by Mars Gravity
Feng Hengkong’s face and his whole body felt a deep sense of powerlessness… The Phoenix Soul was originally a whole, and they attracted each other under instinct. He would rather conclude that the attraction between the two of them was caused by their Phoenix Soul.
“Xue’er…” Feng Hengkong spoke, in his voice, there was a trace of pain and helplessness, “Do you remember the things that Royal Father said to you when you ‘returned’ from Lord Phoenix God when you were thirteen?”
“I remember,” Feng Xue’er didn’t think and nodded her head softly, “Royal Father told Xue’er that I cannot leave Divine Phoenix City before I am seventeen, and I cannot have any contact with anyone other than close relatives. I cannot leave Divine Phoenix Nation before I am twenty, and I must start to use my own eyes to get to know and understand the whole world.”
Feng Hengkong nodded slightly. Only when facing Feng Xue’er would his eyes turn gentle and be devoid of impurities, “Xue’er, you grew up by Lord Phoenix God’s side since you were young. You are far too pure and kind. Even though Royal Father wants to protect you forever, you are bound to grow up, and in the future, you will even need to be in charge of the whole Divine Phoenix…”
“So, even if Royal Father couldn’t let go, my protection for you would only continue until you are seventeen. After seventeen, Royal Father planned to take you to see the world across Divine Phoenix Nation in order for you to realize the fickleness of human nature. Once you turn twenty, Royal Father would completely let go and let you get to know the whole Profound Sky Continent, and then let you decide everything for yourself independently…”
“But in the past three years, you were always in a coma. Now, even though you are exactly the same from three years ago and even though you looked like you didn’t grow at all, you are already nineteen. However, Royal Father wasn’t able to take you to see our Divine Phoenix Nation… And in half a year, you will be turn twenty.”
“Royal Father…” Feng Xue’er mumbled softly.
“Even though three years were taken away from you, the things that Royal Father had said back then would not be taken away. Once you are twenty, you will be able to decide everything for yourself, and no one can interfere in your decisions… so, give yourself, give Royal Father half a year of time.” Feng Hengkong’s eyes and face were slightly lowered, “In this half a year, you will grow, get to know, and expand your horizon. More than that, you can clearly understand what kind of feeling you have for Yun Che.”
“If your feelings towards Yun Che are still the same as today half a year later,” Feng Hengkong’s fist under his long sleeves tightened, “Then Royal Father will personally call the shots as you wish… Even if the entire sect objects, Royal Father will still do it for you. And, if you changed your mind, then, then absolutely do not force yourself. Royal Father will have a way to deal with Blue Wind.”
“…Mn.” Feng Xue’er hesitated for a little bit, but she still nodded softly, “Xue’er will listen to Royal Father.”
“Empress Cang Yue, you heard it. It is not that Xue’er and I are unwilling, it’s just that it concerns Xue’er’s future; it needs to be carefully considered. I can entrust Xue’er to Yun Che… but it is not to protect the dignity of Divine Phoenix; it is because of Xue’er’s wish in her heart. But it… it at least needs to be half a year later!”
“Very well!” Contrary to Feng Hengkong’s expectations, Cang Yue didn’t use the opportunity to take advantage of him. Instead, she nodded cleanly and sharply, “Phoenix Sect Master’s words are as good as gold. With your words, it counts as this empress agreeing to your request! However, this empress will not give away half a year for nothing! During this half year in which your Divine Phoenix Empire will make your final decision, Feng Xue’er must stay in my Blue Wind Nation! As for you, you can leave anytime!”
Cang Yue’s tone was determined, stating that there was no compromise!
Feng Hengkong’s eyebrows suddenly rose… Feng Xue’er grew up by the side of the Phoenix God, and she had never left Divine Phoenix City before yesterday. How would he accept leaving her in Blue Wind this easily… and even leave her beside the extremely dangerous Yun Che? He was just about to reject it unyieldingly, but when he raised his head, he saw how Feng Xue’er wasn’t worried at all; on the contrary, she seemed to be looking forward to it. At that instant, his heart softened as he swallowed back the words about to burst from his throat, turned around and suddenly flew up towards outside the hall.
“Yun Che, come with us!”
