The Wish of the Dragon

Chapter 129:

When Issei arrived at the lake once again, Mu Xuanyin is already there waiting for him.

There was no one else in this lake other than them two. The previously crowded lake is now empty with the exception of the ice spirits...

She was closing her eyes and when she sensed Issei's presence, she opened her eyes.

Her current gaze is completely different compared to when Chi Wuyao 'take over' her body.

Her deadly seductiveness had disappeared. It had completely disappeared and in its place, was an overbearing feeling of power. The formerly slightly curved eyes had become narrowed and straight, presenting a majesty that will cause others to unconsciously tremble with fear. The charming gaze had transformed into an icy glare which could freeze one's soul, with but a glance.

Issei calmly gazes back at her. But Issei is still wearing his mask.

"...Just who are you?" After they both silently gazing at each other, Mu Xuanyin asked in a cold voice.

Her voice was completely devoid of the gentleness and coquettishness of earlier and was instead as cold as the frigid arctic wind. Each word was filled with power and majesty.

Issei doesn't answer her directly and continues to stay silent making Mu Xuanyin feel a little annoyed.

"You have one of the heavenly treasures within your possession... And your cultivation is clearly a fake. What is your purpose for coming here? There is no way someone like you would come to this middle-rank star realm without a definite purpose!" She released her oppressive aura trying to intimidate Issei but she knows that it won't be of any use to him.

But she suddenly reeled in her aura in the next moment because she suddenly feels that Issei is harmless. Although she wasn't sure why she suddenly feel this way in the first place...

While she doesn't know, Issei knows that she has been influenced by the Ice Phoenix just now.

It looks like the Ice Phoenix doesn't want Mu Xuanyin to anger Issei... not that he really mind in the first place though. He would've done the same if he was in her position after all.

"You don't need to worry... I won't bring harm to you or your sister as long as you don't do anything stupid towards the girls I brought with me." Issei said calmly.

"..." Mu Xuanyin is the one who becomes silent at this moment.

"You must feel a bit confused about why you suddenly don't have any wariness towards me. The reason for that lies at the bottom of this lake."

"...How did you know this?" Mu Xuanyin asked feeling confused and wary at the same time.

She indeed feels a little confused about why she suddenly doesn't feel any threat from Issei out of nowhere.

If Issei didn't remind her then perhaps she would've ignored it like usual.

"The one that lies at the bottom of this lake is the same Ice Phoenix your sect worshipped." Issei's words made her eyes went wide.

"Impossible!" She denied it almost immediately.

"Whether it's impossible or not, you will know the truth soon enough. Why do you think you suddenly wanted to meet me here out of all places? We could've met anywhere else but why here? The place that is considered the most sacred within your sect?" Issei said as a matter of fact.

Now Mu Xuanyin is completely lost for words.

"The Ice Phoenix wanted to meet me and she influenced your soul so that you don't feel any wariness towards me since you don't have to in the first place... If I wanted to cause harm to you or your sect... I won't need to do it in a roundabout way. I can just erase your realm with the snap of my finger." Issei released a little bit of his aura which surpasses Mu Xuanyin's by miles apart.

A crimson aura surges forth from Issei's body and the nearby ice spirits hastily kneeled towards Issei's direction while letting out a chirping sound as if they're trying to appease his 'anger'...

Mu Xuanyin's whole body becomes frozen solid as if she's being encased in ice itself. Which is a little ironic considering that she's an ice user herself...

She has never felt anything close to Issei's current aura... What is this?! Just what kind of strength is this!? How is it possible! She keeps repeating the same question inside her mind.

Her full strength doesn't even come close to this! She felt like she's as tiny as an ant, no, a speck of dust in front of this overwhelming strength... it's basically a child's play! To think that she was trying to threaten someone like him...

After a while, Issei took back his aura, and only then Mu Xuanyin can finally break free of her frozen state.

She started to take deep breaths while sweating profusely. Just with his oppressive aura alone, Mu Xuanyin felt like if Issei wanted to then he can squish her to death with it.

"Now do you believe me?" Issei asked her.

"..." She can only nod dumbly at Issei. What a joke... with that pressure alone, he can easily destroy a high ranked star as easy as squashing an ant! Needless to say about the middle-ranked star realm.

"Now wait here. I will go and meet the Ice Phoenix." After he said that, Issei immediately jumps down to the lake without letting Mu Xuanyin give a proper response.

Mu Xuanyin can only blankly stare at Issei's last location...

It looks like her sister were right. He seems to be a forgiving person because if it were anyone else, they won't take being threatened like that lightly.

Chi Wuyao who has been observing through Mu Xuanyin's vision shivered greatly herself.

It looks like she was right... if she can get Issei to help her then her dream won't be just a dream any longer! The whole Northern region will surely be released of their 'cage' and rise to the top in the blink of an eye!

The question now is... just what can she offer to get his help? Wealth? he doesn't seem like someone that is lacking in that field... Women? Well, she already tried but he doesn't seem too interested... As for position, does he even need one with that kind of might? What else then?

This is the first time that Chi Wuyao felt extremely frustrated about something... usually, she can use her charm to assist her but now... What can she offer him as an exchange? Her everything? She doesn't really mind as long as he can bring glory to her 'kind'...

They don't have that much time left before the Northern region completely disappears...

...

Issei dived into the lake at a rapid pace.

Ten feet...

Fifty feet...

Hundred feet...

Inside the heavenly lake, there's an inconceivably heavy cold energy that could make your average person frozen solid.

And following his gradual submergence, the cold energy also gradually became heavier.

To others, the heavenly lake's cold energy was a nightmare. However, to Issei, it is no different from a normal lake at this point.

