Chapter 778: Slaying the Moon Demon Lord (Part 1)

Boom!!

Amidst earth-shattering roars, continuously exploding Phoenix flames dyed vast areas of the sea and sky a startling crimson. As the bursting flames fell, any island areas they touched instantly transformed into a sea of boiling lava.

The terrifying spectacle and immense power had long since alarmed the Supreme Ocean Palace, but the rampant Phoenix flames showed no signs of abating; instead, they grew hotter and more furious.

"Princess Xue, that barrier cannot be forcibly broken through, not even if the Four Sacred Masters join forces!"

Zi Ji, who also possessed a cultivation of Sovereign Profound Realm Level 8, was forced to retreat far away from the incredibly powerful divine flames, continuously moving backward.

"Brother Yun! Brother Yun!!" In front of the barrier of the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron, Feng Xue'er wildly assailed the barrier with Phoenix flames. Yet, no matter how relentlessly the Phoenix flames struck, the barrier never showed a single crack, nor even a faint tremor. Only occasionally did shimmering, wave-like streaks of light appear on its surface.

"Sister Xue'er, please stop!"

Xia Yuanba was also forced far back. He tried to approach several times, but Feng Xue'er's Phoenix flames were too terrifying. In a flash, the aftershocks of the Phoenix flames had pushed him more than a mile away. He could only shout in anxious desperation, but no matter how he and Zi Ji tried to dissuade her, Feng Xue'er completely ignored them.

At that moment, the Phoenix flames momentarily subsided, and the fiery glow that had completely enveloped the entire island finally receded slightly. Xia Yuanba thought Feng Xue'er had finally regained some composure and was about to step forward when an enormous, intensely dazzling fire lotus burst forth centered around Feng Xue'er's body.

Boom!!!!

A sky-obscuring wave of heat surged toward them. Zi Ji and Xia Yuanba both felt their chests tighten simultaneously, as if struck directly by a massive hammer from a fiery purgatory. They were flung backward violently, their clothes and hair rapidly catching fire.

This was Feng Xue'er's Star Shattering Demonic Lotus, unleashed with all her power—the ultimate destructive force that Phoenix flames could produce in this world! It was more than ten times stronger than Yun Che's Phoenix flames at their peak.

"Sister Xue'er, hurry!"

Xia Yuanba's shouts were now tinged with agony. He retreated with all his might, his entire body feeling as if wrapped in infernal flames, every inch of his skin burning with unbearable pain. It was a long while before the searing sensation finally subsided to a tolerable level. He frantically extinguished the flames on his body, gasping for breath, each exhalation burning like a furnace.

The prolonged Phoenix flame storm finally ceased, and the fiery glow rapidly faded. As Xia Yuanba gasped for air and struggled to calm his internal energy, he realized he had been forced over ten miles away from the island where the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron was located.

Although he had witnessed Yun Che's Phoenix flames, he had never fought Feng Xue'er. Only now did he realize with horror just how terrifying this seemingly delicate, ethereal girl, who called him "Big Brother," truly was!

On the other side, although Zi Ji hadn't been pushed back as far as Xia Yuanba, the shock trembling in his eyes was no less profound. His profound energy, like Feng Xue'er's, was at Sovereign Profound Realm Level 8, and he even had a slight advantage in his cultivation level. However, at this moment, he was absolutely certain that if he were to fight Feng Xue'er, he would undoubtedly lose!

Profound energy at Sovereign Profound Realm Level 8, combined with the purest Phoenix bloodline and Phoenix flame power, could definitely contend with a profound practitioner at Sovereign Profound Realm Level 9 from a Sacred Land!

The fiery glow completely dissipated, but the sea breeze remained scalding. The original island, however, had vanished, leaving only a vast, regret-colored barrier covering the azure sea, isolating the existence of the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron. As for the islands outside the barrier, they had disappeared without a trace of dust under Feng Xue'er's Star Shattering Demonic Lotus.

"Why... why is this happening? Brother Yun... Brother Yun..."

Above the barrier, Feng Xue'er floated alone, her shoulders trembling slightly. She stared blankly at the unharmed blue barrier, her beautiful eyes filled with profound sorrow, her lips murmuring incoherent, heart-rending words.

"Sister Xue'er, don't worry too much." Xia Yuanba rapidly approached from a distance, looking quite disheveled. His face and body were covered in scorch marks, his outer robes were riddled with holes, and half of his hair and eyebrows were singed. However, he held no resentment towards Feng Xue'er; instead, he felt even fonder of her because her distress was for Yun Che.

