Section 210

Black Kirin nodded. She understood Elder Huang Lei's meaning. The more critical the moment, the more they needed to display the clan's cohesion and faith in the Divine Bird, as this was the only way to boost morale and deter the enemy.

“It's just...” Elder Huang Lei glanced at the clansmen who had been sacrificed or injured in the battle, a flash of sorrow crossing his eyes, “it is hard on these children.”

Black Kirin remained silent. The world of cultivation was inherently filled with cruel struggles. The Law of the jungle and survival of the fittest were eternal Laws.

“Elder, how much do you know about the Youquan Sect?” Black Kirin asked. Knowing one's self and one's enemy is the only way to be victorious in a hundred battles.

Elder Huang Lei sighed: “The Youquan Sect is an evil sect that has been passed down for hundreds of years. Its founding Ancestral Master is said to have obtained an ancient Demonic Weapon and comprehended a set of sinister Cultivation Techniques from it. They have always acted in secret and rarely move about the world. However, every once in a while, they emerge to commit evil, plundering cultivation resources and harming living beings. I didn't expect them to target our clan's fire spirit jade marrow.”

He mused: “I remember that the Sect Master of the Youquan Sect is known as ‘Youquan Old Ghost,’ and his strength is unfathomable; it's said he reached a very high Realm long ago. Although that tall, thin Ghost-faced Man who came today also referred to himself as ‘this seat,’ judging by his actions and strength, he shouldn't be Youquan Old Ghost himself. Perhaps he is a capable Protector under him, or someone like the Young Sect Master.”

Black Kirin's heart stirred. If the one who came today was not yet the Youquan Sect's highest combat power, then the strength of this evil sect was probably even more terrifying than she had imagined.

“Then why is that Youquan Old Ghost so obsessed with the fire spirit jade marrow?” Black Kirin asked again.

Elder Huang Lei shook his head: “This old man is not quite sure. Although fire spirit jade marrow is precious, there are other Heaven And Earth Treasures under heaven that can compare to it. The Youquan Sect's Cultivation Technique leans toward the dark and evil; logically, it should be mutually restrictive with something as extremely Yang and rigid as fire spirit jade marrow. For them to go to such great lengths to obtain it, they must have other designs.”

Black Kirin was lost in thought. She vaguely felt that the Youquan Sect's goal might not just be the fire spirit jade marrow itself, but perhaps also related to the Undead Bird, or even the fengming zither.

“No matter what they are plotting, we must make full preparations,” Black Kirin said deeply. “After tomorrow's ceremony, I intend to head to Falling Phoenix Slope to investigate. Before that, I will do my best to assist your clan in setting up some defensive Restrictions to prevent the Youquan Sect from returning.”

Although she was not a grandmaster of Formations, she could still manage to set up some simple warning and defensive Formations by relying on her keen perception of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi and the assistance of the fengming zither.

Elder Huang Lei was overjoyed to hear this: “In that case, I thank Miss Mo! With your help, our Fire Sparrow Clan's chances of victory have increased by several points!”

He then instructed Lei Shi: “Lei Shi, immediately take people to count the casualties, treat the wounded, and give the sacrificed clansmen a proper burial. At the same time, increase the manpower to strictly guard the perimeter of the Holy Fire Platform and the main roads down the mountain. Report immediately if there is any sign of trouble!”

“Yes, Elder!” Although Lei Shi was exhausted, his spirit remained high as he departed to carry out the orders.

As the night deepened, the clamor on the Holy Fire Platform gradually subsided. But a heavy stone weighed on everyone's heart. The threat of the Youquan Sect was like a lingering dark cloud shrouding the sky above Divine Fire Mountain.

Black Kirin sat cross-legged in a corner of the Holy Fire Platform, silently regulating her breathing. While recovering her consumed True Essence, she mentally calculated various possible Formation layouts. At the same time, she was also thinking about the Youquan Sect's motives and the clues regarding the phoenix feather crimson flame.

She knew that her path was still very long. And Divine Fire Mountain was merely a stop on her journey of Cultivation. But this stop had become extraordinary because of the Fire Sparrow Clan, the fire spirit jade marrow, and the Undead Bird.

The next morning, when the first light of dawn pierced through the clouds and fell upon Divine Fire Mountain, the Fire Sparrow Clan's ceremony began in a solemn and somewhat tragic atmosphere.

The area around the Holy Fire Platform had already been cleared of the traces of last night's battle. The Fire Sparrow Clan people had changed into their festive attire and gathered below the Holy Fire Platform with expressions of piety and determination. Elder Huang Lei was dressed in the most grand sacrificial robes, holding a staff made of Undead Bird feathers and divine wood, standing in the center of the Holy Fire Platform.

