Chapter 438: 55. Phoenix Feather
“The royal capital wants our tribe leader to go to the royal capital, why?”
“We don’t know either, it’s an order directly given by Duke of Peach and the king. Moreover, it’s not just the Phoenix tribe leader who is being invited, but everyone of the Fourteenth Rank has to go. I heard the Grand Dukes are all heading to the royal capital now; the situation is quite unusual and seems related to that earthquake or something?”
The aftershocks of the earthquake hadn’t dissipated yet, as there were no signs of Mikhail waking up from the coma caused by using a prosthetic body. However, the matter still needed to be solved, so it should return to the cause of the issue: the purpose of those royal capital envoys coming here was to invite the beings of the Fourteenth Rank to the royal capital.
Inside the palace of the Phoenix tribe’s residence, Fisher and the others returned to the place where they had previously deliberated, but this time, Fisher had an additional awake Gouwen with him.
It is worth mentioning that Hela, that guy, didn’t reveal that she was an angel and pretended to be an ordinary human, standing beside Fisher.
The specific method was: she took off and hid the halo above her head, and then the wings behind her slowly retracted into her body as if they had lost power. Seeing this, Fisher’s eyelids twitched. Afterwards, she used some method to disguise herself, suppressing her rank’s aura to match that of Fisher, becoming a similar Thirteenth Rank. In fact, even the Phoenix tribe initially didn’t recognize her as that angelic being from the Holy Spawn.
“Hela angel, you can still take off your halo, so where did you hide it now? Are you invisible?”
Gouwen and Fisher were still concentrating on the dialogue between the Phoenix tribe leader and the envoy of the Qilin tribe when, after being beaten and stripped, that envoy finally behaved and could communicate properly; meanwhile, Mikhail at the back was still twitching. Although Hela thought her disguise was seamless, Fisher insisted that she and Tang Zeming Asuka hide behind.
Tang Zeming Asuka curiously looked at the empty halo above Hela’s head and asked.
“…”
Upon hearing this, Hela turned to look at her, not saying a word, but the slightly bulging chest beneath the white robe began to shine brighter and brighter. However, before it fully illuminated, Tang Zeming Asuka had already covered her face with a pained expression, whispering,
“That’s enough, I’ve already figured out where you hid it. No wonder you were flat before, and now… the halo has turned into a breast, I’m really at a loss for words.”
Hela, indifferent, patted her chest to extinguish the glow there and then explained,
“I mentioned before that the halo on an angel’s head is essentially part of our body. And I happen to be the type of angel most adept at transformation. Since I can’t forge, I must have other strengths, right? Just like you, Tang Zeming; you may not excel in other subjects but surprisingly have a gift for magic.”
“That’s true.”
Meanwhile, after the envoy from the royal capital finished explaining, Neceria’s already cold face turned even colder, as she tightened her grip on the long spear beside her and said,
“My father is almost five thousand years old this year; his energy is not as good as before, and in recent years, he has even fallen ill. Even the Parasol Tree agreed to his retirement; does it take just one word from the king for him to run to the royal capital?”
The Phoenix tribe might be the least respectful in the Tree Continent, and the envoys had heard of this before coming.
Normally, that domineering Qilin tribe envoy might have argued with Neceria, but now that he wore clothes provided by them, and the slave was also taken by them, he was only hoping to finish the business and leave as soon as possible.
Nonetheless, he was still an envoy from the royal capital, and he found it difficult to say,
“This is not something we can decide. The only beings of the Fourteenth Rank in the Parasol Nation are your Phoenix tribe; we have already reported the quotas for the Phoenix Princess Neceria and the Phoenix tribe leader. This is not something we…”
“I’m also of the Fourteenth Rank. What if I replaced the Phoenix tribe leader and went instead?”
At this moment, Gouwen, who wore a gentle smile, was poked by Fisher and couldn’t stand it any longer, so she had to raise her hand. The envoy saw this and nearly exploded with anger, turning back to scold,
“What are you called outside? Why are you getting physical with me? Are you out of your mind?!”
