Chapter 826: Hellish Ghost Orchid (Part 1)

When Yun Che landed in Phoenix City, Feng Zukui, Feng Tianwei, and Feng Hengkong – three generations of Divine Phoenix emperors – were standing there discussing something. Sensing Yun Che's aura, they all turned around simultaneously, their faces showing a uniform, faint smile.

"Che'er, you've arrived at just the right time. The grand banquet is about to begin," Feng Hengkong said with a chuckle. "The Supreme Ocean Palace and Sun Moon Divine Hall have already arrived, and their Sacred Masters are personally here. We just received a report that the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary and Heavenly Sword Villa have also reached Divine Phoenix City and will soon be in Phoenix City. This level of respect is truly unprecedented on the Profound Sky Continent."

"Alas," Feng Zukui sighed softly, a faint smile reappearing on his face. "All the past grievances have faded away with the wind. Xue'er carries the future of my Divine Phoenix Sect, and her feelings for you run deep. I only ask that you treat her well from now on."

"Other matters, I cannot guarantee or speak presumptuously about," Yun Che said earnestly. "But as for Xue'er, I will never let her down, not in this life or any other. Phoenix Sect Master, where is Xue'er now?"

"Heh heh, you're still calling him Phoenix Sect Master at this point. It's time to start calling him Imperial Father," Feng Tianwei said, chuckling.

"It's fine, the form of address is merely a trivial matter," Feng Hengkong quickly interjected, a flicker of slight embarrassment passing through his eyes. Half a year ago in Blue Wind Imperial City, Yun Che had told him in a cold tone that even after being with Xue'er, he would never address him as "Imperial Father" for the rest of his life. This was because he would never forget who had caused Cang Yue's biological father's death!

"Xue'er is in the Phoenix Sound Pavilion. Qixian, lead Palace Master Yun to the Phoenix Sound Pavilion," Feng Hengkong instructed.

"Yes, Sect Master." The Phoenix female disciple, called "Qixian," stepped forward and respectfully led the way for Yun Che.

"Heavenly Sword Villa Master, Xuanyuan Wentian, and Young Sword Master, Xuanyuan Wendao, have arrived!"A clearly louder announcement rang out. Following the Supreme Ocean Palace and the Sun Moon Divine Hall, the Heavenly Sword Villa had also arrived, though it seemed only the Sword Master and his son were present."It's the Heavenly Sword Villa, Imperial Father, Grandfather, I'll go greet them first." Feng Hengkong hurried away. Other guests could be received by the elders of the sect, but with the arrival of a Sacred Ground, he naturally had to welcome them personally.

In Phoenix City, the Phoenix Main Hall at the center was the core area, but in the eyes of all Phoenix disciples, the Phoenix Sound Pavilion was the true "sacred ground" of the entire Phoenix City. This was because it was Feng Xue'er's private chambers after she left the Phoenix God. However, all Phoenix disciples, including the various princes, could only occasionally glimpse it from afar. They almost never had a chance to get close, and being allowed inside was absolutely impossible.

Upon entering the Phoenix Sound Pavilion, Feng Xue'er was seated gracefully before a mirror, her fair complexion tinged with a nervous blush. Seeing Yun Che approach in the mirror, she turned around in surprise. "Big Brother Yun!"

She wore a vibrant red palace gown adorned with phoenix patterns, gently cinched at her slender waist by a plain jade belt. Her long, dark hair flowed loosely, casually held by a single pale purple flower pin. Her eyes, soft and lustrous like warm jade, and her naturally crimson lips glowed with exquisite beauty.No matter when, Feng Xue'er was always flawlessly beautiful, appearing like an ethereal fairy even without makeup.Her originally exceptionally beautiful face had shed a hint of youthful naivety, gaining a touch of captivating charm. Though subtle, it was enough to mesmerize. Especially her watery eyes, like starlight or a vast ocean, could, with a gentle smile, enchant a thousand worlds.

That dream-like, hazy glimpse from when he fell from the Phoenix Perching Cliff, just before losing consciousness, had etched those beautiful eyes firmly into his soul, never to fade, not even for eternity.

Yun Che's heart rippled like a pond stirred by a gentle breeze. He took a few steps forward and gently embraced Feng Xue'er from behind, his fingers almost uncontrollably caressing her snowy neck. The phoenix robe she wore was made of fine, lustrous material, yet it paled in comparison to her exposed, fair skin, which, even in the dimly lit Phoenix Sound Pavilion, seemed to glow with a translucent, jade-like radiance.