Black Kirin stood on the periphery of the crowd, quietly observing the ceremony. she had not slept all night; besides regulating her breathing to recover, she had also used the power of the fengming zither and fire spirit jade marrow to set up some simple warning and defensive Formations around the Holy Fire Platform and at several key points leading down the mountain. Although these Formations could not stop true experts, they could at least serve to warn and delay them.

The process of the ceremony was tedious and ancient. Elder Huang Lei led the clansmen in singing ancient songs and performing primitive dances, expressing the highest respect and most devout prayers toward the golden flame burning incessantly in the center of the Holy Fire Platform.

The sunlight grew stronger, and the flames on the Holy Fire Platform danced more joyfully in response. Under the reflection of the flames, the fire spirit jade marrow emitted a soft and warm red light, enveloping the entire Holy Fire Platform in a sacred and peaceful atmosphere.

---Asking for flowers

Black Kirin could feel that as the ceremony progressed, an invisible Power Of Faith converged from all directions, merging into the flames of the Holy Fire Platform and the fire spirit jade marrow, making their Auras even more pure and powerful.

“It seems this ceremony is not just a formality; it truly can enhance the power of the holy fire and the jade marrow,” Black Kirin thought to herself.

Just as the ceremony reached its midpoint and the atmosphere was at its most fervent, another change occurred!

“Boom!”

A loud explosion came from the foot of Divine Fire Mountain, causing the entire Holy Fire Platform to tremble.

“What's going on?”

“What happened?”

The Fire Sparrow Clan people were in a commotion, their piety instantly replaced by panic.

Elder Huang Lei's expression changed, and he heavily planted his staff: “Everyone, do not panic! Continue the ceremony! The Divine Bird is with us!”

His voice was steady and powerful, temporarily calming the clansmen. But Black Kirin's heart sank; she knew that trouble had arrived. And it had come faster than she had anticipated!

“Miss Mo, I'm afraid the people from the Youquan Sect are back!” Lei Shi, holding a bone spear, ran quickly to Black Kirin's side and said with a solemn expression. He was responsible for the outer perimeter's security, and the loud explosion just now had come from the area he was defending.

...

Black Kirin nodded: “It seems they are determined to seize the fire spirit jade marrow. I just didn't expect them to dare to strike during the ceremony.”

“Elder! This is bad!” A Fire Sparrow clansman responsible for guarding ran onto the Holy Fire Platform, crawling and scrambling, his voice carrying a sob, “The defenses at the foot of the mountain... have been broken! They... there are too many of them! And they also brought a... a giant Bone Dragon!”

“Bone Dragon?!” Elder Huang Lei and Black Kirin's expressions changed simultaneously.

The Bone Dragon was a powerful war Puppet refined by the Youquan Sect using secret methods. It was constructed from the skeletons of countless living beings and then refined with yin evil qi and resentful souls. Not only was it impervious to blades and spears and possessed of immense strength, but it could also spit out highly corrosive corpse poison. It was a Sharp Weapon for the Youquan Sect to capture cities and seize territory. To think that for the sake of the fire spirit jade marrow, they had actually deployed such a weapon of mass destruction!

“Jie jie jie... little brats of the Fire Sparrow Clan, I have returned!” A familiar and venomous voice drifted from far down the mountain; it was precisely that tall, thin Ghost-faced Man who had fled in a sorry state yesterday. “Today, I shall level your Divine Fire Mountain and ensure your Fire Sparrow Clan is completely wiped out!”

Following his words, a series of “clack-clack” bone-grinding sounds approached from the distance, and the ground began to vibrate violently. Soon, a massive white Bone Dragon, over ten zhang tall, appeared in everyone's sight.

This Bone Dragon was entirely composed of forest-white bones, with two clusters of ghostly green fire burning in its eye sockets, and its massive bone wings unfurled, blotting out the sun. Standing atop its head was none other than that tall, thin Ghost-faced Man. The black scythe in his hand shimmered with an eerie light under the sun, and the injuries on his body seemed to have mostly recovered, his Aura even more ferocious than yesterday.

Behind him followed a large group of Youquan Sect Disciples, even more numerous than yesterday, each one brimming with Killing Intent, clearly having come well-prepared.

“It's over... it's completely over this time...” Seeing this terrifying Bone Dragon, some young Fire Sparrow clansmen turned pale with fright, their legs going weak.

Chapter 204: Hope for Revival! Bone Dragon Impact!