Even if the cold energy was a hundred times heavier, it still wouldn't be able to harm him. Instead, it would allow him to recover faster by absorbing its cold energy.

But Issei chooses not to absorb the energy within this lake since if he were to do so, the Ice Phoenix might receive some backlash...

He can tell that the Ice Phoenix is extremely weak at this point. Although it seems that it's not a soul residue like Xiaotao or Lieyan, her current situation more or less is the same as the previous two.

Issei continued his dive and sped up the pace...

Four thousand feet...

Ten thousand feet...

Fifty thousand feet...

A crystalline blue light suddenly appeared in the underwater world which was supposed to be completely devoid of light.

No less than a thousand feet beneath his feet was astonishingly the imprint of a strangely shaped blue colored arcing light.

It was fifty thousand feet beneath the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake, yet he somehow miraculously couldn't sense any water pressure. The cold energy here was also terrifying to the point where it couldn't be described with the word "heavy". After all, this cold vein, which didn't seem to even reach a thousand meters, brought severe coldness to the entire Snow Song Realm.

He then saw an odd light suddenly flashed from the corner of his eyes.

Issei stopped to a halt, as his gaze shifted toward the source of the light.

As he quickly neared, the light also became even more lustrous.

Broken pieces of sand began appearing on the bottom of the heavenly lake. Each one was translucent and bright, like pearls as they reflected a dreamy blue light.

After passing through the jewel-like broken sand, he came closer and closer to that exceptionally bright blue light.

Issei move closer yet again and was soon able to see that it was astonishingly a block of ice.

From a distance, he was able to see that the block of ice was shaped like a diamond. Having not yet reached three feet wide and ten feet long, it was positioned right in the center of the heavenly lake's cold vein. Even though it was floating within the water, it was so peaceful that it felt as though it was embedded in a world of ice

After seeing the block of ice, Issei narrowed his eyes because there was actually a person inside the ice...

The illusory figure of a girl.

The girl's arms were wrapped around her knees and her head was buried between her knees too, hugging herself into a ball. She was completely naked, exposing long, white legs and feet as delicate as lotuses. Her naked skin looked as sparkly and glossy as the light of moons and stars even through the wall of ice.

Her long hair spread down her body and every hair looked as white as ice, tinged with a tiny bit of light blue It looked very similar to Mu Xuanyin. Every one of her hairs looked like they were enveloped in the cold light of ice and snow.

The hair that looked like ice jade covered up her face and her most forbidden private parts too.

She looked as beautiful as a painting that could only appear inside a dream. Although he couldn't see her face, there was no doubt that a dreamlike body like this could only be matched by a countenance that would make even ice and snow hang their proverbial heads in shame.

Not that it really matters to Issei anyway...

"What do you call me here for, Ice Phoenix?" Issei asked out of nowhere.

"...I welcome you to my humble 'abode', GodKing..."

Her voice felt as pure and intangible as a clear spring that flowed through the center of one's heart.

She could already sense Issei's arrival the moment he stepped into the sect. His domineering aura is not something those normal cultivators could sense but for a Divine being like her, it is like a beacon of light.

"How surprising... to think that you're still alive, Ice Phoenix... albeit barely." Lieyan and Xiaotao comes out from the <GoB> and both of them stand behind Issei immediately.

Since they're basically connected to Issei, they are not harmed by the cold energy in their surroundings.

The Ice Phoenix gaze flickered for a moment when she saw Lieyan and Xiaotao.

"There is no need to be surprised," The Ice Phoenix said: "I may still exist but I am incomparable to the two of you who basically underwent a process of 'rebirth' through his excellency's help... I can only preserve the tiniest shreds of my life source and soul source. Not only can I never recover but I may never be able to leave this cold vein either. I cannot even return to my true body and have no choice but to maintain the shape of a human... Meaning that there is but a little margin between me and true death."

She deduced that the Phoenix and the Golden Crow before her is not the real one but rather a soul remnant of the former two. But they're basically no different than the real Phoenix and the Golden Crow at this point... No, the current them will even surpass the old Phoenix and Golden Crow.

Their strength will grow indefinitely as long as Issei is still alive. And if by chance the both of them received his true 'blessing' in the future... they will practically enter the Creation God realm in one go.

"Indeed... but with Master's help, I'm sure you could retain your life and also regain your full strength. But in return, you have to become his servant." Lieyan smirked.

"..." The Ice Phoenix calmly gazed at Lieyan first then at Issei: "If his excellency is willing to take me in then I don't see any reason to refuse... Before I knew it, a million years have passed since that disaster. More than once have I wished to die and end my petty life and eternal loneliness... Although I already accepted my fate, being alive is obviously a good thing." She said softly at the end.

The Ice Phoenix doesn't have any problem if she were told to become Issei's servant. Just the fact that the Phoenix and the Golden Crow is willing to serve him as their master that can only mean that he's someone worthy of their loyalty... this is especially true for the Golden Crow who is well known for her pride.

"The hope to see with my own eyes whether that day will arrive has kept me from ending my life That day hasn't arrived even though I've waited a million years. But your excellency arrived first... I suppose this is the plan of fate" She added,

Both Xiaotao and Lieyan know what she meant and the same goes for Issei.

"If you're talking about that 'calamity' then you don't need to worry. I will handle it when the time comes." He said calmly.

After all, he already knows that those calamities are beings that are corrupted by Nyarlathotep's <Chaos>. It would be easy for him to eliminate them all...

"Um... I'm grateful for your excellency benevolence." Issei is not a person of this world yet he's willing to go this far for them... if that's not called benevolent then she doesn't know what is.

