Chapter 729: The Goddess's Kneel

“A month ago, all the Violet Crystal mines were fully extracted. The ore was secretly transported back to Phoenix City using hundreds of spatial rings and hidden in a forbidden area, awaiting refinement once everything settles down. The 200,000 troops remain there, continuing their usual activities to confuse the Four Sacred Grounds and keep them occupied,” Feng Hengkong said without reservation. He had long felt that Yun Che's eyes could see through any lie.

“Is that so? Then congratulations on the smooth and successful completion of your strenuous ‘great plan’!” Yun Che scoffed.

“Hmph, since I dared to speak it, I was naturally prepared. Once our sect finishes refining the Divine Violet Vein Crystal, we will present ten jin to the Azure Wind Imperial Family!” Feng Hengkong said coldly. For the small nation of Azure Wind, let alone ten jin of Divine Violet Vein Crystal, previous emperors probably hadn't even seen real Divine Violet Vein Crystal. Violet Vein Heavenly Crystal was already considered a supreme holy artifact.

“Ten jin? Hahahahaha!” Yun Che burst out laughing. “These things originally belonged to our Azure Wind Nation, and for the Phoenix Sect Master to return a mere ten jin is truly generous.”

“You...” Feng Hengkong's face flushed with anger. He was about to retort but met Feng Xue'er's gaze, swallowing his words. He choked back his breath and said in a low voice, “Fifteen jin... that is my limit.”

“No need, I don't care for it. You can keep it for yourselves!”

Yun Che's disdain was clearly written on his face. He showed no hint of covetousness for the “Divine Violet Vein Crystal” Feng Hengkong mentioned, and his words were not uttered in jest. This instantly stunned Feng Hengkong. The Divine Violet Vein Crystal was the highest and most sacred existence on the Profound Sky Continent, a holy artifact coveted by all profound practitioners. When he revealed the truth, he had been prepared to be “extorted” by Yun Che, never expecting anyone to so casually dismiss the temptation of the Divine Violet Vein Crystal.

“However, I must offer a word of advice to the Phoenix Sect Master... be careful not to have a second ‘Feng Feiyan’ among those who know about these Violet Crystal mines!” Yun Che said mockingly.

“I would not be so foolish as to let such a thing happen a second time; you needn't trouble yourself,” Feng Hengkong said coldly. Clearly, he was extremely confident about this matter. Those in the sect who knew about the Violet Crystal mines were his true “confidantes.” Furthermore, apart from himself, Feng Ximing, and Feng Tianwei—who shared the Sect Master's bloodline—the memories of others who knew about the Violet Crystal mines had been caged, just like Feng Huwei's. They could not speak, write, or transmit this information in any way. If a soul search was attempted, these memories would instantly dissipate.

It was precisely because of Feng Feiyan's lesson that the Divine Phoenix Sect chose to employ such extreme measures.

“I also have something to warn you about,” Feng Hengkong continued. “The matter in Flowing Cloud City went so smoothly thanks to a strange man named Fen Juechen. He attracted over ninety percent of our attention! And it is said that he appeared in Flowing Cloud City precisely to kill you! Now that he knows you are still alive, you had better not fall into his hands!”

Yun Che: “...”

“Ah? Someone wants to kill Big Brother Yun?” Feng Xue'er was startled but immediately comforted him with a smile, “It's alright, Big Brother Yun is so powerful, he won't be in danger. Xue'er will also protect Big Brother Yun very carefully.”

“Xue'er, you... *sigh*.” Feng Hengkong twitched his eyebrow, feeling utterly exasperated.

When Feng Xue'er first appeared, Jasmine immediately told Yun Che that Feng Xue'er's profound strength had reached the eighth level of the Sovereign Profound Realm, far surpassing even Feng Tianwei. If Feng Xue'er was indeed protecting him, Fen Juechen's desire to kill him would be nothing short of a pipe dream.

The turmoil Yun Che had caused in the Divine Phoenix Nation these past days had already reached the Azure Wind Imperial City. Yesterday, when Yun Che sent a message that he would return this evening with Feng Hengkong and Princess Snow, Cang Yue was so excited she didn't sleep all night. Just after noon today, she was already waiting in the Imperial Grand Hall.

Although she had immense faith and trust in Yun Che, she had been constantly worried during his days in the Divine Phoenix Empire.

Yun Che's safe return was her greatest desire. Compared to that, the outcome was not as important.

As dusk fell, a gigantic profound ark, like a crimson flame, appeared above the Azure Wind Imperial City, causing a city-wide stir. The Phoenix Divine Ark stopped directly above the Imperial Palace and slowly descended. Being too massive to land, it hovered in mid-air, its surging profound energy creating waves of storm-like heat.

