I slowly ascended the altar, each step steady and powerful, shimmering with fragmented light in the morning glow. I lifted my chin slightly, my gaze firmly fixed on the sky, a surge of potent spiritual energy rising from my Dantian. The hall was silent, save for the flickering shadows cast by the candlelight on the walls, adding a touch of chill to the atmosphere.
As I reached the window, I noticed the crowd before me, their eyes glinting with a hint of malicious glee. I let out a cold laugh; it seemed that the rumors spread by Yun Yue had already taken root in their hearts.
The golden light gradually intensified, illuminating the entire altar.
“It’s starting!” someone in the crowd whispered.
I took a deep breath and began to unveil my True Form according to the ritual. Dazzling light erupted from me, brightening the entire altar with its brilliance. I donned an exquisite ceremonial gown and, surrounded by my attendants, made my way to the center of the altar.
The Golden Dragon Emperor and a group of elders had been waiting for some time, their faces adorned with expectant smiles.
I inhaled deeply and summoned the faint spiritual energy within me. The golden light flickered around me, gradually coalescing into a massive Light Cocoon. The surrounding clanspeople gasped in awe as it began to dissipate; however, what appeared before them was not the anticipated Phoenix True Form but rather a small snake, entirely black.
A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd, gasps echoing one after another. The Golden Dragon Emperor suddenly stood up, disbelief etched across his face as his wine cup slipped from his hand.
The crowd erupted in chaos.
“How could this happen?” one maid exclaimed, covering her mouth in disbelief.
“Wasn’t it said that the little princess’s Bloodline was the purest? How could this…” another maid’s voice trembled with uncertainty.
On the platform, the Golden Dragon Emperor’s face turned ashen as he clenched his fists, sighing in disappointment while hoping for me to break free from my cocoon and reveal my Phoenix True Form. Yet when the Light Cocoon faded away, instead of a phoenix, a small black snake emerged before everyone.
“What is this?!” a guard shouted, shattering the silence in the square.
The crowd buzzed with confusion. The Feng Yan was also taken aback, their eyes filled with shock and doubt.
At that moment, another beam of light rose from the opposite side of the altar. As it dissipated, a beautiful phoenix appeared before everyone—it was Yun Yue. She gracefully spread her wings and circled in the air, relishing in her provocation.
I ignored her provocation, my gaze calmly fixed on the Phoenix Statue at the center of the altar. I knew that today was the day I would turn the tide.
As the ceremony began, the priest chanted ancient incantations, and the Phoenix Statue radiated a dazzling light. However, disbelief and disappointment filled the eyes of those present. Beside me, Feng Yan looked pale, lips trembling slightly, seemingly unable to comprehend what was unfolding.
At that moment, a clear and melodious voice broke the silence. "Luo Luo, what's wrong?" Yun Yue stepped gracefully out of the crowd, her face adorned with just the right amount of concern, which instantly ignited a flurry of whispers.
"How could it be a snake? Isn't the little princess the purest Phoenix of Bloodline?"
"Could it be... that the legend is true? The little princess's Bloodline is impure?"
The Golden Dragon Emperor seated on the high platform wore a grim expression, his brows furrowed tightly.
"What... what is happening?" an elder asked with a trembling voice.
Yun Yue descended slowly, a smug smile gracing her features. "Elders, clan leader, in fact, the true Phoenix Princess is me." As she spoke, she cast a sidelong glance at me, her tone laced with mockery.
I took a deep breath and slowly closed my eyes, channeling my inner energy according to the Dragon Clan Secret Technique. A powerful force surged within me, and I felt my body undergoing tremendous changes.
"Luo Luo, quickly show your Phoenix True Form!" The Golden Dragon Emperor's voice was filled with concern as he approached the altar's edge, gently stroking my serpentine form. "Don't be afraid, Luo Luo; I will help you."
As soon as he finished speaking, a brilliant white light erupted from Yun Yue. When the radiance faded, Feng Yan stood there in shock, staring at me in disbelief.
At that moment, another Light Cocoon rose from the altar, emanating dazzling white light. As it dissipated, a woman dressed in a flowing white gown appeared before everyone. She was stunningly beautiful and exuded elegance, with a pair of pure white wings behind her.
