Chapter 455: Grand Spectacle
Chapter 455: Grand Spectacle
The phoenix, the national beast of the Great Li Dynasty, was the only creature allowed to fly freely in the Lihuo Holy Capital without reprimand from Nie Fancheng. The chorus of ten thousand phoenixes filled the sky with auspicious, colorful clouds, creating a fantastical, dreamlike spectacle that accentuated the already surreal scene.
"Phoenix Cry of the Nine Heavens!" "Phoenix Cry of the Nine Heavens!" "Phoenix Cry of the Nine Heavens!"
The ten thousand phoenixes cried out, amplifying Zhong Shan's arrival with their overwhelming presence. Even though the seven-colored phoenix carrying Zhong Shan wasn't Wu Jiutian, it couldn't overshadow Zhong Shan's divine-like aura, vast and boundless, creating an unstoppable momentum.
The eyes of millions were filled with envy as they gazed upon Zhong Shan. Their hearts were shaken to the core. How had Zhong Shan convinced Wu Jiutian to mobilize so many phoenixes? And why had Wu Jiutian been willing to injure himself to perform the Phoenix Cry of the Nine Heavens?
Regardless of the how, today was destined to be a day of Zhong Shan's image further elevated. Zhong Shan's name would once again reach its peak, making it impossible for millions to forget him.
This spectacle would undoubtedly spread across the land of Shenzhou, reminding everyone of the illustrious Zhong Shan once more.
Zhong Shan had returned!
The Zhong family army was beyond excited. Xiaoyao Hou and Zhao Tiansha's faces were as dark as ink, while Tian Linger clenched her fists in excitement.
Countless spectators parted, creating a path for Zhong Shan to fly through. His momentum was so overwhelming that even among millions of onlookers, a palpable pressure weighed on their hearts.
In the Lihuo Holy Temple.
The grand hall doors were tightly shut, with the formidable old eunuch standing guard outside. Inside, there were only three people: Nie Fancheng, Wu Jiutian, and Xuan Yuan.
These three were among the top existences in Shenzhou, each only a step away from becoming Immortals in the Heavenly Extreme Realm.
"Ten thousand phoenixes singing in unison! Jiutian, you actually let Zhong Shan cause such a commotion?" Nie Fancheng said calmly.
"I have my reasons. But as for the Mingyuan Pill, you should forget about it," Wu Jiutian replied solemnly.
"From the moment you performed the Phoenix Cry of the Nine Heavens, I knew. Don't worry, I no longer desire the Mingyuan Pill. He has something I want even more," Nie Fancheng said in a deep voice.
"Oh?" Wu Jiutian raised an eyebrow in slight confusion.
"This Zhong Shan is no ordinary person. Without an ancient divine power existing, perhaps in less than a thousand years, a new dynasty would emerge on the land of Shenzhou," Nie Fancheng said faintly.
"Ancient divine power? Isn't he about to face the heavenly tribulation to achieve immortality and leave this world?" Wu Jiutian frowned.
"Indeed, the strength of Gu Shentong makes achieving immortality possible, perhaps even more likely than your success," Xuan Yuan said, looking at Wu Jiutian.
Wu Jiutian frowned but didn't argue, implicitly acknowledging that Gu Shentong was more powerful than himself.
"Haha, you underestimate Gu Shentong! He cares about much more than just 'immortality.' His ambitions go far beyond that," Nie Fancheng took a deep breath.
"Oh?" The two were slightly surprised.
"Do you remember the Great Hong Dynasty and Emperor Haotian?" Nie Fancheng asked.
"Haotian? The Great Hong Dynasty? The most powerful dynasty in Shenzhou back then?" Wu Jiutian frowned.
Suddenly, Wu Jiutian seemed to realize something, "Are you saying Gu Shentong wants to..."
Nie Fancheng nodded, his eyes filled with gravity.
"But Emperor Haotian ultimately didn't succeed. Can the Great Luo Dynasty compare to the Great Hong Dynasty of the past?" Xuan Yuan frowned.
"Haotian eventually ascended to immortality in despair. His failure was due to fate. If not for the Dragon Clan's supreme being's arrogance, forcing Emperor Xuan to ascend and leave this world, Haotian might have succeeded," Nie Fancheng sighed.
"Gu Shentong wants to complete what was left unfinished?" Wu Jiutian was still shocked.
"I suspect so. Haven't you noticed the Tiger Clan's supreme being has been absent for many years?" Nie Fancheng said.
"He's gathering strength, waiting for the final moment to fully support Gu Shentong?" Wu Jiutian immediately understood.
"Yes, the Great Luo Dynasty is always prepared!" Nie Fancheng said.
"And now, the world is becoming increasingly unusual," Nie Fancheng mused.
"Are you worried about the Crown Prince of Litie?" Wu Jiutian smiled.
"Besides Litie, there's also Zhong Shan!" Nie Fancheng said.
"Zhong Shan? Is he also involved?" Wu Jiutian was surprised.
"I'm not sure, but one of his subordinates is peculiar. That Mr. Shi, he's also someone I'm looking for. He possesses something I need, something not of this world," Nie Fancheng said.
"Mr. Shi?" Wu Jiutian frowned.
The hall fell silent, the three not speaking.
"I'll go see Zhong Shan," Xuan Yuan nodded to the other two before disappearing instantly.
The other two watched Xuan Yuan vanish. They didn't stop him, clearly preferring some privacy.
