The atmosphere was stifling. Ye Wen sat there, feeling as if countless needle points were sprouting from the stone bench beneath him, making it agonizing no matter how he shifted. Dongfang Kui, seated beside him, kept her head bowed, her chopsticks laid aside, her hands ceaselessly turning a small wine cup.

“Is that thing so much fun?”

Dongfang Kui’s focused demeanor suggested she wasn't merely playing with a wine cup, but perhaps something else entirely, like a…

Just as a slight, wicked thought began to form in Ye Wen’s mind, he heard Dongfang Kui murmur, “That was merely Qing He’s hopeful wish. In my current state, how could I possibly marry her?”

Without replying, Ye Wen simply looked at Dongfang Kui. Seeing her utterly crestfallen expression, Ye Wen felt he had asked a profoundly stupid question.

“Ah, since it makes you uncomfortable, let’s not discuss it! Let’s talk about something else… uh… like…” Ye Wen searched his mind for a long time but couldn't think of anything suitable to say to Dongfang Kui.

In reality, he and Dongfang Kui weren't that familiar. They had only met by chance in the Zen Sect years ago, and through a series of twists and turns, they had become slightly acquainted—but truly, only slightly.

Later, during the campaign against the Demonic Cult, although he had exchanged some words with Dongfang Kui, he didn't believe that brief conversation was enough for her to consider him a confidant.

And then… there was no ‘then’ after that. Ye Wen quickly ascended beyond the Void, while Dongfang Kui remained rooted in the Desolate Valley behind Mount Shu for fifty full years, honoring a promise.

He could easily imagine how tedious those fifty years must have been! He recalled how he and many others, with their wives by their sides, felt bored after living in the Changbai Immortal Realm for just over a decade and needed to travel around. This was with the benefit of numerous recreational facilities. If it had been the Shu Mountain Desolate Valley, it would have been nothing but cultivation, day in and day out. Ye Wen was certain he would have gone mad long ago.

A tedious life implied that Dongfang Kui’s fifty years held almost nothing worth mentioning. Her daily routine was to practice her exercises, then stare blankly… and at night, sleep exactly on schedule. This was the ancient version of a shut-in, and a truly committed one at that.

But this dedicated shut-in was not by choice. Every time he considered this, Ye Wen felt a twinge of guilt toward her.

“Miss Dongfang…”

“Yes?”

“What are your plans for the future?”

Dongfang Kui pondered for a moment, then finally shook her head vaguely, “I don’t know!”

“Then what is the one thing you most wish to do right now?”

Dongfang Kui’s brow furrowed. Even while frowning, she remained captivating. Any man with weaker resolve would likely feel immense heartache upon seeing such a woman in distress, immediately professing loyalty, swearing solemn oaths that he would certainly make her happy.

Unfortunately, Ye Wen did not do this, though he did have a fleeting urge to smooth the wrinkle from her brow.

“Perhaps, to finally master the Seventh Transformation of the Phoenix Nirvana Art?”

Dongfang Kui had never been able to cross the final hurdle of her Phoenix Nirvana Art, despite diligently cultivating for fifty years and even benefiting from the Cold Pool.

It wasn't that she couldn't endure the agony of the final change, but rather that she simply could not enter the state of the Seventh Transformation. To put it plainly, her power could never accumulate to that required level, so Dongfang Kui could only frustrate herself by accumulating power bit by bit.

When she mentioned this to Ye Wen, he immediately understood. Ultimately, it was an issue of the Nine Provinces world. He already knew that within the Nine Provinces, reaching the state of Void Shattering solely through self-cultivation was nearly impossible.

Jiu Jian Xian Jing had cultivated the Daoist heart method for over a hundred years before barely attaining that realm, only to fail due to insufficient physical constitution. Dongfang Kui’s Phoenix Nirvana Art was not necessarily much faster at accumulating power than the Orthodox Daoist school's heart method, and moreover, she had to divert some of that power to temper her body and change her constitution, which demanded an even vaster reserve of power.

Especially this final transformation, the required power was so immense that it surpassed the imagination of those in that world. Perhaps if Dongfang Kui cultivated until she was a hundred, her power would accumulate enough, but the greater probability was that her lifespan would run out, causing her beauty to fade and her life to turn to dust, never to be seen again.