“…Don’t I have conditions? Can I bring my companions to the royal capital? Don’t worry, I won’t put you in a difficult position. I previously showed your king medical treatment; you just need to bring us to fulfill the duty, and the rest is up to us.”
“…”
The Qilin envoy looked at Gouwen, then at Fisher, who was not much different in rank from him beside him. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said,
“Sure, as long as two Phoenix tribe members go, you can decide among yourselves who to call the Black Snake to take you. We still have to notify other Fourteenth Ranks from other nations; we’ll take our leave first.”
After saying this, he didn’t linger, casually pointing to an innocent Black Snake nearby before quickly turning to leave. The Black Snake that was pointed at also dared not stay there for long, saying he would wait for them outside the Phoenix tribe’s residence.
The Phoenix tribe leader, who was sitting at the head seat, discreetly glanced at the curtain behind him. After the curtain slightly swayed, he turned to look at Gouwen and Fisher, as well as Hela, who was paddling in the back.
“Since that’s the case, previously wanting to go to the royal capital, we could only send you to its outskirts. Now that there is a legitimate reason, it may be safer. Neceria, you represent our Phoenix tribe this time; matters in the royal capital are not simple, so don’t get too involved. Prioritize your safety and take a Phoenix Feather; it might come in handy at critical moments.”
“Yes, father.”
After Neceria replied, she walked to the center of the hall and looked up at the hollowed-out ceiling, seemingly waiting for something.
Fisher looked confused at this scene, turning to Gouwen and asking,
“What is a Phoenix Feather?”
“Well, you probably don’t know. The Phoenix tribe’s bloodline is actually one of ‘a clan is one body’, which means their bloodline has a stronger connection than any other race. I don’t even know what the principle of this property is. Even if only one Phoenix remains, that Phoenix can gradually recreate the accumulated wisdom and deeds of the Phoenix tribe through this bloodline connection. Moreover, there is no bloodline decline from crossbreeding with other races. A child born from a Phoenix and a human will still only be a Phoenix, not a half-breed.”
“And the Phoenix Feather is a recognition of this collective subconscious, only conferred to members of the Phoenix family. Using this mark can momentarily harness the power of other Phoenixes, enhancing their acute combat traits, elevating their rank briefly, which you could consider as a consumable that stimulates the bloodline.”
No wonder.
No wonder the Moon Princess was determined to leave a trace of her bloodline; it turns out that the Phoenix tribe has such properties?
So, will the child I have with Valentina later only be a fluffy little Phoenix?
Fisher narrowed his eyes and glanced at the small Nefiramui standing among the Phoenixes. Seeing her smooth and soft Phoenix feathers and her adorable appearance slightly warmed his heart, making him think of something unknowable.
“Close your eyes.”
With the authoritative command of the Phoenix tribe leader, all Phoenixes present closed their eyes. Almost immediately, something magical happened; although it seemed that they weren’t thinking of anything in their minds, the surrounding temperature suddenly dropped several degrees, as if Fisher had returned to the Northern Region.
As invisible large nets, seemingly formed by bloodline connections, spread out here, a feather-shaped substance vaguely formed in the sky.
Hmm?
Why are there two?
Fisher focused and saw that two white icy Phoenix Feathers emerged from the sky instead of just one. Then, under the astonished gazes of Gouwen, Tang Zeming Asuka, and Fisher himself, one feather predictably flew to Neceria while the other flew in front of Fisher.
“?”
Gouwen was stunned in place, while Fisher found himself in a dilemma, unsure whether to take the floating feather or not. Considering the benefits of the Phoenix Feather discussed earlier, he reached out to take it. However, the moment he grasped it, Fisher felt a chill in his right hand, and the feather vanished into his palm without a trace.
After Neceria opened her eyes, Fisher noticed that all the Phoenix tribe members were looking at him with strange expressions, which further puzzled him.
“Sir, since you have married our tribeswoman, why haven’t you mentioned it?”
“?”
Fisher instantly understood, while Gouwen beside him opened her mouth, instinctively looking at the Phoenix tribe leader to refute, but then froze in place as if realizing something, looking at Fisher’s unperturbed face with frenzied eyes before urgently whispering,
“When did you marry someone from the Phoenix tribe?!”
