Return to Training

With the birth of a new phoenix, in a new land, it was obvious to everyone that this new world would be more than capable of supporting their fertility and growth. Which gave the spirits more than more reason to cheer joyfully. Though some shed tears in remembrance of the ones that didn't make due to a lack of such support.

A few moments later the younger spirits left the ship and went around, exploring and playing. Followed by some chaperones of course. 

Once all of the younger individuals were gone, all that were left were the older spirits that had tagged along for extra protection. One can never be too careful when traveling with little ones. Especially over such vast distances. And then there was my Martial siblings, Yang Xiao and then myself. 

"Yang Leiji, thank you. This world is more than enough to accommodate all of us and all of our kin. It's truly a blessing to see such a wonderful place, one with feedback that has all but disappeared from our Original World." Hong Hu spoke, holding her tears back. As her new daughter snuggly laid upon her head. 

"Don't mention it, I was quite shocked when I created it. In fact, consider it a complete accident… In any case, I'm not the one who should receive the praise for this. It was Heaven's Order, the Humanoid Ancient Divine Spirit, and the one closest to the Origin. That Origin being, the First Light." I explained shaking my head mildly from side to side as I changed back to human form. 

"I, I see. No matter what you say, it doesn't change the fact that this world would not exist without you and the actions you've taken." Hong Hu said, and then calmly straightened her posture into a more dignified and respectful manner. Transforming to human form, she saluted me. "You are a male worthy of my respect." She said with a respectful smile, one conveying her deepest sentiments.

The other spirits, momentarily stunned into a shock, remained silent out of bewilderment. To them, seeing a woman show such respect to a man wasn't entirely unheard of. However, seeing that same woman, also being a phoenix clan member, that, that was undoubtedly unheard of. Such a thing was thought to be impossible, no matter what. Though there was one time in the past where the four leaders of the Phoenix Clan had been kind to another man, that wasn't anything like this. It was different in some way. 

"Wow, Junior Brother got the respect of a Phoenix Clan's woman. Not bad." Zhao Ya giggled a bit. "I quite like their clan's hierarchy. And I know just how serious this is…" She continued, stopping when Zhao Ye Bai whispered something in her ear that made her blush. 

I sighed internally, knowing what next may come out of Hong Hu's mouth. So I had to be careful, especially since no one else was there to mediate this particular situation. And Zhao Ya's comments did not make it any easier. 

"Senior Hong Hu, I appreciate the sentiment and accept the respect." I said, with a clearly serious and princely manner. 

"So then…" Hong Hu tried to interrupt me, stopping when I raised my hand to wait. 

"But think about those words a bit more before you put them out into the world. You won't be able to take them back once they are out. And there are far too many ears around that wouldn't be able to unhear such topics. Especially not after witnessing what just happened." I explained, which seemed to work to put the topic on pause. "Now then, I'm afraid I must take my leave now. I have some important practice I must attend to. Truth be told I'm supposed to be refining my open Heaven Materials right now. And I just finished my 6th one, water." I further elaborated. 

Hong Hu relaxed and cleared her throat, and thought about what her idea would have entailed. And then she decided against saying it, with a look that seemed to convey her thanks. "In that case, I won't keep you any longer. And please accept my apologies for interrupting your training." She said, relaxing. Doing so in an effort to show the change of the situation. 

"Ahahaha, seriously, pay it no mind. At least you waited until I was at a safe stopping point. Unlike those idiots who stole from my breakthrough to become a great emperor. I very well could have been far stronger than I am now had they not destabilized it so much… Oh well, no sense in worrying about that now. Now, please excuse me, Senior Hong Hu." I said, preparing to leave in a flash, then turned to my martial siblings. "Oh, and the three of you should go and report to my father. I'm sure he's eager to hear how well this went. And Mother Ruo Xi will also be quite interested to hear such good news." I added before vanishing to the void. 

The three disciples to Yang Kai all sighed collectively. Each wondering just how they should explain what just happened. But ultimately they decided on telling the story exactly how it happened. After all, none of them were able to hide anything from their Master, Yang Kai as it was. Such a feat would be… difficult to pull off. 

~ Elsewhere In The Void ~ 

I floated nonchalantly. "Hmm, now that that distraction has been resolved I think it's time I practice some of my old moves to see where my strength is at now. I get the feeling I'm nearing the peak of the 9th rank at the very least." I murmured to myself. 

"Young Master, perhaps we should try the gate summons? That would likely provide instant results." Fang Qing suggested. 

"My thoughts exactly. The warriors summoned are a direct reflection of my limits. Still though, it'll be nice to see just how strong my other abilities are now. And see how much progress I've made towards that Divine Ability Manifestation." I confirmed, preparing to begin. Then the void surged with my energy as I began.