Chapter 693: Goodbye Ziji

The Phoenix Divine Sect's main headquarters are located west of the center of Divine Phoenix City, while the Black Moon Merchant Guild is situated right in the city's heart.

The Black Moon Merchant Guild's main headquarters span several dozen miles in every direction. Such a scale is comparable to a small city; anyone would find it hard to believe it's merely a merchant guild's base unless they saw it with their own eyes.

The Black Moon Merchant Guild building stands eight stories high, with each floor boasting an astonishing height. Although there are only eight levels, their combined height seems to reach the sky. At the very top, a massive black crescent moon pierces into the clouds, clearly visible from any corner of the vast Divine Phoenix City. The colossal plaza in front of the guild is still bustling with people. Every day, countless profound practitioners attempt to gain entry, but fewer than one in ten succeed. Of those who do enter, nine out of ten can only access the first two floors.

A young man, clad in a long black robe, with a cold expression and an unremarkable appearance, arrived before the seven-colored jade platform in the center of Black Moon Plaza. He looked up at the towering structure ahead, which reflected the pure luster of jade and seemed to pierce the clouds. Although it was merely a merchant guild, every brick and tile was far more luxurious than anything found in the Azure Cloud Imperial Family. Above the enormous black moon at the pinnacle, a vast and magnificent aura descended, inspiring an almost irresistible urge to prostrate oneself when gazing up at it.

"A history even longer than the Phoenix Divine Sect, with an unfathomable foundation... I hope it won't disappoint me," the young man murmured to himself. He then walked towards one of the profound formations in front of the jade platform. As he approached, a purple light emanated from his body, and to the astonishment of those around him, he stepped directly into the formation.

To enter the first two, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth floors of the Black Moon Merchant Guild, one needs to strike the jade platform to gain entry each time. However, the seventh floor is different from the preceding six. Once entry is granted, the teleportation profound formation remembers the entrant's aura, allowing direct access thereafter—unless the Black Moon Merchant Guild erases their aura imprint.

This is because, compared to the first six floors, the seventh floor is an entirely different world. For the Black Moon Merchant Guild, those who can enter the seventh floor and those who cannot belong to two distinct worlds.

The profound light dissipated, and Yun Che opened his eyes, looking forward. Before him lay a vast, endless garden. Lush greenery was dotted with a variety of vibrant and exotic flowers and plants, while towering trees stood tall. Numerous streams meandered through the landscape, their ceaseless gurgling creating a peaceful sound. It was hard to believe he had entered the interior of a merchant guild; it felt as if he had suddenly stepped into a fairy realm.

Before him, three beautiful maidens, dressed in different gowns, gracefully approached and bowed elegantly. "Welcome, Young Master Yun, to the Black Moon Merchant Guild. Mr. Zi is personally waiting for you. Please follow us."

Yun Che was currently disguised. Hearing the maidens address him, he wasn't surprised, as the teleportation profound formation clearly remembered the aura of those who entered. He touched his face, revealing his true appearance, and smiled faintly. "Then I'll trouble the three of you, sisters."

The three maidens smiled charmingly and led Yun Che through extensive green forests and flower bushes, even past a small cluster of hills, until they arrived at the elegant courtyard from his previous visit. There, beneath the same long pavilion, sat a purple-robed elder with a gentle, smiling countenance.

"You've arrived," Zi Ji said, slowly rising. His eyes, calm as still water, observed the young man before him. He nodded slightly, a meaningful smile appearing on his face. "After three years, your demeanor has improved not just tenfold, but immeasurably... Alas, the younger generation truly is formidable."

"Junior Yun Che greets Senior Zi. Senior, you flatter me," Yun Che said, stepping forward and bowing with cupped hands.

"Haha, please sit," Zi Ji gestured to the seat opposite him, then sat down simultaneously with Yun Che. "Qingchen, please brew another pot of tea. Make sure it's the 'Drunken Mortal World' freshly picked this morning."

"Yes," the maiden in the green dress bowed gracefully and floated away. The other two maidens positioned themselves on either side of Yun Che, their heads slightly bowed, lips bearing faint smiles, and postures respectful, appearing ready to serve Yun Che at his slightest command.

"Senior Zi seems to have anticipated my arrival long ago," Yun Che said with a slight smile. Before coming here, he was certain that the Black Moon Merchant Guild would have already learned of his return alive... If they hadn't, he would have been disappointed.

"I expected you to come, but not so quickly," Zi Ji chuckled softly. Compared to three years ago, the way he looked at Yun Che was distinctly different. "According to the information I've gathered, you were still in Flowing Cloud City an hour ago. Yet, now you stand before me."

