Chapter 73: Liu Ruoyi’s Scheme—Hidden Motives Everywhere

“Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘winning first doesn’t guarantee victory’? As long as we join forces in that region of the Phoenix Domain’s secret realm, do you really think we can’t kill her?”
“What do you mean?”
Phoenix Nest no longer bothered to refill her cup. She turned to Liu Ruoyi, her expression suddenly serious.
“You, as a member of the Phoenix Clan, have your hands tied. But I’m not one of you—I can act! When the time comes, all you have to do is hold back the others who enter with her.”
A dangerous glint flashed in Liu Ruoyi’s beautiful eyes as she revealed her plan.
Indeed, as Phoenix Feather had mentioned, two people could enter that secret realm together. However, there was a strict requirement: one man and one woman, and if one was of the Phoenix Clan, the other could not be.
Liu Ruoyi was Phoenix Nest’s partner, but she was an outsider.
“Haha, of course! I was being foolish—this is a perfect plan. Saint Maiden Liu, you are truly as clever as you are beautiful.”
Phoenix Nest’s face lit up with delight at Liu Ruoyi’s words. As long as Xiao Ling’er was dead, she would become the Phoenix Clan’s most outstanding talent, and all attention would turn to her.
As for what happened afterward, entering that place was already risky. How Xiao Ling’er died would have nothing to do with her. Let her perish, lost and unaccounted for, within those depths.
Phoenix Nest’s mind raced: if the opportunity arose, she could leave Liu Ruoyi there as well. That way, all blame could be shifted onto her.
Liu Ruoyi knew too much, and dead men tell no tales.
“You flatter me. Once inside the secret realm, I’ll still need you to open the way,” Liu Ruoyi replied with a subtle smile beneath her veil, her eyes equally enigmatic.
If not for the Phoenix Clan’s secret realm—where hidden treasures awaited, treasures that could greatly benefit her—she wouldn’t have come to this place at all.
As for Phoenix Nest, always eyeing her feet and legs with a sly look, Liu Ruoyi found her distasteful.
Another plan formed in her heart: once she got what she wanted, she would kill Phoenix Nest as well.
If both of the Phoenix Clan’s prodigies perished inside, it would be a boon for her own Devouring Python Clan—a great achievement indeed.
Two people, each with their own schemes, incapable of any true alliance.
The world bustles for profit; all the world’s clamor is for gain.
Everyone eats from their bowl while eyeing the pot—such is the way of things.
“Well then, let’s wish ourselves success!”
Phoenix Nest, feeling much better, poured a cup of wine and drank with Liu Ruoyi.
How strange, she mused—whether in sorrow or joy, people always drink. Isn’t it odd?

They sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts.

…

Ling Tian exhaled deeply as he opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon the Supreme Bone at his chest, glowing with resplendent light.
It dazzled him—a golden radiance.
There was no denying it: the Supreme Bone was truly extraordinary, his cultivation speed now indescribably swift.
Especially with the prefix “Ultimate”—the effects were even more pronounced.
After just a few days of cultivation, he had reached the third level of Kingly Sealing.
At his age, it was nothing short of astonishing.
But so what?
With such a high starting point, wasn’t rapid progress only to be expected?
Since that night he was discovered, the three women hadn’t come looking for him at all—he wasn’t sure why.
Ling Tian enjoyed this rare peace, spending several days cultivating in tranquility.
He had to admit, dealing with the three of them together was no easy feat.
If Phoenix Feather hadn’t accidentally discovered all three that night, who knows what chaos might have erupted once he left.
If that had happened, Ling Tian would have found himself at a loss for words, his head spinning with confusion.
He rose to his feet, hearing the commotion outside.
The Phoenix Domain’s secret realm was about to open.
A promise made must be kept—he hadn’t forgotten what he’d agreed to do for Phoenix Feather.
Besides, Xiao Ling’er’s situation was, in a way, connected to him.
In the future, if his own mount’s cultivation was too weak, wouldn’t he be embarrassed?
With that thought, Ling Tian pushed open the door.
No sooner had he stepped out than he felt several gazes fix upon him.
Ling Tian narrowed his eyes, peering into the void.
Only the Phoenix Clan’s elders could wield such power.
They made no effort to hide their presence; with his double pupils, Ling Tian could easily sense them.
He nodded in greeting.
“Fellow Daoist Tian Ling, the Phoenix Domain’s secret realm is about to open. Let’s go!”
Phoenix Feather had come to fetch Ling Tian, pulling him along toward the secret realm.
“What a remarkable youth,” the elders remarked to one another.
They had heard Phoenix Flame’s account, but seeing Ling Tian in person—sensing his aura—left them in awe.
“It seems this matter requires careful deliberation,” one said.
They exchanged glances, coming to a silent agreement.
Having lived so long, a single look was enough for mutual understanding.

…

Outside the Phoenix Domain’s secret realm, the Phoenix Clan had gathered in anticipation.
To them, this place was of immense importance—not just for its resources, but for the spiritual energy within, which was many times more conducive to cultivation than the world outside.
It opened once every ten years, remaining accessible for only half a month—a precious opportunity to be cherished.
Few outsiders were present; only the Saint Sons and Saint Maidens had the right to bring an outsider. The rest had no such privilege.
“Remember, once we’re inside, Ling’er and I will retrieve that opportunity. The rest of you, follow his lead.”
Ling Tian regrouped with the three women outside.
They chatted and laughed as if nothing untoward had ever happened.
Ling Tian marveled, shaking his head—women truly were mysterious creatures.
He smiled, content with this scene.
Without overthinking it, he explained his plan.
To be honest, the only thing in the Phoenix Domain’s secret realm that interested Ling Tian was that particular chance.
No one objected to his arrangements; all nodded in agreement.
Soon, the secret realm opened and the crowd surged inside.
Phoenix Nest cast a lingering glance at Xiao Ling’er, then quickly departed with Liu Ruoyi, heading in the same direction as Ling Tian and his group.
“It seems it won’t be so easy to obtain,” Ling Tian remarked, watching the two women’s receding figures, quickening his own pace.
Both parties, clear in their goals, soon arrived at a deserted region.
A palace stood there, beneath it three differently colored stairways—a strange sight indeed.
“Heh, you’re quick,” Phoenix Nest said, stopping not far from the palace.
She made no move to approach; this was the first trial.
A barrier surrounded the palace, which could only be breached with the blood of the Phoenix Clan—imperial grade, no less.
Without imperial-grade bloodline, there was no hope of entering the palace—not even the right to set foot on the stairs.
Ling Tian landed with Xiao Ling’er and, unwilling to yield, retorted,
“Right back at you…”