Even Elder Huang Lei showed a look of despair. He knew that with the Fire Sparrow Clan's current strength, they simply could not withstand the impact of this Bone Dragon.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"Miss Mo, you must leave quickly!" Elder Huang Lei turned suddenly to Black Kirin, saying in an urgent tone, "Take the fire spirit jade marrow and go! As long as the jade marrow still exists, my Fire Sparrow Clan has hope for restoration! The Youquan Sect's goal is you and the jade marrow. If you leave, they might spare my clansmen!"

Black Kirin shook her head: "Elder, it is too late to say these things now. The Youquan Sect has set up such a large Formation today; it is clear they intend to wipe us out completely and will not leave any survivors."

She paused, a flash of determination in her eyes: "Besides, I, Black Kirin, am not someone who flees in the face of battle!"

She took a deep breath, and the fengming zither in her arms let out a clear, resonant chime once more. She knew that today's battle would likely be even more perilous than last night's.

"Well said! You are worthy of being the person I have taken a fancy to!" The tall, thin Ghost-faced Man stood atop the Bone Dragon, grinning hideously. "Miss Mo, I will give you one last chance. Hand over the fire spirit jade marrow, offer up the zither in your hands, and submit to my Youquan Sect. I can spare your life and make you the Saintess of my Youquan Sect, with a status second only to me. How about it?"

"Delusional!" Black Kirin retorted coldly, the Chixiao Sword already unsheathed, pointing at the Bone Dragon. "If you want to fight, then fight! Why say so much!"

"You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Since that is the case, do not blame me for being ruthless!" A fierce light flashed in the Ghost-faced Man's eyes as he pointed the black scythe in his hand forward. "Bone Dragon, level the Holy Fire Platform for me and crush these ants who do not know the meaning of death!"

"Roar—!"

The Bone Dragon let out a deafening roar, its massive bone claw lifting with the force of ten thousand tons, slamming down fiercely toward the Holy Fire Platform!

Before the bone claw had even landed, the sharp, fierce wind made it impossible for people to open their eyes. The ground around the Holy Fire Platform cracked and split under this immense force.

"It is over!" This thought rose in the hearts of all the Fire Sparrow Clan members.

Just at this critical moment, a loud, high-pitched eagle cry suddenly came from the direction of the main peak of Divine Fire Mountain!

"Screech—!"

This eagle cry was filled with majesty and domineering power, as if the king of the sky had descended!

Immediately after, a massive black shadow swooped down from above the main peak like lightning, so fast that one could not make out its form, only feeling an incomparably sharp Aura rushing toward them!

"Bang!"

A heaven-shaking, earth-shattering loud noise!

The black shadow had actually slammed directly into the Bone Dragon's descending bone claw!

The Bone Dragon's indestructible bone claw, under this tremendous impact, was actually forced to bounce upward. Its massive body also stumbled back a few steps, the ghost fire in its eye sockets flickering violently.

As the dust settled, everyone finally saw clearly that the black shadow was actually an exceptionally magnificent giant eagle!

This giant eagle was covered from head to toe in ink-black feathers that shimmered with a metallic luster in the sunlight. Its wingspan was a full seven or eight zhang wide, its eyes as sharp as lightning, and in its gaze, there was a natural air of a king looking down upon the world.

"This is... the Divine Mountain Guardian Beast, the Void-Rending Demon Eagle?!" Elder Huang Lei exclaimed, an expression of disbelief on his face.

The Void-Rending Demon Eagle was one of the legendary Guardian Divine Beasts of Divine Fire Mountain. It was incredibly powerful and usually only moved in the depths of the main peak, rarely showing itself. Unexpectedly, it had appeared here today and had even attacked the Youquan Sect's Bone Dragon!

"Where did this feathered beast come from, daring to meddle in my Youquan Sect's affairs?!" The tall, thin Ghost-faced Man was startled by this sudden turn of events, then became furious. He waved the black scythe in his hand, and a sharp black Saber Qi slashed toward the Void-Rending Demon Eagle.

The Void-Rending Demon Eagle let out a disdainful screech. With a flap of its huge wings, sharp wind blades appeared out of thin air, meeting the black Saber Qi.

"Boom!"

The Saber Qi and wind blades collided in mid-air, erupting with a powerful wave of air that blew the surrounding people off balance.

Just at this moment, something even more unexpected happened!

After dispersing the Saber Qi, the Void-Rending Demon Eagle did not continue to attack the Bone Dragon. Instead, it circled and landed on the edge of the Holy Fire Platform. Then, it lowered its proud head and gently spat a feather from its mouth, placing it before Black Kirin.