In other words, it was highly likely she would never accumulate enough power to attempt the Seventh Transformation, although the Sixth Transformation, coupled with decades of accumulated power, was already enough for her to dominate the Nine Provinces world. Nevertheless, she still wished to reach the Seventh Transformation.

Ye Wen’s return happened to resolve this problem. With the abundance of Heaven and Earth energy in the Immortal Realm, Dongfang Kui’s cultivation speed greatly increased, and the unattainable Seventh Transformation began beckoning her. Therefore, what occupied her mind most was how to endure the suffering of the Seventh Transformation—a prolonged agony lasting over a year. Ordinary people would start feeling apprehensive just thinking about it.

Hearing Dongfang Kui's thoughts, Ye Wen mulled it over but found no good solution. If he were proficient in spirit-based magic, he might be able to alleviate some of her pain, but the problem was, he wasn't. His most reliable assets were his boundless Buddhist power and his own dual pupils.

“Perhaps I can work some magic here?”

Since nothing was certain yet, he didn't immediately offer to help, lest Dongfang Kui build up excessive hope only for him to be completely useless in the end, which would be disastrous. He could only offer some comfort, assuring her that she would definitely succeed.

At the same time, Ye Wen added, “This place is now the Immortal Realm. Who knows how many wondrous techniques exist here. Perhaps you don't even need to continue practicing your Phoenix Nirvana Art!”

That level of suffering was genuinely difficult to bear. Every time Ye Wen mentioned this art, he felt a wave of unease, and he pitied Dongfang Kui. Furthermore, she hadn't entirely chosen to cultivate this art willingly in the first place, so Ye Wen considered seeking out the mighty figures of the Celestial Heavens to have them examine Dongfang Kui’s technique.

“Right, didn’t Erlang Shen mention knowing the Vermilion Bird Divine Lord earlier? Perhaps that person has a way to help you resolve this entire Phoenix Nirvana Art complication? Who knows, you might even be able to use that accumulated power to master some celestial magic!”

Ye Wen thought Dongfang Kui would surely be overjoyed that she wouldn't have to suffer. To his surprise, Dongfang Kui kept her head down and said nothing, this time no longer fiddling with the wine cup, but instead manipulating the two chopsticks.

After a long pause, Dongfang Kui finally said, “No, I must succeed with the Seventh Transformation!”

She did not explain why, and Ye Wen did not press her. Seeing her refusal, he awkwardly picked up his chopsticks and mumbled, “Eat your vegetables, eat your vegetables!”

To each their own ambition; he could not force her will! The meal continued intermittently. The dishes on the table had grown cold, but thankfully, both Dongfang Kui and Ye Wen possessed certain skills. With a casual wave of his hand, Ye Wen released and immediately retracted a burst of searing Rose Cloud vital energy. Dongfang Kui only saw a fleeting flash of rosy light before her dishes were steaming hot once more.

Dongfang Kui also ceased speaking, merely bowing her head to eat. Neither looked up, but just as they were eating, a second pair of chopsticks suddenly appeared at the table.

Ye Wen looked up, following the line of the chopsticks upward to see slender, jade-like fingers, then a hand, then an arm adorned with ornate wrist guards. Continuing upward, he finally beheld a delicate face. Hair with a slight reddish tint hung down, obscuring part of her features, but it was enough for Ye Wen to see—the appearance was almost impossibly beautiful.

“Who are you?”

Ye Wen wasn't particularly surprised. The Immortal Realm was filled with countless experts and formidable individuals, and he himself was just a novice, vastly surpassed by many others. This person appearing in Erlang Shen’s territory was likely someone Erlang Shen knew, and since no hostility was shown, Ye Wen had no reason to fear them.

However, Dongfang Kui beside him tensed up entirely. Besides the fact that this person had seated themselves silently right in front of them, she sensed a terrifying pressure emanating from this individual—a pressure so intense it gave her the urge to bow her head, daring not to meet their gaze.

The newcomer picked up a morsel of food, then raised their left hand, producing an empty wine cup. They poured a drink for themselves, took a sip, and only then answered Ye Wen’s question: “You are that Ye Zhang from the Shu Mountain Sect?”

Ye Wen cupped his hands in salute: “I am Ye Wen of Shu Mountain!”

The person surveyed Ye Wen again, noting his handsome features and extraordinary bearing. Even when they appeared silently, he showed no fear, remaining remarkably composed—truly a character of substance. “Haha, worthy of the praise from the Pure Origin Marvelous Dao True Lord! Indeed, you are extraordinary! I am the Vermilion Bird Divine Lord you mentioned earlier. You may simply call me Vermilion Bird!”

