Chapter 980: A Glimmer of Hope Cannot Be Ignored?

“So this is ‘Phoenix Seeking Its Mate’… You must be Mr. Ji Yuan, Fellow Daoist?”

The cultivators of Xianxia Island knew the name “Phoenix Seeking Its Mate.” The phoenix hadn't been missing for too long, so there was no reason for them not to know. However, none of them had truly heard the piece until now. Hearing it this time, they realized it was indeed a sound from heaven.

Ji Yuan nodded slightly with a faint smile.

“That is I!”

“This flute music is truly beautiful. Mr. Ji, do you have a Daoist companion?”

The phoenix, with its immensely charming and melodious, elegant voice, posed the question. Ji Yuan immediately felt awkward; saying “no” was difficult, and saying “yes” would be even more inappropriate.

“Fellow Daoist Phoenix, I have a close friend, a true phoenix, who is a kindred spirit. I composed this piece at her request, inspired by her dance and song.”

The phoenix on the branch remained shrouded in a layer of hazy colored mist. It was evident that everyone on Xianxia Island indeed respected it as an elder. Even though they surely wanted to know what the phoenix had experienced, not even a true immortal like Dugu Yu interrupted the conversation between the phoenix and Ji Yuan.

“Hmm, I’ve heard of it. Mr. Ji, my name is Xihuang. You don’t need to address me by a generic term for my species.”

The phoenix’s voice seemed to carry a hint of a smile. Subsequently, the colorful glow on its body receded, and the divine bird’s form gradually contracted. Its colorful wings slowly transformed into hands, its talons into feet, and its tail feathers became a flowing skirt. Eventually, it transformed into a woman dressed in golden feather robes. Her gaze lingered on the Xiezhi for a moment before returning to its original position, as she looked at Ji Yuan with a smile.

Almost nine out of ten Xianxia Island cultivators instinctively looked at Ji Yuan. The remaining tenth pretended not to notice, but their full attention was still on him. Even 99% of Xianxia Island's cultivators did not know the phoenix's true name, and no one dared to address her by it.

“Mr. Ji, she’s asking you a question.”

The Xiezhi reminded Ji Yuan rather inappropriately. However, before a slightly embarrassed Ji Yuan could reply, the Green Vine Sword, slung across his back, let out a sword cry.

“Buzz—”

Although the sword energy did not erupt, the sword intent spread in all directions like a gentle breeze. Everyone nearby felt a current pass over their skin, and the fallen leaves and withered branches on the ground scattered everywhere.

Ji Yuan tilted his head slightly, and only then did the immortal sword behind him calm down.

“It seems, Mr. Ji, you truly have no interest in me…”

Although the immortal sword had a spirit, Ji Yuan’s reaction, to some extent, spoke volumes.

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan felt a sense of relief. He cupped his hands towards the tree again in apology.

“I had no intention of offending Fellow Daoist Xi.”

Although the phoenix had been sitting on the Wutong branch, her tone, demeanor, and gaze never conveyed a sense of condescension to anyone. She remained calm and composed. After receiving Ji Yuan’s reply, she did not look at the Xianxia Island cultivators but turned her gaze back to the Xiezhi.

“Who are you? I have a familiar feeling about you.”

“Oh?”

The Xiezhi’s eyes lit up, and it scrutinized the woman the phoenix had transformed into.

“I didn’t realize you, a phoenix, carried the legacy of the Four Spirits.”

The woman on the Wutong branch showed no sign of nervousness, nor did she refute the Xiezhi’s words. She simply looked at it calmly.

“Who are you?”

“I am Grand Elder Xiezhi. Have you heard of me?”

The phoenix also seemed somewhat surprised.

“Xiezhi? So the Xiezhi still lives. Then what is your purpose for this visit?”

Ji Yuan, standing nearby, was also slightly surprised. The Four Spirits refer to the Qilin, Phoenix, Tortoise, and Dragon. In ancient times, there was also a saying that referred to entire clans, but in reality, not every member of these four clans could be called a Four Spirit. Their bloodlines varied in thickness, and those who obtained the true legacy were extremely few, perhaps even unique.

“Don’t look at me, I follow Mr. Ji’s lead.”