The crowd erupted into chaos as discussions intensified.
I slowly opened my eyes and smirked coldly. I extended my hands, and a blinding white light burst forth from within me, illuminating the entire altar.
However, what appeared before everyone was not the expected Phoenix True Form but rather a magnificent black-and-white flawless Phoenix. She gracefully spread her wings and soared through the air, emitting a clear cry that resembled Nine Heavens Xuan Nu descending to earth, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
"It... it's a Phoenix!" A gasp erupted from the crowd as they slowly parted, revealing Yun Yue.
"A Phoenix! It's a real Phoenix!" Cheers broke out among the onlookers.
Yun Yue gracefully descended, bowing to the Golden Dragon Emperor with a melodious voice, "Emperor, Yun Yue has fulfilled her duty and finally awakened the Phoenix Bloodline."
"The princess is ill; it turns out her Bloodline is impure!"
"This is truly a disgrace to our Phoenix Clan!"
I watched all of this with cold indifference, feeling not a single ripple of emotion. Yun Yue, do you really think this will bring me down? You are too naive.
Yun Yue continued to embellish her words, "A snake!"
The crowd gasped in shock, their faces filled with disbelief. The Golden Dragon Emperor and the Feng Yan were left dumbfounded, as if they couldn't believe their eyes.
Yun Yue wore a smug expression, covering her mouth as she exclaimed, "How could this be? Luo Luo!"
She slowly descended onto the altar, looking down at me with a hint of mockery in her eyes. "Luo Luo," she sighed dramatically, "your Bloodline... it seems the rumors are true; you are not of pure Phoenix blood."
The Golden Dragon Emperor looked at Yun Yue with a glimmer of approval before turning his complex gaze toward me. "Luo Luo, what... what is going on?"
Before I could respond, Yun Yue interjected, "I overheard that Feng Luoluo's mother is not the Golden Dragon Emperor's rightful wife but rather a dragon woman who was forcibly taken by him. Feng Luoluo's birth has tainted the Phoenix Clan's Bloodline, which is why she has never been able to transform into her Phoenix True Form!"
As the crowd murmured in discussion, another dazzling light burst forth from Yun Yue's body. A beautiful Phoenix emerged from the glow, soaring above the altar and emitting a clear cry.
"It's a Phoenix! Yun Yue truly possesses the Phoenix Clan Bloodline!"
"Emperor, Luo Luo is not a real Phoenix; she is... she is a hybrid." As Yun Yue spoke, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, portraying an image of pitiful innocence.
"Half-breed?!" The crowd erupted in an uproar.
She deliberately paused for a moment before whispering, "It's the hybrid of the Dragon Clan and the Serpent Clan!"
"What?!" Another wave of gasps swept through the crowd, their eyes filled with disdain as they coldly regarded Yun Yue, their hearts mocking her. What a Yun Yue, her ability to twist the truth was truly remarkable. She intended to trample me completely, ensuring I would never rise again!
"Emperor, Luo Luo..." Feng Yan stepped forward, seemingly wanting to defend me.
I lifted my head and met his gaze, remaining silent.
Seeing this, Yun Yue became even more smug, embellishing her words as she said, "Emperor, Luo Luo's bloodline is impure; she is unworthy of being the Phoenix Princess. She has tarnished the Phoenix Clan's bloodline and deserves punishment!"
Yun Yue raised her head, her gaze sweeping over everyone as she continued, "I am the true phoenix; I am the destined Phoenix Princess!"
The Golden Dragon Emperor's face turned ashen, trembling with rage. He pointed at me and shouted, "Feng Luoluo, do you have anything to say?"
I suddenly raised my hand, and a beam of golden light shot up into the sky. The heavens shifted dramatically as a massive Golden Dragon apparition appeared above, letting out a deafening roar.
The crowd was stunned, unable to believe what they were witnessing. The Golden Dragon Emperor and Feng Yan were also taken aback, their eyes filled with shock and confusion.
I slowly lowered my hand and coldly gazed at Yun Yue. "Now, do you still dare to say I am not your princess?"
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