"And I can sense a familiar presence surrounding your excellency... was this presence is the one I think it is?" The Ice Phoenix asked softly.

"If you're talking about the daughter of the Heretic God then you're right. Master indeed took them in." Xiaotao said gently.

"I see..." She nodded before she continues speaking: "You both might not know this since you're the soul residue of the original Phoenix and Golden Crow... In your memories, there should be some rumors from the ancient Era of Gods. Included among them is the insider's secret of Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor banishing a Devil Emperor as well as nine hundred devil gods under their command outside of the Primal Chaos."

Both of them nodded at this since they indeed have some knowledge about it.

"Then do you know why, Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor Mo E, would forcefully slay that Devil Emperor?" Her voice was feeble and gentle, as though soft whispers under the moon.

Both of them frowned a little since they are not sure about this.

"As far as I know, the Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor Mo E was incomparably upright and abhorred evil and thought that ones who used negative profound energy were all evil existences. Since the fragment of the Ancestral Divine Art was left behind by the Ancestral God at the beginning of Primal Chaos, it definitely couldn't be left in the hands of the devil race. Thus, he forcibly seized it in such a way." Xiaotao said what she knows.

"Tell me. Does it have something to do with his daughters?" Issei suddenly asked.

"Yes..." The Ice Phoenix sighed lightly, revealing the feeling of resignation from the ancient times. "Back then, it was indeed the rumor spread through both the gods and devils, the 'truth' known to them. However the Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor Mo E was a god whose temperament was extremely upright and abhors evil. He naturally viewed such vulgar methods with extreme disdain and precisely because of that, the Devil Emperor calmly attended the appointment without being much on guard. Yet Mo E, with the Ancestral Divine Art as bait, schemed against that Devil Emperor."

"The Heaven Punishing Emperor Mo E was unable to completely wield the Heaven Punishing Ancestral Sword. Every time he used the power of the Heaven Punishing Ancestral Sword, he would lose large amounts of lifespan. Even though he could triumph over that Devil Emperor without the sword, there was no way he could beat the Devil Emperor and the nine hundred Devil Gods together without the help of the Heaven Punishing Ancestral Sword's power. Yet, he used the Heaven Punishing Ancestral Sword even at the cost of losing large amounts of his lifespan."

"The Devil Emperor Mo E plotted against, was named the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor, one of the four great Devil Emperors, an existence equal to the god race's Creation Gods. The realms of gods and devils had always been incompatible but they had never entirely become enemies. However, scheming and killing a Devil Emperor would unquestionably stir the fury of the entire devil realm. The consequences of that would very possibly cause the two realms to thoroughly meet each other with hostility, triggering fierce wars That was a catastrophe beyond imagination. There was also no way that Heaven Punishing Emperor Mo E, hadn't thought of such a consequence."

"To scheme despicably and lose large amounts of his life span, despite the consequences of gods and devils completely becoming hostile to each other, he still chose to kill the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor How could the reason merely be because of the Ancestral Divine Art's fragment that belonged to the devil race in the first place?"

"Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor?" Issei who was silently listening to the Ice Phoenix frowned a little hearing this name. This name is quite similar to the words engraved on Hong'er sword form.

What's written in it was <Heaven Smiting Devil Slayer> if he remembers correctly...

Issei's blood boils a little when he realizes it.

Xiaotao and Lieyan shuddered a little when they sensed their master's anger while the Ice Phoenix stiffened.

"Tell me... is that Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor is the Heretic God's wife?" Issei asked with a calm tone but the aura surrounding him is nothing but calm.

"...Yes." The Ice Phoenix voice resounded within his mind and soul, as each and every word deeply imprinted into the depths of his soul: "The Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor was the only female Devil Emperor of the four great Devil Emperors and she's also the wife of the Heretic God."

Issei clenched his fist when he heard the Ice Phoenix confirmation. His fist is making a crackling sound and it's as if the cold energy surrounding them just got even colder and heavier that even the Ice Phoenix shuddered greatly...

"Master, please calm your anger." Both Xiaotao and Lieyan went to his side and grasped his respective arm.

[Calm yourself, Dragon King... Don't let yourself be consumed by your anger] Nyarlathotep's voice resounded within his mind. She doesn't want Issei to lose himself in anger like this... what she wants is for him to lose himself with her own terms.

She wanted to be the one who 'corrupt' him. Not because of some random ant on the street!

"...I'm fine." Issei took a deep breath to calm himself down... He can already guess the truth just from hearing the bits from the Ice Phoenix.

Heretic God a god and at that time, he was still a Creation God.

Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor The emperor of all devils, the strongest devil of the devil race.

The god race and devil race that resided in a realm together and was against each other, two races incompatible with each other...

The so-called upright, hatred abhorring Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor Mo E who never tolerated the devil race, how could he allow a god moreover, a Creation God, to fall in love with a Devil Emperor and even have an offspring! In his eyes, this must be the greatest shame of the god race. Only by making Heaven Smiting Divine Emperor vanish forever would the shame finally be washed away.

This hypocrite way of thinking is so predictable and stupid... To Issei, someone who's evil but stays true to their desire is much more likable rather than these hypocrites who call themselves righteous.

"This taboo secret was only known by the Creation Gods within the god race. Back then, while I was fortunate enough to serve under the Creation God of Life, Li Suo and I found out about this matter at an extremely coincidental occasion. The Creation God of Life, Li Suo made me vow to never speak even half a word about it Thus, I became the only god who knew of such a forbidden secret other than the Creation Gods."

"In the end, it also became the reason why I am unwilling to dissipate, even hanging to life in such a petty form."

