Phoenix Empress: Rise of the Fallen

At dawn, just as the sky began to brighten, Ling Qianxue woke up.

Today was Awakening Day, the last chance for her and Xiao Hanye.

She touched the jade pendant on her chest, its warm touch bringing her some comfort. These past few days, she had been pondering the message her mother left, searching through all the books in the manor, trying to find more clues about the Phoenix Clan, but to no avail.

"Sister Qianxue, it's time to go," Xiao Hanye stood in the courtyard, already changed into clean clothes.

Though his injuries hadn't fully healed, his spirits seemed high. Today was too important for him—this was his third and final chance to participate in the awakening ceremony.

Ling Qianxue nodded, putting on her veil. "Let's go."

As soon as they left Ling Manor, they saw the streets bustling with people, much livelier than usual. Merchants from various places had come to do business, and many young men and women from other regions had come to participate in the awakening ceremony.

"Look, that's the young master from Marquis Xuanwu's Manor!"

"I heard he's a thunder element genius, breaking through to Foundation Building Stage at only eighteen."

"So envious. We ordinary people could never reach such heights in our lifetime."

Various discussions came from the crowd. Following the voices, Ling Qianxue saw a young man in luxurious clothes walking slowly, followed by several guards.

The young man had an imposing bearing, with an air of arrogance between his brows. When his gaze swept over Ling Qianxue, he suddenly stopped.

Even through the veil, he seemed to sense the girl's peerless beauty.

"Young lady, would you remove your veil for a glimpse?" The young man walked over, his tone polite but carrying an undeniable authority.

Xiao Hanye immediately stepped in front of Ling Qianxue. "Young master, please show some respect."

"A servant dares to be rude to this young master?" The young man snorted coldly, and the guards behind him immediately surrounded them.

"Stop!" An authoritative voice rang out.

Everyone turned to see a middle-aged man approaching quickly. He wore official robes—it was Zhao Ming, the Commander of Tiandu City's guards.

"Young Master Chen, today is Awakening Day. Please don't cause trouble here," Zhao Ming said politely.

So this young man's surname was Chen—Chen Ao, the second young master of Marquis Xuanwu's Manor.

"Commander Zhao, this young master merely wishes to make this lady's acquaintance. How is that causing trouble?" Chen Ao said dismissively.

Zhao Ming glanced at Ling Qianxue, recognizing her identity, and sighed inwardly. Though the Ling family had fallen, they still held a ducal title. If things escalated, it wouldn't be good for anyone.

"Young Master Chen, this is the young lady of Duke Ling's Manor," he reminded in a low voice.

"The Ling family?" A flash of contempt crossed Chen Ao's eyes. "The Ling family that hasn't produced a cultivator in three hundred years?"

At these words, the surrounding crowd showed expressions of anticipation for drama.

Yet Ling Qianxue remained exceptionally calm. "Indeed. What guidance does Young Master Chen have for me?"

"Guidance is too strong a word." Chen Ao sneered. "I just find it a pity that such a beautiful lady, born into such a family, is destined to be buried in obscurity. Why not..."

"Why not what?" Ling Qianxue interrupted him.

"Why not become my concubine? It would certainly be better than staying in the fallen Ling family." Chen Ao spoke as if it were natural.

Xiao Hanye was furious beyond measure. "What did you say!"

"What, did I say something wrong?" Chen Ao looked at him disdainfully. "A waste without cultivation talent dares to clamor before me?"

"You!" Xiao Hanye clenched his fists, about to charge forward.

"Hanye, don't be impulsive." Ling Qianxue held him back, then turned to Chen Ao. "I appreciate Young Master Chen's kind intentions. However, I know I'm not worthy of a heaven's chosen like Young Master Chen. Please find another match."

Though the words were polite, anyone could hear the sarcasm in them.

Chen Ao's face darkened. "Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

Just as tensions reached a breaking point, a commotion came from the distance.

"The Yun family's caravan has arrived!"

"I heard they brought many good things this time."

"Let's go see!"

The crowd immediately surged in another direction.

Seeing this, Chen Ao snorted coldly. "Ling Qianxue, you wait. Sooner or later, I'll make you kneel before me and beg!"

