Chapter 978: This Melody is Called Phoenix Seeking Phoenix

As Ji Yuan had anticipated, the commotion from the battle during the night had already alerted the powerful figures on Xianxia Island, regardless of whether someone had deliberately intercepted Zhu Tingtao's communication talisman.

In fact, it wasn't only the masters of Xianxia Island who were alarmed; several cultivation sects on Wutong Continent were also disturbed by the commotion.

However, compared to Xianxia Island, there were few major cultivation sects near Jianyuan Kingdom. The battle's intensity was such that it even affected the starlight and moonlight, turning the night sky a fiery red. Some cultivators were too frightened to approach, and those who attempted to investigate were persuaded to turn back by Xianxia Island cultivators when they got too close.

Hundreds of Xianxia Island cultivators had gathered at the battle site, standing on the scorched earth. After exchanging brief greetings, it was deemed more appropriate for Zhu Tingtao, as an eyewitness, to recount the events than Ji Yuan.

He recounted everything: from the appearance of the person impersonating a Xianxia Island cultivator, to the pursuit turning into an ambush, the subsequent appearances of Ji Yuan, Hou, and Xiezhi, their ensuing battle, and ultimately, the final result.

Zhu Tingtao also explained Ji Yuan's presence, saying that Ji Yuan had arrived for a visit just before Xianxia Island's grand teleportation array was activated, and Zhu Tingtao had privately asked him to stay and assist.

"Sect Master, fellow Daoists, this is the full account of what transpired."

Dugu Yu listened quietly, observing both Ji Yuan and Xiezhi throughout. Ji Yuan's pale eyes remained impassive, and Xiezhi's expression also showed no change.

"So, it was indeed Mr. Ji and Daoist Xiezhi who intervened, ensuring Junior Brother Zhu's safety. I just never expected it would attract an ancient fierce beast, one we've never heard of..."

Ji Yuan nodded slightly. To outsiders, his pale eyes appeared unfocused, their gaze seemingly wandering, but in truth, Ji Yuan was keenly observing the other Xianxia Island cultivators.

First, it was impossible for Sect Master Dugu Yu to betray Xianxia Island. Otherwise, Ji Yuan believed Dugu Yu would have numerous ways to brand him as someone coveting the Phoenix, which would render Zhu Tingtao's objections useless and make the Phoenix more vulnerable.

Although they had already exchanged greetings, Dugu Yu bowed once more to Ji Yuan and Xiezhi. This time, Ji Yuan and Xiezhi offered a slight return bow, accepting the gesture with humility.

"Actually, when Mr. Ji arrived on Xianxia Island, I, as the Sect Master, was somewhat aware of his presence, but..."

Ji Yuan glanced at Zhu Tingtao, whose gaze was directed elsewhere, causing a slight upturn at the corner of Ji Yuan's lips. It was clear that Zhu Tingtao was quite embarrassed, which implied he had informed the Sect Master about Ji Yuan's visit from the outset.

"But what?"

As Ji Yuan posed the question, Dugu Yu smiled and turned his gaze to Xiezhi.

"It's just, how did Daoist Xiezhi appear? Was he perhaps already on Wutong Continent? And did he coincidentally appear precisely when Mr. Ji was battling Hou?"

Xiezhi also grinned. It was no wonder the Xianxia Island Sect Master was suspicious; he himself would have wondered. This situation could easily make those who initially trusted Ji Yuan begin to harbor doubts.

"Hahahaha, can that dog-like creature even be considered battling Mr. Ji? He was merely being chased and beaten! As for me, Sect Master Dugu, there's no need to worry. I, Xiezhi, am merely a painting in Mr. Ji's possession!"

Xiezhi, who typically referred to Ji Yuan by name in private, now defended him and intentionally elevated his image. After speaking, his entire form slowly transformed and contracted. His substantial presence gradually became ethereal, and his colors faded amidst subtle shifts of light and shadow.

Ultimately, Xiezhi's body became increasingly flat and diminutive, halting its transformation as it condensed into a scroll, which then gently floated into Ji Yuan's hand.

Ji Yuan was slightly surprised; he had never imagined the proud Xiezhi would take such an initiative in this situation. However, given Ji Yuan's composure, he showed no drastic change in demeanor. He simply held the Xiezhi scroll and observed Dugu Yu, who was visibly unsettled for the first time since their arrival.

"Sect Master Dugu, Daoist Xiezhi was concealed within my sleeve, which is why even Daoist Zhu did not see him accompany me."

Not just Dugu Yu, but all the powerful figures of Xianxia Island stared in disbelief at the Xiezhi scroll in Ji Yuan's hand. The aura Xiezhi had just displayed was more formidable than that of any celestial demon they had ever encountered. Furthermore, according to Zhu Tingtao's description, Xiezhi's demonic form earlier had been exceptionally powerful, capable of swallowing Hou and leaving it no place to hide.

Such a demon cultivator, whether an ancient divine beast or not, was certainly not someone anyone in the world could ignore. Yet, he... was actually a painting?

"How is this possible?"

"Please examine it, Daoist Dugu."

Ji Yuan generously handed the Xiezhi scroll to Dugu Yu. The Sect Master carefully took it and examined the painting, while a similarly astonished Zhu Tingtao and a few other nearby Xianxia Island masters also gathered to inspect it.

It was thin paper, and though the Xiezhi's demonic form depicted on it was vivid, it was indeed merely a painting. At this moment, there wasn't even a trace of demonic energy. Furthermore, this was clearly not a transformation technique; while many miraculous transformation methods exist, cultivators of their level could still discern between a true form and a mere illusion.