"Xue'er, after our engagement, I'll take you to meet my parents, alright?" Yun Che said softly.

"Mmm," Feng Xue'er responded gently. Although they had only been apart for a little over ten days, her longing for him had grown with each passing day.

Outside the main hall, the Heavenly Sword Villa had indeed arrived, and it was just Xuanyuan Wentian and his son, Xuanyuan Wendao.

In the past nineteen days, Xuanyuan Wentian's right arm had completely healed. Normally arrogant and dismissive of everyone, he appeared exceptionally humble and respectful today. When greeted by Feng Hengkong, he almost simultaneously returned the bow. Xuanyuan Wendao was even more subdued; not only was his usual domineering arrogance gone, but his eyes constantly darted around, subtly revealing his fear and unease.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries and presenting his congratulatory gift, Xuanyuan Wentian suddenly lowered his voice. "Phoenix Sect Master, may I ask where your esteemed son-in-law, Palace Master Yun, is currently?"

Feng Hengkong's eyes flickered. "Che'er is currently with Xue'er in the Phoenix Sound Pavilion and will enter the hall soon. Does Sword Master Xuanyuan have any instructions?"

"I wouldn't dare give instructions," Xuanyuan Wentian quickly replied. He glanced at Xuanyuan Wendao and continued, "However, I do have a favor to ask. My son, Wendao, has an important matter he wishes to discuss privately with Palace Master Yun. I wonder if it would be possible..."

Feng Hengkong hesitated for a moment. "This..."

"Alas, to be honest," Xuanyuan Wentian sighed, "Phoenix Sect Master witnessed the events of the Devil Sword Convention that day. Now, the lives of my son and I are in your esteemed son-in-law's hands, and today is an exceptionally rare opportunity for reconciliation. If Phoenix Sect Master does not help, I fear the ten-thousand-year foundation of my Heavenly Sword Villa will be destroyed by my own hands, and I, Xuanyuan Wentian, will become an eternal sinner of the Sword Domain. I earnestly hope Phoenix Sect Master will grant us this favor. My son and I will certainly be eternally grateful."

Having said this, he bowed deeply to Feng Hengkong.

In the past, it would have been absolutely impossible for Xuanyuan Wentian to be so humble and courteous in front of Feng Hengkong, let alone bow to him—that would have been unthinkable even in a dream. Yet, it was all truly happening before his eyes now.The dignified Sword Master of the Sword Domain, one of the Four Sacred Masters of Profound Sky, was speaking softly to him, pleading, and bowing before him. Feng Hengkong felt a moment of dizziness, his body feeling light, almost doubting if he was dreaming. His vanity and pride swelled to an unprecedented degree. He quickly stepped forward, instinctively supporting Xuanyuan Wentian by his arms. "Sword Master Xuanyuan, I cannot accept such a grand gesture! If that is the case, Young Sword Master, please follow me."

"Thank you, Phoenix Sect Master, for your help."Xuanyuan Wentian expressed his gratitude, then stood in place, watching Xuanyuan Wendao leave with Feng Hengkong. Gradually, a deep shadow fell over his eyes and face.

Though filled with endless resentment and unwillingness, he knew very well that his words just now were not an exaggeration. The lives of both father and son, as well as the fate of the Heavenly Sword Villa, were held firmly in Yun Che's hands.Their only choice now was to survive, even if it meant sacrificing their dignity!Because only by living would there be an opportunity!

He turned his head and looked at Feng Ximing, who was standing nearby. Their eyes met, and Feng Ximing, as if electrocuted, immediately lowered his head, a shiver running through his body.

As Feng Hengkong approached the Phoenix Sound Pavilion with Xuanyuan Wendao, they saw Yun Che and Feng Xue'er walking side-by-side, seemingly on their way to the main hall. He quickly stepped forward and said, "Che'er, Young Sword Master Xuanyuan has something he wishes to discuss with you privately. Would you be able to...?"

"Oh?" Yun Che glanced at Xuanyuan Wendao. He knew full well why Xuanyuan Wendao was looking for him, and he smiled faintly. "In that case, let's hear what he has to say. Xue'er, wait for me here; I'll be right back."Yun Che strode forward, a smile on his face, and called out loudly from a distance, "So it's Young Sword Master Xuanyuan. May I ask what you need from me, Yun Che?"

