บท 172: The Legacy of the Phoenix

Raja stood amidst the burning crimson brilliance of the Phoenix trial grounds, his eyes locked with the majestic yet incorporeal form of the Phoenix spirit. The spirit radiated an aura of divine power as it prepared to bestow upon him the long-awaited rewards for completing the grueling trials.

"As promised, you have earned three gifts from the Phoenix's legacy," the spirit declared, its voice resonating with authority. It conjured three items that hovered in the air: a glowing vial of Phoenix blood, a pristine Divine Phoenix Pill encased in a fiery aura, and a golden fragment pulsating with mysterious power.

"These gifts will aid you in your journey, human. They are rare treasures even among the divine."

The Phoenix blood was unlike anything Raja had ever seen. The vial shimmered, emanating heat that seemed alive. "This blood will enhance your control over fire and increase your profound strength," the Phoenix spirit explained. "Your unique body, strengthened by the Evil God's power, allows you to absorb three drops safely. Each drop will extend your lifespan by 100 years."

Without hesitation, Raja accepted the vial. As he uncorked it and consumed the first drop, a surge of power coursed through his veins. His body radiated with newfound vitality, and he could feel his fire control sharpening to unparalleled levels.

The Divine Phoenix Pill hovered next. "This pill will bolster your fire energy control and elevate your profound strength by five ranks. Though its effects will be diminished by the presence of your Evil God Fire Seed, it remains invaluable," the spirit said.

Finally, the golden fragment descended into Raja's hands. "This is a fragment of the World Ode of the Phoenix, the ultimate scripture of flame techniques. However, it contains only the fifth and sixth stages. The first four stages were lost in a tragic conflict."

Raja examined the fragment with fascination, but his expression darkened. "Only the fifth and sixth stages? What happened to the rest?"

The Phoenix spirit's form dimmed as it recounted the tale. "Long ago, a second Phoenix trial ground existed in the Divine Phoenix Empire. There, greed and treachery consumed the hearts of humans, birthing a rogue Phoenix spirit. This spirit betrayed the original and sought to usurp its power."

The rogue spirit, in its rebellion, transferred its essence into a common firebird, creating chaos. A fierce battle erupted, resulting in the destruction of the first four stages of the World Ode of the Phoenix. "Only the fifth and sixth stages survived, preserved by the original Phoenix spirit."

Raja listened intently, his awe growing. The tale of divine conflict left him in silent contemplation, the weight of the legacy now resting on his shoulders.

"The first four stages," the Phoenix spirit continued, "are no longer here. They now reside with the Divine Phoenix Sect. The rogue spirit gifted them to the sect, enabling their dominance over the continent. But they are guarded jealously, and you must tread carefully if you seek them."

Raja's eyes narrowed. "So, even with this fragment, I can't train properly?"

"The World Ode of the Phoenix is incomplete without the foundational stages," the spirit admitted. "But the fifth and sixth stages are profound in their own right, offering powerful techniques. Use them wisely."

Frustration welled within Raja. "A fragment of such power, yet incomplete. Why even give this to me?" he muttered. The knowledge that the first four stages existed yet remained out of reach gnawed at him. The Divine Phoenix Sect's grip over the treasure posed a significant obstacle, one he could not yet overcome.

The Phoenix spirit seemed to sense his turmoil. "Do not despair. Focus on the gifts you have been granted. They hold immense potential."

Deciding to make the best of the situation, Raja prepared to refine the Divine Phoenix Pellet. He swallowed the pill, and instantly, crimson flames erupted around him. The heat was intense, but his body, strengthened by the Evil God's power, endured it effortlessly.

In just an hour, Raja felt his profound strength surge, shattering the bottleneck of the Spirit Profound Realm and propelling him into the Earth Profound Realm. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he felt the newfound power coursing through him.

Amid the heat of his awakening power, a thought struck Raja. If I can comprehend the concepts behind incomplete techniques, perhaps I can do the same with the World Ode of the Phoenix.