“Is that... the Phoenix Divine Ark?” Qin Wushang, who had accompanied Cang Yue, looked at the colossal object in the sky, exuding overwhelming pressure and scorching aura, his face filled with astonishment. Profound arks were already scarce in the Azure Wind Nation, and he had never seen one with such imposing presence in his life.

“That's right.” Dongfang Xiu nodded slowly. “I was fortunate enough to see it once when I accompanied the former emperor to the Seven Nations Ranking Tournament.”

“Her Majesty said that Yun Che would arrive on the Phoenix Divine Ark with Feng Hengkong and the legendary Princess Snow, and no fourth person... Is that truly possible?” Qin Wushang whispered, his face filled with disbelief. News from Divine Phoenix these past days reported that Yun Che had caused a huge disturbance in Phoenix City, destroyed the Phoenix God Statue, killed several princes, and undoubtedly forged an irreconcilable blood feud with the Divine Phoenix Sect, becoming a mortal enemy. Yet, yesterday, such a message was suddenly transmitted to Cang Yue.

Although Yun Che had personally sent the message and Cang Yue had personally recounted it, almost no one dared to believe that Feng Hengkong would only bring Princess Snow with Yun Che. He was the Divine Phoenix Emperor, the Phoenix Sect Master, the most noble and peerless existence among the Seven Profound Sky Nations. Even traveling to the weakest nation, Azure Wind, which was shrouded in disaster, he should not have been so alone.

“My master told me what the Phoenix Divine Ark looks like; it can't be wrong! Brother-in-law!” Xia Yuanba exclaimed, his face full of excitement, and was about to rush towards the hovering Phoenix Divine Ark.

Under Heaven's First quickly pulled him back. “Don't go yet, to avoid any accidents.”

“Indeed... Yuanba,” Qin Wushang whispered, reminding him, “It is rumored that Feng Hengkong's profound strength has reached the peak of the Tyrant Profound Realm. If anything unexpected happens, only you can protect Her Majesty the Empress.”

“I understand.” Xia Yuanba nodded, staying less than ten steps behind Xia Qingyue, and did not act rashly again.

The Phoenix Divine Ark's door opened, and Yun Che was the first to step out, then slowly descended. Seeing Yun Che safe and sound, infinite joy shone in Cang Yue's bright eyes. Disregarding the occasion and her status, she rushed forward, her phoenix robes fluttering, “Husband, you've returned.”

“Mm.” Yun Che took Cang Yue's hand, then turned sideways. “The ‘distinguished guest’ I mentioned in my message has also arrived.”

Beneath the open ark door, a crimson-robed man appeared. Feng Hengkong stepped out of the ark but did not immediately descend. His calm gaze swept across the surroundings, sensing the desolate smell of smoke and gunpowder in the air.

His imperial majesty and imposing aura had no effect on Yun Che, but that certainly didn't mean they wouldn't affect others. The moment he appeared, everyone's gaze involuntarily fell upon him, yet they dared not meet his eyes. Their breathing and heartbeats stopped instantly, and their chests and souls felt as if a heavy iron plate had been pressed upon them, trembling in suppression.

“Divine Phoenix... Emperor!” Yun Che didn't need to explain; this supremely heavy and domineering aura instantly confirmed his identity to everyone. Extraordinary profound strength, extraordinary status, extraordinary identity... Under the gaze and pressure of this crimson-robed man, even figures like Dongfang Xiu, who were at the pinnacle of the Azure Wind Nation, felt an intense sense of insignificance.

“Yuanba, stay alert at all times,” Dongfang Xiu whispered. As the Head of the Azure Wind Profound Palace, he clearly felt as insignificant as an ant before the Divine Phoenix Emperor and Phoenix Sect Master.

They were all unclear about what had happened in Divine Phoenix, much less the purpose of Feng Hengkong's arrival, so everyone's nerves were taut, and cold sweat dripped down their backs.

“He is Feng Hengkong, the Divine Phoenix Emperor,” Yun Che told Cang Yue. “Don't worry, he has come as a sinner this time and will not do anything detrimental to us.”

Feng Hengkong's body descended from the air, landing before Yun Che and Cang Yue. From the moment he appeared, the smile on Cang Yue's face completely froze, and the hand Yun Che held in his suddenly tightened. She tried her utmost to restrain herself... and restrain herself further... but her body still trembled slightly, and in her beautiful eyes was a hatred so profound it pierced her bones and soul.

It was he who had killed her father! Who had trampled her land and people... plunging the entire Azure Wind into a hellish three years! And made her endure a nightmarish three years!

Though her hatred filled the cosmos, she faced the overwhelmingly powerful Divine Phoenix. She had never dared to dream of revenge, nor had she ever imagined meeting Feng Hengkong. She never thought that one day she would directly confront the mastermind behind all this.

