"Leader, the name of that Dao Integration True Immortal is 'Taihao,' a venerable True Immortal from the ancient era, known throughout the Ancient Continent for his formidable presence," the phoenix recounted. "There was a time when the Ancient Continent entered the Divine Realm, leading to a great war. It was under the leadership of Taihao and other top Martial Ancestors and True Immortals that the people of the Ancient Continent were able to overcome the difficulties and even stabilize their footing within the Divine Realm.
Taihao wanted the Phoenix clan to serve him. Unfortunately, I chose to follow another Martial Ancestor instead. During that war, the Martial Ancestor I chose fell in battle. The aftermath, as you know, Leader, left me in a precarious situation. Taihao found it inconvenient to kill me, considering I too fought for the Ancient Continent and contributed significantly, if not with glory then with hard labor. Thus, Taihao suppressed me within a True Monarch-level world, where I remained until now. If not for you, Leader, I would likely still be trapped there."
The phoenix laid out the entire sequence of events candidly.
"So that's how it is," Lin Fei murmured, his gaze shimmering with sharpness. "Taihao, I've heard of him. He is one of the most ancient Dao Integration True Immortals in the entire Ancient Covenant. While perhaps not the strongest, his power is certainly formidable."
The phoenix had offended such a storied and powerful Dao Integration True Immortal, and it was fortunate indeed that it had not been killed. Although phoenixes are famed for their immortality and ability to regenerate from ashes, relative terms apply. A Martial Ancestor or a Dao Integration True Immortal could effortlessly extinguish a phoenix permanently if they so wished.
"Phoenix, you need not worry too much about Taihao," Lin Fei reassured. "Whatever your past mistakes, since Taihao has already suppressed you for so many years, that should suffice. If you wish to go to the Divine Realm, you can return with me."
"Thank you, Leader, but I prefer to stay in the Ancient Continent. I just hope to live without having to hide or fear the dawn, no longer needing to evade Taihao," the phoenix expressed its simple wish. It wasn't necessarily eager to go to the Divine Realm; it merely desired to resolve its grudge against Taihao once and for all. Being the target of a Dao Integration True Immortal was no small matter, after all.
Lin Fei nodded in understanding, then turned to Feng Ling. "Feng Ling, what about you? Would you like to come with me to the Divine Realm?" he asked.
Feng Ling, now confirmed to be a Martial God, certainly qualified to enter the Divine Realm.
However, after some thought, she shook her head and said, "I am aware of my limitations. Reaching Martial God is already my limit; transcending further to become a True Monarch is simply out of the question. Besides, a Martial God can live for a hundred thousand years. That time is enough. After a hundred thousand years, even if my time comes, I can enter your world. All I hope for is that you, Lin Fei, can return to the Ancient Continent when you have the time; that would be enough for me."
Feng Ling no longer wished to venture into the Divine Realm. Moreover, she had come to a profound understanding. Striving to match Lin Fei's pace proved excessively arduous, bordering on the impossible. No matter how fervently she pursued him, it was all in vain.
Ascending to True Monarch was fraught with difficulty. Given these circumstances, why should she exert herself to such extremes?
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In the Ancient Continent, assisting Lin Fei in safeguarding the Eternal Life Alliance was sufficient. After all, being a Martial God herself, and coupled with the Phoenix, a venerable True Monarch, she was more than capable of overseeing the Eternal Life Alliance, ensuring its smooth operation.
It was akin to Lin Fei entrusting her to "keep the home." This allowed Lin Fei to pursue his endeavors without any concerns. The Ancient Continent was, indeed, Lin Fei's home.
Lin Fei nodded and said, "That is well; the Eternal Life Alliance is our foundation. Your presence there ensures it is well maintained. Moreover, I can return to the Ancient Continent at any time, whether from the Divine Realm or here. It is all the same to me."
Thus, Lin Fei ceased his insistence and continued his stay at the Eternal Life Alliance. Spending time with Phoenix was no significant sacrifice, especially now that Lin Fei had achieved the venerable status of Martial Ancestor, immortal and indestructible. There was no longer any need to engage in frantic cultivation.
...
In the Ancient Covenant, within the grand and ancient halls of Taihao Palace—built by one of the original True Immortals, Taihao himself—Taihao Palace stood unobtrusively, never a major power nor seeking to expand its influence, thus remaining obscure to many.
Suddenly, the solemn chimes of a bell echoed within the walls of Taihao Palace. Numerous streaks of radiant light swiftly entered the grand hall, where a majestic and imposing figure was seated—it was none other than Taihao True Immortal himself, albeit an avatar.
Yet even as an avatar, he possessed the full authority of a True Immortal, before whom all lesser beings were as ants, and even the mightiest True Monarchs had no power to resist.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" they exclaimed.
"What commands do you have for us, Your Majesty?" asked the assembly of True Monarchs, their curiosity piqued. It was unprecedented for Taihao True Immortal to summon them personally.
The countenance of Taihao was solemn, his face indistinct. His voice, ethereal as if descending from the high heavens, reached everyone's ears.
"I have recently awakened from a long slumber. Upon contemplation, it appears that a Phoenix, once suppressed by me on the Ancient Continent, has escaped its bonds. Though I am unaware of how it freed itself, that is of no consequence. Circumstances at the time compelled me to suppress rather than annihilate it. Yet, if it had remained subdued, it might still live. However, it has fled. Therefore, it cannot be allowed to remain free. Who among you dares to strike down the Phoenix?"
His words, crisp and clear, filled the hall, leaving many True Monarch-level powers exchanging glances, their expressions a mix of astonishment and intrigue.
"The Phoenix? The ancient-era Phoenix?"
"That Phoenix was a True Monarch even in ancient times, famed for being immortal and capable of rebirth from its own ashes. To slay the Phoenix is a formidable challenge!"
"However, if His Majesty has decreed it, there must surely be a way."
At this, one figure boldly stepped forward and declared, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go!"
"Very well, Golden Crow, you shall carry a decree from me to the Ancient Continent. Upon encountering the Phoenix, you need only use the decree to suppress it. This decree will not only suppress the Phoenix but will also refine it utterly, preventing its rebirth from the flames."
With a gentle wave of his hand, Taihao sent a flicker of golden light flying forth. It landed in Golden Crow Daoist's hand, transforming into a decree.
Golden Crow Daoist's heart swelled with joy. He carefully secured the decree and respectfully responded, "I will faithfully execute Your Majesty's command!"
Then, Golden Crow Daoist exited Taihao Palace. With a whoosh, he transformed into a streak of light and vanished without a trace.
"Very well, you may all disperse."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Many True Monarch-level powers within the grand hall of Taihao Palace withdrew. They harbored no worries. What of the Phoenix being a True Monarch from the ancient era? Golden Crow Daoist held a decree from Taihao. The Phoenix was doomed!
True Immortals' words manifest as law. A single decree often signifies the descent of a True Immortal. Often, no incarnation is even necessary. A single decree can suppress any True Monarch!
Such is the majesty of a True Immortal. Beneath the True Immortal, all are but ants. They need only await news from Golden Crow Daoist.