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--- Chapter 374 ---
Han Yuan stood calmly on the ground, facing nine divine phoenixes that could easily topple mountains, part vast seas, burn forests to ashes, and even cleave the sky.
These were genuine Divine Beasts of the Phoenix Clan, unlike Bi Ji, who had evolved into an Azure Phoenix through Nirvana by chance, which could barely be considered a second generation of the Phoenix Clan.
Unfortunately, these phoenixes were now merely wisps of souls.
Despite their grand appearance, it was just a show of strength intended to intimidate Han Yuan and the others. However, since Han Yuan possessed the Eyes of Truth, their 'clever' tactics clearly had little effect, though he chose to remain silent about it.
After all, when your enemy makes a mistake, it's best not to advise them.
Of course, while Han Yuan was aware of this, the others were not.
Whether it was Ah Yin, Xiao Rou, Xiao Wu, or even Bi Ji—especially her—they all felt an immense pressure coming from the nine great phoenixes. The overwhelming suppression from the divine-rank beasts and their superior bloodlines made them want to kneel.
This feeling lasted only a few moments, though.
Ah Yin was no longer an ordinary Blue Silver Emperor. As the Dark Blue Silver Emperor, she was a quasi-divine lifeform.
Similarly, Xiao Rou and Xiao Wu shared the same origin. Yes, despite their differing evolutionary paths, they were still mother and daughter, allowing them to easily dispel the pressure through the resonance of their spirit energy.
Bi Ji, however, found herself in a perilous state. As a newly evolved Azure Phoenix, her bloodline concentration was still too low, causing her to be the most affected by the combined pressure of the Divine Phoenixes.
Fortunately, Bi Ji was not a pure Azure Phoenix, at least by the Phoenix Clan's standard. Her evolution was 'really' influenced by Han Yuan more than she realized.
In truth, Bi Ji's Azure Phoenix form was merely a transitional stage before her next evolution.
Han Yuan's bestowal of luck was no ordinary blessing, as it fundamentally affected Bi Ji's whole being. How could she settle for being a mere Azure Phoenix?
Furthermore, the Ten Thousand Beast Flame had been growing stronger by refining the bloodlines of many powerful spirit beasts, contributing blood energy to Bi Ji's evolution.
Once she mastered her Azure Phoenix blood and powers, further and more powerful evolution would not be difficult.
"Relax, Bi Ji," Han Yuan said calmly, using some of his spiritual power to envelop her. "Breathe."
Bi Ji looked at Han Yuan's back and slowly followed his instructions, easing her tension. "Thank you, Young Master."
Thirteen gazed at the nine divine phoenixes. "Nine Phoenix Lords, isn't it rude to flaunt your pressure in front of juniors like us? Where is your damn conscience as elders?"
"My bad, my bad!" replied the largest divine phoenix, the Divine Fire Phoenix, surrounded by golden flames. "I got a bit riled by the youth's words earlier."
"Brothers and sisters, ease your presence."
"You're making the youngsters nervous."
The other divine phoenixes heeded their leader's request, diminishing their divine soul presences and restoring the surroundings to normal.
Thirteen huffed. "If not for my predecessor, the Samsara Isle of Paradise would have long drifted into the vast universe, and your Phoenix Clan's fate would be dire. Why act like this?"
"Hmph, Plane's Consciousness, watch your dirty mouth," a brilliant purple phoenix retorted. Lightning flickers around his body. "The majesty of our Phoenix Clan is not for you to question."
"That is precisely why your clan has the smallest number of the nine divine clans. The Purple Lightning Phoenix is too hot-headed and arrogant!" Thirteen shot back defiantly.
"You!" The brilliantly purple phoenix glared at Thirteen.
"Ah Lei, shut up!" A cold, authoritative voice interjected from a beautiful ice phoenix. Her raspy tone sent shivers down the spines of those around her.
"But Ah Bing, he's looking down on us too much," protested the brilliant purple phoenix.
"I said shut up..." the ice phoenix repeated, finally causing the chattering phoenix to fall silent.