“Give me a moment.” Yun Che lifted his head to look at Feng Hengkong; he then nodded towards Cang Yue and Feng Xue’er and also flew out after Feng Hengkong.
After Feng Hengkong flew out of the main hall, he flew in a straight line until he was in front of the Divine Phoenix Ark. He turned around, looked at Yun Che in front of him, and with a face devoid of any expression, he said in a low voice, “Yun Che… in our life, we have rarely thanked anyone. But three years ago, we did indeed want to thank you because you risked your life to save Xue’er’s life! Based on just that, if you were alive three years ago, no matter what you wanted, we wouldn’t hesitate at all.”
“What do you want to say?” Yun Che indifferently asked.
“Ever since Xue’er woke up from her three-year coma, the hatred in our heart has grown to a murderous extent… and now, our hate for you runs even deeper in our bones!”
“Xue’er grew up beside the Phoenix God, so she hasn’t seen her royal brothers that many times. Because of that, she may not feel even a slight sorrow for their deaths, and it will be even more difficult for her to hate you for it… but they were our own sons! You killed four of our sons, and even if we crush you into bone dust, we wouldn’t be able to dispel the hatred in the depths of our heart… And even with all of this, that is not what we hate the most about you. What we hate the most about you is, is that you actually… actually…”
A strange “bang” sound came out from Feng Hengkong’s mouth… Yun Che could tell that it was at least one tooth getting crushed.
What Feng Hengkong felt for him… was a true teeth gnashing hatred.
“I feel the same way towards you,” Yun Che responded coldly.
Feng Hengkong turned around. He didn’t have to look at Yun Che’s face, so he could at least slightly control his emotions and hatred, “The things that I said to Xue’er just now were definitely not because we are giving in to protect the dignity of Divine Phoenix, and definitely not because we have forgiven you. All of them are only because Xue’er’s feelings towards you are real. Heh… Empress Cang Yue has really grasped our weak spot. If we forcefully stopped it, it would indeed break Xue’er’s heart… For Xue’er, we can compromise with anything!”
“Heh, the reason you asked me to come out was just to tell me how great you are as a father?” Yun Che scoffed.
“…” Feng Hengkong wasn’t angered, instead his voice slowed down, “Just based on you saving Xue’er, I can at least believe that you won’t hurt her. Now that Xue’er’s Phoenix Soul is awakened, there are not many people in this world who can hurt her. As for having her stay in Blue Wind close to you, perhaps we don’t need to be too worried about her safety this way. And it is indeed time… for her to get to know this world.”
“However, while Xue’er stays here, you must promise me one thing!” Feng Hengkong’s voice suddenly became very harsh… from the way he spoke, it was obvious that he had already agreed to leave Feng Xue’er in Blue Wind for this half a year.
“Say it,” Yun Che responded.
“With Xue’er’s soul, after half a year, her feelings towards you shouldn’t have any negative changes. This half a year is more to give our sect some time to react. In the future, I may marry Xue’er to you, but before Xue’er’s powers are fully awakened, you must not taint her Phoenix God’s body! You should know that it will seriously hinder her powers from awakening!” Feng Hengkong harshly spoke with his back turned towards Yun Che.
Yun Che moved his eyebrows, and then he lightly said, “Don’t worry. Even though the life and death of Divine Phoenix Sect doesn’t concern me, I will not do anything that will ruin Xue’er’s future.”
“Good, we can believe you.” Although Feng Henkong hated Yun Che to the bones, Yun Che was still a person who had risked his own life to save Feng Xue’er. As such, in the bottom of his heart, he could never questioned whether or not Yun Che cherished Feng Xue’er.
“But I also have something to say and you must remember it.” Yun Che said coldly, “In the future, even if I am with Xue’er, I will never call you Royal Father!!”
Feng Hengkong’s body slightly stiffened. He didn’t say another word anymore and just stepped out in the air towards the Divine Phoenix Ark.
Standing in front of the door of the Divine Phoenix Ark, he stopped his heavy footsteps, swung his arm behind him and threw a red jade stone towards Yun Che. Yun Che lifted his hand and caught it, and just as it touched his palm, a warm feeling spread over his body.