“I did not come specifically for Fellow Daoist Phoenix. I am here at the request of Fellow Daoist Zhu, to help Xianxia Island find Fellow Daoist Phoenix!”

The phoenix looked at Ji Yuan with a slightly lost expression, and it took her a long time to regain her composure. She hadn't expected Ji Yuan to be able to subdue the Xiezhi. Even though she had sensed that this immortal was extraordinary, this was still somewhat beyond her expectations. She already felt Ji Yuan's presence was pleasant, and now she gave him a helpless smile.

“It’s a pity I met Mr. Ji too late, a pity…”

Ji Yuan had expected that after hearing “Phoenix Seeking Its Mate,” Fellow Daoist Phoenix would eagerly inquire about Danye’s situation and whereabouts. Who would have thought she wouldn’t ask a single question?

As the phoenix’s words of regret faded, she finally looked at Dugu Yu and the others, then scanned the Xianxia Island cultivators both near and far around the Wutong tree.

“My silence was not intentional hiding. It was because I suddenly sensed a change in heaven and earth, and that my own destiny was nearing its end, with not much time left. Under this sudden weakening, I had little strength, and it became clear to me that I might ultimately not escape this calamity. This is fate.”

As she spoke, the woman subconsciously glanced at Ji Yuan.

“If it weren’t for Mr. Ji’s moving flute music, I might have remained unconscious for another year. Now, however, I’ve recovered somewhat ahead of time.”

As the phoenix spoke, her aura gradually strengthened. The information she revealed still shocked both the Xianxia Island cultivators and Ji Yuan. It seemed no one had harmed the phoenix previously; her weakening had come suddenly.

“I have preserved the Dao of the Four Spirits for over 136,000 years. Although I’m often sleepy, I’ve essentially lived as long as heaven and earth. Since heaven and earth are about to fall, so too shall I.”

Even though many years had passed in this life, and much had happened, Ji Yuan’s habits from his previous life had largely faded. Yet, at this moment, he couldn’t help but inwardly curse several times.

Good heavens, this phoenix is over a hundred thousand years old? In a way, it has transcended the mortal world. All living beings in this world, except for those awakened ancient beings, are mere juniors in front of this phoenix.

Moreover, Fellow Daoist Phoenix revealed some shocking secrets without any “embellishment,” yet she wasn’t immediately subjected to karmic backlash from the grand calamity. This slightly surprised Ji Yuan. However, considering she lived as long as heaven and earth, and that she spoke of suddenly sensing the imminent fall of heaven and earth, he seemed to understand something.

“Heaven and earth are falling?”

Dugu Yu couldn’t help but exclaim in astonishment, while Ji Yuan and the Xiezhi remained calm. Phoenix Xihuang nodded, and just as she was about to speak further, she suddenly noticed something. She looked at Ji Yuan, finding his eyes wide open and fixed on her. Though pale, his eyes were incredibly bright.

But the phoenix did not say much more directly to Ji Yuan. She simply looked at him a couple more times, then replied to Dugu Yu.

“That’s right. Many years ago, I advised Xianxia Island to seclude itself and hide until everything settled before reappearing. That was due to a slight ominous premonition. I didn’t expect it to be my own fate nearing its end. Next time, I don’t know if I will wake up again.”

As she spoke, the colorful glow on Phoenix Xihuang’s body began to dissipate, soon enveloping everyone present. A scene, like a vision yet not quite, began to unfold before them: the heavens and earth were crimson, the seas boiled, and wind and thunder raged, severing all life.

“Rumble…”

Amidst the sound of thunder, everyone was startled awake. The phoenix’s aura also became slightly agitated at this moment, only calming down after a brief pause.

Some remained calm, others were panicked; some had wandering thoughts, others were at a loss. Of course, concern for the phoenix was also evident.

“Senior Phoenix! Is there a way to save you?”

Zhu Tingtao took a few steps closer and asked. Then, a thought flashed through his mind, and he suddenly looked at Ji Yuan.

“Mr. Ji, I heard you possess a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root. Would you consider offering some of its fruit? If it can save Senior Phoenix, Xianxia Island will surely offer a generous reward!”

As Zhu Tingtao spoke, he bowed and cupped his hands towards Ji Yuan. Surprisingly, Dugu Yu and several other Xianxia Island masters also turned to Ji Yuan and performed a grand salute.