The Black Moon Merchant Guild's intelligence network was indeed impressive, with its reach extending all the way to Flowing Cloud City... Of course, it could also be due to the Divine Phoenix Army's stationing there. Flowing Cloud City and Divine Phoenix City are very far apart; when he previously departed from the closer Azure Cloud Imperial City, it took him over ten days, traveling day and night, to reach Divine Phoenix City. To cover the distance from Flowing Cloud City to Divine Phoenix City in just an hour was truly astonishing, an feat that even the strongest profound ark on the Profound Sky Continent could never accomplish.

Yun Che naturally understood this point, but he had no intention of explaining. Just as he was about to smile it off, he heard Zi Ji speak in a tone filled with immense reverence: "If it were anyone else, I would be utterly shocked, perhaps even suspecting ghosts or gods. But your venerable master, the Heaven Defying Elder, dominated the world ten thousand years ago. Traversing the space within the Primordial Profound Ark is effortless for him. With your master's heaven-shrouding divine abilities, the hundred thousand li between Flowing Cloud City and here is merely a flick of a finger."

Heaven Defying... Elder? My venerable master?What the hell?!

A flicker of surprise crossed the depths of Yun Che's eyes. This surprise, however, was naturally misinterpreted by Zi Ji, who chuckled. "You needn't be surprised. It's not that our Black Moon Merchant Guild is so powerful as to detect your esteemed master's existence ourselves. Rather, the Sun Moon Divine Hall did not keep secret their encounter with your master in the Ice Phoenix Snow Region. Now, the Sacred Emperor Sect, Supreme Ocean Palace, and Heavenly Might Sword Region are also aware."

"Although the 'Heaven Defying Elder' has been absent for ten thousand years, the Four Sacred Grounds all originated from that era, and ancestral memories have been passed down through generations, never lost. Thus, there are still those in this world who know your esteemed master's name. However, no one could have imagined that the supreme profound practitioner who was invincible ten thousand years ago did not shatter the void and ascend to a higher plane, as rumored, but remained on the Profound Sky Continent, overlooking the vast multitude of beings. I hear your master created his own world and transformed flames into emperors. I fear that we, the so-called powerful figures of this world, are nothing but mere ants in your master's eyes."

There was no hint of probing or falsity in Zi Ji's voice or expression, only deep reverence, apprehension, and awe for a powerful figure. Yun Che listened with a calm face, but inwardly he was utterly bewildered... What in the world was going on? Could it be that there truly was someone named "Heaven Defying" in the past? An ancient, super-boss level figure? Judging by Zi Ji's reaction... this unexpected "coincidence" not only didn't expose any flaws but actually further solidified the existence of his "powerful master"!?

"My master has not concerned himself with mortal affairs for many years and never wishes to be mentioned. I hope Senior Zi will forgive my intrusion," Yun Che said with a nonchalant smile, thinking to himself: *I know absolutely nothing about this "Heaven Defying Elder." If we discuss him further, I might expose myself... It seems I need to find a way to learn about this 'Heaven Defying Elder' from ten thousand years ago.*

"I hold nothing but reverence for your esteemed master, with no intention of prying," Zi Ji stated earnestly.

The maiden in green, named Qingchen, slowly approached, carrying a freshly brewed pot of tea. Even before she drew near, a soul-refreshing aroma wafted towards them, causing Yun Che to instinctively take a light sniff. "Speaking of which," he said, "both times I've visited, I've been quite fortunate to arrive when Senior Zi is at leisure. Given the illustrious reputation of the Black Moon Merchant Guild, Senior Zi must usually be exceptionally busy."

"Hehehe," Zi Ji chuckled, shaking his head. "Not at all. I have been here for over a hundred years, and I've never been busy. While the Profound Sky Continent has countless talented individuals and extraordinary experts, only one in ten million qualifies to enter this seventh floor. On average, a distinguished guest arrives here only once a month. The rest of the time, I am at leisure."

"Once a month?" Yun Che's face registered surprise, then he continued, "Senior Zi's profound strength is unfathomable, and your breadth of knowledge is likely unmatched. Even if you were to go to the Four Sacred Grounds, you would undoubtedly hold an extremely high position. If what Senior Zi says is true... wouldn't that be a severe waste of your abilities? And this seventh floor, which is clearly a suspended pavilion, is vast and boundless, like a celestial realm. Its construction cost alone must far exceed the imperial city of any of the Six Nations, yet it is only used for receiving guests once a month?"

