Legend of the Great Sage

y friend.” A hint of solemnity appeared on Feng Xiwu’s excited face, which demonstrated just how serious he was about the word “friend”.

It was even harder to earn than the Great Banyan Tree King’s friendship.
Those who stood aloof would never have too many friends, but once they treated someone as a friend, they would never disappoint their friend.
Even if he had to face the Dragon King of Ink Sea, he would not hesitate.

Li Qingshan was about to say something when the familiar rumbling of thunder suddenly rang out by his ears.
His face changed slightly.
“A heavenly tribulation again!”

The sound of thunder gradually pulled closer, like a war chariot riding through the air.
Before it had even arrived properly, its power already far surpassed the previous heavenly tribulation.

Not only did Li Qingshan uphold his promise of hatching the phoenix’s embryo, but he even upheld his promise of the strongest phoenix chick in history.
The young phoenix had crossed the boundary of the second heavenly tribulation the moment it emerged from the shell, stepping into the realm of Daemon Commanders, except it had to survive the heavenly tribulation first.

“Qingshan!” Feng Xiwu’s expression changed drastically.
Just the first heavenly tribulation had almost shattered the phoenix’s embryo, let alone the fact that it was the second heavenly tribulation this time.
If the phoenix failed the tribulation, then all of their efforts would go to waste.
Ten thousand years would be reduced to null and void.

Right now, the young phoenix was only equivalent to a newborn baby, yet it had to immediately challenge a tribulation from heaven.
Just how dangerous would this be?

“This can serve as the first lesson in its life! No matter how much external assistance you receive, you still have to walk your path yourself.
No one can replace you.
Whether you succeed or fail, that’s all on you.” Li Qingshan smiled and roared at the little phoenix, “If you want to achieve the extraordinary, then how can you not challenge it with your life on the line? Go!”

The little phoenix lowered its head and listened as if it was learning.
Then it raised its elegant head and gazed at the approaching lightning.
A smear of determination flashed through its eyes, and it suddenly spread its wings, soaring into the sky to receive the first bolt of lightning.

Boom!

The lightning produced a flash of seven colours.
Its feathers that had just grown out fell through the air, like great, colourful flakes of snow.

Feng Xiwu’s heart suddenly tightened.
Li Qingshan silently cheered it on too.

The tribulation lightning were like weapons, slashing against the little phoenix viciously and leaving behind horrific wounds.
Although it was endowed with endless life and vitality, the rate at which the wounds closed was nowhere close to the tribulation lightning’s destruction.

However, its clear cries became even more determined and courageous, dancing through the lightning.
As a result, even the sound of thunder failed to drown it out.

The corner of Li Qingshan’s lips curled into a smile.
The little phoenix was still very inexperienced with the usage of its powers, but it was already different from when it was still an embryo.
It possessed much more intelligence and flexibility, and it had a sense of courage and determination about it, unaffected by the life-threatening danger.
It used its full strength to fend it off desperately.

Feng Xiwu noticed this too, which made him glance at Li Qingshan.
Was it influenced by him? The phoenix possessed a noble heart, one that did not waver even at death, but it had never been known for being filled with valour and vigour.

After who knew how long, the final clap of thunder dissipated, but it continued to linger in Li Qingshan and Feng Xiwu’s ears.
The scorching light was particularly blinding, dazzling both of them.
Afterwards, all they saw was the little phoenix using its vermillion beak to gently comb through its new feathers, now with an additional sense of elegance and ease.

Li Qingshan grinned widely while Feng Xiwu shut his eyes gently and exhaled deeply.

Now that finally could be regarded as success!

The little phoenix flew down and transformed into the shape of a young child, around two or three years old.
He was draped in colourful plumage as seven long tailfeathers dragged behind him.
His face and eyes were bright, like they were carved from jade.
Even when he assumed a human form, he did not lose the bearing of a phoenix.

“Fucking hell, that wasn’t easy at all.
Fortunately, I was strong enough! Fathers, I haven’t disappointed you, have I?”

His voice was melodious and touching, filled with a sense of innocence, but it made Feng Xiwu shudder all over.
The smile on his face stiffened.

Li Qingshan also scratched his head.
“What did you just call me?”

“Father.
Do you wish for me to call you mother instead?” The little phoenix blinked his eyes in an extremely adorable manner.

“No, he’s not your father.
You’re a child of the phoenix.
You have nothing to do with this bastard.
You can, however, call me uncle.
No, no, you’re a phoenix.
How can you talk like that?” Feng Xiwu descended into disarray.
This was far too different from what he imagined.

“Of course, I understand my identity and origins, but if it weren’t for your arduous care and hatching, there wouldn’t be the me of today.
In the past, when the peacock swallowed the buddha, the buddha burst out from its back and also called the peacock mother, let alone the fact that there’s so much more kindness involved, so this term of address is most suitable, isn’t it? As for what I said, that’s just a mere trifle.
There’s no need for you to pay any mind to it, father.”

The little phoenix said with his tender voice and waved his little hands in the process, coming off as even more adorable.
However, even Feng Xiwu was unable to refute his words.
With the phoenix’s legacy, he had basically been born with knowledge.

“Yeah, that makes sense.
You can be my good son from today onwards! Hahahaha!” Li Qingshan picked up the little phoenix.
He never imagined that he would become the father of someone else’s child, but it sure felt nice! He once again demonstrated his startling acceptability.

ps： 新年过去了，我也要破壳而出啦！

PS: The new year is over.
I’m also going to emerge from my shell!