It was a crimson feather about a foot long, crystal clear and translucent throughout, as if carved from the purest flame crystal. A faint golden halo flowed across its surface, emitting a pure and majestic fire-type energy.

"This... this is... the phoenix feather crimson flame?!" Black Kirin looked at the feather before her, feeling the familiar and powerful Undead Bird Aura within it, and she was completely stunned.

She had gone through untold hardships, risked her life to come to Divine Fire Mountain, and spared no effort to become an enemy of the Youquan Sect, all to find this legendary phoenix feather crimson flame. She had imagined countless possibilities, but she never expected that it would appear before her in this way!

Moreover, it was delivered personally by the Guardian Beast of Divine Fire Mountain, the Void-Rending Demon Eagle!

"Miss Mo, this... could this be the phoenix feather crimson flame you were looking for?" Elder Huang Lei also saw the extraordinary nature of this feather and asked with a trembling voice.

Black Kirin slowly reached out and gently picked up the phoenix feather crimson flame. It felt warm to the touch, as if holding a burning flame, yet she felt no scorching heat at all; instead, there was a warm, comfortable sensation. A stream of pure fire-type energy flowed slowly along her arm and into her body, making her feel refreshed, and the True Essence she had previously consumed was actually recovering rapidly!

"There is no mistake, this is the phoenix feather crimson flame!" A flash of excitement crossed Black Kirin's eyes. She could feel that the power contained within this feather was even more powerful than she had imagined!

After delivering the feather, the Void-Rending Demon Eagle took one last deep look at Black Kirin. There seemed to be a trace of expectation and approval in its eyes. Then, it spread its wings, soared into the sky once more, and launched a fierce attack on the Bone Dragon!

"Screech—!"

The eagle cry pierced the nine heavens, and the wind and clouds changed color!

A more intense battle was about to erupt! And Black Kirin, holding the phoenix feather crimson flame, seemed to have had her destiny take a new turn because of it. The Youquan Sect's schemes, the appearance of the Void-Rending Demon Eagle, and this sudden phoenix feather crimson flame—what secrets were hidden behind all of this? Where would the future of Divine Fire Mountain go?

The crimson feather felt warm and smooth to the touch. A majestic and pure fire-type energy flowed like a gentle stream from Black Kirin's fingertips, rapidly coursing through her limbs and bones. The True Essence consumed from the previous intense battle was recovering at a speed visible to the naked eye, and she even felt a faint sense of breaking through her shackles. The fire-type Spiritual Qi within her body seemed to have been ignited by a spark, instantly becoming active and creating a mysterious resonance with the Undead Bird Aura emitted by the phoenix feather crimson flame.

"Miss Mo, you..." Elder Huang Lei looked at the faint red light surrounding Black Kirin and the brilliant light flickering in her eyes, feeling both surprised and overjoyed.

Black Kirin took a deep breath, feeling an unprecedented power filling her body... She could clearly feel that her control over fire-type energy had reached a new level. The fengming zither also seemed to sense this power; its strings moved without wind, emitting bursts of joyful, soft humming, communicating with her mind.

"Roar—!"

Just at this moment, the Bone Dragon, which had been forced back by the Void-Rending Demon Eagle's attack, launched another assault. Its massive bone claw, accompanied by a piercing whistle that tore through the air, slammed down toward the Void-Rending Demon Eagle. At the same time, it opened its bloodthirsty maw, spitting out a beam of ghastly green ghost fire, aiming directly at the Fire Sparrow Clan members on the Holy Fire Platform.

The tall, thin Ghost-faced Man stood atop the Bone Dragon. Seeing the Void-Rending Demon Eagle constrained by the bone claw, a hideous smile appeared on his face: "Feathered beast, let's see how you can handle being unable to be in two places at once! I will wipe out these ants first, then come to deal with you!"

A flash of anxiety crossed the Void-Rending Demon Eagle's eyes. It flapped its wings frantically, whipping up a fierce wind in an attempt to disperse the ghost fire, but the bone claw had already arrived. There was no avoiding it; it had no choice but to withstand it head-on.

"Don't even think about it!" Black Kirin shouted clearly, her figure darting out like a ghost. She did not bring out the Chixiao Sword but instead held the fengming zither horizontally in front of her chest, her ten fingers plucking the strings rapidly.

"Zheng, zheng, zheng—!"

The zither music was no longer the clear and melodious sound from before, but was filled with a sense of scorching heat and explosive power! As the zither music rang out, clusters of crimson flames the size of fists, as if imbued with life, flew out from the zither, meeting the beam of ghastly green ghost fire.