“With this Phoenix Stone, you can send a sound transmission to me within one hundred and fifty thousand kilometers. Within this half a year, if Xue’er is in any danger or accident…”
When the ark’s door completely opened, Feng Hengkong didn’t continue speaking. Only until he stepped into the profound ark did he finally turned around and met eyes with Yun Che.
“You’re leaving without saying goodbye to Xue’er?” Yun Che put the Phoenix Stone away and asked.
“…No matter how unwilling we are, a daughter… is eventually going to marry someone.” Feng Hengkong’s eyebrows creased as he mumbled, “May as well, at least it’s a lot better than the likes of Ye Xinghan.” It was unknown whether he was talking to Yun Che or to himself.
The ark’s door completely shut as the Divine Phoenix Ark rose into the air and shot out into the sky in the blink of an eye. A surging blast of air instantly swept across Blue Wind Imperial Palace.
Chapter 731: End of the War
“Royal Father!!”
The sound of the Divine Phoenix Ark igniting caused Feng Xue’er to fly out of the main hall, but she was only in time to see traces of a red shadow vanishing to the west.
“Your royal father has left.” Yun Che turned and said to her.
“But why did Royal Father leave just like that, without even bidding me farewell?” Feng Xue’er’s petite face displayed slight bewilderment. This was the first time she had, ever since she was born, left her father’s side and Divine Phoenix Sect.
“Your royal father was worried that once he saw you, he would be reluctant to part with you. Besides, he believes in you as you are right now, and of course, he trusts me as well.” Yun Che said, smiling, “You may need to stay in Blue Wind Nation for a long period of time in the future. It’s not just about being unable to meet your father and your kinsmen, you’ll also be surrounded by strangers… Are you afraid?”
“Oh… Of course not.” Feng Xue’er gently shook her head and smiled slightly, “Because Xue’er still has Brother Yun by her side.”
Yun Che stepped forward and took her hand. With a gentle tone, he said, “Rest assured, Xue’er. During this period of time in Blue Wind Nation, you don’t have to take anything upon yourself. You can do whatever you want to do, go anywhere you want… and if you’re willing, I will accompany you.”
“…Mn!” Feng Xue’er vigorously nodded her head, her brows curved into crescents as she smiled. With just a few words from Yun Che, her panic was quelled, only leaving overflowing happiness in her soul, “Thank you, Big Brother Yun.”
“Brother-in-law!!”
The sound of the wind whooshed behind them as Xia Yuanba rushed forward. Number One Under Heaven, Dongfang Xiu and Qin Wushang followed right behind him. Upon seeing Xia Yuanba, Feng Xue’er smiled demurely, “We meet again, Bulky Big Brother. Xue’er has yet to thank Bulky Big Brother for protecting us back then on the Primordial Profound Ark.”
“Hehe,” Xia Yuanba laughed embarrassedly, “It’s my duty. It’s been three years since we last met, but Little Sister Xue’er doesn’t seem to have changed much.”
“But Bulky Big Brother seems to have… gotten bigger.” Feng Xue’er curiously looked at Xia Yuanba. Three years ago, Xia Yuanba blocked Ye Xinghan and Feng Feiyan with his body, allowing her and Yun Che to escape from the Primordial Profound Ark. In addition, he was Yun Che’s most important family, thus Feng Xue’er held strong familial feelings for Xia Yuanba. She suddenly smiled and said, “Also, Bulky Big Brother has become really awesome, even reaching the sixth level of the Sovereign Profound Realm! You might even be stronger than Grandfather.”
“Hehe… Eh?” Xia Yuanba blinked, “How did you know? Did brother-in-law tell you about this?”
Yun Che laughed, “Xue’er is now a level eight Monarch, for her to sense the level of your profound strength is a piece of cake.”
“!@#￥%… Wha!” Xia Yuanba exclaimed in surprise, slack-jawed.
Behind him, Dongfang Xiu and Qin Wushang jolted, nearly falling from the sky.
“Lev… level eight Monarch?” Number One Under Heaven asked, flabbergasted. The twenty one year old Xia Yuanba attaining the frightening power of a level six Monarch was already enough to startle him, yet this young lady in front of him with a face not inferior to Little Demon Empress, and whom Xia Yuanba had just said was not yet twenty, was actually an eighth level Monarch!?
