In the deep underground abyss, within the Nether Serpent Earth Vein.
The headquarters of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe was filled with an intense, oppressive atmosphere.
Countless snake people gazed coldly toward the sky outside the earth vein. In the sky above, figures were densely packed. Massive wings, resembling dark clouds, covered the entire sky.
"Patriarch, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe is truly going too far! They've come here to attack us!"
"If our clan does nothing, we'll become a laughingstock in the future!"
"By then, which other clans in this vast Beast Region would dare to align themselves with us?"
On top of a majestic mountain within the earth vein stood over a dozen figures. Several elders, their expressions icy, spoke gravely to the figure with a strong, imposing back in front of them.
"This matter is not so simple. This time, the Phoenix Tribe's leader, Huang Tian, personally led the troops. That old guy is at the late stage of Five-Star Dou Saint. In our entire Python Tribe, who can match him?"
As most of the clan elders echoed sentiments of resistance, one gray-robed elder, with a somewhat stern expression, furrowed his brows and said.
"Coward! So what? Are we supposed to just watch them trample all over us and say nothing?"
"I'd rather die defending the dignity of our tribe than cower like a turtle!"
"If you're afraid of death, you can leave now. But don't you dare claim you're from our tribe ever again…"
As soon as the elder finished speaking, he was met with ridicule and scorn from several others.
"You… you all!"
Being mocked by his own clan, the gray-robed elder's face immediately turned red with anger.
"Don't you understand? The Phoenix Tribe's real target is that woman who's been cultivating in the Nine Serene Springs!"
"Moreover, the Hun Clan, that transcendent power, is pushing things from behind the scenes!"
"If we just hand her over…"
The elder continued his analysis, but before he could finish, a cold snort interrupted him.
"The Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe demands we hand her over, and we just do it? What would that do to our Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe's reputation? Besides, that woman in the Serene Springs is Brother Gu Fei's wife!"
"You should all know who Gu Fei is. I don't need to explain it to you."
The muscular figure turned around, exuding an aura of authority without anger. This person was none other than Yao Ming, the current leader of the Python Tribe.
"The world knows of Young Master Gu Fei's power... but isn't it rumored that he perished in the Demonic Flame space?"
"Plus, today is the last day of the Phoenix Tribe's ultimatum. If we don't hand her over, they'll invade!"
Hearing this, two elders, who still held out hope for a peaceful resolution, cautiously spoke up.
Everyone present felt a slight chill in their hearts at these words. After all, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe leader, Huang Tian, had terrifying strength as a late-stage Five-Star Dou Saint. Even Yao Ming would struggle to oppose him. Moreover, it seemed like the Soul Hall had a hand in this attack.
Yao Ming remained silent for a moment under the heavy pressure. After a brief pause, he finally asked in a low voice, "Elder Qi, have you sent the message I asked you to send to the Gu Clan?"
"Yes, Patriarch. It has been sent."
Elder Qi nodded, though he hesitated for a moment before asking, "But… will they really send anyone?"
"Indeed, while Young Master Gu Fei is their young clan leader, now that he's…"
"His companion is still an outsider to the Gu Clan!"
"And with the ancient clans' agreement, Dou Saints above Four-Star strength are not allowed to easily intervene!"
The two elders advocating for peace voiced their concerns.
Their points weren't entirely without merit. Normally, anyone associated with the Gu Clan would command immense respect across the continent. As long as someone from them showed up, regardless of their strength, no one would dare make a move.
But this time, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe had a personal vendetta, determined to target Gu Fei's companion. With the Soul Hall and the Hun Clan backing them, even the presence of the Gu Clan might not resolve the situation.
"All we can do now is wait... Moreover, the rumors of Gu Fei's death are just that- rumors. I've received information that a phantom of the Demon Saint appeared on Gu Fei's body. For him, it could be a great opportunity!"
"If he manages to refine the legendary rank three Heavenly Flame, Young Master will soar to unimaginable heights, destined to stand at the pinnacle of the continent!"
Yao Ming pondered for a moment but refused to back down, having made a promise to Gu Fei. He was a man of gratitude; had it not been for his rescue, he would likely still be suffering in the endless darkness of the Serene Springs.
And now, he was gambling- betting that Gu Fei wasn't truly dead. If the Gu Clan could send help, even if they couldn't defeat Huang Tian, it would at least ease the pressure on the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe.
"Yao Ming... the three-day deadline is over!"
"Will you hand her over, or do we go to war? Have you made your decision?"
At that moment, a voice filled with overwhelming power, like thunder, echoed from the sky, reaching the ears of every member of the Python Tribe.
Upon hearing this, the faces of the elders on the mountain turned grim.
Yao Ming's eyes grew dark, and with a flicker, he shot into the sky, his gaze locking onto the mountains beyond. There, a massive demon phoenix beat its enormous wings, spanning hundreds of feet. On the phoenix's head stood a figure clad in a purple-gold robe, arms crossed behind his back, his golden eyes filled with imposing majesty as they met Yao Ming's.
"Huang Tian, the person cultivating in the Nine Serene Springs is the companion of the Gu Clan's young clan leader. If you harm her, the Gu Clan will not sit idly by."
Yao Ming spoke in a deep voice as he looked at the man.
"Hmph, 'will not sit idly by,' you say…"
Hearing this, the purple-gold-robed man sneered, his eyes flashing with disdain. "Gu Fei killed my son. This is a blood feud! Do you think I care about their so-called vengeance?"
'He's determined to capture Miss Cai Lin to avenge his foolish son, Jiu Feng…' Yao Ming frowned deeply at these words.
"I'll ask you one last time: Will you hand her over, or not?"
Huang Tian's gaze grew fierce as he stared at Yao Ming, his oppressive aura as a Five-Star Dou Saint radiating outward.
"I've already told you, this is my promise to Brother Gu Fei. I will not back down unless I'm dead!"
Yao Ming's answer was resolute.
"Hmph, a promise to a dead man? What's the point in keeping that?"
"Gu Fei killed my son. Today, I will personally capture his woman and torment her to death to avenge my son's soul!"
Huang Tian's voice was ice-cold, filled with venomous hatred.
(TL/n: Last chapter for today. Phoenix Tribes are always a bitch in every xianxia novel I read lol.
Anyways, thanks for the support and don't forget to leave a review if you're liking it so far.
I'll catch you all on the next episode~)