Chapter 421: Changes in the Mysterious Vessel

Unbeknownst to them, the snowflakes had almost stopped falling, and the young girl had ceased her light dance. She gazed wistfully at the layer of snow silently melting beneath her feet. She looked at Yun Che and asked piteously, "Was my dance beautiful?"

"Beautiful..." Yun Che nodded, his eyes hazy, his voice like a dream, his consciousness still immersed in the dance he had just witnessed.

The Snow Princess had heard such compliments countless times in her life, but she still smiled happily. "Then... could you make it snow a little more? I can keep dancing for you, you know. Watching the snowflakes fall, I can't help but want to dance with them."

"Alright..." How could Yun Che refuse? Such a divine spectacle, even a momentary glimpse, was an indescribable pleasure and luxury, a vision of ultimate beauty that ordinary people could never witness in a lifetime. He extended his hands towards the sky, gathering profound energy...

But as soon as the Ice Cloud Art began to circulate, a tearing pain instantly erupted in his chest. Yun Che let out a low groan, quickly pressing his hand to his chest, forcefully swallowing down a mouthful of blood. His face, however, turned deathly pale.

"Ah!!" The Snow Princess exclaimed, forgetting her shoes. Her slender, ice-lotus-like feet left the snow and stepped onto the soft grass. She reached out her hands then pulled them back, asking anxiously, "Are you... are you alright? It's all my fault. I was so busy watching the snow that I forgot about your injury... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

The jewel of the Divine Phoenix Empire was now anxiously apologizing to him, a 'mere disciple.' Her trembling beautiful eyes were filled with worry and self-reproach. Something in Yun Che's heart was gently touched. He forced a smile. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just accidentally aggravated an internal injury. I'll be fine after a short rest."

After speaking, Yun Che carefully sat down on the spot, closed his eyes, and slowly calmed his internal energy. The discomfort quickly faded.

Listening to Yun Che's words and watching his complexion gradually regain its color, the Snow Princess's nervousness and self-reproach slowly dissipated. Still not entirely at ease, she remained seated in front of him, watching him unblinkingly with her beautiful eyes. She wasn't sure why she felt the urge to really look at this man for a while; perhaps it was due to a vague sense of mystery about him... It was the first time in her life she had looked at someone with such focused attention.

Once his aggravated internal injury subsided, Yun Che opened his eyes, only to meet the Snow Princess's gaze directly. Realizing she had been caught staring, the Snow Princess blinked and smiled sweetly. This sudden blossoming smile made Yun Che's soul ripple. He smiled back and said apologetically, "Your Royal Highness, it's my fault for being injured. Not only can I not let you enjoy the snow, but I've also caused you to worry about me... My injury will be much better tomorrow. When it is, I will make it snow very heavily for Your Royal Highness."

"Good!" The Snow Princess replied clearly, then tilted her head slightly. "But... could you please not call me Your Royal Highness? It feels so awkward."

"Then... what should I call Your Royal Highness?"

"My name is Feng Xue'er. You can call me Xuexue, or Xue'er. I like both of those names; 'Your Royal Highness' doesn't sound nice at all," the Snow Princess said with a grin.

Any other person from the Divine Phoenix Sect would have been utterly flustered at this moment. But Yun Che, naturally, was not among them. He smiled and said, "Alright, then from now on, I'll call you... Xue'er."

"Mm-hm!" The Snow Princess nodded with a light laugh, her star-like beautiful eyes fixed on his face. "Then... can I call you... Brother Ling Yun?"

"Of course you can... However, I'd prefer if Xue'er called me Brother Yun. It feels a little more intimate than 'Brother Ling Yun'," Yun Che said with a slight smile... Although it was only one character different, 'Brother Ling Yun' and 'Brother Yun' were two completely distinct concepts. Because the former... in a sense, was practically giving Ling Yun that kid an advantage!

"Mm-hm!" The Snow Princess nodded happily. "Brother Yun... Brother Yun... Brother Yun... Hehe!"

The Snow Princess called out three times, her voice so incredibly sweet that it made all the bones in Yun Che's body feel soft.

***

Divine Phoenix Imperial Palace, Phoenix Grand Hall.

"Your son greets Imperial Father," Feng Ximing said respectfully, standing before Feng Hengkong.

The time for the Seven Nations Ranking Tournament was drawing near, but that was secondary. Most importantly, the gate of the Primordial Profound Ark was about to open. Although no one had ever uncovered its secrets for thousands of years, it undoubtedly contained world-shaking treasures. Therefore, despite repeated failures, the appearance of the Primordial Profound Ark remained an immense event for the Divine Phoenix Sect. Everyone in the Divine Phoenix Sect believed that if they could discover its secrets and obtain its treasures, the Sect's power would truly stand on equal footing with the Four Sacred Grounds... perhaps even surpass them.

Because of this, Feng Hengkong had been preparing for the Primordial Profound Ark event, rarely making public appearances. When Feng Ximing arrived, he didn't even lift his head, merely asking indifferently, "What is it?"

Feng Ximing bowed his head slightly, his posture humble. "Reporting to Imperial Father, news just came from the Spirit Kun Hall that the Profound Seal of the Primordial Profound Ark's gate changed this morning. According to past records, this change means the gate will open in twelve days, which is a full four days earlier than originally anticipated."

Feng Hengkong looked up, his expression solemn. "Four days early?"