“…I remember that was in the Holy Realm, when you asked me if I was married and started complaining about how temperamental my wife was?”
“Then what do you mean by ‘considered’? Is marriage something one can just ‘consider’?” Gouwen said anxiously before pausing to add for an unknown reason, “Moreover, I don’t resent my wife; that was just normal grumbling!”
“I know; you don’t need to explain to me.”
Just as Fisher was about to respond to the previous words of the Phoenix tribe leader, Gouwen quickly pulled him back again, asking,
“What about that Whale Folk girl you mentioned? Who is she to you?”
“.”, Fisher paused for a moment before reluctantly stating, “A student?”
“Another student?! Are you out of your mind? Are you really that good at mentoring?”
“I used to be a professor. Are you done asking? Didn’t you tell me not to mention the future? Why are you still asking?”
Gouwen blinked and, feeling frustrated, let go of Fisher, saying,
“I thought you married my kin. I still believed someone as capable as you could even charm those stubborn Whale Folk!”
“…That’s about accurate.”
“.”
Fisher ignored him and walked toward the group of Phoenixes, who were almost unable to wait for them and were whispering.
He suddenly realized that Gouwen was not just a henpecked husband but also had a sense of responsibility toward the Whale Folk, as he said back in their first meeting; he still couldn’t help but want to know about the Whale Folk’s situation in the future.
Thus, he didn’t notice Gouwen’s furious gaze behind him, which was fixated on Fisher’s lower parts, as if looking for something terrifying. Instead, Gouwen began muttering incomprehensible words like “scumbag,” “impotent,” “doomed,” and so on.
Meanwhile, Tang Zeming Asuka froze in place after hearing the news of Fisher’s marriage. She instinctively felt a bit disappointed but didn’t know what she was disappointed about.
But it made sense; a professor, a magic teacher, and with such an appearance—no matter the world, he would be in demand, and being married was quite normal.
“Little Tang Zeming won’t be disappointed because Fisher is already married, right?”
Although her face showed no extra expressions, beside her, Hela’s gentle voice suddenly rang out, startling her to step back and wave her hands.
“No, no, no, absolutely not!”
“Is that so? I was about to tell you something about Fisher’s ex-wife.”
“Eh? Ex-wife? Did Fisher tell you about this?”
Tang Zeming Asuka slightly froze, feeling a hint of sympathy for Fisher’s romantic misfortunes rising in her heart while also, in a rather unethical way, feeling a touch of relief. Although, rationally, she despised such little thoughts, there was no one else to know, right?
“Ah, so little Tang Zeming is curious?”
“Not really… I’m just a bit… curious.”
“It’s okay. I can’t keep secrets either. Just don’t tell Fisher that I told you; keep your mouth shut. Here’s the thing: his ability is very strong, and then his wife couldn’t handle it, often finding reasons to refuse him. Thus, over time, it triggered a romantic crisis.”
“Ah?”
Hela’s smile became increasingly pronounced as a touching love story spilled from her lips without any preparation, while Fisher, far away, had no idea that a “hellish duet” was unfolding behind him, led by Gouwen and Hela.
In the hall, many other Phoenixes focused on him, and whispers ensued. Even Neceria’s expression changed, but it transformed for the better. Her previously slightly cold demeanor warmed up a bit, appearing somewhat friendly.
“I’m sorry. I did marry a Phoenix before, but now we had to separate against our will. Moreover, I didn’t know the customs of the Phoenix, so I didn’t mention it.”
Fisher was initially quite worried about what these Phoenixes might ask regarding who he married. After all, he couldn’t provide a name from ten thousand years later nor could he reveal his origins from the future, as that would complicate matters.
However, unexpectedly, this group of Phoenixes displayed understanding, and the Phoenix king sighed, saying,
“Since the former patriarch was harmed by the Parasol Tree’s master, our Phoenix tribe has fallen to this day. Many tribe members have been forced to separate and live in groups. Whenever we think of those solitary Phoenixes, my wife often wears a worried frown, afraid they have no home. Today, we can still see an external Phoenix’s husband; may I ask how your wife is doing?”