Zhu Que (Vermilion Bird) was not originally a personal name but belonged to a lineage of the Phoenixes, considered a divine bird. However, the Vermilion Bird clan was relatively small, comprising only a few individuals. The one serving as the clan leader took the title of Vermilion Bird Divine Lord, essentially representing that entire lineage. The title Divine Lord was an honor bestowed by the Heavenly Court, actually just an empty appellation without formal administrative duties. Whether they held any real authority depended entirely on what the Jade Emperor tasked them with.

The current Vermilion Bird Divine Lord was the third since the Heavenly Court’s establishment. The first died in battle, and the second voluntarily stepped down, passing the position to the current one. Events proved the second-generation Vermilion Bird’s choice correct; the current Divine Lord had not only stabilized the Vermilion Bird lineage’s standing in the Heavenly Court but had also transformed the title into one holding real power, rather than just an empty honorific.

Ye Wen had previously heard snippets about the Vermilion Bird Divine Lord from Yang Jian, but at the time, he hadn't paid much attention, assuming he would only have a chance to meet this Divine Lord after reaching the Heavenly Court. He certainly hadn't expected to meet him here.

Sensing Ye Wen’s curiosity, Vermilion Bird replied directly, “I have been idle lately and heard that the Pure Origin Marvelous Dao True Lord had mobilized troops to suppress a rebellion, so I intended to join the excitement. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, the troops had already withdrawn. After inquiring with the True Lord, I learned the details of what transpired!”

By seniority, the Pure Origin Marvelous Dao True Lord, Yang Jian, was one generation senior to this Vermilion Bird, and his rank was also a level higher. However, Yang Jian’s seniority was mostly derived from his relationship with the Jade Emperor, so he disliked titles calculated from the Jade Emperor’s lineage. Thus, those familiar with him simply called him by his Daoist name.

Otherwise, under normal circumstances, Vermilion Bird would either call Yang Jian ‘Uncle’ or address him as King Renzhi!

“I also heard the True Lord mention that Zhang Ye has a female companion here who possesses the aura of a Phoenix, so I specifically came to take a look. Please forgive my intrusion, Zhang Ye!”

Ye Wen thought inwardly, You’ve already eaten, drunk, and taken a seat; what is there to forgive? He replied verbally, “Not at all.”

Moreover, he had just been discussing the Phoenix Nirvana Art with Dongfang Kui, so he had already been thinking about meeting this Vermilion Bird Divine Lord. It was fortunate that the person had come to him.

“May I ask what the Divine Lord has observed?”

Ye Wen gestured toward Dongfang Kui, hoping the Divine Lord might have a solution to spare her some suffering; otherwise, he felt an unsettling weight in his heart.

Vermilion Bird observed her for a moment, then suddenly grew serious: “What should I call her?”

“Dongfang Kui!”

“Oh.” Vermilion Bird Divine Lord nodded, then continued, “Your Phoenix Nirvana Art, have you reached the Sixth Transformation?”

Ye Wen had mentioned the name of the art while speaking with Dongfang Kui earlier, so it wasn't surprising that the Divine Lord knew of it. However, the tone suggested he was already familiar with the technique, which slightly astonished Ye Wen.

“Divine Lord, it seems you have known this technique for quite some time?”

Hearing this, Vermilion Bird smiled: “Of course I know it. The Phoenix Nirvana Art is a technique created by the Phoenix lineage. My Vermilion Bird lineage also belongs to the Phoenixes, so naturally, I am aware. However, this technique was never intended for human practice. I wonder how this lady managed to obtain it?”

Ye Wen was greatly alarmed. He had never imagined the Phoenix Nirvana Art was actually a technique practiced by the Divine Beast Phoenix lineage. No wonder practicing it had such severe side effects for a human.

Vermilion Bird didn't look at Ye Wen, continuing to address Dongfang Kui: “This technique has nine transformations. If one reaches the final level, ‘Phoenix Dance of Nine Heavens,’ they can be called a true Phoenix. It was originally created by the Phoenix lineage specifically for the cultivation of various birds, enabling them to transform into Phoenixes—a technique reserved exclusively as a gift to the avian races!”

