Southern Phoenix City

Southern Phoenix City . . .

The Southern Phoenix Clan, nestled in the Southern Region of the immortal realms, stood as an ancient powerhouse that had endured the sands of time for countless eras.

Their bloodline, a treasure passed down through generations, was graced by the presence of the undying divine beast—the phoenix. In the lineage of the Southern Phoenix Clan, only women were chosen as the inheritors of their legacy, bearing the illustrious title of the Southern Phoenix Matriarch. Through the ages, this title remained a constant.

The foundations of the Southern Phoenix Clan surpassed even the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor and the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord. Their territory was deemed a sacred sanctuary within the immortal realms—a timeless holy ground. In the vast Southern Region, the Southern Phoenix Clan wielded unparalleled influence. While they didn't claim absolute dominion over the entire region, their authority was expansive, and every gesture they made could send ripples of trepidation among the denizens of the Southern Region.

Southern Phoenix City served as the ancestral home and the heart of the Southern Phoenix Clan. It was a city wholly governed by the clan, where their enterprises thrived, and their martial forces maintained law and order.

As a result, this immortal city ranked among the safest and most secure metropolises in the entire immortal realms.

The teleportation arrays stationed in the city were vigilantly guarded, with sentinels patrolling the area. These arrays granted access to the city to two distinct groups: the first comprised individuals of eminent standing who had the privilege to employ potent private teleportation arrays. The second group consisted of wealthy stellar martial cultivators, who, to use the arrays, had to part with considerable sums of wealth. The cost of utilizing these arrays depended on the distance of travel, and such affluent cultivators could afford the fees for the deployment of these high-powered arrays.

In the current moment, one of the teleportation arrays radiated with dazzling light, accompanied by the telltale spatial fluctuations that indicated a long journey. Several vigilant guards immediately directed their attention to the source of the disturbance. The intensity of these fluctuations hinted at an arduous voyage undertaken from a considerable distance.

Within moments, two youthful figures materialized within the teleportation array. Their gazes swept the surroundings, assessing their new environment before proceeding forward.

"From whence have the two of you ventured?" inquired a vigilant guard, his tone a mixture of curiosity and vigilance. Qin Wentian responded by gracefully extending his hand, causing an invitation card to float elegantly before the guard. The guard's eyes sparkled with recognition upon seeing the invitation, and he immediately bowed with profound respect. "Young Lord Qin, you have our permission to enter the city."

"Could you perhaps enlighten us about the regulations within Southern Phoenix City?" inquired Qin Wentian, displaying an earnest desire to understand the local customs and laws.

"Indeed, there are regulations to be observed here," began the guard. "Within Southern Phoenix City, acts of violence, the oppression of the weak, theft, and robbery are strictly prohibited. Small-scale conflicts may go unchecked by the Southern Phoenix Army, but should injuries or damage to city property occur, the responsible parties will be held accountable. This constitutes the core of our regulations. Additionally, for larger disputes, there is an arena where parties may resolve their conflicts. Lastly, since you are an acquaintance of our holy maiden, you may seek her assistance should any trouble arise."

"Very well, I appreciate your guidance," Qin Wentian acknowledged with a warm smile, conveying his gratitude. With that, he and Jun Mengchen proceeded into Southern Phoenix City, a place steeped in age-old majesty. Its grandeur lay not in the density of its buildings but in the profound presence of its residents, where immortal foundation experts were as common as the clouds.

The curious guards exchanged whispered questions among themselves as Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen departed. "They're friends of the holy maiden, but which holy maiden, I wonder? And what could be the significance of their status?"

"It's Holy Maiden Yunxi. She's already established her immortal foundation and has invited them to her celebratory banquet. It seems their relationship is quite close," explained the guard, lowering his voice. "As for the young man's name, it doesn't seem familiar. He's called Qin Wentian, but I haven't heard of any immortal emperors with the surname Qin."

"Isn't it astounding that his friend is none other than Holy Maiden Yunxi? This fellow is truly favored by the fates. Not only is she immensely talented, but she's also a peerless beauty," laughed the guards in hushed tones.

"Silence, all of you!" scolded a superior officer nearby.

"Yes, Captain," replied the guards, their smiles persisting as they returned to their duties.

As Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen ventured deeper into the city, the grandeur of countless towering structures around them served as a testament to the necessity of the city's strict regulations.

"Southern Phoenix City truly is a place of opulence. Immortal-ranked treasures abound, and they're readily available for trade. How many treasures must this city possess? With such wealth, one would never have to fret about obtaining cultivation resources," Jun Mengchen remarked in awe, his eyes dancing with the sparkle of marvel.

"It's all a matter of perspective," Qin Wentian replied sagely. "For mighty stellar martial cultivators, acquiring rare and valuable treasures is a breeze. But for those less formidable, they must rely on the assistance of others or embark on perilous adventures. The prosperity of Southern Phoenix City hinges on its stringent rules. Those who enter can do business without fearing for their safety."

Jun Mengchen nodded in agreement. "Indeed, ancient and prestigious clans like the Southern Phoenix Clan prefer to have orderly cities. It not only fosters prosperity but also ensures the security of their family members. With peace of mind, cultivators can continue their journeys through the immortal realms."