His adaptability and comprehension had always been his greatest assets. Perhaps they could bridge the gap in the Phoenix's legacy. He resolved to focus on the fragment he possessed, starting with the fifth stage, Empyrean Dance of the Phoenix Wing.

Jasmine, who had been observing silently, finally spoke. "You're making a mistake, Raja. Attempting to comprehend the fifth and sixth stages without the first four is dangerous. It could harm your profound veins and disrupt your cultivation."

Raja met her gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "I can't afford to miss this opportunity. My affinity with fire and the Evil God's Fire Seed gives me an edge. I will succeed."

The Phoenix spirit interjected. "The World Ode of the Phoenix is protected by a soul imprint. Only those with sufficient soul power can comprehend it. If you fail, the imprint will vanish from your memory upon leaving this place."

Raja's resolve only deepened. "Then I must comprehend it now."

Sitting cross-legged, he immersed himself in the fragment. Hours passed as he poured his profound strength and soul power into deciphering the techniques. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his surroundings shimmered with heat.

Then, it happened. In a burst of clarity, the mysteries of the Empyrean Dance of the Phoenix Wing and the Star Scorching Demon Lotus unfolded before him. Jasmine, watching closely, was left speechless.

"This is unbelievable," she whispered. "You've managed to comprehend the Phoenix Flame Techniques from the fifth and sixth stages under such unfavorable conditions. Even the Phoenix itself would be astonished!"

The Phoenix spirit, too, was amazed. "To thoroughly grasp these techniques without the foundational stages… Your comprehension ability is extraordinary. Even with your strong affinity to fire, this feat should have been impossible in such a short time."

Raja, however, remained calm. "I only understood the techniques. The core power lies in amplifying the Phoenix flame's potency. It's not as impressive as it seems."

"No," the Phoenix spirit corrected. "These techniques are deeply tied to the concepts of flame energy. To comprehend them as you have is a monumental achievement. Even the Evil God himself would struggle to match this feat in a single month."

With the two flame techniques firmly etched in his mind, Raja stood, his confidence restored. He had turned an incomplete legacy into a powerful weapon, proving once again that his adaptability and intelligence were second to none.

As he prepared to leave the trial grounds, the Phoenix spirit offered a final warning. "Conceal your Phoenix bloodline and markings if you ever visit the Divine Phoenix Empire. You are not one of their disciples, and discovery could lead to great peril."

Raja nodded. "I understand. Thank you for the gifts and the knowledge."

With the trial complete, Raja stepped forward, flames swirling around him as a testament to his mastery. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear:

the power of the Phoenix burned brightly within him, ready to shape the destiny of worlds.

This is the evaluation that the Phoenix Spirit had towards Raja.

Being the spirit of a divine beast superior to the mortal world, it had never expected that it would give such an evaluation to a human one day.

The jade that recorded the [World Ode of the Phoenix] slowly vanished in Raja's hand, and the Phoenix Spirit's voice sounded again: "Your time in this trial ground is reaching its end, and it's time for me to send you out. However, before I do so, I should perhaps give you a special present."

Inside the pitch-black world, a golden light suddenly came flying and touched Raja on his forehead. Instantly, the scarlet phoenix imprint on his forehead appeared.. but the color had turned into a pure golden color from the previous scarlet color! Just like a cluster of burning, golden-colored flames.

"This is…" Feeling the phoenix's imprint of his forehead change color, Raja subconsciously touched his forehead and asked puzzledly."

This is a special power that I can only use once in my lifetime, but I never thought the day where I used it would actually come. However, as the one who carries the power of the Evil God, your future is destined to be extraordinary, and bestowing this power upon you is more than suitable.

As to what kind of power this is, when the time of you using it comes, you will naturally know."

"Now then, let me send you out. Your friend, and that one Phoenix Clan that had been cursed by me are currently facing a great crisis, and only you can save them now… Now go."

As the Phoenix Spirit's voice faded, the pair of huge golden eyes disappeared within the darkness, and the space in front of Raja's eyes immediately distorted…