From the standpoint of the Ancient Era's gods and devils, this was indeed a forbidden secret, a secret that definitely can't be found out by the gods. Thus, the "truth" circulated back then, became that the Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor had plotted against the Heaven Smiting Emperor for the fragment of the Ancestral Divine Art's fragment and the Heaven Punishing Emperor Mo E would definitely not try to clear the facts up either.

Ah right, it was also after that, that Heretic God abandoned the title of Creation God, bestowing the title Heretic God to himself So behind the scenes, was actually such a taboo reason.

"Continue..." Issei said towards the Ice Phoenix.

The Ice Phoenix voice resounded once more after that, "...Then your excellency should already know the rest about the matter of Heretic God and Mo E's fierce battle, after that. However, Heretic God also knew Mo E's personality. He was just too upright, abhorred evil too much, and had too strong of a view that gods and devils could not coexist. Him forcibly killing the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor, was also for the name and dignity of the god race, as well as to prevent the god race's unrest after the Heretic God's actions were exposed. If Mo E was an evil and despicable person, he definitely wouldn't have been acknowledged by the Heaven Punishing Ancestral Sword."

"Because of that, he was aware himself that he could never take revenge against Mo E That fierce battle wasn't entirely Heretic God venting his anger. I had heard indistinctly from Creation God of Life Li Suo, that the duel would decide the fate of the offspring between Heretic God and Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor."

"What a joke," Issei said coldly: "This Heretic God might be an upright person himself but to me, he's no different than that Mo E."

"His wife has been plotted against and their daughter's fate is even worse. But he couldn't take revenge just because of that stupid reason? If it was me I would've killed Mo E and the rest of the God clan for harming my loved ones like that. Just because of some reputation he's unwilling to take revenge? As a father and husband, he fails miserably." Issei scoffed at the end while the Ice Phoenix went into a daze.

"You didn't know about their daughter's fate?" Xiaotao asked.

"...I don't know, I can recognize their daughter's presence since they're quite similar to the Heretic God." the Ice Phoenix responded slowly and lightly. "The rumors spread the most through the God Realm that time was that Heretic God had won. However, other than Mo E and Heretic God, there should be no one who truly knew the final result. Everyone only knew that Heretic God abandoned his title as the Creation God of Elements and titled himself Heretic God, becoming extraordinarily reclusive and shut-in. Very rarely did he show himself, and he no longer stuck his nose into anything relating to the god race."

"They split their soul in two." Issei said coldly which made the Ice Phoenix flinched and if that's not enough, Issei continues speaking.

"One of them is sealed in a dark abyss with dense <Dark> energy surrounded by mindless beasts and her only 'friend' is the Netherworld Udambara Flowers. As for the other half, she's poisoned by a potent poison and forced to go into hibernation inside the <Coffin of Eternity>."

The Ice Phoenix becomes dumbfounded hearing Issei's words... but his next words made her see Mo E in an entirely different light...

"Also, on her other half body when she's in her sword form, there's a word <Heaven Smiting Devil Slayer> engraved to it. Sounds familiar?" Issei asked her.

The Ice Phoenix felt utterly dumbfounded at this... Heavens... to think Mo E could be so cruel...

He basically wanted the Heaven Smiting Devil Emperor's own daughter to kill their own mother... Is he really a righteous person at this point? No wonder Issei becomes angry just now...

"That Mo E should be thankful that he's already dead. If not, I will find him and show him that there's a fate much worse than death itself! I wonder if the Heretic God knows of this... it doesn't matter if he's seen as a hero or whatnot, to me he's nothing but a failure of a father and husband." Issei said sharply.

There could be some hidden story but Issei doesn't really care at this point. Just the fact that the Heretic God can't even avenge his wife's and daughter's fate is more than enough for Issei to look down on him.

Issei sighed lightly before he stepped away from Ice Phoenix's front. He needs to calm himself down a little bit...

Xiaotao and Lieyan decided to give him some space for now.

"Master is someone like this... he's selfish but his selfishness is always out of someone he holds dear..." Xiaotao said gently while a thin smile adorning her face when she's looking at her master who's angry for someone else's sake.

"Indeed... He's not someone who hides his true intention behind the word 'righteous' or 'justice' but I find him more attractive this way though." Lieyan said with a smile of her own.

Now the Ice Phoenix knows a little bit better about Issei when she heard her fellow divine beasts words.

"..." The Ice Phoenix was silent for a long while before she said softly, "Out of everyone I've seen, perhaps his excellency is the only person who's not conflicted with his personality and true desire..."

"You're right, he always stays true to his own 'selfishness'..." Xiaotao responded.

"Can you tell me how did you become his servant?" The Ice Phoenix then asked Xiaotao and Lieyan.

"Well..." Then both Xiaotao and Lieyan shared their own story...

...

After the Ice Phoenix finished hearing their story, she nodded understandingly.

"Let's wrap things up." Issei who has calmed himself down went back to the Ice Phoenix's front.

"Um... If your excellency wanted to then you can just absorb my divine energy just like you did to the Phoenix and the Golden Crow. No need to make me your servant if you don't want to." The Ice Phoenix said straight to the point: "This is the least I can do for you as a reward for saving this world when the time comes..."

"If I were to absorb your divine energy and take you away from here, what will happen to this lake? Will it lose its power?" Issei asked.

"No, this lake has been created long before the Era of the Gods, it won't matter if I'm here or not." The Ice Phoenix said.

"Do you have a name?"

"Name? I have long known as the Ice Phoenix... if it wasn't for his excellency reminding me then perhaps I would've forgotten my name... Your excellency can call me Bing'er."

"Fine. Bing'er, I will make you my servant just as I did with Xiaotao and Lieyan."

"This slave understands..."

"Don't call yourself a slave in front of me. Just refer to yourself however you want."