"Not at all," Zi Ji said with a faint smile. He took the teapot from the maiden in green and personally filled Yun Che's teacup. "The Black Moon Merchant Guild has endured for thousands of years, thriving without decline, because it possesses a well-established way of survival. While the number of guests on this seventh floor is less than one ten-thousandth of those on the first six floors, its construction cost and annual maintenance expenses are more than a hundred times greater than all six lower floors combined. That is because... those who can enter the first six floors are honored guests of our Black Moon Merchant Guild, but those qualified to enter here... are the very lifeline of our Black Moon Merchant Guild!"

"With your intelligence, I believe you will understand my words," Zi Ji said with a serene smile.

Yun Che closed his eyes slightly, then opened them after a brief moment of contemplation, slowly nodding. "So that's how it is. I've always considered my knowledge quite broad, but both times I've visited this celestial realm, and been personally received by an unparalleled expert like Senior Zi, I've felt quite overwhelmed by the honor. In this way, each visit creates a sense of obligation, and it seems only your Black Moon Merchant Guild could make almost all the supreme experts and powers of the Profound Sky Continent feel indebted."

"Heh heh, have some tea," Zi Ji said, smiling as he raised his hand, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip, a look of enjoyment on his face.

Yun Che picked up his teacup and drained it in one gulp. He then shook the empty cup, smiling. "Senior Zi's tea must be a true masterpiece of the world, but I've never understood how to appreciate tea, so I've merely wasted a precious gift."

"No matter how good the tea, to pass through your hands—even if you spilled it—would be the greatest fortune. How could it be considered wasted?" Zi Ji replied with a smile.

"I'm not worthy of such praise from Senior," Yun Che said with a half-smile. He had originally arrived in Divine Phoenix City filled with murderous intent, but in less than fifteen minutes here, his heart had become tranquil and clear. Zi Ji, before him, exuded a calm, ancient aura, embracing all things... like an ancient well with still, unrippled water for ten thousand years.

"If you're not worthy, then perhaps no one on the Profound Sky Continent is," Zi Ji's tone remained unchanged, but he suddenly shifted to another question: "Now that you're here, what do you plan to do about the Phoenix Divine Sect?"

Yun Che's eyes narrowed slightly, and a chilling aura instantly emanated from his body. The murderous intent concentrated in his pupils was openly displayed before Zi Ji. "What does Senior think I should do?"

The surrounding space abruptly turned chilling in an instant, causing the three maidens beside him to shiver simultaneously. Zi Ji, however, maintained his calm, faint smile, his expression utterly unchanged by Yun Che's aura. "I merely await the outcome."

"Then what outcome does Senior anticipate?"

Zi Ji slowly shook his head. "Unpredictable. When I first met you three years ago, although I was surprised by your talent and the maturity and composure far beyond your age, until you left, I always believed there was over a ninety percent chance you would perish if you went to the Phoenix Divine Sect. For the remaining ten percent, even if you survived, it would certainly not be as you wished. This is because I understand the Phoenix Divine Sect far better than I understand you."

"Since I have been here, for over a hundred years, every person I have met has been an outstanding individual, and I pride myself on never misjudging people or events. However, with you alone, I completely failed to predict the outcome. A young man, less than twenty years old, with profound strength at the Earth Profound Realm, completely defeated the Phoenix Divine Sect within their own territory, leaving them powerless to retaliate. In all these years, you are the only one who has completely defied my expectations."

"The Phoenix Divine Sect has stood for five thousand years, with a foundation so profound that even the Four Sacred Grounds find it unfathomable. Although your strength now far surpasses what it was three years ago, if you do not rely on your venerable master's power and confront them head-on with your own strength alone... if I had met you for the first time, the only phrase that would come to mind is 'an egg striking a stone.' But now..." Zi Ji slowly shook his head, seemingly in self-mockery. "I dare not make such a rash judgment. Though we are merely three feet apart, it feels as though we are ten thousand feet away. Heh, I simply cannot see through you."

The maidens standing on either side of Yun Che simultaneously gaped, their attempts to maintain sweet smiles on their faces unable to conceal their profound astonishment. They knew Mr. Zi's status better than anyone, and this was the first time they had heard him speak in such a manner... especially to someone so young.

"Hmph, the mere Phoenix Divine Sect isn't worthy of my master's intervention," Yun Che said, his brows furrowed and his voice filled with chilling killing intent. "And I won't do much to them. I'll just collect the debt they owe... at least tenfold!"

