Chapter 2215: Nine Phoenix Formation

The gray airflow within the other person only consumed their True Qi, but it didn't alter their bloodline. The reason it wasn't detected previously was likely because it had been suppressing the bloodline.

It was similar to how, in the Firmament and on the Master Teacher Continent, one couldn't sense that members of the Starchaser Palace or the Foreign Spirit Race possessed divine bloodlines.

Now that the airflow had been completely eliminated, the bloodline power should recover. Furthermore, after being refined by the Heavenly Dao True Qi, it was highly probable that it would become even purer!

"Alright then..." Feng Jiuge nodded.

Although he was skeptical about whether his bloodline could be detected again after its disappearance, he had absolute faith in the teacher standing before him.

Ignoring the injured Feng Xiang and Feng Chao, the two walked into the Fire Phoenix clan's compound. The moment they entered the main courtyard, a crowd immediately surrounded them.

It seemed the news of Feng Jiuge's regained strength and his injuring clan members had already spread throughout the family; everyone knew about it.

For so many people to rush over in just a few dozen breaths was impressive; it was clear why they were the leading family among Lingyuan Heaven's three great clans—their communication was incredibly swift.

"Jiuge, you've been expelled from the family, yet you dare to trespass and injure core disciples? What, are you trying to incite a rebellion?"

The young man at the forefront, his eyebrows raised, spoke with an aggressive demeanor.

Being expelled meant having no ties to the family. For him to burst in again was a direct challenge to the clan's authority.

"Feng Jiang, I believe the previous bloodline test was inaccurate, and I wish to return and be retested!" Feng Jiuge looked at him. "As long as I pass the test, I'll still be a core disciple and a clan member. A friendly sparring match between clan members... that wouldn't be considered rebellion, would it?"

Feng Jiang frowned.

He scrutinized the young man before him.

After only an hour or two apart, the aura emanating from him was strikingly different, giving off a weighty presence. He had, surprisingly, reached the peak of an Upper Heavenly God, just like Feng Jiang himself!

Most importantly, the demeanor and confidence he exuded brought back memories of two years ago.

Two years ago, this individual had been an unchallenged force within the clan, possessing the bearing of a Divine King. His aura had been so imposing that even Feng Jiang would bow in respect, not daring to overstep his bounds...

It was difficult for Feng Jiang to accept that someone considered a "waste" for two years had suddenly reverted to his former self.

"Retest?" Feng Jiang narrowed his eyes and scoffed, "Do you think the family's test is a game, something you can just do whenever you please?"

Bloodline testing within the clan consumed resources. Most disciples only had one opportunity to be tested in their lifetime. Feng Jiuge was an exception, having been tested twice, and now he wanted another try...

Did he truly believe it was still two years ago, when he could do as he pleased?

"I know the test isn't child's play and requires a certain cost. I'll cover it!" Feng Jiuge stated.

Although his cultivation had been declining over the years, as a former candidate with the potential of a Divine King in the Fire Phoenix clan, he still had some savings. While not extensive, they were more than sufficient for a single bloodline test.

"You'll pay?" He snorted. Feng Jiang suddenly had an idea, his eyes glinting with a playful smile. "Alright, then. Regardless, you were once a core disciple of the clan. If you insist on a test, I'll give you one chance: challenge the Nine Phoenix Grand Formation! If you pass, you can rejoin the clan. If you fail... then there's nothing more I can do!"

"Indeed, challenge the formation!"

"Haven't you recovered your strength? Then challenge it! If you succeed, we'll acknowledge you. If you can't, you'll only have yourself to blame for not being strong enough..."

The surrounding crowd all burst into laughter, their faces alight with schadenfreude.

"The Nine Phoenix Grand Formation..." Feng Jiuge's expression shifted, and his eyes narrowed.

"What, are you afraid to challenge it? If so, then admit you're here to cause trouble! Guards, seize him and escort him to the Hall of Interrogation. We'll find out his true intentions there..." Feng Jiang declared with a sweeping gesture.

"Yes, sir!"

Four young men immediately stepped out from the crowd and approached with smiles.

"Let's go, our 'former' Young Master Jiuge!"

"Even with your strength recovered, without your bloodline, you're just a rogue cultivator. What, do you truly believe that without the family's protection, you can still enjoy your former privileges and soar to greatness?"

The young Feng Jiuge, successful from an early age, had often acted without restraint. Many within the clan had suffered at his hands, so his popularity was not particularly good.

"What is the Nine Phoenix Grand Formation?"

Noticing the crowd's attitude and Feng Jiuge's expression, Zhang Xuan frowned and sent a telepathic message.

"Teacher, the Nine Phoenix Grand Formation is the sole method for a disciple expelled from the Fire Phoenix clan to regain recognition from their kin. It's a formation comprised of nine clan experts. One must defeat all of them to pass..."

Feng Jiuge's expression was grim. "I've reviewed nearly three thousand years of our clan's history. A total of three hundred and seventeen expelled disciples returned to attempt this challenge, and in the end... only three of them succeeded. The others... almost all died!"

"Died?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

Only three out of over three hundred passed—a mere one percent success rate...

Even if they were expelled, they were once clan members. It seemed excessively brutal to treat them this way when they returned to attempt the challenge!

"Those expelled from the family usually committed unforgivable crimes. Even if they manage to return, they remain out of place with the others. Therefore... their return is generally unwelcome! The assessors are ruthless, showing no leniency whatsoever..."

"Given how dangerous it is, why do people still insist on returning and challenging such a difficult formation?"

What's so bad about not being a Fire Phoenix clan member?

Isn't it better to live freely outside?

Just like him, before he returned to the Zhang family, he lived a carefree and independent life.

"Teacher, you might not know this, but the reason these individuals challenge the Nine Phoenix Grand Formation is because... whether they succeed or fail, upon their death, they will be allowed to be buried in the ancestral graveyard, and their descendants will also have a chance to rejoin the family! If they don't challenge it, or if they back down, they will be permanently separated from the Fire Phoenix clan!"

Feng Jiuge shook his head.

Zhang Xuan understood.

It was the desire to return to one's roots; no one wished to be unable to return to their clan even after death, especially when it concerned their descendants.

"Therefore, those who return to attempt the challenge are typically individuals whose lifespans are nearing their end. The 'challenge,' in essence, is a willingness to face death. For this reason, the Nine Phoenix Grand Formation is also known as the 'Death-Seeking Formation'! It's the sole path for expelled clan members to return to the family and enter the ancestral hall..."

Feng Jiuge's expression was grim. "He's making me challenge it; he clearly wants me dead!"

He was only in his twenties, with many years left before his lifespan's end. Forcing his way through the formation now was clearly inappropriate.

"How high is the cultivation level of those guarding the formation?"

Zhang Xuan asked.

The Nine Phoenix Grand Formation was guarded by nine individuals. While the formation itself was crucial, even more important was the strength of these nine people.

"They are all at the same cultivation level as the challenger. This means... it's nine against one. With the same bloodline and coordinating through the formation... how could anyone possibly win?"

Feng Jiuge explained.

"Same strength? Nine against one?" Zhang Xuan chuckled.

He had imagined it would be incredibly difficult, yet it sounded quite manageable.

Setting aside other examples, Zheng Yang's assessment for the Holy Son back then was many times more challenging than this.