That was far higher than his father, Greatest Ambition Under Heaven!
In this Profound Sky Continent… how could there be such an unfathomable and illogical existence!!
“A… as expected of Little Sister Xue’er, that’s… that’s amazing.” Xia Yuanba gulped and stammered out. Dongfang Xiu and the rest had long been dumbstruck. A level eight Monarch was a concept that they didn’t even dare to think about.
Xia Yuanba shook his head and finally got down to business, “Brother-in-law, I saw that Feng Hengkong has boarded the Divine Phoenix Ark and left. Why did Little Sister Xue’er stay behind? What happened?”
“About this…” Yun Che was about to explain the gist of the situation to Xia Yuanba and Dongfang Xiu when he suddenly realized that Cang Yue hadn’t left the hall. He frowned and loosened Feng Xue’er’s hand, “Xue’er, explain the matter to them simply. I’ll go check on Yue’er.”
Yun Che then swiftly flew back to the Blue Wind Hall.
As expected, Cang Yue was seated on… to be more accurate, slumped on the phoenix throne. Her face was pale and her aura was weak. Yue Che immediately rushed over, reaching out to grasp her shoulders and gently infused a stream of profound energy into her body, “Are you alright, Yue’er?”
Cang Yue nodded slightly. She laid her head against his shoulder, her face displaying a tired yet contented smile. Her profound strength was only at the Spirit Profound Realm, yet she did not yield to the immense pressure from Feng Hengkong. Once Feng Hengkong left, the pressure vanished and she almost immediately collapsed.
“Just focus on resting, don’t think of anything else… Feng Hengkong has already left, leaving Xue’er behind. Our Blue Wind Nation is safe.” Yun Che murmured as he embraced her affectionately.
“Mn…” Cang Yue weakly asserted: “All of these are because of Husband, if it wasn’t for Husband…”
“No,” Yun Che shook his head, “All these are because of Yue’er. If it wasn’t for Yue’er shouldering everything in the past three years, we wouldn’t have such an outcome today. Compared to what Yue’er has done for the past three years, what I’ve done these past couple of days are not worth mentioning.”
“Heh…” Cang Yue laughed softly. There was no shadow of stress or darkness in her laugh, “My Junior Brother Yun, my husband, he can always make me happy.”
“…Yue’er, you’ve suffered so much these three years that I don’t even have the courage to think about it. I hate the Divine Phoenix Empire, but it’s only right that you hate them more than me.” Yun Che voiced out his heart’s question, “Wh
y did you make such a decision when facing Feng Hengkong, who was willing to accept any kind of punishment? Fifty billion as compensation may be a lot, but to Divine Phoenix, that might just be water off a duck’s back.”
“That is because any punishment given out will only bring short-lived thrill and triumph, but in turn, it will plant the seeds of resentment and hatred in others. This will bring about a vicious cycle and history will repeat itself, even erupting into a full-blown war in the certain future. In comparison with Divine Phoenix, Blue Wind is weak. If that happens, the one who will sink into a time of adversity will surely be Blue Wind. It’s not quite… forgiveness per se, after all…” Cang Yue smiled. “My husband and I have seized the most precious Princess Snow from Divine Phoenix!”
“If we let Little Sister Xue’er marry you, my husband, it would be more beneficial for Blue Wind Nation’s future than occupying half of Divine Phoenix Nation. To me, this will also be the best resolution too.”
Yun Che gently palmed her cheek, murmuring, “You are the ruler of this country, yet you’re initiating a marriage between me and another woman. Moreover, she will be accorded as a legitimate wife with the same status as yours… don’t you feel that this is unfair to you?”
Cang Yue smiled faintly, gently shaking her head. “I could only dream to be with you in the past. But now, my dream has been fulfilled, and I am the world’s happiest and most contented person. There can be no unfairness in this.”
“Little Sister Xue’er is the most perfect girl I’ve seen in my life. Her looks, character, upbringing, status, profound strength, everything about her is flawless. And of course, the world’s most perfect lady should belong to my husband. Heh… I so strongly desire for all the world’s most perfect things to belong to my husband.”