With that, he left with his guards.

"Sister Qianxue, are you alright?" Xiao Hanye asked with concern.

"I'm fine." Ling Qianxue shook her head, though worry arose in her heart.

Someone like Chen Ao held grudges over the smallest matters. The conflict formed today probably wouldn't be easily resolved.

"Let's go see the Yun family's caravan," she changed the subject.

The Yun family was Tiandu City's premier merchant association. Every time their caravan returned, they brought rare treasures from various places. For ordinary people, even getting a glimpse was good.

The caravan stopped at the Eastern Market square, surrounded by layers of onlookers.

"Look, what's that?"

"Seems to be fire element spirit stones!"

"Heavens, one low-grade fire element spirit stone costs a hundred taels of silver!"

Ling Qianxue stood on tiptoe, peering through gaps in the crowd to see the caravan unloading goods. Various spirit stones, pills, and magical artifacts were dazzling to behold.

Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to one item.

It was a crimson feather, lying quietly in a jade box. Even from this distance, she could feel the scorching aura emanating from it.

More strangely, the jade pendant on her chest actually warmed slightly, as if resonating with that feather.

"What is this?" she couldn't help but ask.

"The young lady has good eyes." A warm voice sounded.

Ling Qianxue turned to see a young man in white approaching. He had handsome features and a scholarly temperament—clearly not an ordinary person.

"I am Yun Wuhen, young master of the Yun family." The young man smiled slightly. "This feather was purchased in the south, said to be left by some kind of fire element spirit beast."

Yun Wuhen—Ling Qianxue had heard this name. He was said to be a wind and thunder dual-element genius, having reached Foundation Building Stage at a young age. Even more remarkably, he had exceptional business talent, making the Yun family's business flourish.

"Young Master Yun." Ling Qianxue nodded slightly.

Yun Wuhen's gaze lingered on her for a moment, a flash of amazement in his eyes. Even through the veil, he could sense the girl's extraordinary temperament.

"May I ask who the young lady is?"

"Ling Qianxue."

"So it's Miss Ling." Yun Wuhen suddenly became serious. "I also witnessed Chen Ao's rudeness earlier. Miss Ling can rest assured—with the Yun family here, he won't dare go too far."

Warmth filled Ling Qianxue's heart. In this snobbish world, it was rare for someone to be willing to speak up for the fallen Ling family.

"Thank you, Young Master Yun."

"Miss Ling is too polite." Yun Wuhen pointed at the feather. "Miss Ling seems very interested in this feather?"

Ling Qianxue hesitated. "May I ask the price of this feather?"

"Well..." Yun Wuhen pondered for a moment. "To be honest, this feather has mysterious origins, and we don't know its exact value. However, since Miss Ling likes it, consider it making a friend—how about ten taels of silver?"

Ten taels of silver was still a considerable expense for the current Ling family.

Seeing Ling Qianxue hesitate, Xiao Hanye whispered, "Sister Qianxue, we don't have much money left..."

"How about this?" Yun Wuhen seemed to perceive their difficulty. "If Miss Ling finds it inconvenient, you could exchange it for something else. For instance... some knowledge or information."

"Information?" Ling Qianxue was puzzled.

"Though the Ling family has fallen, it's still a century-old noble house with surely many books." Yun Wuhen explained. "If Miss Ling could provide some clues about ancient ruins or secret realms, consider this feather a greeting gift."

Ling Qianxue thought for a moment and took out a yellowed page from her bosom. "I found this in the family library. It records an ancient site a hundred li outside the city."

Yun Wuhen examined it, his eyes brightening. "Good, deal!"

He handed the jade box containing the feather to Ling Qianxue. "Miss Ling, this feather is now yours."

Ling Qianxue took the jade box, and upon touching it, felt a warm power flow into her body. Her expression changed slightly, and she quickly put the jade box away.

"Thank you, Young Master Yun."

"I should be thanking Miss Ling." Yun Wuhen smiled. "By the way, today is Awakening Day. Miss Ling will participate too?"

"Yes."

"Then I wish Miss Ling success in advance." Yun Wuhen said sincerely. "With Miss Ling's temperament, you're surely not meant for mediocrity."

