Dawn broke, and the morning light peeked out from the mountains, dispelling the darkness in the forest, the roads, and the land.

After Feng Xiang welcomed the Neutral Sect’s powerhouse onto the balcony, he suddenly felt something and tilted his head to look to the east.

Feng Xinxiao’s steps were steady, like a pine tree rooted on a cliff. Every step was powerful. Many circular arcs of light suddenly condensed in his eyes and at this moment, he also looked over. With that, the 2 sharp gazes met in the air, setting off bursts of rumbling sounds. They were like silver-white lightning bolts that descended from the sky and when they collided, they emitted sizzling sounds.

Nonetheless, the strange thing was that there were only rumbles, and no surging spiritual Qi spread out.

Given the cultivation of a Ruler, one’s grasp of every inch of the skin and every cell of the body had long reached perfection. One could control everything in detail and could freely release and withdraw the spiritual Qi from one’s Dantian Lake without leaving a trace. All in all, it would be up to one’s will and within one’s control.

King Kong’s eyes narrowed when he saw this. He knew while he could also do that, it would not be to leave some leeway and not get his internal heat involved at all.

As for Ou Yangming, he had an unfathomable look on his face. He breathed in and out and gently exhaled the turbid air in his chest.

Lil’ Red’s body moved slightly, and he jumped from the top of Big Yellow’s head to Ou Yangming’s shoulder. His slender legs tiptoed gently as he leaned close to the young fellow’s ear. Afterward, he shifted his gaze to the Phoenixes’ totem and said with a mysterious expression, “Lil’ Ming, let me tell you a secret. I heard from my grandfather that if the Phoenixes’ totem emits purple light, the spiritual Qi on the entire ancestral star would boil. The phoenix powerhouse that triggers this phenomenon would receive unimaginable benefits and a great inheritance.”

He blinked his big eyes, which were full of envy. Even so, no matter how great the benefits Ou Yangming would receive, he would not have the slightest bit of jealousy.

“Really?” Ou Yangming was curious.

Lil’ Red’s eyes flickered twice, and his tone was a little weaker. “It should be true—Grandfather has never lied to me.” When he said the word “grandfather”, his eyes sparkled with little stars and were full of pride.

The grandfather that he mentioned was Feng Mu.

Ou Yangming’s heart warmed. He could naturally hear the reliance Lil’ Red had on his grandfather. This kind of reliance was very similar to his on the Old Craftsman when he was still in the military camp. His eyes flashed with emotion as he casually glanced at the high platform.

On the high platform, Feng Yun sat next to Feng Xiang.

Feng Yun was the main representative of the Neutral Sect this time. His strength was unmatched, and his cultivation was earth-shattering. Moreover, he had a noble character, hence his seat next to Feng Xiang was well deserved. Besides, he was one of the people that Feng Xiang and Feng Xinxiao had to fawn over.

At this time, Feng Yun looked at the totem in the middle of the terrace. His eyes revealed a contemplative look as he asked with a chuckle, “Brother Feng Xiang, you’re knowledgeable. It’s rumored that there’s a shocking inheritance within this totem. Is it true?”

Feng Xiang was slightly startled, but he recovered in an instant. He responded with a bitter smile, “Brother Feng Yun, you’re deliberately making things difficult for me. This problem has troubled the Phoenixes for more than 10,000 years. Even if I wanted to say something, I have no idea!” As he said this, he even blinked his eyes slightly. Just as he finished, he casually glanced at Ou Yangming with a vaguely meaningful look.

Feng Xinxiao’s finger gently tapped on his chair, and he noted coldly, “It’s about time. Let’s start the competition!”

Feng Xiang had not nodded yet, but the decision had been made. He gently closed his palm, and a cracking sound was heard. Soon enough, an old man with white hair and a youthful face walked into the scene. He had an amiable face, and he slightly bowed and laughed heartily before he said, “Greetings, fellow friends, I’m Feng Xiao, and I’ll be hosting this competition. As everyone knows, cultivation is like sailing against the current. If one doesn’t keep the word “diligence” deep in one’s heart, even if one is God-favored one, it’ll be difficult for one to find the great path. Based on the principles of “diligence is the foundation” and “there are no limits to what one still has to learn”, the Phoenixes have decided to hold this competition.” Although the words were said beautifully, it was as if he was referring to something. As expected, before his voice was gone, many from the crowd instantly turned to look at Feng Lin.

Feng Lin’s talent was outstanding, and he was famous in the ancestral land.

The old man’s words were obviously insinuated to Feng Lin.

A look of ruthlessness flashed in Feng Lin’s eyes, and he sneered internally and thought, ‘Showing off right from the start? Let’s see how long you can be proud of yourself.’

Feng Xiao smiled smugly. He looked around and saw that no one had any objections, thus he cupped his hands and said, “Well, I think everyone has been eagerly waiting. In that case, let the competition begin. The first competition will be on tool refinement, which is also the Phoenixes’ foundation!” His words were concise, and they spread out in all directions. With a wave of his hand, an old man with turbid eyes slowly walked out of mists.

The old Man’s face was covered in wrinkles. His skin was uneven, and his Qi momentum was blocked. There was a hint of ancientness about him.

In particular, the old man’s hands were covered in thick calluses, and he caused the terrace to thump under his feet. With every step he took, his aura became more ethereal. By the time he reached the bottom of the Phoenixes’ totem, he had merged with the world and resonated with it. It seemed that if he did not do this, the world would become incomplete. At this time, a peaceful aura was exuded to the surroundings.

“A great powerhouse!” Upon seeing this, the word “blessed” appeared in Ou Yangming’s mind. He thought to himself, ‘His foundation is indeed profound.’