"Jiutian, I hadn't planned to tell you this, but since you've given up on short-term immortality, you should know," Nie Fancheng said.
"Oh?" Wu Jiutian was slightly surprised.
"Gather all the phoenixes in Shenzhou as quickly as possible," Nie Fancheng said.
Wu Jiutian frowned, not understanding Nie Fancheng's intention.
Nie Fancheng gently flipped his hand, and a seemingly ordinary bamboo flute appeared.
As soon as the bamboo flute emerged, Wu Jiutian's eyes turned cold, and a burst of murderous intent filled the hall, causing the temperature to drop significantly, with light snowflakes drifting down.
Taking a deep breath, Wu Jiutian suppressed his anger, his emotions suddenly turning nostalgic, tears lightly slipping from his eyes. He gently took the bamboo flute from Nie Fancheng's hand.
"This was sent by Zhong Shan on behalf of Gu Shentong. You know what it means, right?" Nie Fancheng said, closing his eyes.
"I understand. Not a single phoenix in the world will be left out. I'll summon them all!" Wu Jiutian said, his eyes filled with cold determination.
"Good! After rescuing Zhuque, be ready. The time is near!" Nie Fancheng said.
"Yes!" Wu Jiutian responded.
The phoenix, the national beast of the Great Li Dynasty, was the only creature allowed to fly freely in the Lihuo Holy Capital without reprimand from Nie Fancheng. The chorus of ten thousand phoenixes filled the sky with auspicious, colorful clouds, creating a fantastical, dreamlike spectacle that accentuated the already surreal scene.
The seven-colored phoenix landed directly in front of Tian Linger.
Tian Linger's face was covered in tears—tears of emotion, happiness, and joy. What woman wouldn't be moved by such a grand and magnificent scene of a wedding procession? The sky filled with auspicious signs, phoenixes dancing in the heavens, and millions watching in anticipation.
Tian Linger was so moved she couldn't speak.
At that moment, in the south, a sudden burst of light exploded, like a giant flower blooming, displayed for all to see.
A scroll of words, but it was massive.
Written on white cloth, it unfurled slowly, getting larger and larger until it formed a giant heart-shaped pattern over three thousand meters in diameter. The phoenixes surrounded it, crying out continuously, adding to the auspiciousness. It was incredibly dreamlike.
Countless spectators watched with their mouths agape at the scroll. It was filled with words of blessing, millions of blessings. Each word was a person's blessing.
"Darling, when will you do something like that for me?" A voice emerged from the crowd. "I wish I were Zhong Shan's wife!" "It's so beautiful, I want one too. Next time, you have to make one for me." "Make everyone in the sect sign blessings for me! If you can't do it, don't bother coming to see me again."
The crowd was filled with envy.
Xiaoyao Hou and Zhao Tiansha stood with darkened faces, glaring coldly.
Zhong Shan ignored them and looked at Tian Linger. Taking a deep breath, he walked to her, took her hand, and gently said, "Linger, I've come to take you away!"
In the depth of his feelings, one simple sentence, "I've come to take you away," surpassed a thousand words.
Tian Linger's heart trembled with intense happiness. She threw herself into Zhong Shan's arms.
Ignoring everything else, Zhong Shan held Tian Linger tightly. What status or image? It didn't matter.
In front of millions, Zhong Shan held Tian Linger tightly, holding the woman he cherished beyond measure. Today, everything was done for Tian Linger.
Millions of blessings! Millions of spectators! The cry of ten thousand phoenixes! Zhong Shan wanted to make the scene as grand as possible. Low-key? He didn't need it. He was Zhong Shan, and no one could constrain his thoughts.
Last time, Linger had desperately proposed before dying. It was all in a rush, filled with a sense of desolation, lacking any atmosphere of a wedding. This time was compensation; he wanted it to be a sensation across the world.
He wanted the whole world to witness that Tian Linger was his wife!
The onlookers, seeing Zhong Shan's bold actions, frowned slightly. The female cultivators mostly looked infatuated. It was too romantic! Too happy!
"Zhong Shan, what are you doing? This is the Great Li Dynasty. How dare you act so presumptuously?" Xiaoyao Hou suddenly jumped out, his eyes filled with malice. He couldn't stand seeing Zhong Shan doing well, and in Lihuo Holy Capital, who dared to oppose him?
Xiaoyao Hou's unbridled outburst caused Zhong Shan to raise an eyebrow. Holding Tian Linger, he turned to glare at Xiaoyao Hou.
With that glare, Xiaoyao Hou felt a chill in his heart. How could this be? Was he afraid of Zhong Shan? Just as he was about to cause a scene.
"Get out!" Zhong Shan roared angrily.
Before Zhong Shan's roar finished.
"Get out!"
Lin Xiao waved his hand, and sixty thousand Zhong family soldiers shouted in unison. The sound shook the surroundings, and Xiaoyao Hou felt a chill. Did Zhong Shan really dare to confront him here?
"Get out!"
Among the millions of onlookers, someone took the lead, shouting loudly, followed by many who had been bullied by Xiaoyao Hou.
Mixed in the crowd, some troublemakers also joined in.
"Get out!" "Get out!"
Millions of people cursing, the effect was incredibly shocking.
"Spurt!"
Xiaoyao Hou spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with horror. The combined curse of millions not only enraged him but also wrapped him in terrifying karma.
Staggering back, Xiaoyao Hou looked at the overwhelming opposition and knew he was utterly defeated.