The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1858 - 1855: The Deal
Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
"Ye Xuan, what are you intending to do!?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix unleashed its power, regarding Ye Xuan with apprehension.
Ye Xuan’s composure remained intact as he released the Nine Netherworld Phoenix, stating calmly, "I must journey to a certain location, and your presence is not permitted. To follow would invite suppression unto death."
Upon hearing this, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix’s eyes turned frigid as water: "Then for what reason did you bring me to this place?"
"Because it is conveniently situated nearby."
"..."
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix expressed a surge of frantic anxiety: "Are you attempting to bring about my demise?"
Ye Xuan cast a sideways glance: "Would I require such elaborate measures to achieve your end?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix: "..."
Indeed, that was an irrefutable truth.
Unyielding, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix continued: "This locale is fraught with peril, and I exist merely as a soul, unable to endure its rigors. Why not dispatch me back to the Ghost Buddha Sky Cave and retrieve me upon completion of your task?"
Ye Xuan remained silent for a spell before inquiring indifferently, "Is the restoration of your power your sole concern?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix instinctively responded: "What else is there?"
However, realizing the latent depth in Ye Xuan’s query, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix began to contemplate: "In my present condition, even regaining my former might seems a futile aspiration, for my true form remains ensnared within the Death Netherworld."
Ye Xuan offered a faint smile, his gaze alight with playful mischief: "So, stripped of that corporeal vessel, you are rendered inconsequential?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix instantly fell into a profound silence.
It raised its gaze to behold Ye Xuan, its eyes now imbued with a newfound gravity.
This illustrious Lord of Death appeared to be weighing weighty matters.
After a deliberate pause, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix exhaled a sigh, its expression turning somber: "I shall be candid. Even if I were to forge a new body, I would lack Origin Power. Without Origin Power, my very existence would be subjected to the laws of your realm’s suppression."
"You must understand, your world is inherently afflicted by Heavenly Dao Suppression. Should I manifest a physical form within this domain, the Heavenly Dao Suppression I would confront would be magnified a hundredfold, a thousandfold, perhaps even ten thousandfold beyond your experience, potentially rendering corporealization utterly impossible."
At this juncture, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix’s demeanor seemed somewhat crestfallen.
This was the very reason why, despite its soul power reaching a considerable threshold, it had yet to coalesce a physical body.
It possessed a certain clarity; even if a body were to be constructed, the instant of its appearance in this world would precipitate its immediate dissolution. At such a juncture, even its soul might face utter subjugation.
It was far wiser to maintain its current ethereal state.
Reflect upon it; for the dignified Lord of Death within the Dou Tian Divine Domain, such a predicament was profoundly disheartening.
Ye Xuan’s smile remained serene: "In comparison to the Heavenly Dao Suppression, how do you assess the threat posed by this immediate locale?"
A glimmer flickered within the Nine Netherworld Phoenix’s eyes, "Your intention is to subdue me!"
Ye Xuan responded with a smile, "I distinctly recall your owing me three instances of full-strength exertion. I have no desire for your present diminished capacity to constitute these fulfillments."
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix could not help but feel a pang of vexation; indeed, it was still indebted to Ye Xuan for three solemn promises.
And these were obligations to be met only after its strength had been fully restored.
"However, this does not provide justification for your tormenting me."
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix remained staunchly resistant.
The peril emanating from this Thunder Pond was simply too overwhelming for its current state. A single misstep, and its soul would face utter annihilation.
This was not the familiar sanctuary of the Dou Tian Divine Domain; should its soul be truly extinguished here, the possibility of resurrection would likely be irrevocably severed.
Ye Xuan narrowed his eyes, stating, "I possess a method for navigating this place safely. You owe me a fourth promise; what say you?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix: "..."
After a brief interlude, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix sighed heavily, "I now harbor a strong suspicion that those initial three promises were, in fact, a deliberate stratagem devised by you."
Ye Xuan raised his hands in a gesture of feigned innocence, "Heaven and Earth bear witness; those were entirely your own pledges. This instance is merely the first time I have actively pursued such a commitment."