Issei frowned a little when the Ice Phoenix called herself a slave.

Issei then free the Ice Phoenix from her 'cage' but because she has been in the same position for millions of years, she can't stand properly and she wobbled herself when she tried to stand on her own but Issei caught her fall.

"Hold still," Since her situation is a little different than Xiaotao and Lieyan, Issei needed to infuse a bit of his Dragon aura into her first... so he took off his mask and touched their forehead together since its easier for him this way.

The mark on his forehead glows slightly and his draconic aura entered Bing'er body like a surge of warm current.

Xiaotao and Lieyan are quite weak compared to Bing'er after all considering the former two was only a soul residue while Bing'er is a True God.

Bing'er who saw his face had her eyes widen while Xiaotao and Lieyan smirked lightly since there's not a single woman in this world able to resist his charm. They're willing to bet that not even Li Suo herself is able to do so...

But they're feeling a little envious of Bing'er current situation though... to be held in close proximity like that by their master...

Bing'er eyes are fixated on Issei's red eyes which made her feel a bit faint seeing how close they are right now. She can feel his intoxicating aura and smell at point-blank range...

Issei took a tiny bit of her divine energy but not all of them since he doesn't really need it any longer considering he's almost fully recovered. What he needs to do now is to perfectly master his newly added strength by Nyarlathotep.

He doesn't want to lose control of his strength and harm those who are close to him.

After a few moments, Issei finished absorbing her divine energy and also successfully stabilized her condition so she won't dissipate any longer.

"Done." Issei distanced his face away from but he still wrap his arm around her waist.

"Can you stand properly now?" Issei asked.

"Ah?" She let out a dumbfounded voice.

"Nevermind, it seems that you're still in no condition to properly stand considering I just absorbed your divine energy. But for now, you should wear some clothes." Issei snapped his finger and a brand new outfit wrapped themselves around her body.

When all of his business here is finished, Issei instantly went back to the surface with Bing'er in his arms. Xiaotao and Lieyan went back to the <GoB>.

...

When the lakewater split open, Issei flew up from within the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake which made Mu Xuanyin who was waiting for him to become surprised.

It truly is astonishing. She can only dive to a depth of twenty-three thousand feet, yet he is actually able to dive to a depth that she was unable to perceive...

As for his face... No wonder he wears his mask. Her sister already told her that he has an otherworldly face but not to this extent...

And as for the woman in his arms...

She felt a strong sense of familiarity and also something else.

Could he be the inheritor of the Heretic God legacy?

"He's not the Heretic God's successor." Bing'er soft voice resounded as if she could read Mu Xuanyin's mind.

Mu Xuanyin once again feels surprised at this. Is she able to read her mind?!

"Bing'er, I know that you're influencing Mu Xuanyin's decision through the wisp of soul you gave to her. You should free her from your influence now and let her be free to make her own decision. It is cruel and absurd when even one's most basic instincts are being quietly manipulated by someone else. This is especially true for someone like her, someone who has so much pride and dignity"

Bing'er froze for a moment before she let out a long and sad sigh as she said"...Yes, you're correct Master... The reason why she was able to become the first Divine Master in the history of the Snow Song Realm and the reason behind her great increase in strength in recent years was because of the Ice Phoenix Divine Soul that I bestowed upon her a long time ago and also along with the influence of her other 'personality'. It is also precisely because of the existence of the Ice Phoenix Divine Soul that I am able to easily interfere with her will."

Hearing their conversation, Mu Xuanyin is starting to feel dizzy... what? This woman gave her the Ice Phoenix Divine Soul? Doesn't that mean she's the Ice Phoenix herself?!

Bing'er closed her eyes for a moment before there's a faint blue light exiting Mu Xuanyin's body.

Mu Xuanyin who felt this suddenly felt more free and unrestrained than before...

Issei then put Bing'er down since he can tell that Bing'er should be able to stand on her own by now: "I believe the two of you need to have a little conversation... I will go back first. You both can take your time."

"Understood, Master." Bing'er bowed slightly at Issei's words.

Once Issei disappeared... Bing'er turned her gaze towards Mu Xuanyin...

"No need to second guess yourself... I'm indeed the Ice Phoenix."

"!!!" Mu Xuanyin is startled before she hastily kneeled and give her respect.

"Get up. You don't have to kneel before me... After all, I have wronged you after all this time..."

Then they had their little conversation...

...

"So what venerable Ice Phoenix God saying is that... that man is someone who's even stronger than you?" Mu Xuanyin asked in a daze after they had their little conversation.

"Yes... as for his true identity... I can't tell you everything but it would be best if you treat him with the best of your capabilities. Don't ever try to get on his bad side or it will be the end of your entire realm..." Bing'er said advisingly.

Oh, you don't need to tell her that... she already witnessed his strength at first hand after all...

Only an idiot would provoke someone with that kind of strength.

"He's not a petty person that will take offense just because someone is badmouthing him but don't lay your hands on those girls who are close to him. I know that you're really protective of those you hold dear but he's beyond that... He's willing to destroy the entire world just to keep those he holds dear safe. When that time comes... not even me or anyone else could stop him from doing so..."

"But in return... if you could gain his favor. You and your entire realm will instantly reach the top in one fell swoop. I'm telling you this as my apology for influencing you after all this time. I will also impart to you another gift..."

Mu Xuanyin can only nod dumbly at Bing'er words...

Meanwhile, Chi Wuyao who wanted to spy on them had her vision blocked by Bing'er. She sighed bitterly at this... it seems that they're discussing something too important to let her know.

Her 'vision' was blocked the moment Issei emerged from the lake.

But she can guess that it must be about Issei... No matter, she will do her best so that they can receive his help later...