Feng Ximing nodded. "Yes. The Ark was originally scheduled to open the day after the Seven Nations Ranking Tournament concluded. Now, with the Ark's gate opening three days earlier than that, it conflicts with the Tournament's schedule. Moving the Tournament forward at this point is simply impossible. Therefore, Imperial Father, please instruct us on how to make the arrangements."

Feng Hengkong stood up, his brows slowly knitting together. The Primordial Profound Ark's gate would only be open for twelve hours; every second was precious and could not be wasted. However, when invitations were sent to the six nations, it was explicitly stated that the top three in the Ranking Tournament would be eligible to board the Ark. If they boarded before the competition ended, how could there be a 'top three'? And starting the Seven Nations Ranking Tournament earlier was utterly inappropriate.

Feng Hengkong pondered for a moment, then spoke in a low, authoritative voice, "The Ranking Tournament was originally scheduled for five days. The matter of the Primordial Profound Ark absolutely cannot be delayed, nor can the tournament be moved forward. Since the Primordial Profound Ark is opening four days early, then we can only compress the tournament's schedule to one day!"

"One day? This..." Feng Ximing's face showed surprise. This had never happened in the history of the Seven Nations Ranking Tournament. And for the Seven Nations battle to last only one day would be far too rushed, or rather, simply impossible to complete.

"This is the only way. You will decide how to arrange it," Feng Hengkong stated, his gaze fixed. "Exploring the Primordial Profound Ark must not have any slightest mishap, and the Ranking Tournament concerns the prestige of my Divine Phoenix Empire, so it also cannot go wrong. How you arrange it will depend on your own capabilities. Consider this a test for you. Do you have any objections?"

Though Feng Ximing felt uneasy, he naturally dared not refuse. He quickly bowed and said, "Yes! Your son will handle it properly according to Imperial Father's wishes and will not disappoint you."

"Hm." Feng Hengkong nodded. "Very well. If there's nothing else, you may withdraw. Remember to inform the various elders, pavilion masters, and hall masters about this, so they can make preparations early."

"Yes... Imperial Father, your son has one more matter. It could be significant or minor, but your son believes it's best to inform you."

"Speak."

Feng Ximing cautiously began, "A few days ago, there was a sudden great commotion in the Phoenix Mountain Range. When we rushed there, we found that Phoenix Chihuo, the personal guardian of Imperial Uncle Thirteen, had died in the Phoenix Mountain Range. Moreover, his death was horrific, and the surrounding area was extensively damaged, clearly indicating a fierce battle."

Feng Hengkong, naturally, knew of Phoenix Chihuo, but he clearly didn't care much about the matter. He said indifferently, "Only members of our sect are allowed into the Phoenix Mountain Range. Since he died there, he must have been killed by someone from the sect. A quick investigation will reveal who."

"Imperial Father is absolutely right. After investigation, Phoenix Chihuo pursued someone who had forced their way through the southern gate early that morning. According to the city guards, it was still dark, so they couldn't clearly see the person's face, only vaguely discerning that the individual was under thirty years old, and then..."

"Enough!" Feng Hengkong impatiently waved a hand. "I don't have time to deal with such trivial matters right now. If Phoenix Chihuo was killed by a fellow disciple, it only means his skills were inferior. Am I to personally investigate who killed a useless piece of trash?"

"Imperial Father, please calm your anger... Phoenix Chihuo's tragic death is a minor issue, but... but..." Feng Ximing took a deep breath, his expression clearly tense. "The place where Phoenix Chihuo died is less than ten li from Phoenix Absolute Peak, and on the other side of Phoenix Absolute Peak is Phoenix Dwelling Valley, where Xue'er resides. Imperial Father ordered guards to be stationed fifty li to the east, west, and north of Phoenix Dwelling Valley, but no one is guarding the south side. Your son is concerned that Xue'er might have been disturbed, or even that the person, emboldened, might have trespassed into Phoenix Dwelling Valley..."

He hadn't finished speaking when he suddenly felt a chill run through his entire body, and the rest of his words died in his throat. Feng Hengkong's eyes narrowed, and his furious gaze emitted a cold, chilling light.

"So... are you trying to say you want to go to Phoenix Dwelling Valley to see if Xue'er is safe?"

"No, your son absolutely did not mean that! I was just... just afraid that someone might have disturbed Xue'er," Feng Ximing said in alarm. He had anticipated Feng Hengkong's reaction, but he still couldn't help but speak... Feng Hengkong was too busy now, perhaps he really would let him check... Even if there was only a one in ten million chance that he could catch a glimpse of Xue'er. But clearly, this was still a pipe dream. Feng Xue'er was Feng Hengkong's greatest inverse scale... an inverse scale that must never be touched.

"Hmph! To the south of Phoenix Dwelling Valley, there's not only Phoenix Absolute Cliff but also the Grand Phoenix Array. No one can enter without being a member of our sect. In my Divine Phoenix Sect, no one is brazen enough to trespass into Phoenix Dwelling Valley!! Xue'er can instantly transmit her voice to me. If she were truly disturbed, she would immediately inform me. You don't need to worry... Now get out!"

"Imperial Father, please calm your anger. Yes... it was your son's overthinking. Your son withdraws."

Feng Ximing retreated in a hurry... As he stepped out of the Phoenix Grand Hall and turned around, his teeth were clenched tight, and a cold flash of resentment flickered in his eyes.