Inside Phoenix Nest Mountain, the piercing cries of phoenixes resounded through the heavens and earth.
Moreover, waves of intense resentment erupted, soaring straight into the sky.
The drifting dark mist in the world was attracted, transforming into a storm and merging into the depths of Phoenix Nest Mountain.
Amidst these phoenix cries, many spirit creatures nurtured within Shuangfeng Mountain were also drawn, following after the intense ominous aura.
However, after entering the mountain, they were soon enveloped by the black fog, turned into dark white bones, and became nourishment for the fog.
…
Inside the ancestral hall, Zhang Jian toyed with the Treasure Pearl in his hand.
The Phoenix Soul Pearl in his hand rang with a crisp phoenix cry.
He really enjoyed playing with this Phoenix Soul, as the sound of the phoenix could purify the impurities of Divine Thought, and holding it, he could quickly focus.
This state of focus was very rare.
Therefore, he had made considerable progress in comprehending several magic practices these days.
But now, even with his utmost concentration, he felt a headache.
"So, since purification is necessary, should I proceed with forceful purification, or attempt in a gentle manner to guide it into reincarnation!"
Sighing, Zhang Jian frowned.
In fact, he hardly considered the latter.
Possessing the power of True Monarch Zhanmo, perhaps he could try the former.
But the practicality was not great.
Regarding the state of the Phoenix Spirit in Phoenix Nest Mountain, he was entirely in the dark, knowing nothing.
How should he proceed?
Surely, he couldn't just rush to Phoenix Nest Mountain to investigate personally now.
Or perhaps this was exactly what True Monarch Zhanmo wanted him to do.
This put him in a dilemma. Clearly, if he stayed hidden in the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, managed the Zhang Family well, and held tight to the support of his ancestors, quietly cultivating, he could achieve great success. There was no real need to take risks.
But after some thought, Zhang Jian decided to step out of the ancestral hall.
Simply staying focused on benefitting from the Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall could perhaps lead him on the path of longevity.
But taking a little risk could make this path of longevity smoother, so he would spare no effort to pursue it.
Zhang Jian also had the heart of a strong man.
Moreover, he now had two strong backings, ensuring the safety of his life.
Additionally, Zhang Jian was certain that the Phoenix Spirit which charged towards the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall was severely wounded by the Stone Mirror, presenting an excellent opportunity for exploration.
Perhaps he might even find some gaps to exploit.
Of course, the most important reason was if he could purify the Phoenix Spirit, he might gain another wave of benefits from the Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall.
Honoring the ancestors was the most important thing.
After making up his mind to head to Phoenix Nest Mountain, Zhang Jian also instructed Zhang Lu to go to Qixia Temple in the city outskirts to search for some Dao classics, to see if he could find any classics on purifying evil ghosts.
The next day, just as the Zhang Family was packing up to set off, a pair of grandparents arrived at the entrance of the Zhang family.
Xuan Jiu grabbed a burly man, smiling at Zhang Lu who was glaring at him with wide eyes.
"Young man, could you please pass on a message to Young Master Zhang, saying that an old acquaintance from Bai Shui, Xuan Jiu, has come to relieve his worries!"
"Old man... um, senior, you've got quite the strength!"
Looking at his completely immobilized arm, Zhang Lu had initially intended to shake it off, but found himself unable to move at all.
Xuan Jiu then gently released Zhang Lu, casting a smiling glance at him. Zhang Lu knew he had encountered a skilled person, so he hurriedly went inside to report.
Shortly after, Zhang Jian came out, his gaze falling on Xuan Jiu, his expression slightly tensed, and immediately cupped his hands in greeting.
"So it is an elder, my apologies for the discourtesy!"
He then glanced at Zhang Lu beside him, smiling: "This brother of mine has been with me since childhood, always sticking by my side, so he's picked up some bad habits, being a bit unruly. If there's any disrespect, please forgive us!"
Then Zhang Jian made way, leading Xuan Jiu inside.
But Xuan Jiu shook his head instead of entering.
"Mr. Zhang, the treasure in your house is quite ferocious, I think it's better if I don't go inside. Perhaps we could find another place?"
At these words, Zhang Jian was momentarily stunned, then realized Xuan Jiu was referring to the Stone Mirror inside the ancestral hall, so led Xuan Jiu towards the Golden Jade Tavern.
Inside the Golden Jade Tavern.
The two found a quiet seat. Outside, the heat of summer still lingered, and in such hot weather, fewer wealthy idlers sought entertainment indoors.
Wind bells jingled in the air.
Zhang Jian signaled the servant beside them to bring a few pots of good wine.
Although he was curious about why Xuan Jiu remained in Fengyang County and hadn't left, he didn't ask directly, not wanting to spoil the mood.
Xuan Jiu instead spoke first, smiling:
"Did the Young Master obtain the lineage of Tongshan Dao last night? If I'm not mistaken, you should have caught the eye of True Monarch Zhanmo!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian was slightly surprised: "How did you know, senior?"
"It's not hard to guess,"
Xuan Jiu replied with a slight smile.
Since the mount of True Monarch Zhanmo appeared in Fengxi County, Xuan Jiu had already speculated some things, plus his clan was inherently skilled in the art of inference, so many things were not secrets to him.
Including the challenges Zhang Jian might face next.
Actually, he shouldn't have interfered so much, especially since True Monarch Zhanmo's temper wasn't very good, particularly towards alien races.
If he offended True Monarch Zhanmo because of this, he might not only fail in his pursuit but also get into big trouble.
But for the sake of the Li River clan, he could only shamelessly approach, hoping to bring some change for the Profound Turtle clan.
Pausing briefly, he continued with a smile: "Have you heard of the thousand-year-old Feng Shui formation in and around Fengyang County, Young Master?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's eyes lit up, and he replied: "Is senior referring to the Double Phoenix Feng Shui formation in Fengyang County?"
This matter had been mentioned to him by Zhang Yi, about a Feng Shui formation named Double Phoenix Two Principles within and outside Fengyang County.
Deep in the Shuangfeng Mountain Range, there were two phoenix nests, male and female, that would nurture a gifted lady every so often, bringing prosperity when married.
"Could it be..."
Zhang Jian looked towards Xuan Jiu.
Xuan Jiu gently stroked his beard and said,
"The origin of this legend isn't entirely incorrect. I've heard from my ancestors that indeed, a phoenix descended in the Shuangfeng Mountain Range long ago, leaving behind a Phoenix Egg, forming a peculiar Feng Shui layout!"
After a brief pause, he sighed:
"And indeed, every so often, a woman would unexpectedly gain favor from this Double Phoenix layout, achieving some success!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian frowned slightly.
After a moment's pause, Xuan Jiu's expression took on a slight smile: "Young Master must have guessed the origin of the Feng Ling Ghost King by now. It's the Phoenix Egg hatched and transformed, but the Feng Ling Ghost King was never fully hatched. A thousand years ago, it suffered a great calamity, was cruelly killed by someone, and became a stillborn!"
For her pursuit of the Young Master, it wasn't just because the Young Master held the Phoenix Soul Pearl, formed from half of her original essence, but also because she was unwilling; a proud divine beast became a mere Ghost King, she too wished for redemption and reincarnation!"
"When I appeared and guided the Young Master to obtain this Phoenix Soul Pearl, it was also for this reason!"
Xuan Jiu, at this moment, revealed the various prequels about pointing Zhang Jian to acquire the Phoenix Soul Pearl back then.