As they spoke, bells rang in the distance—it was almost noon.

"Sister Qianxue, we should go to the Awakening Square," Xiao Hanye reminded.

Ling Qianxue bid farewell to Yun Wuhen and headed to the Awakening Square with Xiao Hanye.

On the way, Xiao Hanye couldn't help saying, "Young Master Yun is really nice, completely different from that Chen Ao."

"Indeed." Ling Qianxue nodded, though her mind was on something else.

The power from that feather had resonated with something inside her. The feeling was like finding a long-lost relative.

Could this feather be related to her mother?

The Awakening Square was located in the center of Tiandu City, a vast open space. In the center of the square stood a ten-meter-tall stone monument—the legendary Awakening Monument.

By now, hundreds of young men and women had gathered in the square, all here to participate in the awakening ceremony. Most of them showed nervousness and anticipation on their faces.

"Look, that's the eldest daughter of the Lin family!"

"And the young master of the Wang family!"

"They're all from major families, with much higher chances of awakening."

"We commoners would be blessed by our ancestors if we could awaken."

Amid the discussions, Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye found a corner to stand in.

"Sister Qianxue, I'm a bit nervous," Xiao Hanye said softly.

"Don't be nervous, just do your best," Ling Qianxue comforted, though her own palms were sweating.

Then, an aged voice rang out: "The awakening ceremony will now begin!"

Everyone looked toward the voice to see a white-haired elder slowly approaching. He wore Daoist robes with an immortal bearing—this was Master Lingji, who presided over the awakening ceremonies.

It was said this master had lived for over three hundred years, with unfathomable cultivation.

"Young ones, awakening is heaven's will. Success or failure is all fate," Master Lingji said slowly. "However, I must remind you that awakening carries risks. Act within your capabilities."

With that, he waved his hand, and the Awakening Monument lit up with a gentle glow.

"First, Lin family's Lin Shiyun!"

A girl in a pink dress walked out. She looked very nervous, her hands trembling.

Lin Shiyun placed her hand on the Awakening Monument and closed her eyes.

One breath, two breaths, three breaths...

Suddenly, the Awakening Monument lit up with a faint green light.

"Wood element talent, awakening successful!" Master Lingji announced.

Lin Shiyun was so excited she almost cried, and her family cheered jubilantly.

Next, one youth after another went forward to test. Most showed no reaction and left disappointed. Occasionally someone awakened successfully, causing a burst of cheers.

"Xiao Hanye!"

Finally, it was Xiao Hanye's turn.

"Sister Qianxue, I'm going." He took a deep breath and strode toward the Awakening Monument.

Ling Qianxue watched him nervously, unconsciously clenching her hands.

Xiao Hanye placed his hand on the Awakening Monument, concentrating all his power into his palm.

Time passed bit by bit, but the Awakening Monument showed no reaction.

"Time's up, awakening failed." Master Lingji announced expressionlessly.

Xiao Hanye's shoulders slumped as he walked back dejectedly.

"Hanye..." Ling Qianxue wanted to comfort him but didn't know what to say.

"I'm fine." Xiao Hanye forced a smile. "There's still Sister Qianxue. You can definitely do it."

After a while more, it was finally Ling Qianxue's turn.

"Ling Qianxue!"

When this name rang out, the square fell briefly silent.

"Someone from the Ling family? Hasn't the Ling family not produced a cultivator for three hundred years?"

"She still comes to participate in awakening? Really overestimating herself."

"Maybe there'll be a miracle."

Amid various discussions, Ling Qianxue slowly walked toward the Awakening Monument.

She could feel the jade pendant on her chest growing hotter, as if something was about to break free from its cocoon.

"Be careful." As she passed Master Lingji, the elder suddenly whispered.

Ling Qianxue was startled but still walked to the Awakening Monument.

Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on it.

In an instant, a scorching power erupted from the jade pendant, surging into her body like lava. She felt her blood boiling, every cell burning.

The Awakening Monument began to tremble, emitting a humming sound.

"This is..." A flash of shock crossed Master Lingji's eyes.

Suddenly, the Awakening Monument burst forth with dazzling red light, shooting straight into the sky!

