The moon hung high, casting its silver glow over the Guild of Nirvana Phoenix. In the central courtyard, Lin Yue gathered his core members, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames of the surrounding braziers. The air was thick with anticipation.
Lian Rou, now bearing traces of the Phoenix bloodline, stood quietly at Lin Yue's side. Her once-fragile body radiated a newfound resilience. Hua Meiying crossed her arms, her violet eyes sharp as she surveyed the upcoming battle plans. Jin Mu knelt by the spread-out map, his usual silence masking the hunger for action beneath.
The map was divided into colored regions, each representing a different power within Ruin Gate Province.
Mission Zone Map
Zone 1: Scorched Plains – Controlled by the Ashen Fangs Mercenary Group
Zone 2: Verdant Grove – Territory of the Verdant Jade Pavilion
Zone 3: Misty Ravine – Unclaimed, patrolled by rogue cultivators
Zone 4: Obsidian Mines – Stronghold of the Black Viper Syndicate
Zone 5: Azure River Town – Base of the Guild of Nirvana Phoenix
Lin Yue's finger landed firmly on the second commission.
"We'll strike here first," he said. "Disrupting Ashen Fangs' supply convoy will cripple their dominance in the Scorched Plains."
Jin Mu's blade trembled faintly at his waist, his excitement barely contained. "Finally, we clash head-on."
Lian Rou's gaze softened, yet worry still lingered in her voice. "Ashen Fangs' elites are not to be underestimated. Some of them rival Core Formation cultivators."
Lin Yue's lips curled into a calm, confident smile. "Then we grow stronger. Tonight, we train."
Without hesitation, the guild sprang into action.
Guild Mission Board – Active Commissions
[B-Rank] Scouting the Misty Ravine
Objective: Investigate unusual spiritual fluctuations.
Reward: Spirit Stones & rare herbs.
[A-Rank] Intercept Ashen Fangs Supply Convoy
Objective: Ambush and seize enemy supplies.
Reward: Weapon upgrades & guild reputation.
[S-Rank] Black Viper Stronghold Sabotage
Objective: Collapse their southern tunnel via infiltration.
Reward: Advanced cultivation pills & suppression points.
Training Session – Awakening the Phoenix Wings
The courtyard became a crucible of flame and determination. Lin Yue personally guided Lian Rou through the Phoenix Step, a movement technique that fused speed with flame.
Her body trembled as the searing Phoenix energy surged through her meridians. She staggered, struggling to stabilize the raging power within.
"I can't... I can't control it…" She bit her lip in frustration, her breathing ragged.
"You can," Lin Yue whispered, placing his palm gently over her heart. "Because I gave you my flame."
His warmth steadied her. Feeling his unwavering support, Lian Rou clenched her fists and pushed herself further. As she sprinted, golden flames ignited beneath her feet, and faint illusions of Phoenix wings flickered behind her.
Nearby, Hua Meiying's sword danced like falling petals in the wind. Each Blossom Slash she executed split the air with razor-sharp precision.
Jin Mu sparred fiercely with two guild members, his strikes growing increasingly lethal as he sought to temper his killing intent.
Meanwhile, Lin Yue retreated to his own meditation, focusing on advancing his Phoenix bloodline.
System Notification
Phoenix Blood Tempering – Stage 2 (60%) Progression:
Phoenix Bloodline: 60% Awakened
New Skill Unlocked: Flame Resonance – Enhances fire-based techniques of allies within a 20-meter radius.
Phoenix Wings: Partial manifestation – Limited aerial agility unlocked.
Combat Style: Enhanced speed and limited flight.
When Lin Yue finally opened his eyes, the night had deepened. Lian Rou stood before him, her breathing steady, the glow of the Phoenix Wings shimmering faintly behind her.
"I won't hold you back," she said softly, determination burning in her gaze.
"You never did," Lin Yue replied with a gentle smile.
Her training had borne fruit. She could now partially manifest the Phoenix Wings, granting her bursts of aerial speed that surpassed ordinary cultivators at her level.
Ashen Fangs Mercenary Group – Enemy Status
Name
Title
Cultivation Stage
Status
Fang Wuji
Mercenary Commander
Core Formation (Late)
Active
Shi Lan
Shadow Tracker
Core Formation (Mid)
Active
Meng Zhi
Blazing Spear
Core Formation (Mid)
Target
Ye Cheng
Beast Handler
Foundation Peak
Active
Next Target: Meng Zhi – Commander of the upcoming supply convoy.
Side Story – Ming Yushu's Infiltration
Deep within the Obsidian Mines, Ming Yushu pulled her black veil closer, her heart racing as she slipped through the maze-like tunnels. Her mission was clear—gather intelligence and sabotage the Black Viper Syndicate from within.
Disguised as a low-level logistics officer, she overheard a chilling conversation.
"An alliance between Ashen Fangs and Black Viper?" Ming Yushu's eyes narrowed.
The two factions were planning a joint assault on Azure River Town. If this attack succeeded, the Guild of Nirvana Phoenix would face annihilation.
She turned to leave but stopped abruptly.
A presence.
Someone was watching her.
Black Viper Syndicate – Hidden Enemy Intel
Name
Title
Cultivation Stage
Status
Hei Wulong
Syndicate Lord
Core Formation (Peak)
Unknown
Xue Lan
Viper Priestess
Core Formation (Mid)
Unknown
???
Silent Fang
Unknown
Active
Bonding Moment – Flames Beneath the Stars
Later that night, Lin Yue gathered his core members around a crackling fire.
"We are no longer scattered," Lin Yue said, his voice steady and resolute. "We are the Guild of Nirvana Phoenix. We rise together—or we fall together."
Hua Meiying sliced an apple with her sword, a smirk playing on her lips. "Just make sure these grand speeches come with proper meals next time."
Lian Rou leaned closer, resting her head against Lin Yue's shoulder. "I'll fly with you—even through fire."
Jin Mu grunted, but the faintest of smiles betrayed his usual stoicism.
The fire reflected in their eyes—burning, unyielding, and ready.
System Status – Guild Members
Lin Yue – Guild Master
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment – Mid Stage
Bloodline: Phoenix (60% Awakened)
Skills: Phoenix Step, Flame Resonance, Phoenix Wings (Partial)
Authority: Full Command
Emotional Bonds: Strong with Lian Rou, Growing with Hua Meiying, Deep Brotherhood with Jin Mu
Lian Rou – Phoenix Disciple
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment – Early Stage
Bloodline: Partial Phoenix
Skills: Phoenix Step (Basic), Flame Wing Burst (Unlocked)
Emotional Bond: Deep loyalty and affection for Lin Yue
Hua Meiying – Sword Maiden
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment – Mid Stage
Skills: Blossom Slash, Phantom Petal Step
Emotional Bond: Playful trust, potential romantic spark with Lin Yue
Jin Mu – Blade Wolf
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment – Early Stage
Skills: Iron Fang Slash, Hunter's Resolve
Emotional Bond: Brotherhood with Lin Yue
Lin Yue rose to his feet, his gaze firm.
"Tomorrow," he declared, "we strike the Ashen Fangs."
The Guild of Nirvana Phoenix would carve their path, no matter the flames that awaited.