...

Later on, Bing'er arrived at the palace where Issei resides alone. After she sent her greetings, she went inside <GoB> as per Issei's command.

Bing'er went into a daze when she saw Bai'er and Hong'er who's currently sleeping along with Nyaruko. The three of them have a happy smile on their face during their sleep.

No one would've thought that these three little girls had a dark past...

Esdeath and the others are already informed of her arrival so they're not too surprised.

Although Su Ling'er, Huan Caiyi, and Feng Xue'er felt a little astonished at first, soon they calm themselves down.

Their elder brother/young master/Grandmaster is someone that is above the Ice Phoenix after all so it would be weird if they were to become dumbfounded just because of Bing'er arrival...

The three of them also steadily increasing their strength...

...

Seven days later, Ice Phoenix Realm's Sacred Hall.

The Sacred Hall was located at the extreme north of the Ice Phoenix Realm and was the closest place to the Heavenly Netherfrost Lake in terms of distance. It was also the place were the Sect Master resided and was the most sacred place within the entire Ice Phoenix Realm, if not the entire Snow Song Realm. Unless one was summoned, no one dared to go anywhere near it.

But today was Divine Ice Phoenix Sect's Great Sect Assembly, a gathering rarely seen once even in a thousand years. And for such a grand event, which brought the entire sect together, it only had one extremely simple reason... The discipleship ceremony of the sect master's direct disciple!

It was still early in the morning but the giant courtyard in front of the palace was already completely covered with tens of millions of disciples, elders, palace masters, vice palace masters, deacons, etc. Even the greater half of the hall masters had come. However, while the crowd was huge, it was extremely silent, silent enough to hear a needle dropping.

Mu Bingyun and Mu Xiaolan will attend this ceremony but Mu Bingyun has been told by Mu Xuanyin herself to let Issei do as he pleases from now on. And that's including the girls behind him...

Although Mu Bingyun was a little taken aback, she still listened to Mu Xuanyin's words.

That was the first time she ever saw her elder sister looks so strict at her. Mu Bingyun deducted that her elder sister must've found something about Issei...

Ice Phoenix Sacred Hall, ten in the morning. Following the long cry of the enormous Frost Dragon, the Snow Song Realm King descended from the skies and sat on her sacred throne, officially starting the Great Sect Assembly.

The high ranked were all present, the middle-ranked took nearly half the hall and millions of disciples were present. The entire Sacred Hall Arena was filled with an ocean vast Ice Cold aura.

After Mu Huanzhi personally read the decision from seven days ago and the direct disciple decree with a wide smile on his face, Mu Feixue slowly walked forward under the various different gazes of everyone present. She arrived before the Snow Song Realm King and bowed solemnly.

"Congratulations to Sect Master on having accepted such a rare talent," Mu Huanzhi excitedly said, unable to conceal his praise and happiness. After all, Mu Feixue is his beloved granddaughter.

During their ceremony, Mu Xuanyin added a few words with a cold and commanding voice: "I have some warning I need to say to all of you."

Hearing her words, all of them set their full attention towards her waiting for her to continue her words. They don't dare to make a single sound to interrupt Mu Xuanyin.

Even Mu Huanzhi who was feeling really happy wiped the happy smile from his face.

"Whoever dares to offend our honored guest will be receiving a death penalty without question asked! Not even their family members will be spared!" Mu Xuanyin said strictly.

All of them look at each other and sucked in a cold breath. Although they don't know why their realm king put so much importance to Issei, they still obey her words: "We understand and obey!"

Then, a sudden cold gust blew. A deacon from the front of the hall swiftly descended and knelt, speaking quickly, "Sect Master, guests from the Flame God Realm request to see you they... they..."

"Speak! What they?!" Mu Xuanyin asked annoyedly.

"Th-They are having a conflict with our honored guest!" This deacon arrived just in time to hear Mu Xuanyin's warning so she was feeling really nervous to report this.

"WHAT!?" Mu Xuanyin abruptly stands up and immediately flew with haste. Her whole face went pale feeling afraid that Issei might become angry because of this.

Mu Huanzhi's expression changed and the elders at the side all stood up before they follow after Mu Xuanyin.

...

At Issei's location, he was taking Feng Xue'er and Huan Caiyi for a little bit of training outside the palace but the cold breeze stopped and was suddenly replaced with several waves of hot air. Under the waves of hot air, six people descended from the skies, three people in front, and three others behind.

Issei already sensed their presence from miles away but he thought that they're only here for Mu Xuanyin so he never bothered with them but probably because they sensed Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er profound art, they decided to investigate.

"Caiyi, Xue'er. Stop." Issei said softly.

Issei put his mask just in time but Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er do not. They also sensed the intruders' presence and immediately stands behind Issei.

Huan Caiyi's gaze turned cold while Feng Xue'er is frowning a little. They dislike having their private time with their Young Master/Grandmaster being interrupted like this.

The front three people stood shoulder to shoulder as they walked forward.

Their arrival had caused the atmosphere of the palace courtyard to suddenly undergo a great change.

Right when the group had arrived, Issei's gaze had immediately locked onto those three figures.

As for the man in the middle of the three, he had an extremely fair face and seemed to be quite young, even though he was the tallest of the three. The feeling he gave the others was extremely mild and calm. As he stood in the middle of the group of three, it was clear that his status was somewhat greater than the other two.

It was none other than the sect master of the Flame God Realm's Vermillion Bird Sect, Yan Wancang!

The face of the man on Yan Wancang's right was motionless, ordinary, and quite forgettable. However, his figure released a fiery aura that Issei was quite familiar with.

The aura of phoenix flames!