The entire square was enveloped in red light, the scorching aura making it hard to breathe.

"Fire element talent! And it's... supreme grade fire element talent!" Master Lingji exclaimed in shock.

But it wasn't over.

Within the red light, the phantom of a fire phoenix could be vaguely seen spreading its wings to fly. The cry of the phoenix resounded through heaven and earth, shaking hearts.

"Phoenix phantom! This is the legendary top-tier bloodline awakening!"

"Heavens, the Ling family is about to rise!"

"This is a once-in-a-millennium genius!"

The square erupted in uproar.

Just then, the sky suddenly filled with dark clouds, thunder rolling.

"Not good, it's heavenly tribulation!" Master Lingji's face changed dramatically. "To attract heavenly tribulation at such a young age, this talent..."

He had no time to think further and immediately set up protective formations. "Everyone back!"

Ling Qianxue stood before the Awakening Monument, feeling the surging power within her body. She knew that from this moment on, her life would be completely changed.

Mother, is this the gift you left me?

She looked up at the cloud-filled sky, no fear in her eyes, only determination.

Come then, I, Ling Qianxue, am ready!

"BOOM!"

The first heavenly thunder descended, striking toward Ling Qianxue like a silver serpent.

"Sister Qianxue!" Xiao Hanye wanted to rush over but was blocked by Master Lingji's spiritual barrier.

"Don't go!" The elder said gravely. "This is her tribulation. Outsider interference will only make things worse."

When the lightning dispersed, Ling Qianxue still stood. Her clothes were somewhat charred, but she was unharmed. The jade pendant emitted a warm glow, blocking most of the damage for her.

"She blocked it!"

"Worthy of top-tier talent!"

The watching crowd exclaimed in amazement.

But Ling Qianxue knew this was just the beginning. She could feel the thunderclouds in the sky gathering even stronger power.

The second, third, fourth...

Each thunder tribulation was stronger than the last, each putting enormous pressure on Ling Qianxue. But she gritted her teeth, mobilizing the fire element power within to resist.

Gradually, she found her control over flames becoming more and more natural. The feather she had obtained from Yun Wuhen was also resonating in her storage pouch, continuously providing her with power.

"It's the ninth!" someone exclaimed.

Nine layers of heavenly tribulation—this was the legendary limit. If she could withstand it, her future achievements would be limitless.

Ling Qianxue took a deep breath, gathering all her power in her palms.

"BOOM!"

The final heavenly thunder, thick as a water bucket, descended with world-destroying might.

"Break!"

Ling Qianxue shouted, pushing out with both palms. Flames transformed into a phoenix, meeting the heavenly thunder.

The two powers collided in the air, erupting in blinding light.

Moments later, the light dissipated.

Ling Qianxue still stood, though swaying, but she had succeeded!

"She succeeded! She really withstood the nine layers of heavenly tribulation!"

"Genius! Peerless genius!"

"The Ling family will rise!"

The crowd boiled over.

Just then, an unexpected change occurred.

"Interesting, Phoenix bloodline, indeed here."

A cold voice sounded as several black shadows descended from the sky, surrounding Ling Qianxue.

"Who goes there!" Master Lingji roared.

"Phoenix Hunting Organization, on business," the leading black-clad figure said coldly. "Those who know better, get lost!"

Phoenix Hunting Organization!

This name made everyone present change expression. This was a mysterious organization specializing in hunting the Phoenix Clan, said to have existed for over a thousand years.

"Never!" Xiao Hanye charged forward recklessly.

"Ant." The black-clad figure waved casually, sending Xiao Hanye flying.

"Hanye!" Pain shot through Ling Qianxue's heart, anger instantly igniting.

The power within her suddenly surged, the phoenix phantom becoming even clearer.

"To touch my people, you'll have to ask if I agree!"

Flames poured out like a tide, forcing the black-clad figures to retreat several steps.

"Such strong bloodline power!" Greed flashed in the leading black-clad figure's eyes. "Capture her, alive!"

Just at this critical moment, a figure descended from the sky.

"To run wild in Tiandu City, you have great audacity!"

The newcomer was none other than Mo Qianji, the Dean of Tiandu Academy!