"Brother-in-law is such a clever person. Since he chose to stay inside, he must have a necessary purpose and a way to get out." Xia Yuanba tried to comfort Feng Xue'er, but his own palms were sweating, and his heart was burning with anxiety.

"But it's so dangerous inside, and Senior Zi also said that once trapped, one would..." Feng Xue'er's voice trembled, on the verge of tears.

"Don't worry, really, don't worry." Xia Yuanba tried to comfort her in the calmest tone possible: "Brother-in-law decided to stay inside himself; he wasn't forcibly imprisoned. So he definitely, definitely has a way to get out. Between Brother-in-law's words and Sir Zi's, of course, you should trust Brother-in-law! Just now, Brother-in-law himself said he'd be out in a few days. And besides..."

Xia Yuanba secretly glanced at Zi Ji's location and sent a profound energy transmission: "Don't forget, Brother-in-law has the Primordial Profound Ark. He can traverse tens of thousands of miles instantly. Getting out from inside must be very simple for him."

The four words, "Primordial Profound Ark," instantly made Feng Xue'er's tear-filled eyes gleam with a bright light. Xia Yuanba's words were not empty comfort; they significantly calmed her agitated and chaotic mind.

"I also believe there's no need to worry excessively." Zi Ji flew over from a distance. Although she also had several scorched spots on her body, she maintained a calm and unperturbed demeanor. "While I am certain no one in this world can break this barrier, don't forget that Yun Che's 'master' is an extraordinary reclusive expert. He was able to bring Yun Che back from the Primordial Profound Ark back then. Getting him out of the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron might be effortless for him."

"Yes, yes, that must be it," Xia Yuanba quickly nodded in agreement, though inwardly, he felt no relief, as he knew perfectly well that Yun Che's "master" was a fabrication.

"What happened?!"

A sharp cry echoed from the north, and simultaneously, a wave of energy rapidly approached from the distance. Both the tone and the movement were exceptionally urgent.

Xia Yuanba turned to look north, where a blue-robed figure was flying towards them at an astonishing speed, trailing a plume of profound energy dozens of meters high behind him. Far behind him, four red-robed figures followed.

"Mo Chenfeng, Grand Elder of the Ocean Palace!" Xia Yuanba blurted out.

Seeing the four red-robed figures behind them, Feng Xue'er froze for a moment, then excitedly flew forward to meet them. "Father Emperor, Grandfather, Crown Prince Brother, and Great-Grandfather!?"

Upon seeing Feng Xue'er approaching, the four red-robed figures stopped, and deep excitement appeared on each of their faces. Feng Hengkong said emotionally, "It's Xue'er! It really is Xue'er!"

Feng Xue'er's previous full-power assault on the barrier with Phoenix flames had sent her incredibly potent Phoenix aura hundreds of miles away, alarming the Phoenix God Sect members who were currently at the Ocean Palace. In this world, only Feng Xue'er could emit such pure Phoenix aura!

Therefore, the four of them disregarded everything else and rushed south with all their might, eventually finding Feng Xue'er, who had been away from the sect for several months, right there.

"Great-Grandfather?" Hearing Feng Xue'er's earlier call, Xia Yuanba's gaze instantly fell upon the red-robed figure on the far right. He had white hair, a face crimson like fire, and pupils that resembled two burning flames. Just a glance caused a momentary burning sensation in Xia Yuanba's eyes.

Sister Xue'er's Great-Grandfather... that's right, the person Yun Che referred to as the Phoenix God Sect's strongest, Feng Zuqui!

Xia Yuanba had personally heard True Man Gu Cang say that Feng Zuqui's profound energy had already reached late Sovereign Profound Realm Level 9 a century ago. Due to his Phoenix flames, his overall strength subtly surpassed even True Man Gu Cang's!

He was also, unequivocally, the foremost expert of the Profound Sky Continent outside the Four Sacred Lands!

Feng Zuqui rarely appeared in public; even few Phoenix disciples had ever seen him. However, his presence at this Devil Sword Assembly was not entirely unexpected.

"Sir Zi, what happened here?"

Below, only the isolating barrier remained, while the island area had vanished without a trace. Mo Chenfeng's brows furrowed deeply, his face filled with astonishment.

Zi Ji, however, waved his hand dismissively. "There was no formidable enemy. It's just that Yun Che is currently still inside the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron."

"What!?" Mo Chenfeng was greatly startled.

"However, it's not that he couldn't get out in time; he chose to stay inside," Zi Ji explained. "According to him, it seems the Underworld Brahma Flower hasn't fully bloomed and cannot be harvested yet, so he intends to wait inside until it does."