“…She is very well.”
She is still sleeping inside the Parasol Tree in the Northern Region, and I don’t know when she’ll wake up, but overall she is well.
“That’s great, that’s great.” The Phoenix leader wiped his face and continued, “The Phoenix tribe always values bloodlines and family. Since you married a member of the Phoenix, you are certainly one of us. Take this Phoenix Feather; its effects are—”
The Phoenix leader carefully introduced the usage of the Phoenix Feather, besides what Gouwen had previously mentioned, it turned out this feather could also heal injuries, although it couldn’t be used too many times; at most, it could be used three times before it would completely disappear. With many future matters ahead, Fisher saw no need to refuse and honestly accepted it.
While listening to the Phoenix leader’s introduction, Fisher was not idle either; he had to quickly get closer to the Fourteenth Rank to advance to the Mythical Being. Thus, he quietly bound himself to Neceria standing beside him.
[Binding Successful!]
[Neceria, Adult Female Phoenix Tribe]
“Then, Neceria will accompany us to the royal capital. Neceria, you need to help Duke Chuan’s friend well. Furthermore, this Mr. Fisher is also one of our Phoenix tribe.”
“Yes, father.”
The curtain behind the Phoenix leader had become completely still, and he stroked his chin, then sighed, reiterating,
“Now the Tree Continent is filled with alarms. Something serious may have happened in the royal capital, to the king, and even to the World Tree. You must be extremely cautious. The Grand Dukes are all of the Eighteenth or Nineteenth Rank; if something happens, there will be no room for maneuver. I hope you can return safely.”
Fisher was also well aware that something might have gone wrong in the Tree Continent, but there were too many possibilities now, and he didn’t dare to speculate.
The Elf King’s lifespan nearing its end, the lockdown between the Elf nations, the royal capital’s summons for all beings of the Fourteenth Rank to enter, the chaos of death rules, and he had also been plotted against by someone lurking in the shadows.
He stored all these in his mind as the Phoenix tribe members began to disperse, with some either cleaning up the aftermath of the earthquake or helping prepare for their journey to the royal capital. Only Neceria and the small Nefiramui stayed behind to accompany them.
“Big sister, you must be careful! I will wait for you to come back! Those elves are really excessive; if one day I become the Phoenix tribe leader, I will definitely take everyone out of the Tree Continent!”
The little Nefiramui sobbed while leaning in her sister’s embrace, seeming very dissatisfied with those ruling the Tree Continent, her baby voice recounting a fanciful ideal, while her sister Neceria couldn’t help but laugh at her cute demeanor. She pinched her nose to comfort her, saying,
“Don’t worry; your sister is strong.”
Watching their intimate moment, Fisher smiled slightly and turned his head, only to see his companions’ expressions weren’t quite right.
Gouwen’s originally gentle face had turned as placid as a still pond, but she kept staring downwards; Tang Zeming Asuka pressed her lips together, her eyes uncontrollably wandering downwards, as if afraid of seeing a hideous monster; only Hela appeared somewhat normal, but Fisher always felt that, hmm, her expression seemed a bit more “innocent” and “provocative” than usual?
Fisher didn’t understand how those two adjectives appeared on her beautiful face, but he definitely felt that way.
“What’s wrong with you all?”
Sensing the odd atmosphere, he couldn’t help but ask.
“Nothing, let’s get ready to leave.”
“Nothing, nothing, nothing at all!”
“Hehe.”
The trio reacted differently, making Fisher’s expression grow more doubtful, more convinced that Hela was up to mischief again in pursuit of her so-called fun.
However, he wasn’t overly concerned and went along with Gouwen’s suggestion, preparing to set off with the still-sleeping Mikhail.
They had no idea what the “cybernetic psychopath” he mentioned earlier was or when he would wake up, but to save time, they had to bring him along, with Fisher carrying him.
“Mikhail!”
Fisher had just slung him over when he immediately heard him mumble. Leaning in to discern what he said, his expression instantly became even more peculiar.
But no matter what, they had to continue on their journey.
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(End of this chapter)