“If Mr. Ji is willing, our Xianxia Island will surely offer a generous reward!”

“You need not beg anyone. My fate is nearing its end, but I am not physically harmed. Even if there were true Spiritual Root trees in this world, they could not save me.”

The phoenix spoke directly, clearly informing everyone that it was not possible.

“I thought there was still plenty of time, but it seems it is very near. Since all of you are here today, I will give a few instructions. Xianxia Island can open its sealed Grotto-heaven and retreat into it before my demise. You may emerge after a thousand years…”

The phoenix spoke as if giving her dying wishes. Ji Yuan had already been frowning frequently, and upon hearing this, he could no longer hold back.

“Wait!”

Ji Yuan interrupting Senior Phoenix made many Xianxia Island cultivators frown. The phoenix also looked at Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan, disregarding the etiquette, spoke with a calm expression.

“We cultivators study the Dao and seek enlightenment. Xianxia Island is moreover one of the foremost leaders of the immortal path. When heaven and earth face hardship, and all beings suffer, I hope Fellow Daoist Xi will reconsider, and I hope all Fellow Daoists of Xianxia Island will reconsider!”

“Mr. Ji, I have my own senses. The calamities of heaven and earth are not something human power can resolve. It is true that when heaven and earth fall, there will be rampant demons and disasters. However, these cannot be resolved simply by eliminating some demons or destroying some formations. Heaven and earth themselves have already accumulated too much malevolence and karmic debt. The so-called great demons and evil spirits are merely seizing this opportunity. If heaven and earth were unharmed, they would be nothing more than insignificant clowns.”

Ji Yuan knew the phoenix was right. He gently raised his right hand, loosened his fingers, and let the jade flute in his hand slide into his sleeve. He surveyed the Xianxia Island cultivators beneath the Wutong tree, and finally looked directly at the woman in the tree, speaking clearly.

“I, of course, understand what Fellow Daoist Xi means. However, the Great Dao has fifty, and Heaven’s Will determines forty-nine; everything in the world has a glimmer of hope. In ancient times, heaven and earth were shattered, and countless years passed with fierce demons and petty villains lying in wait, finally awaiting this opportunity today. As righteous cultivators, how can we not contend? Heaven and earth are vast and nourish all things with great benevolence; having received their grace and nurture, how can we not repay them? If the path of an immortal is to claim freedom and ease, yet hide at every calamity and conceal oneself at every difficulty, how can one be called an immortal? If plants, animals, and all sentient beings perish with heaven and fall with earth, and those who seek the Dao offer no salvation, how can their hearts be at peace?”

Ji Yuan’s words carried the resonance of a divine decree, his voice deafening. All spiritual beings in the four directions who heard him were utterly shaken. It also made the Xianxia Island cultivators look between the phoenix and Ji Yuan with astonished expressions. What these two were saying seemed understandable only to themselves, but even unspoken, the amount of information revealed was immense, subtly making everyone present realize that their positions far surpassed those of others.

Furthermore, Ji Yuan’s words ignited a suppressed passion in many Xianxia Island cultivators. Though immortals seek longevity, they do not wish to be called cowards who cling to life. Ordinary provocation would naturally be useless, but it depended on who was speaking these words.

After Ji Yuan finished speaking, he looked up at Xihuang in the Wutong tree, who was also looking at him. As she gazed into Ji Yuan’s seemingly blind yet sun-and-moon bright eyes, vague memories seemed to surface from an unknown place.

After a long time, Xihuang’s face lost its composure, and she slightly parted her lips, her eyes seeming to shimmer with moisture. Her gaze swept towards the rising morning sun and the moon that had not yet fully vanished, then returned to Ji Yuan. She took a deep breath and exhaled her words in a whispered sigh.

“Mr. Ji, why… why did you return…”

Ji Yuan frowned. He didn’t know what Fellow Daoist Xi meant by the latter part of her sentence. Although many thoughts crossed his mind, at this moment, he only hoped that Xianxia Island would not retreat.

“I was born here!”

Phoenix Xihuang looked at Ji Yuan and suddenly smiled.

“Mr. Ji, if you need it, I am willing to give you all of my True Spirit Blood. As for Xianxia Island, let them make their own decision.”