"This..." Mo Chenfeng's face twitched, then he said gravely, "That's the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron! Being sealed inside means certain death. The Sea Emperor herself said she couldn't survive more than three hours in there. Choosing to stay inside is simply seeking death!!"

Zi Ji, however, shook his head slightly. "If it were anyone else, that would indeed be true. But Yun Che has survived escaping from the Primordial Profound Ark before. Moreover, while he is arrogant, he's not so conceited and ignorant as to scorn the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron at the cost of his life."

He turned and looked at the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron barrier, stating calmly, "I'm quite interested to see if he can truly survive for long inside the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron, escape this isolating barrier, and successfully obtain the Underworld Brahma Flower, which no one has ever been able to approach alive!"

Mo Chenfeng remained silent.

"However, my anticipation will only last until this time tomorrow," Zi Ji continued. "His 'master' might possess extraordinary power, but Yun Che himself is not even at mid-level Sovereign Profound Realm in terms of strength, and his vital energy is far from it. If he isn't brought out by his 'master' after a day in a place where even the Sea Emperor couldn't survive three hours, then it's impossible for him to still be alive. At that point, either his 'master' is unaware he's trapped, or simply doesn't exist."

"Sir Zi has reminded me," Mo Chenfeng said slowly. "The elemental and spatial laws within the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron are vastly different from the outside world. All sound transmission jades and various spatial profound artifacts are completely ineffective there. If Yun Che's confidence in staying inside relies on transmitting a message to his 'master' for rescue, or escaping via spatial profound artifacts, then he has truly dug his own grave."

Zi Ji's brows furrowed a little more deeply, and his usually calm expression showed a hint of hesitation and regret. "In any case, let's return to the Ocean Palace and report to the Sea Emperor first. For the next few days, focus entirely on preparing for the Devil Sword Assembly and don't get distracted by any outside matters."

"Understood." Mo Chenfeng nodded, then turned and left decisively. Whether the island housing the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron was destroyed or not was irrelevant, as the barrier sealing the Lunar Cauldron could not be destroyed under any circumstances.

"Xue'er, what are you doing here?" Feng Hengkong asked, a mix of excitement and concern in his voice. The three who came with him were Feng Ximing, Feng Tianwei, and Feng Zuqui!

"Xue'er, are you... are you alright? These past few months in the Azure Cloud Continent, has anyone—especially that bastard Yun Che—bullied you?!" Feng Ximing's hands trembled slightly, his face flushed crimson. He stared intently at Feng Xue'er, too agitated to control himself.

"I came with Brother Yun. I hadn't told Father Emperor earlier because I wasn't sure if Brother Yun would bring me. Grandfather, you've come too? Xue'er hasn't seen you in such a long time." Feng Xue'er bowed slightly to Feng Zuqui.

"During the three years Xue'er was unconscious, I visited her many times." Feng Zuqui was in an excellent mood upon seeing Feng Xue'er. His naturally imposing face now held a doting smile as he looked her over, his eyes suddenly glowing bright red, and his smile deepening further. He nodded emphatically and sighed, "Xue'er, you truly are the treasure of our entire clan. In just a few short years, your Phoenix profound energy has already surpassed your father's and grandfather's. Perhaps by this time next year, even this old man will be far outshone by you, hahaha!"

Feng Zuqui threw his head back and laughed heartily, immensely pleased. Since Feng Hengkong could remember, he had only seen Feng Zuqui laugh four times, and each time was because of Feng Xue'er. This time, his laughter was more unrestrained than ever before. He stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Grandfather, speaking of Xue'er's transformation, it's largely thanks to Yun Che. Three years ago, on the Primordial Profound Ark, Yun Che imparted the fifth and sixth stages of the 'Phoenix God Sealing Art' to Xue'er, allowing her Phoenix flame power to fully integrate and awaken rapidly."

"Although Yun Che brought great disaster upon our sect several months ago, he was truly sincere towards Xue'er. First, he saved her life, and later, he recreated her." Feng Hengkong closed his eyes. "Therefore, for the past few months, I have willingly swallowed my hatred for the death of my son. I also have no intention of pursuing vengeance for the two Grand Elders."

Feng Tianwei scanned their surroundings, then frowned, "Xue'er, you said you came with Yun Che, so why are you here alone?"

These words made Feng Xue'er's delicate body tremble slightly, and two tears instantly dropped from her beautiful eyes. Although Yun Che was the person she trusted most in this world, and despite knowing about the Primordial Profound Ark, the intense worry and fear in her heart simply wouldn't subside.

