After consuming the Phoenix Fruit, Leng Chen immediately felt a surge of searing energy erupting within his body. His wounds began to heal at an astonishing speed, visibly mending before his eyes. In mere moments, he was fully recovered.
However, just as relief washed over him, an intense heat burst forth from deep inside, engulfing his entire body like a raging inferno.
"Ah! So hot! What the hell is happening?!" Leng Chen shouted, his voice filled with panic as his body felt like it was about to explode.
The Phoenix stood calmly to the side, observing him with a composed expression. "Relax. Just endure it for a moment. It's good for you," it said, its tone as nonchalant as ever.
"Good for me?! Why didn't you say that earlier?!" Leng Chen roared, a mix of frustration and desperation in his voice.
The Phoenix cleared its throat awkwardly and replied, "Ahem… because you're the first one to ever eat the Phoenix Fruit."
"What?!" Leng Chen froze in shock, glaring at the Phoenix with disbelief. "You're using me as a test subject?! I—I can't hold on any longer! I'm about to explode!"
The Phoenix hesitated, then said sheepishly, "Well… I wasn't entirely sure what would happen…"
"You—!" Leng Chen tried to lash out, but before he could say another word, darkness claimed his vision, and he collapsed to the ground with a loud "thud."
The Phoenix glanced down at Leng Chen's unconscious body, muttering to itself, "He should be fine… Probably. Good thing I didn't give this to my other friend."
After an indeterminate amount of time, Leng Chen slowly regained consciousness. Blinking his eyes open, he sat up, pressing a hand to his throbbing head. "What… happened just now?"
The Phoenix, standing nearby, noticed his movements and smirked. "Oh, you're awake? Still alive? Looks like it worked."
Hearing this, Leng Chen's face darkened, and he sprang to his feet. Without a second thought, he lashed out with a kick aimed straight at the Phoenix.
The Phoenix made no effort to dodge or block, letting the kick land squarely. Its body was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing into a massive tree not far away.
"Boom!" The tree snapped and fell under the force of the impact, and the Phoenix finally stopped after colliding with another tree further back.
Leng Chen froze, staring at the destruction caused by his kick. Panic flashed across his face as he hurried over, stammering, "I—I didn't mean to kick so hard! I was just so mad that you tricked me earlier… Are you okay?" His mind raced: I didn't even use much strength… How did this happen?
The Phoenix stood up leisurely, brushing off the dust on its feathers. "I'm fine. I let you hit me on purpose," it said casually. Then, with a sly grin, it added, "Oh, by the way, congratulations. You've stepped into the Elite Tier."
"Elite Tier?" Leng Chen murmured, stunned. He looked down at his hands, clenching them into fists. The surging power coursing through him was undeniable. "No wonder that kick was so strong… My strength has increased tenfold!"
The Phoenix nodded approvingly. "You were already on the verge of breaking through when we met. The Phoenix Fruit's power, combined with a bit of my essence, helped you complete the transition. It also purified your soul, making you even stronger."
It eyed Leng Chen with a hint of pride. "Right now, you're more powerful than most who've just entered the Elite Tier."
Hearing this, Leng Chen took a deep breath, then bowed slightly to the Phoenix. "Thank you. You not only healed my wounds but also helped me break through. I owe you."
The Phoenix flapped a wing dismissively. "No need for that. Don't get all mushy on me. But—" It suddenly frowned, turning its gaze toward the depths of the valley. Its voice grew grim. "Someone's trying to break the seal on the dragon."
"What?!" Leng Chen exclaimed, alarmed. "Isn't that incredibly dangerous? We need to stop them!"
The Phoenix glanced at him, its tone firm. "We? No, you're not ready for what lies ahead. It's far too dangerous for you."
Before Leng Chen could argue, the Phoenix's body erupted in brilliant flames of orange and blue. Its form expanded rapidly, transforming into a colossal creature over ten meters tall. With a powerful beat of its wings, it soared toward the valley depths, leaving a trail of searing heat in its wake.
Leng Chen clenched his fists, watching the Phoenix's retreating figure. He gritted his teeth and muttered, "Not ready? Says who? If you won't take me, I'll go myself!"
Without hesitation, he dashed toward the valley's heart.
Meanwhile, deep within the valley, a group of strange humanoid figures stood before the seal, their movements precise and deliberate. One of them let out a sinister laugh. "Almost there… Almost there… Haha! Our era is about to begin!"