Chapter 369: Sword Drawn and Bow Bent

As soon as Feng Xichen spoke, the atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense, and all nervous eyes converged on Yun Che.

No one was actually surprised that Feng Xichen would suddenly target Yun Che. Two years prior, during the Azure Cloud Ranking Tournament, Yun Che had already revealed his Phoenix Flame. Only those belonging to the Phoenix Divine Sect and possessing the Phoenix bloodline could use the Phoenix Flame.

The Phoenix bloodline was the very soul of the Phoenix Divine Sect, something the entire sect would protect at all costs, and it would never allow this bloodline to exist outside its control. Therefore, unless Yun Che was a genuine disciple of the Phoenix Divine Sect, once the news of him possessing the Phoenix bloodline spread, the Phoenix Divine Sect would inevitably come looking for him.

And that day had finally arrived.

What's more, the person who had come was none other than a Prince of the Divine Phoenix Empire, a figure of the Phoenix Divine Sect's Young Master caliber! When he faced Yun Che, his words were sharp and direct, immediately addressing the "bloodline."

Xia Qingyue's beautiful face slightly tensed, Chu Yuechan's brows furrowed deeply, and Cang Wanhe's expression changed repeatedly. Yet, regarding the Phoenix Divine Sect's bloodline, even as the Emperor of Azure Cloud, he had no right to speak. He could only look at Yun Che with deep worry. At this point, he could only hope that Yun Che's "Phoenix bloodline" was merely a misunderstanding. After all, though outsiders claimed the flame Yun Che used was the Phoenix Flame, Yun Che had never admitted it, and it might just be similar.

Yun Che's expression, however, remained perfectly calm. He said in a placid tone, "Oh? Something vitally important regarding your sect's bloodline? I'm afraid I don't understand. I, Yun Che, was born and raised in the Azure Cloud Nation. My bloodline comes from my parents, and I've never left the Azure Cloud Nation in my entire life, nor have I stepped half a foot into the Divine Phoenix Empire. How could I possibly have any connection to your Phoenix Divine Sect's bloodline?"

"Youngster, stop pretending!" the black-robed elder behind Feng Xichen stepped forward and sternly declared, "The Phoenix Divine Sect's bloodline is incredibly precious. Since the founding of our sect, protecting the Phoenix bloodline has always been our foremost priority. We absolutely do not permit even a trace of our bloodline to exist outside. Even if our sect members marry outsiders, their descendants must forever remain within the Phoenix Divine Sect. There can be no compromise whatsoever when it comes to matters of the bloodline."

"And you... two years ago, during the ranking tournament in your Azure Cloud Nation, everyone present personally witnessed you using the Phoenix Flame! Only those with the Phoenix bloodline can ignite the Phoenix Flame! You clearly possess the Phoenix bloodline, so it stands to reason that you are likely the illegitimate child left behind by some audacious disciple of our sect!"

"That's right," the red-robed elder slowly nodded, his gaze like a hook. "If you didn't possess the bloodline of our Phoenix Divine Sect, how could a mere profound practitioner like you, raised in Azure Cloud with no sect background, possibly possess such astonishing talent that surpasses all the young prodigies of Azure Cloud and allowed you to make such a splash in the Azure Cloud Ranking Tournament? Hmph, the best explanation for your achievements today is precisely that you possess the Phoenix bloodline! Before the divine power bestowed by the true Phoenix God, other so-called sect legacies or centuries-old geniuses are utterly worthless. It's completely normal that you were able to claim the top spot in the Azure Cloud Nation's ranking tournament!"

Feng Xichen glanced subtly, gently fanning himself with his jade fan, and calmly said, "Alright, there's no need for you two to be so eager. Today is the Azure Cloud Emperor's daughter's wedding day. If we disturb everyone because of this, it would be our fault. Yun Che, I'm sure you understand what we're talking about. Whether you possess the Phoenix bloodline is extremely important to my Phoenix Divine Sect, so I need a little of your blood. Once your blood is in my hands, it will be clear whether you possess the Phoenix bloodline. So, are you going to draw your own blood, or shall I do it for you?"

The atmosphere in the hall became even more oppressive. Cang Wanhe took a step forward, opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a sound. In matters concerning the Phoenix Divine Sect's bloodline, he had no right to speak.

Yun Che's lips twitched into a faint smile. "My body, hair, and skin are all gifts from my parents. Only my close family has the right to take my blood. We are not related, nor are we even familiar with each other... What right do you have to demand that I draw my own blood for you!"

At these words, everyone present was startled. After the destruction of the Burning Heaven Clan, Yun Che's domineering and formidable actions had become deeply ingrained in people's minds. Yet, no one expected Yun Che to be so unyielding when facing a Prince of the Phoenix Divine Sect, showing no sign of yielding or even a hint of courtesy.

"Insolence! You lowly junior, how dare you be so arrogant in front of His Highness!" The black-robed elder was instantly enraged. "Your Highness, given your noble status, there's no need to waste words on such a lowly bastard. Allow me to capture him directly and draw his blood. If Your Highness finds it troublesome, hmph, simply killing such a bastard would solve everything! There's no need to even test him."

"Lowly bastard?" Yun Che's brows instantly furrowed, and a chilling intent to kill flashed deep within his pupils. These four words not only insulted him but also extended to his parents and family.