Feng Hengkong and the other two instantly froze. Feng Ximing, in particular, leaped up, his hair standing on end, his features contorted. He let out a bestial roar, "Did he... did he bully you?! Where is that bastard?! I'll kill him! I'll tear him into ten thousand pieces!!"

Feng Hengkong shot a fierce glare at Feng Ximing, then lowered his brows and asked in a low voice, "Xue'er, what exactly happened?"

Feng Xue'er's lips trembled, and after a moment, she finally let out a soft, sobbing sound: "Brother Yun... he's trapped inside the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron."

"What?!" Feng Hengkong's and Feng Tianwei's expressions drastically changed simultaneously. Feng Ximing, however, froze, then his face instantly contorted into unconcealed ecstasy.

Aside from the Four Sacred Lands, one other sect knew of the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron's existence: the Phoenix God Sect.

"There's no need to worry excessively," Feng Zuqui said with a calm expression. "I just overheard Sir Zi of the Ocean Palace and Grand Elder Mo talking. Yun Che seems to have chosen to stay inside, so he must be confident in his ability to get out. And his 'master' is the legendary 'Heaven Stealing Old Man' who possesses extraordinary power. Therefore, being sealed in the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron might not be a death sentence for Yun Che."

"Yes, yes, exactly!" Feng Xue'er's tears pierced Feng Hengkong's heart like needles, and he nodded in quick agreement. "Your Great-Grandfather is absolutely right! Others trapped in the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron would surely die, but Yun Che is different! Even the Primordial Profound Ark couldn't contain him back then. You should return to the Ocean Palace with Father Emperor for now. Perhaps by tomorrow morning, he'll already be out."

Feng Xue'er raised her delicate hand, wiped the tears from her beautiful face, and softly said, "I know. I trust more than anyone that Brother Yun will definitely, definitely come out safely. So, I will wait here for Brother Yun. Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Father Emperor, Crown Prince Brother, I am fine. Please return to the Ocean Palace first. Once Brother Yun comes out, I will visit you right away."

"Hiss..." Feng Xue'er's words and the determination on her face instantly twisted Feng Ximing's just-relaxed expression. He clenched his fists tightly, muttering viciously through gritted teeth: "Yun Che, go to the eighteenth layer of hell in the Demon Imperial Clan's Lunar Cauldron! Go! Go! Go! Go!!!"

"Xue'er..."

"There's no need to persuade her," Xia Yuanba said, walking over with a solemn expression. "No matter how much you try, she won't leave this place now. You should return to the Ocean Palace first. I will stay here, and once she calms down a bit, I'll try to convince her to go back."

"That is Xia Yuanba, the Sanctuary disciple said to possess the Divine Emperor Veins, and a relative by marriage to Yun Che," Feng Hengkong transmitted to Feng Tianwei and Feng Zuqui.

Feng Tianwei's and Feng Zuqui's gazes toward Xia Yuanba immediately shifted.

Feng Hengkong frowned deeply, then sighed softly, "In that case, Xue'er, we will be in the Flame Heart Palace in the northwest of the Ocean Palace. If anything happens, you absolutely must send us a transmission. No matter how anxious and worried you are, Father Emperor will only be more so. In any case, don't force or trouble yourself."

Feng Xue'er's beautiful eyes grew misty. "Father Emperor..."

"Father Emperor, this is the Ocean Palace after all. How can Xue'er be left here alone? Please allow this child to stay and accompany her..."

"Silence!"

Before Feng Ximing could finish his sentence, Feng Hengkong sharply interrupted him. Without glancing at Feng Ximing, he turned to Feng Tianwei and Feng Zuqui and said, "Father, Grandfather, let's leave for now. With us here, Xue'er will find it harder to calm down."

The four members of the Phoenix God Sect departed, and Zi Ji also left with them. Above the barrier-covered sea, which had now returned to tranquility, only Feng Xue'er and Xia Yuanba remained. They both silently watched the regret-colored barrier, a long silence settling between them.

"Brother-in-law, you'll definitely be alright!" Xia Yuanba clenched his fists, silently repeating the words.

"Brother Yun, Xue'er will wait here for you to come out safely." Feng Xue'er placed her hands over her chest, her beautiful eyes closed, her delicate lips softly murmuring, "If Brother Yun doesn't come out for a day, Xue'er will wait for a day; if he doesn't come out for a year, Xue'er will wait for a year... If, if Brother Yun never returns, Xue'er will stay here forever and ever, accompanying Brother Yun..."