Upon hearing this, Ye Wen realized he had misunderstood initially. But if it was meant for other birds to practice, it still wasn't meant for humans! And the Phoenix Nirvana Art actually had nine transformations instead of the seven they had always believed—did this mean Dongfang Kui’s period of hardship was far from over?

He glanced at Dongfang Kui. Her face had changed drastically. The rosy flush from the wine had faded, replaced by a sickly pale green hue—she was clearly terrified by the Divine Lord’s words.

“In any case, this technique is not for human cultivation; it is for the avian races to evolve into Phoenixes. What happens if a human cultivates it... I truly do not know. At least, not in the last few thousand years has any human dared to practice this art.”

Vermilion Bird’s words made Dongfang Kui’s complexion turn even paler. Even Ye Wen felt a chill creep into his heart, and he quickly asked, “Is there danger if a human cultivates it?”

“I don’t know that either,” Vermilion Bird said after thinking for a long time. He turned to Dongfang Kui and asked, “Have you experienced any abnormalities after practicing this technique?”

Dongfang Kui mumbled quietly for a long time before finally forcing out a sentence: “I was a man before…”

Ye Wen initially assumed that upon hearing this, Vermilion Bird would be greatly surprised, but contrary to expectation, the Divine Lord seemed unconcerned. He merely said, “That is nothing strange. Besides that?”

“Ah? That’s not strange?”

Ye Wen couldn't listen anymore. If even gender had changed, what would count as an abnormality? Surely, turning into a bird wasn't the only indicator?

Unexpectedly, Vermilion Bird let out a couple of strange chuckles, then said to Ye Wen, “Zhang Ye, you don't know why the Phoenix Nirvana Art was created, which is why you are so astonished. If you knew the reason, you wouldn't find this strange!”

Only then did Ye Wen realize there was a hidden background to this. He became immensely curious. Even Dongfang Kui lifted her head, gazing at Vermilion Bird with expectant eyes, waiting for him to reveal the origin.

Vermilion Bird Divine Lord let out a couple more strange laughs, as if restraining something, yet his laughter held a hint of awkwardness and embarrassment, thoroughly confusing Ye Wen. He couldn't imagine what sort of reason could provoke such a reaction from the Divine Lord.

Clearing his throat, Vermilion Bird Divine Lord said, “Actually, this matter is rather difficult to discuss with outsiders, but since you two are connected to this affair, I cannot hide it. I shall explain it in detail to you!”

Ye Wen thought to himself, What’s with the posturing? Acting like a big shot? Can’t you just hurry up and say it?

Of course, outwardly, he maintained an expectant expression, awaiting the Divine Lord’s continuation.

Vermilion Bird Divine Lord began, “Back then, the avian races suffered a catastrophic change, incurring heavy losses. The Phoenixes were nearly wiped out, less than one in ten remained, on the brink of extinction from the Immortal Realm. More importantly… at that time, there were almost no Huangs left—only Fongs remained!”

This statement might confuse some, but Ye Wen suddenly recalled the meaning behind the two characters in Fenghuang (Phoenix). Fundamentally, it referred to two divine birds: Feng () being the male and Huang () being the female. If Vermilion Bird Divine Lord said the Huangs were nearly extinct, didn't that mean the Phoenix lineage was left only with the males and no females?

At this realization, a flash of insight struck him: “Could it be that the Phoenix Nirvana Art is…”

Vermilion Bird Divine Lord saw the look on Ye Wen’s face and knew he had guessed the truth. He laughed awkwardly, “Precisely so. Facing such a dire situation, an elder within the Phoenix clan, through immense willpower and divine ability, finally created the Phoenix Nirvana Art immortal cultivation technique specifically to save the Phoenix race, allowing them to continue procreating in the Immortal Realm!”

“So, the Phoenix race created a technique that allows avian creatures to transform into Phoenixes, but they all turn into females?”

Vermilion Bird Divine Lord smiled and nodded: “That is correct. That is why it is perfectly normal for Miss Dongfang to transform into a female after practicing the Phoenix Nirvana Art; there’s nothing surprising about it! However, I didn't expect that a human practicing the Phoenix Nirvana Art would also undergo such a change.”

Saying this, he glanced at her again and continued, “Judging by your appearance, you haven't fully transformed yet. According to the Phoenix Nirvana Art, one becomes completely female after the Seventh Transformation. But I don’t know if continuing to cultivate it will cause you to transform into a Phoenix…”

Ye Wen and Dongfang Kui were speechless, unsure of how to handle this situation.