Phoenix Empress: Rise of the Fallen

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this month, Ling Qianxue cultivated diligently. With the help of the techniques and resources left by Mo Qianji, she struggled to break through from Awakening Stage one-star to Awakening Stage three-star.

Though she had supreme fire-element talent and Phoenix bloodline, she was surprised to discover that her cultivation consumed more than ten times the resources of ordinary people. In just one month, she had used up more than half of the spirit stones her master had given her.

"It seems the Phoenix bloodline, though powerful, comes at a considerable cost," Ling Qianxue thought with a bitter smile. "At this rate, I'm afraid I'll run out of resources before entering the academy."

"Sister Qianxue, look at my fist!"

In the courtyard, Xiao Hanye was practicing his punches. After a month of body tempering training, his physique had become stronger, with more defined muscle lines. Though his status as an accompanying cultivation attendant wasn't high in the academy, he didn't mind at all - as long as he could stay by Ling Qianxue's side, that was enough.

"Bang!"

With one punch, the wooden stake in front of him split apart.

"Not bad," Ling Qianxue praised. "You've already entered the basics of the Indestructible Diamond Body."

"Hehe, it's all thanks to Sister Qianxue's good teaching," Xiao Hanye scratched his head, his face full of joy.

This month, the two had been almost inseparable. They cultivated together during the day, and at night Ling Qianxue would explain cultivation key points to him. That intimate feeling made their relationship even deeper.

"Miss, Hanye!" Butler Fu came running hurriedly. "The Aunt has returned!"

Aunt is back?

Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye exchanged glances and immediately ran toward the main gate.

Outside Ling Manor, an elegant carriage slowly came to a stop. The curtain lifted, and a woman in her thirties stepped down.

She wore an elegant long dress, her appearance three parts similar to Ling Tianhua but with more heroic spirit. Though past thirty, she looked like a twenty-five-year-old woman - this was the effect of Beauty Preservation Pills. As one of female cultivators' favorite pills, Beauty Preservation Pills could make the user's appearance and skin condition forever remain at the peak state of twenty-five years old.

"Susu!" Ling Tianhua quickly went to greet her.

"Brother!" Ling Susu's eyes reddened slightly. "Five years apart, you've become much more haggard."

"You too, you've lost weight," Ling Tianhua said with emotion. "Is the business in the south going smoothly?"

"Fairly smooth," Ling Susu smiled, then her gaze fell on Ling Qianxue. "Is this Qianxue? Heavens, she's grown so big!"

"Aunt," Ling Qianxue bowed respectfully.

"Good child, let Aunt have a look," Ling Susu took Ling Qianxue's hand, looking her up and down. "You're becoming more and more like your mother, equally beautiful."

At the mention of her mother, Ling Qianxue's heart stirred. "Aunt knew my mother?"

"Of course I knew her," Ling Susu smiled. "When your father married your mother, I participated throughout. Back then..."

She suddenly paused, a strange look flashing in her eyes.

"What's wrong, Aunt?"

"Nothing," Ling Susu shook her head. "I'm tired from the journey. Let's go inside to talk."

The group entered Ling Manor. Ling Susu looked around, seeing the changes in the manor, and said in surprise, "Brother, how has the manor become so... wealthy?"

Indeed, compared to a month ago, the current Ling Manor was like heaven and earth. Not only had the damaged areas been repaired, but many new furniture and decorations had been added. There were more servants too, and the entire manor had recovered its former grandeur.

"It's a long story," Ling Tianhua smiled. "Qianxue, you tell your aunt."

Ling Qianxue briefly recounted the awakening incident.

"What? Supreme fire-element talent? Nine-fold heavenly tribulation? Dean Mo's closed-door disciple?" Ling Susu became more shocked as she listened. "Heavens, Qianxue, you're truly amazing!"

"It was just good luck," Ling Qianxue said modestly.

"This isn't luck," Ling Susu said seriously. "Your mother would definitely be very proud if she knew."

At dinner, the family was happy and harmonious.

Ling Susu told stories of her experiences in the south over the years, occasionally making everyone laugh heartily.

"By the way, I brought some gifts this time," she took out several items from her storage pouch.

For Ling Tianhua, a set of fine writing materials; for Butler Fu, pills to nourish the body; for Xiao Hanye, a short blade forged from refined steel.

"Qianxue, this is for you," Ling Susu took out two exquisite wooden boxes.

The first box contained a necklace. The chain was woven from special silver thread, with a crystal-clear red gemstone as the pendant.

"This is a Fire Spirit Stone, very helpful for fire-element cultivators," Ling Susu personally put it on Ling Qianxue.

The second box contained a crystal-clear pill emitting a faint floral fragrance.

"This is a Beauty Preservation Pill," Ling Susu said with a smile. "Though you're still young, you can keep it for now. When you take it at twenty-five, you can maintain your most beautiful appearance forever. We female cultivators care most about cultivation and appearance."

