As time passed, Le Qing's Ascension to Divine Transformation ceremony began.
Many of the Ancestors and Sect Masters of the major sects personally attended, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Little Phoenix.
However, instead of seeing the Phoenix, they were met with a pitch-black egg.
"Is this the Phoenix egg? Old Yue, you're not being honest with us!"
"We just want to see the divine beast, we're not trying to steal it from you…"
"Yeah, yeah, we're just curious, just curious..."
Though there were some conflicts among the other five sects, at this moment, they were united in their skepticism toward Zhenshan Sect.
"I won't stoop to deception! The Little Phoenix underwent rebirth to save me and is now sleeping inside this egg. Believe it or not!"
Seeing Le Qing's cold expression, the others didn't dare press further.
After all, appearances could be deceiving.
While this man looked like a pretty boy, he is actually very aggressive and especially likes to use his fists to punch people.
In fact, in order to make it easier to hit people, Le Qing had once commissioned a master craftsman from Seven Stars Island to forge a pair of gloves during his Nascent Soul stage.
At this time, seeing Le Qing clenching his left fist, Wen Jin, the master of Tianji Tower, quickly stepped in as a mediator.
"We all know Le Qing's temperament, he won't lie. None of us have ever seen a Phoenix before. Who knew the legends of Phoenix rebirth were actually true?"
"It is also thanks to Le Qing that we now have the privilege of witnessing the legendary Phoenix egg."
Le Qing and Wen Jin had arranged a marriage alliance between their children.
Seeing his in-law offering a way out, Le Qing didn't press the issue further, and the celebration continued.
The Phoenix egg was personally returned to Xiaoyun Peak by Sect Master Wu.
There is a barrier erected by Le Qing there, so no one could steal the egg from Xiaoyun Peak. This is also a way for Le Qing to protect Mingting.
While the adults feasted and drank, the fifteen-year-old Wen Liangyu sought out Le Yanran.
"Sister Yanran, I'd like to see the Phoenix egg. Is there really a Little Phoenix inside? Is it male or female?"
"My divination skills have improved recently. I could try calculating when the Little Phoenix will hatch."
Le Yanran was aware of the engagement. Considering how kind Uncle Wen usually was and how courteous Wen Liangyu seemed, and that they would be family in the future, she didn't suspect anything and led him to Le Qing's cave dwelling.
As soon as they entered, Wen Liangyu discreetly scanned the room.
After seeing that there's no trace of Le Qing's spiritual sense, Wen Liangyu approached the Phoenix egg.
If not for Le Qing's words, who would believe that this pitch-black egg contained the only Phoenix in the world?
Wen Liangyu recalled the divination performed by the Ancestor of Wen Family before he left, which was an extremely auspicious sign.
The Ancestor said that this Phoenix had an extraordinary origin and was a heaven-sent opportunity. Whoever obtained the Phoenix could dominate the Cultivation World and even have a chance to ascend to immortality...
Ascension. The mere thought made Wen Liangyu's heart race.
Despite decades of divination, the Ancestor had never found any clues as to why ascension was no longer possible.
Yet now, this Phoenix had appeared, bringing an auspicious omen.
Suppressing his excitement, Wen Liangyu politely asked Le Yanran, "Sister Yanran, may I touch the Phoenix egg?"
"You may, but be gentle."
Le Yanran didn't notice the ambition in Wen Liangyu's eyes.
Wen Liangyu stretched out his hand and slowly touched the Phoenix egg.
He remembered his father's whispered instructions before he left. He must find a way to form a contract with the Phoenix egg, and it had to be a master-servant contract.
If he could make the Phoenix his contracted beast, Tianji Tower could rise to even greater heights.
After all, this was the only Phoenix in the entire world!
Wen Liangyu's hands trembled with excitement. Hidden in his sleeve, a needle pricked his palm. He then pressed his bleeding hand firmly against the eggshell, letting his blood seep inside.
Mingting had sensed Le Yanran's arrival from the moment she entered.
Hearing her call the person beside her 'Brother Liangyu', Mingting immediately grew wary.
Wen Liangyu was no kind-hearted man. And among all the Supporting Male Characters, his schemes were the most insidious and hardest to guard against.
When he felt blood seeping into the egg, Mingting couldn't help but curse inwardly.
'What the hell?'
'Did he really think I was some low-intelligence demonic beast or spiritual beast? Did he want me as a mount? How delusional could he be?!'
Crack…
Suddenly, the sound of the eggshell splitting made Le Yanran's eyes widen.
"Dad! The Little Phoenix is about to hatch!"
Le Yanran didn't even have time to send a message. Instead, she pulled out a conch shell amplifier and shouted at the top of her lungs.
'The Phoenix has broken its shell, it's a good time to make a contract!'
Ignoring the pain, Wen Liangyu no longer cared about hiding his intentions. He drew a knife and slashed his palm.
"What are you doing? Wen Liangyu, stop!" Le Yanran didn't expect Wen Liangyu would do something so shameless.
'He was actually trying to contract the Little Phoenix!'
Hearing Le Yanran's voice, Le Qing and Sect Master Wu rushed toward Xiaoyun Peak at lightning speed.
The others from various sects also hurried after them, eager to see what was happening.
"Wen Liangyu, you bastard!"
Le Yanran pulled out a pair of purple-gold hammers and smashed them at Wen Liangyu with furious momentum.
The Little Phoenix was her father's savior. Le Yanran hated herself for letting the wolf into the house and attacked without holding back, regardless of the fact that the other party is her fiancé and they are betrothed.
One should never repay kindness with betrayal!
As the young master of Tianji Tower, Wen Liangyu naturally had life-saving measures.
Soon, a purple umbrella opened to block Le Yanran's attack. The soft purple glow enveloped Wen Liangyu and the Phoenix egg, forming a small, isolated space.
"Drink the blood, quickly…"
Wen Liangyu chanted under his breath.
He didn't have much time left. It would only take a few seconds for the elders to arrive here.
As long as the Phoenix absorbed his blood and the contract was formed, he was willing to endure being half-beaten to death by Le Qing afterward.
Moreover, once the master-servant contract succeeded, Le Qing wouldn't dare touch him at all.
Because the master could transfer pain and injuries to the contracted beast, and if Le Qing hit him, he would hurt the Phoenix.
Wen Liangyu knew Le Qing was a man who always repaid kindness and grudges in kind. He would sooner protect the Phoenix than harm his own savior!
Mingting had just pecked open a tiny, red-bean-sized hole in the eggshell when he heard Wen Liangyu's 'prayer'.
'Drink blood? You asked for it…'
Mingting rummaged through the storage pouch passed down by the Phoenix Clan and pulled out a Bloodthirsty Vine.
'I chose you!'