At Taihao Palace, the presence of Taihao True Immortal was rarely felt, as the affairs of the palace were usually managed by a few True Monarchs.
"His Majesty issued a decree for the Golden Crow Taoist to eliminate the Phoenix, and it's been several days now, hasn't it?" one True Monarch queried.
"Indeed, it has been three days, yet the Golden Crow Taoist has not returned," another responded.
"Three days should have been more than enough for the Golden Crow Taoist to slay the Phoenix. Considering the size of the Ancient Continent, finding the Phoenix and executing the decree should have been straightforward."
"Could something unexpected have happened?"
These True Monarchs of Taihao Palace, though unaware of the specifics of the Ancient Continent, knew of the formidable power held by the True Immortal decree wielded by the Golden Crow Taoist. A True Monarch would normally stand no chance against it.
"Hm? Is that the Golden Crow Taoist returning?"
"He seems to have used a secret communication. What could justify such a measure?"
Secret communication was a technique reserved for the Taihao True Immortal, handed down to them for use in situations where direct communication was impractical. Even True Immortals or Martial Ancestors would not detect it.
They immediately checked the message. "Quick, we must inform His Majesty, there has been a change."
"The Phoenix has not been slain, and I have been captured by Lin Fei of the Great Dream Sect. We are heading to Taihao Palace."
Reading the details of the Golden Crow Taoist's message, the True Monarchs were mildly shocked. Captured? The Golden Crow Taoist was a top-tier True Monarch, and he had the True Immortal decree.
How could he be captured? Moreover, instead of killing the Golden Crow Taoist, the captor was bringing him straight to Taihao Palace. Wasn't that walking into a trap?
If Taihao True Immortal were to become enraged, the offender would have no place to hide. No one could save them!
"Wait, the Golden Crow Taoist was clear—the person is Lin Fei from the Great Dream Sect. Could this be the same Lin Fei who recently became the most famous legend in the Ancient Covenant, reputed to be the first Martial God and possibly the foremost True Monarch?"
"It must be True Monarch Lin. I had my doubts when I heard he might be the top True Monarch, but now it seems Lin Fei might truly be the first among them!"
"If anyone else claimed they could resist His Majesty's decree, it would be a fool's dream. But if it's True Monarch Lin, it might not be impossible. After all, he has already performed many miracles."
The True Monarchs looked at each other. This situation involved Lin Fei, who belonged to the Great Dream Sect, tying the matter to the sect itself. It was beyond their capability to manage.
Moreover, considering Lin Fei's potential to resist a True Immortal decree, no amount of True Monarchs could match him; they could only report to Taihao True Immortal.
Thus, they quickly proceeded to the private chamber of Taihao True Immortal to report the incident.
As the imposing aura of Taihao True Immortal filled the chamber, the True Monarchs cowered under its weight, their bodies involuntarily pressing into the floor. Their heads bowed, they hastily spoke, "Your Majesty, please quell your anger. We did not foresee this turn of events. However, Lin Fei is soon to arrive at Taihao Palace. At that time, Your Majesty can certainly slay him and take care of the Phoenix simultaneously!"
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A disdainful "Hmph," escaped from Taihao True Immortal.
"The Golden Crow has been inefficient in his duties. While his life may be spared, he cannot escape punishment!"
The doors to the secret chamber swung open, and Taihao True Immortal emerged. His gaze was icy cold, and his eyes sternly scanned everyone present. His anger was palpable; he had given the Golden Crow Taoist a True Immortal decree, and yet the Taoist had been captured. This failure was unforgivable to Taihao, fueling his rage further.
"Great Dream Sect, Lin Fei..." Taihao muttered under his breath. Among the Ancient Covenant's twelve True Immortals, eight Martial Ancestors, and three Hermits, the Great Dream Ancestor was the most mysterious, their true power unknown even to other supreme beings.
Many True Immortals and Martial Ancestors were unaware of the full extent of the Great Dream Ancestor's capabilities, and even his true form remained undiscovered.
Taihao True Immortal was not eager to provoke the Great Dream Ancestor unless absolutely necessary. However, Lin Fei was not the Great Dream Ancestor, but merely a True Monarch of the Great Dream Sect. Regardless of his genius, he was still just a True Monarch.
Now, furious beyond measure, Taihao True Immortal seethed at the audacity of a mere True Monarch challenging his authority. He believed that even if he were to slay Lin Fei, the Great Dream Ancestor would have no grounds for objection.
And even if the Great Dream Ancestor did take issue, what of it? Taihao True Immortal, a survivor of the ancient, brutal wars, had seen countless Martial Ancestors fall, yet he remained. That alone was testament enough to his power—he feared no one, not even the Great Dream Ancestor.
Just then, Taihao True Immortal sharply raised his head, sensing something. At the same moment, a voice resonated through Taihao Palace.
"Lin Fei and the Phoenix of the Eternal Life Alliance request an audience with Taihao True Immortal! I hope fellow daoist Taihao will come forth to meet me!"
This sound clearly reached everyone's ears. However, the faces of the crowd changed drastically in an instant.
Lin Fei, actually referred to Taihao True Immortal as "fellow Daoist." How arrogant is that?
Given their understanding of Taihao True Immortal. Taihao True Immortal was thoroughly enraged!
However, contrary to their expectations. Taihao did not appear furious. Instead, there was a hint of shock in his expression. And a trace of doubt.
What exactly happened? What made Taihao True Immortal not angry?
In the next moment, Taihao directly traveled through the void, arriving outside the Taihao Palace.
The True Monarchs exchanged glances, all looking at each other in bewilderment.
"Why did His Majesty's anger dissipate so suddenly?" one of the True Monarchs whispered among themselves.
"With His Majesty's temperament, how could he not be enraged? Lin Fei's arrogance is unmatched; how could it not provoke a response?"
"His expression looked as if he had witnessed something unbelievable. Could it be that something we are unaware of has occurred?"
Speculations were whispered rapidly among them, "Only a Martial Ancestor could possibly elicit such a reaction from His Majesty."
"Could it be that not only Lin Fei has come, but the Great Dream Ancestor as well?"
"Let's not speculate any further. Follow His Majesty outside and see for ourselves what has truly happened."
As the True Monarchs transformed into streaks of light, speeding out of the palace, they found themselves amidst a scene that was both serene and tense. Lin Fei and the Phoenix stood calmly in the void, with Lin Fei appearing particularly composed, even as he gestured casually to bring the Golden Crow Taoist forward.
"True Monarch Lin, you've actually come to Taihao Palace?" The Golden Crow Taoist's voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and fear. He couldn't comprehend Lin Fei's audacity to appear directly at the heart of their enemy's power. "Isn't this courting death? Does he truly believe Taihao would not dare to kill?"
Despite the protection supposedly afforded by the Great Dream Sect and the Great Dream Ancestor, the wrath of Taihao True Immortal could be swift and final. No amount of backing could save Lin Fei if Taihao decided to act.
However, before any more could be said, ripples of space-time danced through the air, heralding the arrival of another figure through the spatial folds.
"Your Majesty!" The Golden Crow Taoist's voice cracked with emotion, a mix of relief and awe coloring his tone as he gazed up at the figure now standing in the void.
This figure, towering and regal, bore the unmistakable aura of ancient, undying power. Taihao True Immortal, one of the twelve True Immortals of the Ancient Covenant!