"This is too precious," Ling Qianxue knew the value of Beauty Preservation Pills - one cost over a thousand taels of silver.

"Silly girl, Aunt only has one niece like you. If I don't give it to you, who would I give it to?" Ling Susu lovingly patted her head. "Though it can't compare to what your master gave you, this is Aunt's heartfelt intention."

"Thank you, Aunt. I really like it," Ling Qianxue said sincerely.

Looking at the necklace on her niece's neck, a complex emotion flashed in Ling Susu's eyes, but it was quickly covered by a smile.

"By the way, Susu, are you leaving again after coming back this time?" Ling Tianhua asked.

"I'm not leaving for now," Ling Susu said. "The business in the south is already stable. I want to stay home for a while. Besides..."

She looked at Ling Qianxue. "Qianxue will be going to Tiandu Academy soon, right? I want to spend more time with her before she leaves."

"That's wonderful!" Ling Tianhua said happily. "We siblings haven't properly gathered for many years."

Late at night, Ling Susu returned to her room.

She closed the door, took out a letter from her bosom, and carefully read it by candlelight.

The contents made her expression grow increasingly grave.

"So they've discovered it after all..." she murmured to herself. "News of Qianxue awakening the Phoenix bloodline has already reached there."

She walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky, her eyes full of worry.

"Sister-in-law, what exactly did you leave behind? Why won't they give up after so many years?"

Just then, faint footsteps came from the roof.

Ling Susu's expression changed. She immediately blew out the candle and held her breath.

The footsteps grew closer, then stopped outside her window.

"Ling Susu," a cold voice rang out. "Long time no see."

Ling Susu's heart sank to the bottom. She recognized this voice - it was the person she least wanted to see.

"What are you doing here?" she asked in a low voice.

"Of course for the Phoenix bloodline," the person said with a cold laugh. "Did you think hiding in the south for five years would make us unable to find you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Stop pretending," the person's voice became dangerous. "Before Su Wan'er died, she must have told you the secret. Speak up, and I can let you die quickly."

"I really don't know anything!" Ling Susu gritted her teeth.

"Is that so?" The person seemed unconvinced. "Then let's change methods. Your niece just awakened the Phoenix bloodline. If something happened to her..."

"You dare!" Ling Susu said angrily.

"What wouldn't I dare?" The person laughed smugly. "However, if you cooperate, I might consider sparing her."

Ling Susu fell silent.

She knew these people meant what they said. For Qianxue's safety, she had to make a choice.

"I'll give you three days to consider," the person said. "Three days later at midnight, meet at the abandoned temple outside the city. Remember, come alone."

The footsteps gradually faded away, and Ling Susu collapsed in her chair.

What should she do?

If she revealed her sister-in-law's secret, it would bring even greater danger to Qianxue. But if she didn't speak, these people definitely wouldn't let it go.

"Sister-in-law, what should I do..."

She looked at the night sky outside the window, tears blurring her vision.

The next day, Ling Susu acted as if nothing had happened, accompanying her family for meals and conversation.

But the perceptive Ling Qianxue still noticed something was amiss.

"Aunt, do you have something on your mind?" After breakfast, Ling Qianxue found Ling Susu alone.

"No," Ling Susu forced a smile. "Maybe I didn't sleep well last night."

Ling Qianxue frowned. Her intuition told her that her aunt was hiding something.

"Aunt, if there's any difficulty, you can tell me," she said seriously. "I'm now an Awakening Stage three-star cultivator. I have the ability to protect my family."

Looking at her niece's concerned eyes, warmth filled Ling Susu's heart.

This child had truly grown up.

"Silly girl, what could Aunt have going on?" She patted Ling Qianxue's head. "You should cultivate well and not disappoint Dean Mo's expectations."

Unable to get anything out of her, Ling Qianxue had to let it go.

But she secretly made a mental note to pay more attention to her aunt's movements these few days.

The next two days passed peacefully on the surface.

Ling Susu would accompany Ling Qianxue in cultivation every day, sharing some cultivation experiences with her. Though she hadn't awakened herself, her years of traveling had given her broad knowledge.

"Qianxue, your flame control isn't refined enough yet," Ling Susu instructed. "For fire-element cultivation, mental state is most important. An agitated heart will cause the flames to go out of control."

"I understand, Aunt," Ling Qianxue humbly accepted the teaching.

Looking at her seriously cultivating niece, reluctance flashed in Ling Susu's eyes.

Tonight was the third day - she had to keep the appointment. No matter the outcome, at least she had to ensure Qianxue's safety.

"Aunt, why are you spacing out again?" Ling Qianxue asked in confusion.

"Nothing," Ling Susu came back to her senses. "By the way, Qianxue, promise Aunt one thing."

"What is it?"

"No matter what happens, you must live well," Ling Susu said seriously. "Also, protect your father."

Ling Qianxue's heart tightened. "Aunt, what exactly..."

"Promise me!" Ling Susu interrupted her.

