Chapter 154

Chapter 154: The Sacred Tree Can Be Reborn

The Feng Clan and Yuan Qi belonged to the Divine Clan, while You You possessed exceptional speed in sword control. The trio reached Wushan within half a day. Since the Feng Family joined the Zhen Yan Sect, most clansmen had relocated to the sect, leaving Wushan eerily quiet. Even the once-vibrant Phoenix Trees now stood withered and yellow, their leaves carpeting the mountainside in a bleak, decaying sprawl.

You You’s chest tightened as they followed Feng Rong toward Wushan’s peak where the Sacred Tree stood. Before reaching the summit, Feng Yu came rushing down to meet them.

"Master!" Feng Yu’s face lit up at the sight of Feng Rong. He clasped his fists toward You You and Yuan Qi. "Sect Master, Master Yuan, you’ve come too!"

"What’s wrong with the Sacred Tree?" Feng Rong demanded.

"I… don’t know," Feng Yu admitted, glancing nervously at You You. "The disciples reported dwindling spiritual energy around the Sacred Tree. When I came to investigate, I found…"

"Take me there now!" Feng Rong cut in.

"Yes!" Feng Yu led them upward, where the trees grew increasingly barren. By the peak, even roadside weeds had vanished.

As they arrived, Feng Yu abruptly blocked You You’s path. "Sect Master, halt!"

"What’s wrong?"

"The Sacred Tree’s grounds are forbidden to outsiders," Feng Yu explained. "Only Feng Clan members may enter."

"Feng Yu!" Feng Rong frowned. "You You isn’t an outsider. We’re all part of Zhen Yan Sect now!"

"Master," Feng Yu persisted, "the protective formations could harm those without Feng bloodline."

Feng Rong hesitated, memories of the deadly traps resurfacing.

"I’ll wait here," You You offered.

"I’ll stay with her," Yuan Qi added.

Feng Rong nodded. "Don’t wander. The formations are dangerous."

He stepped forward, the air rippling like disturbed water. Through the distortion, You You glimpsed a colossal white tree piercing the clouds before the vision vanished, leaving only fallen leaves.

Feng Yu’s hands clenched. "Sect Master… perhaps rest at those stone chairs?" He gestured toward weathered furniture beneath skeletal trees.

The stone table sat suspiciously clean amidst the decay. As You You approached, Feng Yu called out, "Master Yuan! I’ve questions about Wushan’s formations…"

Yuan Qi paused. "Why ask now?"

Feng Yu faltered, panic flashing across his face.

"YOU YOU, DON’T—!" Yuan Qi’s warning came too late.

White light pillars erupted around You You, forming a glowing cage. A thunderous boom shook the peak as a translucent cauldron materialized, its golden light shattering nearby formations and trapping Yuan Qi.

The Earth-Shaking Cauldron.

Space fractured where Feng Rong had vanished, revealing the Sacred Tree – a towering white monolith radiating faint light despite its leafless branches.

Feng Rong staggered beneath the tree, blood trickling from his lips. "You’re using the Sacred Tree against me?!"

"Master…" Feng Yu’s voice hardened. "My life’s purpose is restoring the Feng Clan’s ancient glory. We’re SO CLOSE! The phoenix eggs lie dormant in the Sacred Tree’s space!" He gestured, revealing countless massive eggs through a dimensional rift. "Sacrifice the celestial maiden to power the divine artifacts, and we’ll revive our clan!"

Feng Rong stared at the eggs, then closed his eyes. When they opened, his voice held finality:

"Impossible."

Nothing in existence equaled You You’s worth.