Shortly after their arrival, one of the phoenixes from the Rising Phoenix Clan approached them in the air.
"Itâs been a while, Junior Sister Yuxiang." The phoenix, a middle-aged woman, greeted her.
"Itâs only been a few thousand years, Senior Sister Zhenyan," said Feng Yuixang.
It was pretty common for phoenixes from different clans to share the surname âFengâ, much like how many dragon clans have the surname âLongâ despite coming from different backgrounds.
"Where have you been all these years? We havenât heard a word from you since you left us."
"I went on a little adventure in the lower heavens..." Feng Yuxiang replied, purposefully avoiding any mention of the curse.
"The lower heavens...? Thereâs nothing to see down there." Feng Zhenyan shook her head.
"Thatâs not true. There are a lot of things to do there, and my life has changed a lot because of it."
"If you say so. Anyway, why have you come here? Have you decided to return to us? And who is that handsome phoenix beside you?" Feng Zhenyanâs gaze suddenly shifted to Yuan, and her face flushed slightly at Yuanâs handsome appearance and distinct scent.
"This is my Young Master, whom I met in the lower heavens," Feng Yuxiang said, a warm smile on her face.
"Young Master...?" Feng Zhenyanâs eyes widened at how she addressed him.
Everyone in the Rising Phoenix Clan knew of Feng Yuxiangâs proud and haughty nature, so to hear her call someone âYoung Masterâ was simply unimaginable.
âNo, maybe I misheard or am misunderstanding it. His actual name must be Young Master...â Feng Zhenyan thought to herself.
Almost as if she could read Feng Zhenyanâs thoughts, Feng Yuxiang added, "Thatâs right. Iâm serving him now, so he is my Young Master."
Feng Zhenyan was left speechless. She had already been curious about Yuanâs identity, but now, realizing that he had managed to subdue someone as difficult as Feng Yuxiang, she felt a flicker of nervousness. What kind of heaven-defying background did he possess?
"Anyway, we came here because the Young Master has some business with the Rising Phoenix Clan. Is the Matriarch available right now?" Feng Yuxiang asked a moment later.
Feng Zhenyan shook her head and replied, "No... the Matriarch had some business and left a few months ago. That said, we received news that she would be back soon."
Feng Yuxiang looked at Yuan and asked, "What do you think, Young Master? Should we leave for now and return later?"
"What a hassle." Yuan sighed.
Hearing this, Feng Zhenyan quickly said, "If youâre willing, youâre welcome to stay with us until the Matriarch returns."
"Iâm a bit pressed for time," Yuan replied calmly. "Why donât I just speak with whoever holds the highest authority available right now?"
"Right now...? That would be the Grand Elder, Feng Lingtian," Feng Zhenyan replied after pondering for a brief moment.
"Iâll speak to him, but heâll want to know what heâs dealing with..."
Yuan then said calmly, "My name isnât important. Just tell him that a Primordial Phoenix is here."
"P-P-Primordial Phoenix?!" Feng Zhenyan gasped, her voice trembling with shock and disbelief.
"Primordial Phoenix? What are they talking about?"
Those who had been watching from a distance were startled by Feng Zhenyanâs sudden outburst, their curiosity instantly ignited.
Shortly after her outburst, Feng Zhenyan turned to look at Feng Yuxiang for confirmation.
In response, Feng Yuxiang nodded her head and calmly confirmed, "My Young Master carries with him the most ancient and noble phoenix bloodline in existenceâthe Primordial Phoenix Bloodline."
Hearing this, Feng Zhenyan instantly lowered her head and bowed toward Yuan, "P-Please excuse my lack of respect, Senior Primordial Phoenix!"
"I donât really care about such things, but if you want to repent, just notify your Grand Elder of my presence."
"As you wish! In fact, please come with me. Iâll bring you to him."
Yuan nodded and followed Feng Zhenyan into the depths of the Rising Phoenix Clanâs territory.
They stopped before a specific mountain some time later, and Feng Zhenyan said, "Please wait here for a moment. Only members of the Rising Phoenix Clan or those permitted are allowed past this point."
Feng Zhenyan flew away and disappeared behind the mountain shortly later.
Upon reaching her destination, Feng Zhenyan called out, "Grand Elder, we have an emergency."
Moments later, a short old man with white and red hair appeared before her like a ghost.
"What happened?" he asked her in a stern tone.
"A guest claiming to be a Primordial Phoenix has appeared at our Rising Phoenix Clan, and he wishes to speak with you."
The Grand Elderâs half-closed eyes snapped open in surprise at the mention of âPrimordial Phoenix.â
"Are you certain you heard that correctly? A Primordial Phoenix hasnât appeared in this world for millions of years," he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"I am certain. In fact, Feng Yuxiang is here with him, and she even addresses him as âYoung Masterâ."
"Feng Yuxiang? That young phoenix who recently left?"
"Thatâs correct."
"Do you know what they want?" The Grand Elder then asked.
"No, but they initially wanted to speak with the Matriarch. Unfortunately, sheâs not here right now, so they want to speak with you instead."
"Very well. Bring them here. I shall see for myself whether weâre dealing with a true Primordial Phoenix or just some fraud."
Without another word, Feng Zhenyan left to return to Yuan and Feng Yuxiang.
"The Grand Elder has agreed to meet with you. Please, follow me." Feng Zhenyan said to them the moment she returned.
Sometime later, Yuan and Feng Yuxiang followed her to the Grand Elder, who was waiting at a sprawling flower garden nestled behind a secluded mountain.
When the Grand Elder laid eyes on Yuan and sensed his presence fully, he suddenly felt a warmth stir within him, as if his very blood was responding to Yuanâs existence.
âThis feeling... Could it be? Could he truly be a Primordial Phoenix?â The Grand Elder swallowed hard, a flicker of nervousness passing through him.