"I... I promise," Ling Qianxue nodded, but the unease in her heart grew stronger.

That night, Ling Susu retired to her room early.

But she didn't sleep. Instead, she changed into night clothes and quietly left Ling Manor.

Unknown to her, Ling Qianxue had been secretly observing her.

"Indeed there's a problem," seeing her aunt's departing figure, Ling Qianxue frowned.

She thought for a moment and decided to quietly follow.

"Sister Qianxue, where are you going?"

Just as she left her room, she ran into Xiao Hanye.

"Shh!" Ling Qianxue made a silencing gesture. "Aunt might be in danger. I'm going to check."

"Then I'll go with you!" Xiao Hanye said without hesitation.

"No, it's too dangerous."

"Precisely because it's dangerous, I need to go even more," Xiao Hanye said firmly. "I said I would protect you."

Looking at the young man's serious expression, Ling Qianxue's heart softened. "Alright, but be careful."

The two quietly left Ling Manor, following Ling Susu from a distance.

In the hazy moonlight, Ling Susu's figure appeared and disappeared in the night. She seemed very familiar with the route, winding through turns until they were outside the city.

Three li outside the city, there was an abandoned temple.

Ling Susu stopped in front of the temple, took a deep breath, and walked in.

"You came?" Inside the temple, a black-robed figure stood with his back to her.

"I can tell you some things," Ling Susu said. "But you must promise not to harm Qianxue."

"That depends on whether what you say is what I want to know," the black-robed figure turned around, revealing a sinister face.

Hiding in the shadows, Ling Qianxue's heart jumped when she saw the person's face clearly.

She had seen this person before! It was the leader of the Phoenix Hunting Organization from Awakening Day!

"Su Wan'er did tell me some things," Ling Susu said slowly. "About the Phoenix Clan's secret."

"Go on," greed flashed in the black-robed figure's eyes.

"The reason the Phoenix Clan was exterminated was because they held a heaven-shaking secret - the method of Nirvana Rebirth."

"Nirvana Rebirth?" The black-robed figure's breathing quickened.

"That's right," Ling Susu nodded. "It's said that mastering this method allows one to be reborn from flames even after death, with cultivation advancing further."

"Where is the secret technique?"

"Inside Qianxue," Ling Susu said. "Su Wan'er sealed the secret technique in her bloodline. Only when she cultivates to a certain realm will the technique manifest."

The black-robed figure pondered for a moment. "It seems we must capture that girl alive."

"You promised not to harm her!" Ling Susu said urgently.

"I only said I'd consider it, I never agreed," the black-robed figure laughed coldly. "Besides, did you think I wouldn't know? You're stalling for time!"

Ling Susu's expression changed.

"The Phoenix Clan's secret technique is indeed in that girl, but the key to unlock it is with you!" The black-robed figure approached step by step. "Hand it over, and I might give you a quick death."

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Still pretending?" The black-robed figure suddenly struck, palm striking toward Ling Susu.

Ling Susu hurriedly retreated but was still a step too slow, swept by the palm wind and spitting blood.

"Though I have no cultivation, these years haven't been wasted," she wiped the blood from her mouth and took out several spheres from her bosom. "Try this!"

"Boom!"

The spheres exploded, thick smoke rising.

Ling Susu took the opportunity to flee outside.

"Petty tricks!" The black-robed figure snorted coldly, his figure flashing as he gave chase.

The two engaged in a chase, quickly moving away from the temple.

Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye exchanged glances from their hiding spot and immediately followed.

"Sister Qianxue, that person is at Foundation Building Stage. We're no match," Xiao Hanye said worriedly.

"I know," Ling Qianxue gritted her teeth. "But I can't watch Aunt get into trouble!"

During the chase, Ling Susu gradually weakened. After all, she was just an ordinary person - how could she outrun a cultivator?

"Can't run anymore?" the black-robed figure said mockingly. "Obediently hand over the item, and I'll let you die comfortably."

Ling Susu leaned against a tree, gasping heavily. "I really... don't know... what key..."

"It seems you won't shed tears until you see the coffin."

The black-robed figure condensed black qi in his hand, about to strike Ling Susu.

"Stop!"

At the critical moment, Ling Qianxue rushed out.

"Qianxue?!" Ling Susu was shocked. "Why did you come? Leave quickly!"

"Oh, the main character has arrived," the black-robed figure's eyes lit up. "Saves me another trip."

"Release my aunt!" Ling Qianxue said angrily, flames already condensing in her hands.

"Awakening Stage five-star?" The black-robed figure laughed disdainfully. "Little girl, you're still too green."

He casually waved his hand, sending black qi shooting toward Ling Qianxue.

Ling Qianxue hurriedly dodged but was still grazed on the shoulder, immediately feeling numbness.

"Qianxue!" Xiao Hanye also rushed out, blocking in front of her.

"Another one courting death," the black-robed figure shook his head. "Fine, I'll deal with you all together."

Just then, a sudden change occurred!