Chapter 12: The Terrifying Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan

Chapter 12: The Terrifying Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan

Tian Wai Tian

Hearing Xiao Qing's report, Xiao Tiance nodded. The secrecy surrounding the discovery certainly gave them a strategic advantage. However, they hadn't explored the site yet, so how could they confirm that the secret realm truly belonged to the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan?

Instead of questioning Xiao Qing's certainty, Xiao Tiance smiled. "In that case, let's take a trip. If this is really the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix's secret realm, we'll have hit the jackpot."

With that, the two disappeared from Tian Wai Tian.

For a Dou Sheng expert, traveling across the vast Dou Qi Continent didn't take long, even at full speed. The secret realm was located in the southeast, near the Beast Region, close to the Nether Serpent Vein, though still a fair distance away.

Departing from the Tianmu Mountains, Xiao Tiance and Xiao Qing concealed themselves within spatial rifts. After a day of travel, they arrived at the entrance to the secret realm.

"Chief Elder!"

Upon their arrival, the guards immediately tensed. Recognizing Xiao Qing, they quickly bowed in respect.

Xiao Qing waved them off and asked, "Anything unusual?"

"Chief Elder, there's been some harassment from magical beasts, but we've successfully driven them away."

"Good. Stay here and ensure no one else approaches." Xiao Qing issued his instructions firmly.

"Understood, Chief Elder!"

Once the arrangements were complete, Xiao Tiance nodded at Xiao Qing. The two instantly leapt into the spatial rift and disappeared.

As they entered the secret realm, Xiao Tiance and Xiao Qing found themselves uncontrollably falling until, minutes later, they landed on a path paved with green stone slabs.

Looking ahead, the stone path stretched far into the distance. On either side stood towering white jade pillars carved with intricate depictions of the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix. Large luminous pearls atop the pillars illuminated the area as brightly as daylight.

"Third Uncle, this anti flight formation is impressive. It even restricts Dou Sheng experts," Xiao Qing remarked with a solemn expression.

Xiao Tiance nodded, his tone serious. "Indeed, the formation's power is extraordinary. Even an Eight Star Dou Sheng wouldn't be able to fly here. This only reinforces my belief that this secret realm is the work of the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan."

Xiao Qing considered this and nodded in agreement. While the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan had disappeared from history, their immense power was undisputed.

Records indicated that during their prime, even the mighty Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, rulers of magical beasts, would avoid conflict with the Ancient Heavenly Phoenixes.

Their power and ferocity were legendary. Even ancient Dou Emperor clans exercised extreme caution when dealing with them. However, their refusal to intermarry with other species led to their decline, as their numbers dwindled.

The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix's descendants, retained some of their ancestors' strength. Though their diluted bloodline prevented them from reaching the same heights, they still ranked second among magical beast clans, surpassed only by the Taixu Ancient Dragons.

"Third Uncle, what's our next step?" Xiao Qing asked.

"We've come this far of course, we'll see it through."

With that, Xiao Tiance led the way down the stone path.

At the end of the path stood a massive bronze gate flanked by two bronze statues. Both statues depicted the same scene: a Taixu Ancient Dragon pinned beneath the talons of an Ancient Heavenly Phoenix, writhing in agony.

"Tsk, tsk. Their grudge against the Taixu Ancient Dragons runs deep. Even the gate's decorations mock them," Xiao Tiance commented with a chuckle.

Turning his attention to the bronze gate, he examined it carefully. Though its exact mechanism was unclear, he was certain brute force wouldn't be enough to open it.

"Third Uncle, over here! There's something unusual," Xiao Qing called out.

Xiao Tiance approached and saw a red gemstone embedded in the base of the left statue.

"This must be the gate's activation switch," Xiao Tiance deduced after a quick examination.

Xiao Qing nodded and pressed the red gemstone without hesitation.

Moments later, the bronze gate creaked and groaned as it slowly opened.

"It's opening!" Xiao Qing exclaimed excitedly, preparing to step inside.

But just as the gate opened, Xiao Tiance's instincts screamed danger.

"Get back!"

He shoved Xiao Qing aside as a crimson energy feather streaked past, striking the stone path where Xiao Qing had stood moments earlier.

Boom!

More energy feathers followed, each impact shaking the ground.

The attack's power was enough to severely wound a newly advanced Dou Sheng. But Xiao Tiance's extensive experience navigating hundreds of secret realms allowed him to easily evade the assault, pulling Xiao Qing along as they weaved through the storm of energy.

Spotting the source of the attack, Xiao Tiance unleashed a powerful palm strike.

Boom!

The strike triggered a massive explosion within the bronze gate, silencing the energy feathers.

"Close call," Xiao Tiance muttered, exhaling deeply. "As expected of the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan's handiwork. Any careless intruder would've been obliterated by that trap."

"Terrifying mechanism. Any direct hit from those feathers would've killed even a One Star Dou Sheng," Xiao Qing said, still shaken.

"This is just the beginning," Xiao Tiance said with a faint smile. "If I'm right, there are likely two more, even deadlier trials ahead."

With that, he strode forward through the gate, Xiao Qing close behind.

Beyond the bronze gate lay a massive plaza, resembling an ancient Roman colosseum. The surrounding walls appeared to be spectator stands.

As soon as the two entered, the bronze gate slammed shut behind them.

From the north, south, east, and west, four pillars of light shot into the sky, forming a dome shaped barrier over the plaza.

"Quite the welcome," Xiao Tiance remarked.

No sooner had he spoken than a loud creak echoed. A gate beneath the stands opened, and a lion with a decayed, deathly aura slowly emerged.

"A Golden Lion!"

Xiao Qing's eyes widened. This creature had been extinct on the Dou Qi Continent for over a millennium.

"Relax. This Golden Lion has been dead for years. It's likely a beast puppet created by the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan for combat training," Xiao Tiance explained calmly.

Beast puppets were once common among powerful clans. However, capturing high level magical beasts had grown increasingly difficult, making such practices rare outside top tier clans.

For the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan, though, there were no such concerns. Even the Taixu Ancient Dragons were fair game for them.

"Impressive craftsmanship. This Golden Lion was at least a One Star Dou Sheng in life," Xiao Qing observed, his tone tinged with awe.

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