Qin Wentian smiled knowingly. "You're absolutely right. However, considering the vast population of the immortal realms, who wouldn't wish to reside in such a city? Most likely, only Southern Phoenix Clan descendants have the privilege of owning property here. Furthermore, the guards mentioned the prohibition against damaging city property. The true value of this flourishing city, built by the Southern Phoenix Clan, likely exceeds our wildest imaginations."

As they conversed, Jun Mengchen pointed ahead, where a faint phoenix-shaped shadow shimmered in the distance. "What's that?"

"Let's investigate," Qin Wentian suggested. Their figures flickered as they made their way toward the source of the phenomenon. Soon, they reached a phoenix-shaped battle platform where two combatants clashed ferociously.

"The Phoenix Arena," they both murmured simultaneously, recognizing it as the same arena mentioned by the guard. This was where cultivators with profound grievances settled their disputes. The need for such an arena was apparent in a world teeming with deep-seated enmities.

"Let's proceed," Qin Wentian proposed after witnessing one of the combatants fall. On the Phoenix Arena, there was no room for mercy—only vengeance and retribution.

After a brief observation, Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen employed their immortal-ranked treasures to hasten toward the Southern Phoenix Clan's domain. It still took them a considerable amount of time to reach the clan's outer perimeter. There, they beheld an immense lifelike statue of an ancient phoenix soaring through the sky. This grand statue was the emblem of the Southern Phoenix Clan, radiating an unmistakable aura of authority and power.

"Senior, should we enter now to look for Nanfeng Yunxi?" Jun Mengchen inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Qin Wentian contemplated for a moment before responding, "There's no need to rush. We've located the place, and the immortal banquet is scheduled for two days from now. We can meet Nanfeng Yunxi during the event. If we go in now, it might put undue pressure on her to entertain us and give us a tour of the city."

Jun Mengchen nodded in understanding, then added, "Nanfeng Yunxi is undeniably stunning, but Senior, you seem to be the only one who can maintain composure in the presence of her peerless beauty. Nevertheless, both my sister-in-laws are supreme beauties capable of toppling empires in this generation. They can certainly hold their own against Nanfeng Yunxi."

Qin Wentian chuckled, "Oh? Are you interested in Nanfeng Yunxi?"

Jun Mengchen burst into laughter, replying, "Hahaha! Even if I were interested, I doubt Nanfeng Yunxi would reciprocate. After all, the invitation card was issued in your name."

He then shifted the topic, asking, "Senior Brother, you left Little Rascal at the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect to accompany Sister-in-Law. What about Purgatory? I haven't seen her."

"Purgatory resides within my bloodstream. But if you wish to see her, I can summon her," Qin Wentian responded, his eyes shimmering. He activated his bloodline, causing a crimson glow to materialize into the form of a beautiful young woman—Purgatory.

Jun Mengchen was taken aback. "Purgatory is a female? And she's so beautiful. Senior Brother, I yield to you," he remarked, a tinge of envy in his tone. It seemed that Qin Wentian was surrounded by an extraordinary entourage of beauties.

Just then, the rush of air signaled the arrival of four figures soaring towards them. The leader, a remarkably young man, couldn't help but be captivated when his gaze fell upon Purgatory.

"Fairy, are you truly a vermillion bird?" the young man queried. Purgatory's expression grew cold in response.

"Is there something you need?" Qin Wentian interjected, curious about the stranger's intentions.

"What's your relationship with her?" The young man redirected his attention to Qin Wentian, probing further.

"She's my companion," Qin Wentian replied, his tone even.

"A companion? A demonic beast, I assume? You must have tamed her, right?" The young man chuckled, well aware of the instances where individuals managed to subdue the offspring of formidable demonic beasts in the immortal realms. Such occurrences were relatively common.

Purgatory locked her fiery gaze onto the persistent young man who seemed captivated by her presence. "He is my master, but what does it matter to you?" Her words were laced with a fiery edge, matching her stunning beauty and explosive temperament.

The young man couldn't help but be charmed by the enchanting combination of Purgatory's fiery personality and her striking appearance. He laughed heartily and remarked, "Impressive, a Purgatory Vermillion Bird with such a fiery temperament and beauty to match."

Undeterred, he continued, "Regardless, sir, your luck is truly outstanding. I'd like to propose a trade for your demonic beast. Name your price, and I'll make it worth your while."

Qin Wentian's brows furrowed in disapproval. He couldn't believe the audacity of this young man, suggesting they treat Purgatory as if she were a mere commodity to be bought and sold.

"I'm not interested. I suggest you leave us be," Qin Wentian replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Purgatory was his companion, not an object to be bartered away.

Jun Mengchen, clearly irritated by the young man's persistence, added, "Don't you understand plain language?"

However, as Jun Mengchen's impolite words hung in the air, an imposing figure emerged behind the persistent young man. In an instant, an overwhelming pressure enveloped Qin Wentian and his companions.

Qin Wentian responded with a cold laugh, "Do you intend to challenge the rules of Southern Phoenix City?"

One of the young man's associates spoke with a stern tone, "Rules are designed for the living. Let me offer you some advice. You'd be wise to reconsider your stance. My young master is a guest of the Southern Phoenix Clan. Even if we don't act against you now, rest assured that it won't be difficult for us to make your lives unpleasant in the future." Their veiled threat hung heavily in the air.