Han Lao was also startled, never expecting to see such a sacred beast in the Eastern Continent.
The fire phoenix seemed to fix its gaze on Mu Qingqing, its wings burning fiercely as it swooped down.
With every flap of its wings, trees were uprooted and thrown aside.
The appearance of this fire phoenix caused the ambient temperature to rise even further.
Its domineering fiery aura and the palpable pressure emanating from it clearly indicated this was the king-level demon beast that occupied Fengyang Mountain.
This was bad!
Han Lao couldn't help but worry for Xin Ci. Even though he had transformed into this mysterious maiden, his cultivation realm was at most at the peak of the Earth realm.
He was no match for a king-level demon beast.
Furthermore, the fire phoenix's might seemed to be around the peak of a five-star king.
Mu Qingqing hadn't expected the fire phoenix to appear so soon. She surmised that her battle with Nalanhua might have disturbed it.
Han Lao shouted in a panic, "Xin Ci, escape quickly! If you don't leave now, there won't be another chance!"
He knew the caliber of demon beasts like the fire phoenix. They were born with Heaven realm strength and could potentially reach the levels of Saint Emperor or Great Emperor as they matured.
Coupled with its unique combat abilities, this fire phoenix's power might rival that of a Heavenly Venerable.
"Human! You should not trespass upon my territory!"
This fire phoenix could actually speak human language!
And judging by its tone, it had no intention of letting them go.
However, Mu Qingqing remained silent and calm, staying put as if she had no intention of fleeing.
Han Lao sighed helplessly, as the fire phoenix was already closing in.
Even if they ran as fast as they could, they couldn't outrun a king-level demon beast, let alone a fire phoenix.
But Mu Qingqing wasn't running because she couldn't; she had other plans.
The fire phoenix, seeing the human below remaining motionless, was slightly puzzled.
Yet, it didn't spare Mu Qingqing. A ball of crimson energy gathered at its beak.
It prepared to engulf the human woman below with its phoenix fire.
Just then, Mu Qingqing suddenly called out to the fire phoenix in the sky, "Feng Jinyao! Shall we make a deal?"
Upon hearing this.
The phoenix fire that was about to be unleashed was instantly extinguished, and the fire phoenix halted its attack!
Feng Jinyao was the name of this fire phoenix. Mu Qingqing, having read the original novel, naturally knew the reason why Feng Jinyao was imprisoned in Fengyang Mountain.
This was why she faced the fire phoenix without fear.
Han Lao, standing nearby, was astonished. Could this "Xin Ci" who had transformed into a maiden actually know this fire phoenix?
But the fire phoenix's next words plunged him back into confusion.
"Human, how do you know my name?!"
Its voice held a questioning tone, mixed with a hint of surprise.
Mu Qingqing lightly brushed the dust off herself, then gazed up at the fire phoenix.
"Feng Jinyao, how I know your name is not important."
"What's important is that I can help you escape the confinement of Fengyang Mountain's formation and regain your freedom!"
Although Mu Qingqing spoke with conviction, the fire phoenix wasn't easily convinced by this human woman. It scoffed, "Ridiculous! You, a mere weak human at the Earth realm, can help me regain my freedom?"
"Moreover, why should I believe you!"
"Because I am confident I can pass the trial of Xuan Yang Heavenly Venerable!"
Mu Qingqing's bright eyes met the fire phoenix's gaze from above, answering with confidence and assurance.
The fire phoenix in the sky paused for a moment.
Why did this human know about Xuan Yang Heavenly Venerable, and even mention a trial?
In an instant, the fire phoenix seemed to grasp how this human intended to break Fengyang Mountain's formation.
It then transformed into a ball of scorching firelight and gradually descended from the sky.
Finally, it landed on the ground more than twenty meters in front of Mu Qingqing.
Upon landing, the surrounding flora and fauna were instantly incinerated by the erupted flames.
Then, a woman emerged, naked except for flames concealing her fair, shapely body.
Deep crimson hair cascaded to her waist, her eyebrows held a touch of heroism, and her beauty was unparalleled.
This woman was the fire phoenix, Feng Jinyao, as Mu Qingqing had called her.
Feng Jinyao slowly approached, her flames coalescing into a dark crimson dress.
With bare, fair feet, she walked up to Mu Qingqing and, with an air of superiority, stated indifferently, "Speak, what is the deal?"
Her attitude conveyed that she was granting Mu Qingqing an opportunity, and she expected a clear answer.
Mu Qingqing glanced at her indifferently and replied, "It's simple. I will help you complete Xuan Yang Heavenly Venerable's trial, you spare my life, and give me a drop of phoenix essence blood."
"Dream on!"
Upon hearing "phoenix essence blood," Feng Jinyao immediately refused.
"My sparing your life is already a great favor. Do not push your luck!"
Han Lao was even more astonished by Mu Qingqing's actions.
This young girl was truly fearless, daring to negotiate with a fire phoenix, and even asking for its essence blood!
This was the phoenix's life essence. Even a single drop extracted would likely cause the fire phoenix considerable discomfort.
Mu Qingqing shrugged nonchalantly, "Then our deal is off."
Feng Jinyao was inwardly furious, believing this human woman was deliberately toying with her.
She raised her palm, ready to obliterate her.
However, Mu Qingqing changed the subject, interrupting her spiritual energy circulation.
"You can kill me if you wish, but you will miss the chance to regain your freedom."
"Furthermore, from what I understand, you have been trapped in Fengyang Mountain for nearly a decade. For these ten years, due to the influence of the Xuan Yang formation, your cultivation realm has been unable to advance at all."
"At the same time, the formation has blocked external contact, preventing you from seeking help from your kin. Perhaps you will never be able to leave Fengyang Mountain in your lifetime."
Feng Jinyao flicked her hand, stirring up a gust of wind around her, and retorted with a cold gaze, "So what? It was merely my carelessness back then that led me into the Xuan Yang formation left by Xuan Yang Heavenly Venerable, causing me to be singled out."
"Even if I cannot break the formation, the Xuan Yang formation will eventually weaken and crumble."
"It's likely that long before that day arrives, you will no longer exist," Mu Qingqing struck ruthlessly.
"What do you mean!"
"You probably don't know that it's already spread far and wide in the outside world that there's a king-level demon beast in Fengyang Mountain."
"Think about it. If, in time, people discover that this so-called king-level demon beast of Fengyang Mountain is actually a fire phoenix."
"How many human powerhouses will flock here to hunt you?"
Mu Qingqing's words were sharp and pierced directly into Feng Jinyao's heart.
Feng Jinyao fell silent, seemingly lost in thought.
After a brief hesitation, she raised her eyes, looking directly into Mu Qingqing's star pupil, and said, "Fine, I agree to your deal."
"However, the phoenix essence blood will only be given to you after you complete Xuan Yang Heavenly Venerable's trial."
Feng Jinyao finally agreed to the transaction.
A faint smile touched Mu Qingqing's lips. Although it was a bit earlier than in the original plot for the male lead,
She was currently in control of the body, and she would be the one to complete this part of the story.