The Phoenix Sound Pavilion area was arguably the quietest part of Phoenix City. Xuanyuan Wendao quickly scanned his surroundings, and seeing no Phoenix disciples nearby, he felt a little relieved. He quickly forced out a smile that was almost fawning. "Palace Master Yun, I have come today for two reasons: first, to congratulate you and Princess Xue on your union, and second, to offer an apology."

"An apology?" Yun Che's eyes narrowed slightly.

Xuanyuan Wendao gritted his teeth and said, "My father and I repeatedly offended you at the Ocean Palace a while ago, and even nearly put Palace Master Yun in danger. It was utterly, utterly ignorant and foolish. My father and I have been filled with deep remorse these past days. We only ask that Palace Master Yun, being a man of great magnanimity, overlook the transgressions of 'lesser men' like us and not hold it against us. My father and I will certainly remember this grace, and from now on, should Palace Master Yun have any requests, our Heavenly Sword Villa will be at your complete disposal."

Yun Che was silent for a moment. Xuanyuan Wendao's words were utterly servile. If heard by the world, no one would believe they came from the mouth of a Sacred Ground figure.

"Young Sword Master Xuanyuan, you speak too seriously," Yun Che replied indifferently.

Xuanyuan Wendao's body trembled, for he was trampling upon half a lifetime of his own dignity with his words. "Besides the incident at the Supreme Ocean Palace that day, my father and I also committed numerous offenses and sins against Palace Master Yun's family many years ago..."

"Many years ago?" Yun Che's brow furrowed slightly, his voice also growing a little colder. "What do you mean by that, Young Sword Master Xuanyuan? I'm not sure I understand."

Although Yun Che didn't explicitly reveal his knowledge, Xuanyuan Wendao knew that Yun Che must already be aware. Daring not to speak plainly, he lowered his head and forced himself to say, "Palace Master Yun must have heard the saying: 'A living person is always more useful than a dead one!' Our deaths, my son's and mine, could indeed appease your anger, but if we are allowed to live, we can certainly do far more for you."

Yun Che remained silent.

"I have said all I wished to say. I believe that with Palace Master Yun's wisdom and magnanimity, you must have already made your decision. I won't trouble you any further. In the future, if there's ever anything you need from me, Palace Master Yun, please don't hesitate to command. I will do everything in my power to ensure Palace Master Yun's satisfaction."After speaking, Xuanyuan Wendao took two steps back, then quickly departed with his head still bowed. Yun Che watched his retreating figure, his brows slightly furrowed. Xuanyuan Wendao's fear of death was evident on the Sea God Platform at the Ocean Palace that day. However, his ability to "bend and stretch" wouldn't ordinarily reach this extent. Behind this, it was clearly Xuanyuan Wentian's "instruction."

"Big Brother Yun," Feng Xue'er walked over, lightly took Yun Che's arm, and said with a beaming smile, "You're so amazing! Even the Young Sword Master of the Heavenly Sword Villa is so afraid in front of you."

Although she hadn't heard what they were saying, Xuanyuan Wendao's deferential and submissive demeanor was perfectly clear to her.

"He's not afraid of me," Yun Che said, shaking his head with a smile. "He's afraid of my master. As for me, I'm just borrowing someone else's prestige. When I can make them 'beg for mercy' and discard their dignity based on my own strength, then you can praise me."

"Hehe, Big Brother Yun is so powerful, that day won't be far off. Oh, by the way, did Big Brother Yun's master also come today?" Feng Xue'er asked, her mood as radiant as the phoenix flowers blooming in her courtyard.

"Yes, but she prefers quiet, so she probably won't appear openly. Though she might be secretly watching us from somewhere," Yun Che said with a smile. However, his heart grew a little heavy as he thought of the vague sense of abnormality surrounding Jasmine today.

As it gradually approached nine o'clock, Yun Che and Feng Xue'er walked side-by-side towards the Phoenix Main Hall.

"The Sacred Emperor of the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary, Huangji Wuyu, has arrived, accompanied by True Man Ku Tong, True Man Jue Xin, True Man Jiu Tan, True Man Qi Jie, True Man Gu Cang, and a total of fourteen esteemed guests!"The Absolute Monarch Sanctuary had finally arrived, their contingent equally astonishing. Not only was the Sacred Emperor present in person, but among the thirteen individuals he brought, all twelve True Men were there. The other person was Xia Yuanba.Even elders of the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary were deemed unworthy to be brought by him to this grand engagement banquet.