"Hahahaha!" Feng Xichen wasn't angry in the slightest; instead, he threw his head back and laughed. "Yun Che, on the first day I set foot in the Azure Cloud territory, I heard of your boundless arrogance and lawlessness. Seeing you today, it truly isn't exaggerated in the slightest. However, I happen to like people like you. Because arrogant fools like you, who don't know the immensity of heaven and earth, always bring me considerable amusement. If the world had fewer fools like you, my life would be far less entertaining."

"You two, step back. Today, I, this Prince, will personally draw his blood for sport!"

*Swish!*

Feng Xichen's jade fan instantly snapped open. This seemingly effortless movement created a sound wave as if the void itself had been torn. Several wedding tables nearby were directly shattered by terrifying profound energy, scattering various glass cups and jade plates across the floor.

This was the Azure Cloud Imperial Palace, the site of the princess's grand wedding. In Azure Cloud, even with immense grievances, no one would dare to cause trouble on such an occasion. Yet, Feng Xichen struck without hesitation, clearly showing no regard for the Imperial Palace whatsoever. With his move, all the surrounding guests paled in shock. Even the powerful Master-level figures turned pale and retreated in dismay.

This was because the powerful pressure emanating from Feng Xichen was none other than the power of a Monarch!

Monarchs were the absolute pinnacle of existence in the Azure Cloud Nation; there were fewer than ten Monarchs in the entire country. Yet, this Prince, only around twenty years old and ranked thirteenth in the Divine Phoenix Imperial Family, actually possessed the power of a Monarch! The aura of the two elders he brought with him was no weaker than his own! They were clearly genuine Monarchs as well!

Cang Wanhe had absolutely not expected Feng Xichen to actually make a move at the Imperial Wedding Ceremony. He exclaimed in shock, "Thirteenth Prince, please hear me out..."

Before Cang Wanhe's voice faded, Feng Xichen completely ignored him. His jade fan suddenly flew from his hand, transforming into a lethal flying disc as it spun at high speed, soaring straight towards Yun Che. Behind the disc, it dragged a long black thread... which was clearly the void being torn apart. Its trajectory was aimed directly at Yun Che's throat, clearly intending to make him bleed all over the wedding hall.

"Watch out!!" Ling Yun, Ling Jie, Dongfang Xiu, and others cried out in alarm.

Facing the jade fan, which flew with a deadly aura, Yun Che's brows furrowed. Instead of blocking, he twisted his body, leaped up, and with a loud "boom," crashed through the roof of the main hall, rapidly escaping to the south.

"Heh? Trying to escape?" Feng Xichen smiled coldly. With a flick of his arm, the jade fan flew back into his hand. A shimmer of flames enveloped him, and he instantly burst out of the door as if teleporting, directly pursuing Yun Che in the direction he had fled.

No one had expected such an anomaly to occur at this nationally significant wedding. The various powerful figures of the Azure Cloud Nation exchanged glances, their faces pale, yet not one dared to step forward to stop Feng Xichen — even though this was on Azure Cloud's own territory. It was laughable; even if they were to offend Yun Che, they would never choose to offend the Phoenix Divine Sect. They, and their respective sects, might be renowned in the Azure Cloud Nation, but before the Phoenix Divine Sect, they stood no chance of offering even the slightest resistance. They would have to be out of their minds to be audacious enough to interfere in the affairs of the Phoenix Divine Sect.

Inside the Moon-Embracing Palace, Cang Yue, who had long since finished her preparations, sat quietly and nervously before the dressing mirror. Beneath the gently swaying glass tassels, her peerlessly beautiful, nation-toppling face was faintly visible. Xiao Lingxi was constantly by her side, speaking to her from time to time, soothing her inner tension.

In just a little while longer, Yun Che would come to take her hand, and they would bow to heaven and earth together, becoming husband and wife.

Just then, a deafening sound suddenly came from outside. After the loud crash, there were bursts of chaotic noises. The previously festive sound of gongs and drums abruptly ceased, leaving only widespread confusion. Although the Moon-Embracing Palace was far from the wedding hall, these sounds were clear enough to be heard distinctly.

"What was that sound?" Cang Yue asked nervously. "What's happening outside?"

"I'll go see," Xiao Lingxi also grew instantly anxious and hurried out.

Yun Che ascended several times, quickly distancing himself from the wedding hall. When he landed in an open area of the Imperial Palace, he suddenly stopped. Feng Xichen landed almost immediately behind him, moving with the speed of a phantom. Seeing Yun Che stop, he chuckled playfully, "Run, why aren't you running anymore? It's been a long time since I played cat and mouse. You should at least give me some effort."

"Run?" Yun Che sneered. "Do you think I'm afraid of you? Today is my wedding day; I merely didn't want your blood to stain my wedding hall."

Feng Xichen's expression remained unchanged, but a gloom suddenly appeared in his eyes. Yun Che's arrogance far exceeded his expectations; it was the first time in his life that he had met someone who dared to speak to him in such a manner. He slowly stretched his lips into a more dangerous smile. "My blood? Hahahaha! You're truly arrogantly foolish, almost endearing. Do you really think you're worthy of seeing my blood? It seems there's no longer any need to test this bloodline matter; you're very earnestly seeking death in front of this Prince! It's better to be in a more open area. That wedding hall can then conveniently be converted into a funeral hall later."

"A funeral hall? For yourself?" Yun Che said, his eyes narrowed.