the horizon.