Chapter 1393, The Matriarch of the Phoenix Clan—Ni Shang

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silvain

 

However, just then, as if sensing something, Yu Zi Yu’s gaze sharpened.

 

“Speak of the devil…” murmured Yu Zi Yu to himself, as he lifted his eyes toward the entrance of the hall.

 

*Screeeeech…* A clear, melodic cry echoed out of thin air, before a graceful silhouette drifted into view.

 

She was simply breathtaking; her skin was simply flawless, smooth and shiny as a polished jade. She radiated a noble yet otherworldly aura, as if she was a fairy who had descended to the Mortal World.

 

However, it was not merely noble… not merely otherworldly, but also had an inexplicable property to it, that forces others to avert their eyes instinctively.

 

This was none other than Ni Shang, hailed as the ‘The First Beauty of the Universe’, and also the Matriarch of the Phoenix Clan. A woman said to be so beautiful that her charm alone could captivate a Tier-6 Overlord.

 

Now, with a gentle smile, Ni Shang offered a gentle bow. “Ni Shang greets the Demon Emperor. I apologize for disturbing you.”

 

“Enter….” At Yu Zi Yu’s calm response, the closed palace doors slowly opened.

 

…

 

Shortly afterward…

 

Inside the palace, two figures sat opposite each other, while countless exquisite delicacies laid between them.

 

“What brings you here, Ni Chang!?” Yu Zi Yu casually asked.

 

“This time, I have come to inquire about the Demon Emperor’s stance… on forming the alliance.” Wasting no time, Ni Shang went straight to the point.

 

She was not skilled with words.

 

And before a terrifying being like the Demon Emperor, even she could not help but avert her gaze, unable to meet his gaze.

 

A hint of inexplicable panic flickered across her face.

 

The aura radiating from Yu Zi Yu was simply too powerful and terrifying.

 

His divine presence alone made her entire body go stiff.

 

It was hard to imagine sitting face-to-face with such a lifeform.

 

[So this is the Seventh Order of Physical Evolution, the true metamorphosis of the Hierarchy of Life…] As she grew increasingly horrified, Ni Chang couldn’t help but fall silent. [No wonder everyone who visited the Demon Emperor alone refused to speak of the experience afterwards!]

 

To sit within arm’s reach of such a being meant facing the terrifying pressure emanating from Yu Zi Yu, which was more than enough to crush most cultivators.

 

His oppressive aura was really suffocating!

 

However, what Ni Shang did not know was that she was the first outsider ever allowed to sit opposite Yu Zi Yu.

 

As for the others? Either their status was insufficient, or their strength was lacking.

 

They did not have the qualifications to sit before him. And even if offered a seat, none of them dared to take it.

 

However, Ni Shang was different.

 

Whether in status or power, she was more than worthy.

 

Smiling in his heart, Yu Zi Yu remained unusually silent in response to Ni Shang’s question.

 

…

 

A rare silence filled the hall, heavy and absolute.

 

Ni Shang’s expression grew visibly uneasy.

 

As a matter of fact, the veil on Ni Shang’s face could not hide her from Yu Zi Yu’s gaze.

 

Under his divine sight, no Artifact, no matter how exquisite, could conceal anything.

 

[As expected of the number one beauty in the universe…] Yu Zi Yu quietly praised Ni Shang’s beauty in his heart before finally answering, “I do intend to form an alliance… But you do understand that everyone in this world is driven by profit. Without sufficient benefit, I’ve no desire to become the blade of all Races… The Lord of the Void is terrifying, yes… but the Human heart is far more frightening. Who can guarantee that once the Lord of the Void is suppressed, there won’t be anyone turning their blades on me?”

 

With his sentence, Yu Zi Yu’s expression grew uncharacteristically solemn.

 

“…” Silence stretched between them, as Ni Shang fell into quiet contemplation.

 

[He’s right! The Demon Emperor is a thorn in every Race’s heart. Revered, he might be, but as an enlightened Divine Tree, everyone covets him. If the Lord of the Void and Demon Emperor do end up inflicting grievous injuries to each other, there would certainly be those who’d harbor dangerous thoughts. And this is probably what the Demon Emperor fears most.]

 

“This…” After a long pause, Ni Shang finally stated, “I can only promise that so long as the alliance exists, my Phoenix Clan will never raise their blade against the Demon Emperor. And furthermore, I can guarantee that if the Demon Emperor becomes the leader of the alliance… then, so long as it doesn’t compromise our interest, my Phoenix Clan will defend your authority to the end.”

 

When speaking to an existence like the Demon Emperor, there was no need for beating around the bush.

 

Be Direct! Be honest!

 

That was the only correct way.

 

Otherwise, if he detected even the slightest trace of scheming… that would be the true calamity.

 

…

 

Their rare conversation stretched on until late afternoon.

 

Shortly afterward, watching Ni Shang leave, Yu Zi Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly.

 

“Do you know why the Phoenix Clan suddenly grew eager to form an alliance against the Void?”

 

“Uh…” Golden Ant hesitated for a moment before admitting, “This subordinate has no idea.”

 

“Because, just moments ago, the Void Forces have launched a sudden assault on the Phoenix Clan. Their casualties were severe. One of their habitable planets was even destroyed.”

 

Hearing this, Golden Ant was slightly taken aback.

 

[Moments ago? Severe casualties? A whole planet was erased? Such detailed knowledge… it is as if he had witnessed it himself. And more importantly, it happened within the Phoenix Clan, then how did Master get his information?!]

 

“No way…” A murmur escaped him, and his expression changed drastically.

 

Because, at this moment, he came to realize one thing. This might very well be his Master’s doing.

 

[Master… has connections with the Void Clan. And not ordinary connections…] Suppressing the tremor in his heart, Golden Ant fell into contemplation.

 

[We all knew. Every single one of us in the inner circle understood that the Master controlled a fragment of the Void Forces. After all, the very existence of Zi Lian has been an open secret among us for years. But now… now, after hearing his words, I realize we were all calculating the scale incorrectly. We assumed we knew the size of his tether to the darkness. But judging by the information he has just revealed… the depth of power he wields within the Void is far, far greater than anything we have dared to imagine! How else? How else could the mighty Phoenix Clan have suffered such heavy, crippling losses?]

 

But after this, Golden Ant dared not speculate any further.

 

Not because he lacked courage, but because he must not.

 

Knowing too much… was dangerous.

 

*Hooooo…* Exhaling a long, deep breath, Golden Ant spoke frankly, “Master values the position of Alliance Leader greatly.”

 

“Naturally.” Yu Zi Yu chuckled and admitted, “If not for that position, do you think I would have bothered coming here at all?”

 

Saying this, he patted Golden Ant’s shoulder, smiling. “Little Fifth…work hard. I’m very much looking forward to your future.”