"Speaking of which..." Yun Che suddenly changed the subject. "I heard that three years ago, after the Primordial Profound Ark disappeared, the Phoenix God of the Phoenix Divine Sect made an appearance?"

The Phoenix God's appearance three years ago had surfaced in the memories of Ye Ziyi from the Sun Moon Divine Hall, and likewise in Feng Huwei's memory—he had even witnessed it firsthand! Not only did the Phoenix God appear, but its heaven-shrouding power and pressure left everyone from the Four Sacred Grounds trembling in fear. It had also mercilessly punished Ye Xinghan publicly. Yet... the Phoenix God was supposed to have vanished!

"Indeed," Zi Ji nodded slightly. "Three years ago, rumors already circulated that the Phoenix God's lifespan had ended and it had vanished. Later, it was learned that due to the Phoenix God's disappearance, the Phoenix Divine Sect lost its greatest support, and if exposed, might face utter destruction. Therefore, Great Elder Feng Feiyan of the Phoenix Divine Sect secretly pledged allegiance to the Sun Moon Divine Hall and informed them of the Phoenix God's demise. However, when the Phoenix God descended three years ago, witnessed by everyone in Divine Phoenix City, it proved that its 'disappearance' was merely a test. The target of this test, naturally, was someone with ulterior motives like Feng Feiyan."

"I see," Yun Che murmured, frowning slightly, his mind still filled with doubts. Feng Xue'er had personally told him that the Phoenix God was gone. Given Feng Xue'er's pure heart, she would never lie. Furthermore, Feng Xue'er had inherited all of the Phoenix God's profound energy, soul power, and even memories... So how could the Phoenix God still be alive?

"Don't doubt it; the Phoenix God's spirit has long been dead," Jasmine suddenly interjected coldly.

Yun Che was startled. "Then the one that appeared three years ago..."

"Hmph, that was merely a fragment of its soul carrying a bit of profound energy," Jasmine said indifferently. "Leaving behind soul fragments with power is something mortals cannot do or even conceive of, but for a phoenix spirit—a detached part of the phoenix soul—it's effortless! After it passed all its soul and profound energy to Feng Xue'er, it likely deliberately separated a small portion to attach itself to Feng Xue'er's body, perhaps to guard against the likes of Feng Feiyan. However, these separated soul fragments cannot exist indefinitely; they should have completely dissipated by now. To say it's still alive... absolutely impossible!"

"...I see," Yun Che understood more or less.

"Mr. Zi," Yun Che asked, "during these past three years, Princess Snow of the Phoenix Divine Sect... do you have any news of her?"

Zi Ji gazed deeply at Yun Che, his eyes holding an inexplicable depth of meaning. Then he smiled faintly and said, "Three years ago, after leaving the Primordial Profound Ark and before the Phoenix God appeared, Princess Snow fell into an unconscious state... Since then, she remained in a deep slumber for three full years, unable to be awakened by any means."

"What?" Yun Che's expression shifted abruptly. "Unconscious for three years? A full three years?"

"That's right. If my information is correct, Princess Snow only awoke the day before yesterday."

"..." Yun Che's heart instantly rippled with emotion. In Feng Huwei's memories, he had found no information about Feng Xue'er's past three years. For the past two days, he had been wondering and doubting: given Feng Xue'er's pure heart and her unwavering sincerity towards him, she should have definitely intervened when the Divine Phoenix Empire invaded Azure Cloud Nation! And Feng Hengkong adored her to no end, always bending to her will... Azure Cloud Nation should not have fallen into such a tragic state. So that was it... she had been in a deep slumber for three full years.

Yun Che took a slight breath and asked, "Then, Mr. Zi, do you know why Princess Snow suddenly fell into such a long slumber? It shouldn't have been due to injury, should it?"

"On that point, I can only speculate," Zi Ji said slowly. "After Princess Snow fell unconscious, her entire body was encircled by crimson flames that lingered indefinitely; no one could approach within three yards of her. The place where she slept for three years was where the Phoenix God, who appeared three years ago, took her. Therefore, it's likely the Phoenix God was using the Phoenix Flames to temper her body or to bestow upon her stronger Phoenix flame power, helping her advance from the Half-step Emperor to the Emperor realm... that's roughly my guess. Now that Princess Snow has awakened, if you're concerned, you can certainly ask her yourself, hehehe."

Zi Ji's smile was deeply meaningful. It was hardly surprising; the reason Yun Che supposedly "perished" in the Primordial Profound Ark was practically common knowledge across the Profound Sky Continent. How could Zi Ji not know? As a key figure in the Black Moon Merchant Guild, he would only know more than others.