Chapter 1240: The Power of the Vermilion Bird

"If I'm not mistaken, you and this little one entered Xuanyuan Imperial City with a specific purpose. If this battle completely derails your original plans, it might not be worth it."

Xu Yang, of course, understood the Vermilion Bird's intentions. His smile deepened, and he was in no hurry to unleash his formidable judgment-level power.

Instead, he took a step forward. With each footstep Xu Yang made, a crimson-gold light, representing the power of phoenix flames, ignited where he had just stood. This light completely engulfed the wild heat and chaotic aura emanating from the surrounding Vermilion Bird Totem.

What should have been the Vermilion Bird Totem's moment to overwhelm and suppress everyone present had now become Xu Yang's firm command of the entire scene.

Soon, with his irresistibly powerful and suppressive aura, Xu Yang stood before the Vermilion Bird Totem, smiling as he gazed at it. "Little one, have you considered your answer to the question I asked?"

The Vermilion Bird initially attempted to resist, but the phoenix aura emanating from Xu Yang was overwhelmingly powerful. It was the purest bloodline inheritance of the Phoenix God, something the Vermilion Bird, in its current state, could not possibly withstand.

Had this been in the vast realm of All Heavens, the Vermilion Bird would have been compelled to kneel before Xu Yang, for anything less would be considered blasphemy against the Phoenix God. Indeed, if not for the protective aura of Xuanyuan Imperial City, its spirit would have crumbled long ago.

"Answer me, now!" Xu Yang roared. The moment his final command echoed, the Vermilion Bird Totem finally yielded.

It understood clearly that no matter how it struggled, it was no match for this individual. After a helpless sigh, the Vermilion Bird mournfully shook its head.

"I can't believe that after enjoying the veneration of the entire Yingzhou Continent within Xuanyuan Imperial City for so many years, my authority has ultimately been challenged by an outsider like you! But it's hardly surprising; your power is so immense that even if Emperor Yunlong himself were to arrive, he likely couldn't do anything to you."

"Hahaha, it seems today's veneration should be canceled. It's not us who should be worshipping your so-called Vermilion Bird statue; rather, your totem should be venerating our boss!"

From behind, the 'Big Crab' character once again taunted the opponent.

However, to the surprise of the Prince and the others, the Vermilion Bird Totem, once so arrogant and imposing, now remained perfectly respectful and calm, even when subjected to the taunts of Xu Yang's companions.

Xu Yang gently waved his hand behind him, signaling the Eight Gates team to refrain from further mischief. He then withdrew the radiant phoenix totem power from his body, returning to his usual calm demeanor.

"What I did just now was not intended to undermine your authority. I had no desire to offend your sanctuary; I merely found your previous attitude intolerable, and thus offered a lesson."

The Vermilion Bird Totem shook its head with a bitter smile. "With your power, I have nothing to say. Ask whatever you wish; I will answer anything I know. After all, you are the Phoenix God's representative, and as a descendant of the phoenix bloodline, I am not qualified to defy your authority."

Xu Yang nodded, satisfied. "I do have two questions I'd like to ask you, but not at this moment. I have more pressing matters to attend to within Xuanyuan Imperial City. Once I've finished, I will naturally return to your Vermilion Bird Gate to meet you again."

The Vermilion Bird had not anticipated such a response from Xu Yang, but it could only nod. "I await your presence at any time." With those words, the Vermilion Bird Totem vanished completely into a beam of light, returning to its place within the temple and disappearing from view.

Not long after the Vermilion Bird's light dissipated, various factions from within the Imperial City had already assembled at the base of the ninety-nine steps. This was due to the Vermilion Bird's extraordinarily revered status within Xuanyuan Imperial City.

The city's armies would mobilize instantly at the slightest disturbance. However, upon seeing Xu Yang and his group standing at the pinnacle of the ninety-nine steps, casting an arrogant gaze upon the assembled generals, a powerful, aggressive aura flared from each of them.

"Even if you were brought by the Fifth Prince, you have no right to stand there and lord it over us. Come down at once, or we won't be courteous."

No sooner had the leading city-guarding generals spoken than the Vermilion Bird Totem, from behind the Vermilion Bird Gate, unleashed an intensely brilliant light. This light pressed down directly on the various generals at the base of the ninety-nine steps, delivering an overwhelmingly powerful shock.

Evidently, the Vermilion Bird Totem itself was enraged. Yet, its wrath was not aimed at Xu Yang and his companions, but rather at the generals below who had dared to stand guard. This left the city defense generals utterly bewildered, unsure how to proceed.

"Remember my words: from this moment on, no guard in Xuanyuan Imperial City shall obstruct these individuals. Allow them to proceed directly to meet Emperor Yunlong. Anyone who dares to impede them will be considered an enemy of this venerable one."

The Vermilion Bird Totem's voice materialized into tangible sound waves, impacting the area and utterly petrifying the city-guarding generals.

It was well known that since the founding of Xuanyuan Imperial City, no one other than the Emperor himself had ever been granted such an honor.

Even Emperor Yunlong, during his past visits to pay respects to the Vermilion Bird Ancestor, had never received such deference, much less seen the Totem itself personally awakened to issue commands to mere mortals.

Yet, Xu Yang and his companions now enjoyed this exceptionally high honor, all due to their leader's glory and esteemed status.

As the Vermilion Bird Totem's command echoed, the various guarding generals below swiftly moved aside, clearing a path for Xu Yang's team positioned at the top of the ninety-nine steps.

As Xu Yang led his group slowly down the steps, walking alongside the Fifth Prince towards the Xuanyuan Imperial Palace, every general they passed immediately knelt on one knee, respectfully watching them depart.

This entire spectacle was arguably most impactful for the Fifth Prince and the members of the Eight Gates team. For the Prince, every single time he had entered Xuanyuan Imperial City to meet his imperial father, he had done so with trepidation.

Yet, this time, with the unparalleled presence of Xu Yang by his side, he felt an immense sense of security.

As for the Eight Gates team, who followed Xu Yang and the Prince, they originally shared a generational animosity with the royal lineage. Yet now, they were experiencing the reverence of these top-ranking imperial generals.

This experience completely extinguished the anger that had festered in their hearts for most of their lives. Even if they couldn't restore their clan's ordinary status now, receiving the profound respect of these elite imperial generals was, for them, a lifelong source of pride.

After passing through the surrounding crowd, Arno and Old Crow inexplicably exchanged glances, both with tears in their eyes. Once they had completely left the subordinates behind, the entire Eight Gates team knelt on one knee before Xu Yang, expressing their heartfelt gratitude with their clan's highest form of etiquette.

"Boss, please accept our profound bow!"