"My reasoning, huh? It's actually quite simple. I know you're worried about the other Royal Phoenix Clans, but once we side with the Immortal Monarch, their stance won't matter anymore. In fact, even the title of 'Royal Clan' will lose its weight," said the Grand Elder. "What...?" Feng Lingyang's eyes widened. His reasoning wasn't what she expected, yet the more she considered it, the more sense it made. The Grand Elder continued, "Even if we're the only clan to follow the Immortal Monarch, the others won't dare touch us with him behind us. But if we side with the Celestial Emperor, we'll inevitably end up clashing with the Immortal Monarch-and if you ask me, I believe his strength surpasses the Celestial Emperor's." "Is it because of Dragon Goddess Yeyou?" Feng Lingyang asked. "Not just her," he replied. "Though he didn't state it outright, I believe-based on his words-that other Divine Supremes have also survived. And if the Immortal Monarch defeats the Celestial Emperor, our Rising Phoenix Clan will undoubtedly soar to the top, where we won't even need the title of 'Royal Clan."" "That's just pure speculation, and you can say the same thing for the others. If the Celestial Emperor defeats the Immortal Monarch, that would undoubtedly spell the end for our Rising Phoenix Clan." "It all comes down to whether you want to believe in the Celestial Emperor or the Immortal Monarch." The Grand Elder sighed. Feng Lingyang didn't give a response. Instead, after a long moment of silence, she said, "I'm going to the Undying Fiery Summit." "I'll come with you." Sometime later. "Mother? Grand Elder?" Feng Haoyu's face lit up as he saw the two enter the chamber. Feng Lingyang's gaze swept across the room before settling on Feng Yuxiang. "Where is the Immortal Monarch?" she asked. "He hasn't returned yet. If you have any questions, I'll be more than willing to answer them." "I would like to know why the Celestial Emperor and the Immortal Monarch are enemies. What started the feud between them?" "That's..." Feng Yuxiang began, only to close her mouth again, realizing she had no answer to give. "I'm sorry-I don't know the exact cause. But what I can say with certainty is that it was the Celestial Emperor who showed hostility first. He cursed my Young Master even though they've never met each other before." Feng Lingyang raised her eyebrows and replied in a doubtful tone, "The Celestial Emperor cursed the Immortal Monarch even though they've never met before? That's hard to believe and completely irrational." "I understand your skepticism, and I am just as puzzled, but it's the truth. Have you heard about the incident at the Dragon Spiral Mountain recently?" "You mean when the Celestial Emperor attacked the Holy Dragon Clan? I am aware of the incident, but nobody knows the reasoning behind his action." "It's related to my Young Master," Feng Yuxiang revealed. "Seriously...?" Those present stared at her with wide eyes. "If you want to know more, you'll have to ask my Young Master himself." Feng Lingyang nodded, "Okay." While they waited for Yuan to return, Feng Haoyu approached Feng Lingyang and asked, "Mother, has the clan reached a decision yet?" "As you know, the majority of the clan are in support of siding with the Immortal Monarch, but in the end "It's all up to you," Feng Haoyu interrupted. "I have also made a decision, but I want to know the reasoning behind their enmity first." Time continued to pass, and in the blink of an eye, an entire year had passed since the end of the meeting. A few days before the deadline, the other Royal Phoenix Clans returned to the Undying Fiery Summit. "Where's the Immortal Monarch?" They asked upon their arrival. "He's not here yet, but he should arrive soon," said Feng Yuxiang. "Feng Lingyang, did the Rising Phoenix Clan swear their loyalty to the Immortal Monarch already?" The leader of the Imperial Vermilion Phoenix Clan questioned her after seeing that she'd arrived before them. "No." Feng Lingyang replied with a simple and straightforward answer. "Are you sure? I heard that you arrived a month early," pressed the leader of the Imperial Vermilion Phoenix Clan. "So what?" The atmosphere in the chamber grew heavy, tension pressing down on everyone present. But it shattered the moment the door opened and a lone figure stepped inside, drawing every gaze in the room. However, it wasn't Yuan. "What are you doing here? Weren't you clear about siding with the Celestial Emperor? Or have you changed your mind?" Feng Yuxiang asked the Primordial Phoenix, who had just entered the chamber. The Primordial Phoenix sneered. "In your dreams. I'm only here to watch the show-and to savor the disappointment on the Immortal Monarch's face when he realizes that he's no longer relevant in this day and age." He looked around the room and continued, "So, where's the Immortal Monarch?" "He'll arrive as soon as he's done with his business." "He's the one who made the deadline, yet he's the last to show up? It's almost like he doesn't even care." "Calm down, little bird. It's not like I am late." A calm voice suddenly resounded. "What?" The Primordial Phoenix and everyone else in the chamber turned toward the entrance-only to see Yuan standing there, having appeared out of thin air. "The hell? How long has he been there? I didn't sense a thing until he spoke!" Everyone in the chamber was shaken by his complete lack of presence. "This bastard... what has he done in the past year? He feels like an entirely different person!" Though none of them could explain it, they all felt it. Something within Yuan had changed drastically, and he was vastly different from when they last saw him a year ago. Yuan ignored their stares and strode unhurriedly to the center of the chamber. His eyes swept across the gathered phoenixes as he spoke in a calm, clear voice, "So, have you reached a decision? Will you continue to serve the Celestial Emperor, or will you stand beneath my banner?" (More chapters in Buyers club for TMT)