Instead, now that they were examining the Xiezhi scroll, the Xianxia Island masters belatedly realized, upon comparison, that the heroic Xiezhi they had seen earlier was merely a transformation, an illusion manifested from this very painting.

"Thank you, Mr. Ji, for clarifying..."

Dugu Yu returned the Xiezhi scroll to Ji Yuan, but his heart remained unsettled. He was, of course, well-acquainted with Ji Yuan; in fact, it was difficult for any immortal sect or school in the current cultivation world, unless they had been in long-term seclusion, not to have heard of Ji Yuan. Even some minor cultivation families and sects had at least some knowledge of him.

Those who knew Ji Yuan well also knew that besides his profound magical powers, he had a fondness for fine wine and enjoyed playing chess. His calligraphy and painting were superb, and in terms of music, his single performance of "Phoenix Seeks Phoenix" was so widely acclaimed it was considered unparalleled.

In such circumstances, it was difficult not to wonder if the Xiezhi scroll was a masterpiece created by Ji Yuan's own hand.

Ji Yuan retrieved the Xiezhi scroll, content that the Xianxia Island cultivators recognized its true nature. With a gentle shake of the scroll, wisps of smoke and flowing magical light emerged, and Xiezhi once again assumed his human form, appearing beside Ji Yuan.

"Well, I suppose none of you Daoists will doubt how I arrived on Wutong Continent. In truth, Mr. Ji and I were simply here to deliver a book and have many other places to visit. I believe Daoist Zhu's earlier suggestion was excellent: let Mr. Ji play a melody. If it can make the Phoenix appear, that would be ideal; otherwise, there's nothing more we can do."

Dugu Yu looked at Zhu Tingtao and the other Xianxia Island cultivators, then turned his gaze to Ji Yuan.

"Any suspicion towards Mr. Ji is my fault, Dugu Yu's, stemming from the truly unsettling events heard tonight. If Mr. Ji is willing, then I would trouble him to play a melody!"

Ji Yuan nodded slightly.

"Before coming here, I had already promised Daoist Zhu."

Zhu Tingtao pointed towards a distant mountain peak and said,

"Mr. Ji, there's a Wutong tree still intact on that distant mountain peak. Let's go there to play your flute."

"Very well, we'll go there."

Ji Yuan had no objections, and neither did the Xianxia Island cultivators. The group soared into the sky on wind and clouds, reaching the Wutong tree on the distant mountain in no time.

Although only a few days had passed, the Xianxia Island cultivators had already thoroughly searched all the most probable locations. Further searching for the Phoenix would now require a slow, continuous effort.

However, even after using a Phoenix feather, they still couldn't find it. Perhaps the Phoenix itself was intentionally hiding.

During the previous battle, all birds and beasts capable of fleeing had already departed the area. Thus, the space beneath the Wutong tree quickly grew quiet after the cultivators landed.

In this small area beneath the tree, besides Ji Yuan and Xiezhi, there were only a few high-ranking Xianxia Island figures, including Sect Master Dugu Yu and Zhu Tingtao. Of the elders Ji Yuan knew, only one was present; the others were either still on Xianxia Island or positioned further away.

When Ji Yuan drew his bamboo flute from his sleeve, everyone instinctively looked at him. As he composed himself, his mind recalled the scene from the book's world: a true Phoenix dancing and singing at night on a Wutong tree in the middle of the sea.

"I wonder if this divine bird, as Xianxia Island calls it, will appreciate this melody."

Ji Yuan took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, then gently closed his eyes and placed his lips on the flute.

A soft, resonant note emerged.

The moment the melodious and distant flute music began, it seemed to disregard distance, spreading in all directions. As the notes flowed, everyone present shed their inner restlessness, enveloped by a subtle sense of tranquility.

Ji Yuan, who had once perfectly played "Phoenix Seeks Phoenix," no longer felt the initial nervousness. He simply followed his inner comprehension, and a realm of Dao was born within the music. The flute's notes were at times melodious, at times soaring, sometimes lingering, and at other times capable of piercing through metal and stone.

Before the echoes of the previous melody faded, the next one had already begun. Everyone's expressions unconsciously fell into a state of enchantment. This was not an illusion or charm, but simply a profound emotional response to the ultimate beauty of music in the world.

When Ji Yuan was halfway through his flute performance, the sky had already begun to lighten, and soon, fiery red dawn clouds appeared with the morning light. However, that patch of dawn clouds gradually transformed into vibrant iridescent hues. The sun had not yet risen, but the colorful clouds on the horizon grew brighter and more resplendent.

A majestic cry echoed in the distance. Ji Yuan's flute music continued unbroken, and his pale eyes, shimmering with a watery gleam, slowly opened.

At this moment, all the Xianxia Island cultivators became excited, yet not a single person uttered a sound. No one wished to interrupt the flute music. The melody reached its end just as bright, yet understated, rays of light settled upon the Wutong tree.

Ji Yuan gently lowered his flute at this moment, but the music continued to echo in everyone's ears, lingering long after.

"Does this melody have a name?"

A voice, magnetic yet imbued with elegance and charm, arose from the branches. The divine bird, bathed in the iridescent light on the tree, ignored all the concerned Xianxia Island cultivators and simply looked at Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan, holding his flute, bowed towards the branches.

"Daoist Phoenix, this melody is called 'Phoenix Seeks Phoenix'."