The old man cupped his hands and said in a loud and clear voice, “I’m Feng Duxin. Master Ou, please!” Obviously, he had obtained Ou Yangming’s information in advance. Otherwise, he would not be calling the young fellow Master Ou.

Ou Yangming looked at the old man, and the fighting spirit in his eyes surged. He responded in a low voice, “Please.”

Feng Duxin’s eyes flashed with a bright light, and he said with great vigor, “Master Ou, be careful. I’m only a top-grade Venerable One, but I’ve never lost when it comes to smithing!”

Ou Yangming nodded and did not say anything. It made Feng Duxin feel like he had just used a lot of force but only to hit a ball of cotton. This feeling of powerlessness made the old man feel uncomfortable. He had once competed with figures from the 10,000 races in tool refinement, but he had never met an opponent like the young fellow.

Feng Duxin forcefully suppressed his thought, and a majestic battle intent condensed and rose step by step. He and Ou Yangming began to exchange blows from this moment on.

At this moment, Feng Xiang’s face seemed to be covered in a layer of frost. He glanced at Feng Xinxiao with a malicious gaze and questioned coldly, “You even invited Elder Xin for this. You’re planning to gain victory by hook or crook, aren’t you?”

Feng Xinxiao did not answer. Nevertheless, when she saw Feng Xiang’s defeated expression, he felt an indescribable joy in his heart.

On the terrace, Feng Xiao took a deep breath and looked at the 2 participants. He thought to himself, ‘This human Venerable One isn’t at a disadvantage in terms of aura. It seems like he really has some skills. What a pity.’

Having this thought was one thing; he still had to do what he had to do. As he waved his old long sleeve, he raised his hand, and a stream of light spread out. A small cauldron the size of a palm landed on the battle platform. A mysterious conception burst out, and numerous bamboo slips were inserted into the small cauldron.

The old man’s hair was a little messy as it flew everywhere. He said softly, “The equipment that you’ll have to refine this time will be selected at random. To ensure fairness, I’ll temporarily hide the secrets of the heavens with the Divination Technique.” As he said that, he pressed his middle finger gently in the air, then a bamboo slip flew out from the small cauldron, spinning non-stop in the spiritual Qi like a top.

Feng Xiao’s eyes focused. He opened his right hand, and a strong suction force burst out.

The bamboo stick flew straight to his palm. On the bamboo stick, a word was written in beautiful calligraphy—Weapon.

Feng Xiao flipped his wrist. To be fair, he showed the side of the writing to the high platform and announced in a deep voice, “This round will be weapon refinement. Please, masters.”

As his voice reverberated, the terrace fell into a strange silence. Only gentle breezes were blowing. Everyone was focused on Ou Yangming and Feng Duxin.

Ou Yangming gently exhaled a mouthful of white mist. With a flash of thought, a ball of white flame appeared in his palm. It was as white as snow. The spiritual Qi in his Dantian Lake surged and burst out from his palm. The ball of white flame burned fiercely. A searing hot airwave reverberated and spread out. The air above the flame began to distort oddly. Even the sunlight, which had a strong penetrating power, could not shine down.

Feng Duxin felt this searing hot wave and sighed internally. ‘What a high temperature. Using such a flame, he must be very fist in smithing pieces of equipment, right?

He no longer hesitated. A shadow of a flame appeared in his eyes as a red flame lit up in his hand. This flame was not as stunning as the Heavenly Phoenix Fire, but its temperature was also very high.

All of a sudden, a righteous voice was heard, “Why… Why have I never heard of the fire in Master Ou’s hand? Could it be that he’s not a member of the Phoenixes, but an external aid?” The voice was not suppressed, and it spread out in all directions.

“Yes, the white fire is indeed unusual.” Another person, who had long been prepared to fan the flame, agreed right away.

“Hmph, this is a competition for the Phoenixes. How can we allow external aid to disrupt the situation? If the news spreads, how will the 10,000 races look at us?” The voice was coming from another direction on the terrace. The person who spoke had confirmed through his words that Ou Yangming was a human. From the initial doubts to them being confirmed, it only took 3 sentences.

This time, it was as if an explosive barrel had been ignited. All sorts of doubtful voices filled the air.

Feng Xinxiao sneered internally. ‘If not for the color of your fire being different, I would’ve needed to spend some effort.’ His expression turned cold. Looking at Feng Xiang, his voice sounded as if it came from the depths of hell as he questioned, “Feng Xiang, you actually invited external aid. What do you regard the Phoenixes’ ancestral teachings as?” With just one sentence, he stood her ground and threw Feng Xiang out.

Feng Xiang’s gaze contracted imperceptibly as he replied in a reserved tone, “Hmph, who said that Master Ou is external help? What evidence do you have?”

Feng Xinxiao had been scanning Feng Xiang’s face. He immediately caught Feng Xiang’s pupils contracting and was certain that he was feeling guilty.

Furthermore, judging from what Feng Xiang said at the end, Feng Xinxiao felt that he was being pretentious, so he was no longer worried.

However, he did not know Feng Xiang had faked that look earlier. To make it realistic, Feng Xiang did it such that the look of guilt could only be faintly detected. This was what he wanted Feng Xinxiao to see. At this time, Feng Xinxiao was falling into Feng Xiang’s trap step by step. Once he mentioned about carrying out a bloodline test, the outcome of this grand competition would be determined.

Ou Yangming controlled his Heavenly Phoenix Fire, but he diverted a part of his attention to look at the high platform. He thought to himself, ‘As expected of an old creature. His ability to read one’s mind and control his thoughts are truly unimaginable.’

Feng Xiang and Feng Xinxiao were acting, but it all depended on who was doing it more realistically.