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix declared with unwavering conviction, "That only lends credence to my suspicion. You are merely fabricating an opportunity by force on this occasion."
Ye Xuan lowered his hands, allowing the surrounding torrent of thunder to surge forth, and inquired with a calm smile, "Are you quite certain you do not wish to accept?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix firmly replied, "No."
Ye Xuan turned and began to depart.
Instantly, an immense wave of thunderous energy surged towards the Nine Netherworld Phoenix.
Gripped by terror, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix’s pupils contracted violently as it summoned the Jiuyou Netherworld, attempting to erect a barrier against the overwhelming force.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The thunderous onslaught was even more ferocious than the lightning of a Heavenly Tribulation, relentlessly battering the Jiuyou Netherworld, causing it to shudder and convulse with each impact.
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix was compelled to seek refuge within the confines of the Jiuyou Netherworld.
After two seconds, the Nine Netherworld Phoenix halted Ye Xuan, stating, "Tell me first; if the method proves effective, I shall agree to your fourth promise."
Ye Xuan returned, shielding the Nine Netherworld Phoenix, and explained, "In this realm, a physique known as the Thunder God Body exists. This unique constitution can only be attained by refining one's body with various Divine Thunders found throughout the world."
"Is that the supposed method?"
The gaze of the Nine Netherworld Phoenix turned icy.
Ye Xuan affirmed, "Naturally."
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix declared coldly, "Are you toying with me? I made my position clear earlier; even if I were to achieve this so-called Thunder God Body, what then? This world rejects me!"
Ye Xuan rubbed his nose, inquiring, "Then why did I bring you here?"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix paused, then suddenly inquired, "You intend for me to utilize the thunder present here for body refinement?!"
Ye Xuan spread his hands, responding, "What else would it be?"
"Absolutely not!"
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix vocalized its refusal instantly, without a moment's hesitation.
This simply would not suffice.
It could distinctly sense the formidable power emanating from this Thunder Pond. Lacking a physique as prodigious as Ye Xuan's, its own body, even at its peak strength, would likely be obliterated by the thunder before the refining process could even commence.
How could such a process possibly forge a body?
"Do not be hasty."
Ye Xuan chuckled softly and snapped his fingers.
Buzz————
Instantly, the surrounding thunder surged with wild intensity, swirling in a frenzy. Yet, in the immediate vicinity of Ye Xuan and the Nine Netherworld Phoenix, a void manifested.
They remained entirely unaffected by the thunder's interference.
Then, from within the tempestuous thunder, a resonating thunderous sound began to emerge.
Soon after, the thunder coalesced, forming a Daoist Platform. Under Ye Xuan's guidance, this platform descended, positioning itself beneath the Nine Netherworld Phoenix.
Ye Xuan stated calmly, "This is a technique I originally devised for the creation of the ultimate Thunder God Body. I seldom permit others to utilize it, but for your sake, I am revealing it today."
"Do not let me down."
Ye Xuan offered a smile as he gazed at the Nine Netherworld Phoenix.
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix examined the platform forged from thunder situated below it, still harboring a degree of apprehension. It turned to Ye Xuan and questioned, "Are you entirely certain this method will yield success?"
Ye Xuan nodded affirmatively, "Without a doubt. Once the Thunder God Body is successfully formed and tempered within the Thunder Pond, your physical form will be entirely free from the constraints of the Dou Tian Divine Domain's power. Unless you foolishly choose to employ your soul power and invite the attention of the Heavenly Dao, then no one else will bear the blame."
The Nine Netherworld Phoenix's eyes shimmered as it carefully weighed the potential outcomes.
To be entirely truthful, the desire to manifest a physical body was exceptionally strong. To subsist solely as a soul was inherently perilous, leaving it vulnerable to danger at any given moment.
Furthermore, if it could forge a body that remained undetected by this world, it might even gain the opportunity to return to the Death Netherworld and finally shatter the seals upon its true form!