Cang Yue's small hand quickly grew cold, and the tremors in her body and the fluctuations in her aura clearly conveyed to Yun Che. Yun Che tightened his grip on her hand, reassuring her that he was right by her side.

Facing Cang Yue, who was speechless for a long time due to her emotional turmoil, Feng Hengkong also remained silent, not weakening his imposing aura in the slightest. Yun Che said indifferently, “Feng Hengkong, this is the Imperial Palace of the Azure Wind Nation! Before you stands the current ruler of the Azure Wind Nation! You haven't forgotten why you came here, have you?”

“Hmph!” Feng Hengkong snorted lightly. “I am already here, without even a single guard elder by my side. Are you suggesting you would generously offer me a retreat? Empress Cang Yue, I know that for the past three years, I have caused your Azure Wind Nation to suffer greatly, plunging the entire country into chaos. All of Azure Wind undoubtedly hates me to the bone. Your imperial father was also assassinated by my direct order! Tell me now how you wish me to atone for my sins; speak freely, and I will not frown in the slightest!!”

Although Feng Hengkong had clearly declared his arrival for atonement, his words and demeanor exuded an incredibly powerful aura. He was, after all, the Divine Phoenix Emperor, and the Azure Wind Nation was a humble place to him, even to the most ordinary commoner of the Divine Phoenix Nation, and had been so since Azure Wind's founding a thousand years ago. He could accept defeat, he could atone, but he would not show weakness! For matters had reached this point only because of Yun Che, not the Azure Wind Imperial Family!

“Divine Phoenix Emperor... Phoenix Sect Master... Feng Hengkong...” Cang Yue's face was slightly pale, but her expression and voice finally maintained sufficient calmness and imperial dignity. However, the hatred flickering in her beautiful eyes could not be suppressed no matter what. “For a thousand years, my Azure Wind Imperial Family has always shown the utmost respect to your Divine Phoenix, yet you have so cruelly harmed my Azure Wind... I demand that you first give me, give Azure Wind, a reason!!”

Feng Hengkong averted his gaze, completely adopting a posture of non-response.

“He is... the Divine Phoenix's... dog emperor!” From behind the crowd, Feng Yunlie, the Grand Commander of the Azure Wind Army, clutched his saber hilt, his face flushed and distorted. The surging rage and resentment made the dozen or so scars on his face almost burst open... because of this man, how many brothers had shed their blood on the battlefield!!

“Don't be impulsive. Not only is he the Divine Phoenix Emperor, but also the Phoenix Sect Master. Ten thousand of you wouldn't even be able to harm a single strand of his hair,” Qin Wushang said, glancing sideways.

With a soft *clang*, Feng Yunlie's steel saber was drawn three inches from its sheath. He glared at Feng Hengkong, gritting his teeth, and said fiercely, “The most frequent dream I used to have was meeting this dog emperor and personally chopping him into eighteen hundred pieces! Now this dog emperor is right before me, even if he's ten thousand times stronger, I... I... I... Oh my... good heavens...”

Feng Yunlie seemed to have been suddenly struck on the forehead by a large hammer. His expression, originally filled with hatred, and his gaze fixed forward, slowly turned blank. Even the sound of his voice gradually became as ethereal as a dream.

It wasn't just Feng Yunlie; everyone's expressions and gazes suddenly became dull and hazy at this moment.

Because a scene of dreamlike beauty suddenly appeared in their sight.

A crimson-robed young woman slowly descended from the Phoenix Divine Ark. The crimson on her phoenix robes was richer than Feng Hengkong's, and the gold more noble and dazzling. As people's gazes fell upon her, their hearts and souls were instantly swept by a tempest of emotion. For it was a face and aura so beautiful they defied description or adornment. A momentary glance made one feel as if they had plunged into an ethereal dream, witnessing a maiden stepping out of illusion...

Feng Xue'er gently landed and slowly walked forward. In the past, when she occasionally appeared in the sect, her face was always hidden by a phoenix jade veil. But today, she had come with a pure, apologetic, and sincere heart for atonement, shedding her usual concealment.

Cang Yue, standing directly opposite Feng Xue'er, was also completely stunned. The girl before her was as beautiful as a goddess descended from the heavens, making it unbelievable that she could appear in the mortal realm. As a woman herself, looking at Feng Xue'er, her entire soul, will, and beliefs were uncontrollably lost within that beauty, even forgetting the bone-deep hatred that had just flared up against Feng Hengkong.

“In this world, there is actually someone whose beauty... surpasses Xia Qingyue...” Cang Yue murmured dazedly, almost forgetting Feng Hengkong's presence.

