To be honest, only a handful of people here knew about Phoenix Palace and those who have heard of Zhao Jingyan’s name did not exceed three people.
It was a coincidence that Ye Yuzhou loved reading and one of his hobbies was to learn about the oddities of this world.
He just happened to know about the Phoenix Palace and that it had been around for at least three hundred years. It was said that the organization’s strength could compare to a premium country’s.
In other words, they had Rank 5 pet beasts to guard their territory.
“A phoenix resides in the Phoenix Palace, and its raging fire is indomitable!” Ye Yuzhou suddenly uttered a saying from origins unknown.
Although Feng Ziqian had similar assumptions, he wasn’t the type to investigate the matter personally. Aristocrats were expected to do things subtly after all.
Ye Yuzhou wasn’t that subtle, at least not here in the Visitation Hall.
He had asked directly and Zhao Jingyan’s answer was just as straightforward.
“Yes!”
One word ascertained her identity.
Next, she talked about her recent encounters. Within the Phoenix Palace, other than her, the commander, they still had a palace master and vice commander.
Just like an imperial court, the palace master was king and the commander was chief of the armed forces. In addition, there were various other officials where everyone’s roles and responsibilities were clearly allocated.
Zhao Jingyan was considered to be their second in command.
However, something had happened to Phoenix Palace recently. Their palace master had gone into seclusion for three years and had yet to emerge which caused a massive uproar in the palace. With their palace master unable to take charge, it stands to reason that Zhao Jingyan was to assume responsibility as commander. And that was what she did.
But the problem was, not everyone recognized her as their leader.
Finally, together with the eight lords of Phoenix Palace, their vice commander led a campaign against Zhao Jingyan, severely injuring her and slaying her pet beast.
Zhao Jingyan was fortunate to have escaped but many of her confidants weren’t as lucky as her. With no other options, she fell into despair and sought death as a solution. And yet, she never expected to be mysteriously sucked into this Visitation Hall.
She didn’t conceal her predicament because one, there was no such need, and two, she knew this was her chance. After such a horrible betrayal, she naturally wanted to revenge, and she had to take whatever opportunity that was open to her. Since that was the case, it was better to be honest.
Having experienced bliss, betrayal, and then despair, Zhao Jingyan found herself to have matured a lot.
This was truly a tragic encounter and He Qing kept comforting her.
“I’ve heard of Phoenix Palace as well and we used to have some dealings very long ago,” Madam Ghost Child suddenly commented.
Zhao Jingyan had noticed her for a while now.
She had been guessing earlier, but now chose to ask, “May I ask if you are Madam Ghost Child, one of the Lingnan Deities that once roamed the Southern Continent?”
Ghost Child smiled. “Not many people of the Southern Continent know about the Lingnan Deities these days.”
It was an indirect acknowledgment.
“Fifty years ago, my master was pretty close to the five Lingnan Deities. Being able to meet Senior Ghost Child today is such an honor.” Zhao Jingyan bowed.
With this, she had conquered both He Qing and Ghost Child in a brief moment.
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With two of the women on her side, befriending the other guys were much easier.
‘Amazing.’ Feng Ziqian’s scalp was prickling. He now realized he would be a regular of this Visitation Hall from now on so he had to maintain a good relationship with the people here.
Basic communication skills were a must for royal descendants and Feng Ziqian scored full marks in that aspect. Even when faced with people he disliked, he could talk to them forever.
Though, it wasn’t like he disliked anyone here.
Those with influence were worth befriending.
‘I’ve never heard of the Lingnan Deities before but I can certainly study about them when I go back. To be addressed as ‘senior’ by someone like Zhao Jingyan, she must be formidable as well,’ Feng Ziqian thought. He started a topic and drew attention to himself before going on to a formal introduction.
Someone here already knew his identity, so there was no need for secrets. Feng Ziqian told them the truth.
As prince of a premium country, his status was indeed amazing. Even Black Crow and Ghost Child wouldn’t mistreat him because while villainous experts like them could overpower small countries and ignore intermediate nations, it was impossible to take on premium countries alone.
Rank 5 pet beasts were opponents they could match up to.
Other than the scarce few people who owned Rank 5 pet beasts at the top of the villain’s hierarchy, the rest wouldn’t dare to provoke a premium country.
Hence, everyone here nodded at Feng Ziqian, responding to him. After all, this prince wasn’t putting on airs and was surprisingly friendly.
With this, the two newcomers easily blended into the group. They also learned a bit about the Visitation Hall and Curator.
After listening to everyone’s guesses, the newcomers further affirmed their suspicions.
Curator must be a Rank 5 beast appraiser.
***
Lin Jin had no idea this was happening. After leaving the Visitation Hall, he began researching the phoenix fire in his new spacious home. The second half of the night flew by quickly and Lin Jin gradually emerged from his mental cave when dawn arrived.
“This phoenix fire is truly amazing.” Lin Jin was excited about the result of his research. This phoenix fire was slightly stronger than the Dragonfire he had cultivated, but if he were to convert it for his own usage, he would need more time and he needed ‘tinder’.
Simply put, Lin Jin now hoped that visitor number twelve’s phoenix could achieve a Nirvana rebirth. Only then could he obtain a fire source from her pet beast and use those flames to cultivate his spells.
His plan was ready, but whether or not the Nirvana rebirth would succeed depended on that phoenix’s luck.
And Lin Jin couldn’t help with that.
By the time it was bright outside, Shang’er and Little Five had already prepared breakfast. After scoffing down the meal, Lin Jin went to the association for yet another hectic day. In between, folks from Grace Pavilion showed up but they were relatively respectful as they inquired about the incident that night.
Lin Jin had already discussed this with Zuo Wentang so his answers were flawless. After they left, Lin Jin became aware that Grace Pavilion was still investigating the incident. However, Lin Jin wasn’t the least bit afraid of Grace Pavilion nor their supporting forces. His only concern was Grassy Continent’s Westward Country.
Having received no reaction from a premium country like theirs made Lin Jin uneasy.
Zuo Wentang was keeping an eye on this incident so if any updates were available, he would inform Lin Jin at once.
Lin Jin didn’t pay this issue too much mind. Back then, the lies he uttered were well-fabricated. Even if trouble was to arise, Lin Jin had a backup plan.
In the afternoon, someone from Maple City’s relay station arrived with a letter.
“A letter for me?” Lin Jin found it odd but soon understood what it was. As he was now chief of their association, if the royal capital had updates, they might contact him via mail.
“Where is it from?” Lin Jin asked. The man from the relay station answered, “Chief Lin, it’s from Reed City.”