Sect master of the Flame God Realm's Phoenix Sect, Yan Juehai!

As for the person on Yan Wancang's left although his face was also motionless, he was completely different from Yan Wancang and Yan Juehai. His long hair was like flames as they hung down freely and enveloped his body in a sea of fiery red. Wherever he went, the air and space around him would distort as if he were a moving volcano about to erupt. His eyes seemed to be filled with miniature suns and whenever his gaze swept over someone, the person would suddenly feel a terrifying burning sensation emerge within their mind.

As for the searing aura emanating from his body, it was also one Issei was extremely familiar with.

Sect master of the Flame God Realm's Golden Crow Sect, Huo Rulie!

The Flame God Realm didn't have any Great Realm Kings. Nonetheless, these three people were currently the strongest practitioners within the Flame God Realm and also the leaders of the three most powerful sects in the Flame God Realm.

This was because their statuses within the Flame God Realm were completely equivalent to the statuses of a Great Realm King!

But Issei doesn't care about any of that, he knows that they're here uninvited because of the ceremony that is currently happening. There's no way they will come as a guest at this time around.

A young man followed behind each of the three great sect masters. Based on the auras coming from their respective bodies, each one belonged to the faction of the master they followed behind. As the three men walked behind the three sect masters, their gazes locked onto Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er almost immediately.

They have never seen someone so beautiful before... they almost drooled at their sight alone.

Huan Caiyi's gaze turned even colder while Feng Xue'er frown deepened.

"Do you believe that I will dig your eyes out if you keep looking at them like that?" Issei's cold voice resounded which made the three snap out of their dazed state.

They didn't dare to do anything reckless since Issei cultivation is higher than the three of them combined. And considering that they're in someone else domain right now, it's better if they don't.

Yan Wancang took a step forward: "Young friend, there is no need to be so hostile... we only wanted to see just who is capable of releasing such powerful fire profound art. And especially since the two of them have the same energy signature as the Phoenix and the Golden Crow divine art that we use."

Both of them were clearly using the <World ode of the Phoenix> and <Golden Crow's Record of the Burning World> just now! And it's up to the tenth stage at that!

They are astonished seeing how Issei is already at the peak Divine King Realm at his age... But is he really that young? They are not sure since there's a profound art that could make someone look younger than their real age.

"That's right young friend, we were wondering just where did these two come from... Especially since they're this talented." Yan Juehai said astonishingly.

For a flame user such as Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er to be in the Snow Song Realm... how weird...

Their cultivation is by no means low either. Being at the 5th level of the <Divine Tribulation Realm>.

Yan Wancang and Yan Juehai both had a friendly expression and were not revealing any hostility. As for Huo Rulie, one could clearly sense the killing intent radiating out from within from his two eyes.

Huo Rulie was none other than the person who had plotted against Mu Bingyun a thousand years ago!

There's no way that he would have a favorable view to those who are from the Snow Song Realm even if they're able to use fire profound art.

"Hmph! Perhaps the two of them somehow managed to steal our divine art!" He said with hostility.

Yan Wancang and Yan Juehai frowned a little at Huo Rulie's words...

"All of you should be looking for Mu Xuanyin. She's not here and you already see what you wanted to see. Now leave." Issei said coldly.

"Watch your mouth! Even though you're by no means weak, but our cultivation is still ahead of you by miles away! And you wanted us to leave this place? Based on what? On you alone? Or was it because you are hiding behind Mu Xuanyin's protection? Heh, what a jo- *Crack* AHHH!!!" Huo Rulie reached out his hand and pointed his finger straight at Issei.

But before he could finish his words, Issei's figure suddenly disappeared and reappeared right in front of him and he snapped Huo Rulie finger. Huo Rulie then let out a scream that is filled with pain...

Yan Wancang and Yan Juehai become alarmed since they never realize just how did Issei suddenly makes his move.

"Stop!" Yan Wancang wanted to shove Issei away but Issei once again disappeared and in the next moment, he returned back to his previous position.

"Friend... We were indeed in the wrong just now for suddenly barging in like this but don't you think what you did is too harsh?" Yan Juehai said solemnly.

"Harsh? I think I was being lenient enough." Issei said calmly.

What Issei said is true... if he wasn't being lenient since they're basically Xiaotao and Lieyan successor, Issei would've killed him right where he stands.

Xiaotao and Lieyan themselves didn't say anything since they don't really care about their fate. If they were to offend their master then they would kill them with their own hands as long as Issei wanted to.

"I will kill you!" Huo Rulie who was feeling enraged shouted loudly.

"Huo Rulie wait!" Yan Wancang tried to stop him but it's too late.

Huo Rulie's entire body erupted in flames as he roared in anger, the cry of a Golden Crow resonating through the sky. At the same time, raging waves of scarlet red flames went to Issei.

The flames of the Golden Crow were so fierce they were uncontrollable. They were without a doubt the flames with the most intensity and incinerating power.

"Hmph, idiot," Lieyan scoffed at this sight: "He really fails to be this noble one successor just because of the fact that he couldn't realize the difference in his power and Master's. Is the Golden Crow in this realm really that incompetent?"

Xiaotao and Bing'er sweated at her words... weren't all of you basically the same being in the first place?

The terrifying strength of the flames went straight to Issei. Issei narrowed his eyes at this sight...

He doesn't do anything else other than snapping his finger lightly when the flame come closer to his location.

*Snap*

Time suddenly seemed to slow down for the six intruders because the flame that Huo Rulie released stopped in its track as if the time around it has been stopped...

They are flabbergasted at this sight... what just happened? Why did the flame suddenly stop moving like that?

In the next moment, that very same flame suddenly makes a complete turn and head towards Huo Rulie's direction instead!