As Cang Yue gazed at Feng Xue'er, Feng Xue'er also observed her, noticing her attachment to Yun Che from her gestures. She stopped beside Feng Hengkong and said softly, “Divine Phoenix Imperial Princess Feng Xue'er greets Empress Cang Yue...”

Her ethereal voice, soft as wind, brushed across their hearts, making everyone feel as though their very souls were being purified. Feng Xue'er slightly lowered her head, and her knees slowly bent...

“Xue'er... what are you doing!!” Feng Xue'er's action utterly shocked Feng Hengkong. He roared, and his hand shot out like lightning, gripping Feng Xue'er's shoulder.

However, with her awakened Phoenix Soul, Feng Xue'er possessed profound strength that could crush even Feng Tianwei; how could Feng Hengkong's power stop her? In Feng Hengkong's maximally dilated pupils, Feng Xue'er faced Cang Yue, her knees touching the ground, kneeling perfectly still.

“Xue'er! What are you doing! Get up... Get up! In this world, no one is qualified to make you kneel!! Xue'er!!” Feng Hengkong tugged at Feng Xue'er's arm, trying to pull her up. But no matter how hard he tried, his voice was almost hoarse, yet he couldn't even make Feng Xue'er's body sway slightly.

“In this world, no one is qualified to make you kneel.” Feng Hengkong's words were not an exaggeration in the slightest. For she was not only the sole princess of the Divine Phoenix Empire and the Divine Phoenix Sect, but also the future “God” of the Divine Phoenix Sect! She was also the only person on the entire Profound Sky Continent to receive a complete divine inheritance, possessing the most noble bloodline and being the closest to a “God”!

Once she fully matured, her power would surpass the absolute masters of the Sacred Grounds—the Sacred Emperor, Sea Emperor, Heavenly Monarch, and Sword Master. The divine bloodline she possessed was something others could never obtain, no matter how long they toiled or how vast their resources.

Therefore, after the Phoenix God vanished, there truly was no more noble existence on the Profound Sky Continent than her.

As the Divine Phoenix Emperor, Feng Hengkong's fourteen sons had to pay respects to him on their knees every day. But for all these years, he had never allowed Feng Xue'er to kneel before him. Even if Feng Xue'er herself wished to, he would not permit it; one might even say he dared not accept it.

But now, she knelt... before the emperor of a humble, small nation, Azure Wind.

The Azure Wind Emperor... For a long time, even the lowest-ranking Phoenix disciple would merely glance at them with disdain, or even ignore them completely.

Her kneeling was now a fact; Feng Hengkong could not stop it, nor could he make her stand up. After a long moment of utter dismay, he sighed sadly... How could Feng Xue'er not know she was the Divine Phoenix Sect's Second Phoenix God, or the nobility of her bloodline and status? Yet she still knelt before the emperor of a small Azure Wind Nation... to atone for her father's sins!

His previous imposing aura completely disintegrated, and Feng Hengkong's face twitched... The blood debts and sins he had committed now ultimately had to be borne and atoned for by Feng Xue'er alongside him. Profound remorse made this emperor, who had been invincible for a century, wish he could bury his face in his hands and weep.

Thud!!

Feng Hengkong's knees heavily struck the ground... He, who had only ever knelt before the Phoenix God and his birth parents, now knelt profoundly before Cang Yue. Facing Feng Xue'er's kneeling in atonement for him, how could he possibly uphold his imperial dignity any longer?

“Divine Phoenix Emperor Feng Hengkong, for his selfish desires, acted arbitrarily and unscrupulously, plunging Azure Wind into misery, causing rivers of blood, committing monstrous crimes, incurring the wrath of both gods and men, unforgivable... Today, I only seek the Azure Wind Emperor's judgment. Even if Azure Wind takes my life, I shall have no regrets or grievances!”

Feng Hengkong lowered his head, uttering word by word the words he had never imagined he would say in his lifetime.

The entire Azure Wind Imperial Palace was utterly silent, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. Xia Yuanba, Dongfang Xiu, Qin Wushang, Feng Yunlie, and others were all stunned, their minds completely frozen, for a long time unable to believe the sight before them or the sounds they heard.

Cang Yue also stood there, momentarily at a loss. Yun Che reached out to Feng Xue'er, but after taking a step, he slowly retreated. He knew that such an action would be too unfair to Feng Xue'er. As Feng Hengkong had cried out, in this world, no one was worthy of her kneeling, not even Feng Hengkong, her own father.

But perhaps this way, Feng Xue'er would feel a little better.

Her heart was too pure and kind. After learning the full truth, the heavy burden of Feng Hengkong's accumulated sins and blood debts weighed heavily on her spirit. During the two days and one night on the Phoenix Divine Ark, he had subtly sensed a suppressed aura of guilt and remorse emanating from Feng Xue'er.