"Hehehe, Ah Lei is really obedient when Ah Bing speaks," an emerald phoenix chuckled playfully.
"That's just how he is..." sighed a sacred golden phoenix.
"He never changes after millions of years, and never will..." commented a dark phoenix casually.
"Hmm, as for the Azure Phoenix, I didn't expect my poor lineage to still have a presence in the outside world. Wait, she was actually an Emerald Swan who survived a Nirvana and transformed into one, luckily," remarked a green phoenix who had three sets of wings adorned in storm-like patterns.
"She can be considered a descendant of both Ah Qing and me."
"No, she wasn't... Your bloodline and Ah Qing's bloodline aren't present in her veins. Her Nirvana is more of a mutation," replied an ash-colored phoenix bathing in chaotic blue-green light.
"Yes, this girl has no karma with our Phoenix Clan," added a pale white phoenix with a third eye. "Her evolution comes from another source."
The Divine Fire Phoenix sighed. "As you can see, the people of my clan are a bit unique. Please pardon them."
"It would be more if you didn't introduce yourself at all." Han Yuan rolled his eyes at them. He has seen his fair share of 'unique' people, and these divine phoenixes didn't faze him.
"I guess that's true..." The Divine Fire Phoenix responded awkwardly.
"Well, let me start first."
"My name is Ah Yan, also known as the Fire Phoenix Lord, and Lord of Eternal Radiance."
"Ah Lei, you're next."
The Purple Lightning Phoenix grumbled inwardly but still introduced himself, "Ah Lei, also known as the Purple Phoenix Lord, and the Lord of Thunderous Cry."
The Ice Phoenix followed calmly, "Ah Bing, also known as the Ice Phoenix Lord, and the Lord of Glacial Frost."
"Fufufu, this lady's name is Ah Qing, also known as the Jade Phoenix Lord, and Lord of Verdant Life," said the Emerald Phoenix with a mischievous tone.
"Sigh, Ah Shen, also known as the Holy Light Phoenix, and the Lord of Hallowed Light." The Sacred Golden Phoenix sighed listlessly.
"Shouldn't Light Phoenix be more spirited?" The Dark Phoenix joked with an amused look. "How unbecoming, Ah Shen."
"Kid, my name is Ah Dai, also known as the Dark Phoenix Lord, and the Lord of Abyssal Shadow."
The Six-Winged Green Phoenix laughed, "Ah Dai is right, Ah Shen, you're contradictory to your own title, hahaha!"
"My name is Ah Feng, also known as the Storm Phoenix Lord, and the Lord of Celestial Wind."
"I also have another title, the Fastest Phoenix in the Phoenix Clan!"
"Not as fast as me..." The Chaos Ash Phoenix sneered. "My name is Ah Jun, also known as the Chaos Phoenix Lord, and the Lord of Thousand Mirages."
"Damn it, Ah Jun! Teleportation has nothing to do with pure speed!" The Storm Phoenix countered in annoyance.
Lastly, the White Phoenix also introduced herself, "My name is Ah Bai, also known as the White-Eyed Phoenix Lord, and the Lord of Grand Wisdom."
Han Yuan was amused by their titles because none of them inherited the Phoenix God's Creation Ability. Even though he must admit each Phoenix Lord is a unique and powerful divine beast, their existence is no different from a lingering ghost.
'Even then, their situation is much better than the Dragon Clan, though they still suffer the same fate.'
'At least on the surface, they do.'
'Dragon God, oh, Dragon God, even when you choose to die, you still won't allow others to get better than your Dragon Clan.'
Han Yuan has read more than enough about Douluo Dalu universes that he knew the 'limit' placed upon spirit beasts won't disappear until the second Dragon God appeared.
Such a weird rule, right? However, the implication is clear.
"Alright, young man, it's your turn now," said the Divine Fire Phoenix as the other Phoenix Lords sized up Han Yuan.
Han Yuan smiled faintly, "My name is..."
"Batman!"
"..." Everyone.
"Cough, I was joking." Han Yuan felt everyone was staring at him weirdly and cleared his throat out of embarrassment. "My name is Han Yuan..."
"And I am your future!"