But at the same time, the flame looks more menacing and even more potent! And one can see a faint crimson dragon silhouette behind that golden crow flame...

"WHAT!?" The six of them shouted in disbelief while Huo Rulie's whole face turned pale and he hastily tried to block this flame.

*BOOM!!!*

The surrounding area shook greatly and Mu Xuanyin who was on her way sensed this as well.

She gritted her teeth feeling more anxious by the second...

When she arrived at the scene, what she saw is completely within her expectation but Mu Xuanyin still feels amazed regardless... Huo Rulie and the other five are in a sorry state because of that blast just now.

They never thought that they can be hurt by their own flame like this... and they're supposed to have fire immunity at this point! They're not a weakling who's at the Divine Origin Realm damn it! They are at the Divine Sovereign Realm!

Huo Rulie being the most unfortunate since he's basically half dead by now... He's twitching on the ground with his body having a burnt mark all over. Even though he's still awake, he can't move a single finger of his because of the injuries he's currently sustaining.

Issei was standing in the same spot after all this time... Huan Caiyi and Feng Xue'er calmly stand behind him like an obedient wife.

They are not in the least surprised at this sight before them...

Issei already spread a barrier surrounding the palace so Xia Qingyue and the others who are currently cultivating will not be alarmed.

"Wait, wait! Please listen a second to this Yan!" Yan Wancang anxiously shouted as he solemnly stepped forward despite his sorry state. By now, he was extremely regretting bringing Huo Rulie along. After all, the reason only six of them had come was because they didn't want to seem hostile and menacing.

They had only come about the matter of the horned dragon. And yet, even when their side was weak, even when they were in the midst of the Ice Phoenix Realm, Huo Rulie still dared to cause trouble like this...

He understands the reasoning behind his hostility but this is not what they planned before!

And now they are faced against this unknown man who can easily defeat them in mere seconds!

They couldn't even think of anything worse that could've happened Huo Rulie's head must have become filled with shit!

Now what!? They didn't even meet Mu Xuanyin yet and they are already in this predicament...

While Mu Xuanyin was still amazed by this sight, the other disciples and various elders also arrived just in time to see Yan Wancang pleading towards Issei.

The entire Divine Ice Phoenix Sect had become lost in a daze.

After all, they had just seen a peak level Divine King cultivator able to make a Divine Sovereign cultivator begged so desperately...

And it seems that he defeated the three of them at the same time at that!

"He is actually this strong?" All of the Ice Phoenix disciples were stunned silly.

"He is only at the Divine King Realm yet he's able to defeat three Divine Sovereign cultivators at the same time? This..."

"No wonder Sect Master actually said those warnings" The large majority of Ice Phoenix disciples and various elders now understand just why their sect master warned them before.

"Nonsense. After all, it's the Sect Master, how could her vision be wrong? And how could a guest that our palace master Mu Bingyun personally brings with her can be a normal person?"

This result was something that no one could have predicted and was one that no one dared to believe.

They can only lament to themselves that they couldn't see the full fight between them... what a sight it should've been...

"HAHAHAHA!" At this time, Mu Huanzhi, who had been stunned for a long time, suddenly began laughing. "He is indeed worthy of being our Snow Song Realm honored guest! I knew our young friend is someone extraordinary the moment I saw him! He was able to defeat three Divine Sovereign at the same time. This is something that is never seen before"

Immediately afterward, however, Mu Huanzhi realized that he had lost control due to his excitement and said some rash words. Thus, he quickly shut up.

"What? He's just a guest?!" As Mu Huanzhi revealed this fact, Yan Wancang, Yan Juehai, and even Huo Rulie who's twitching on the ground all simultaneously exhibited their shock.

To think that they just get into conflict with someone that's not even from the Snow Song Realm...

Huo Rulie who realized this fact wanted to bash his head against a piece of tofu and just die! To think that he was antagonizing an unrelated party after all this time!

"This this to think I"

Huo Rulie's mouth opened and closed countless times but words wouldn't come out. Under such a great shock, even he couldn't figure out just what he wanted to say.

"The person you wanted to see is here." Issei gestured towards Mu Xuanyin.

The intruders turned their gaze towards Mu Xuanyin and the gulped audibly at her sight.

Mu Xuanyin herself narrowed her eyes dangerously at them... these idiots almost ruined it all!

"Now what do you have to say for yourselves!" She said through her gritted teeth.

They look at each other before Yan Wancang took one more step forward, cupping his hands in respect and loudly stating, "Flame God Realm's Yan Wancang, Yan Juehai, and Huo Rulie greet the Snow Song Realm King. We are fortunate to be able to once again witness the Snow Song Realm King's splendor and elegance. Our visit this time is extremely impertinent, we ask Snow Song Realm King to forgive us."

Even with the personal arrivals of the Flame God Realm's three sect masters, Mu Xuanyin still can't erase her anger at them. Her beauty was covered with a frosty countenance which caused them to feel as if they had fallen into an icy prison. "Rudeness? Hmph, do you even know what rudeness is!? Not only did you all come uninvited, but you also dared to attack my honored guest! It seems like your spying has become much more clever than before You people from the Flame God Realm are truly becoming increasingly bold! I should kill you right where you stand right now just to cease my honored guest's anger! Apologize to him now!"

They gulped audibly once more before they hastily apologized towards Issei: "Y-Young friend, we're sorry for our rudeness just now... I hope you can forgive us."

Huo Rulie also tried his best to say his apology since they're indeed in the wrong for suddenly barging in like this. And Issei is not even a part of the Snow Song Realm at that...

They can only hope that he can at least forgive them so they're allowed to leave this place alive by now...

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