Chapter 145
As for the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow, it is a demonic beast that Naturally Fire Affinity and has considerable strength. It is said that in ancient times, even the most outstanding disciples of immortal lineages considered it an honor to have a Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow as their mount.
This wasn't because the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow was particularly powerful, but because this demonic beast was extremely beautiful. Its entire body was covered in golden-red feathers, with a golden beak and long, crimson wings, resembling the glow of a setting sun, much like the legendary celestial beast, the Vermilion Bird.
Therefore, the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow was praised by the world.
Unfortunately, this kind of monster became extinct a long time ago, and only a very small number remain in some hidden grottoes and secret realms.
Moreover, Xiao Minghuang also harbored some interest in the Crimson Flame Fire, an Innate Fire.
If she were to give this item to Ye Ruoshui, perhaps the little girl could use it to refine an Earth-grade pill!
After considering all these factors, Xiao Minghuang finally spoke:
How many eggs can the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow lay in one go?
Upon hearing this, Liu Yan knew that the matter was half settled. Xiao Minghuang's question clearly indicated that she had feelings for the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow.
"Each time there are more than ten, but the survival rate is not high. However, as long as they are nurtured by the secret method of my Beast Taming Sect, the survival rate can be greatly increased."
"Good."
Xiao Minghuang nodded and smiled:
"In that case, I will take out ten Moon Spirit Fruits. I will use five as bait and give the remaining five to your sect."
"Thank you, Princess Xiao!"
Liu Yan naturally knew why Xiao Minghuang was willing to offer so many Moon Spirit Fruits, and he smiled as well:
"Princess, rest assured, your efforts in this mission will not be in vain. After the mission is accomplished, in addition to the Crimson Flame Fire and spirit stones and pills, our sect will send a true disciple to reside permanently in Great Xia to help you nurture the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow chicks."
"That's excellent."
Xiao Minghuang nodded slightly and asked:
When should we act?
"If the princess has free time, she may depart immediately."
"Then let's go!"
Xiao Minghuang turned around and walked towards the Heavenly Mansion Secret Realm.
Liu Yan rode his eagle, following closely behind.
Behind them, the Fifth Prince and his entourage followed.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The vastness of the Heavenly Mansion Secret Realm exceeded Xiao Minghuang's imagination.
The mountain range stretches endlessly, its boundaries invisible at a glance.
But as time went on, Xiao Minghuang gradually felt a scorching heat coming from all directions.
"Princess, we should be arriving at the Crimson Flame Fire Pool soon."
Liu Yan pointed into the distance and spoke.
Xiao Minghuang looked in the direction he pointed and vaguely saw that the sky in the distance seemed to be tinged with crimson, and a surge of heat rushed towards her.
"The Innate Fire is incredibly powerful. Even from a distance of at least a hundred miles away, one can feel its intense heat."
Xiao Minghuang sighed inwardly and nodded, saying:
"Okay, let's speed things up!"
Everyone nodded.
Before long, the group arrived in the scorching red sky.
What came into view was a boundless sea of fire, with scorching waves of heat howling past, making everyone's eardrums buzz.
The flames rolled and rose, swirling like smoke in the sky. A dazzling red cloud slowly rose, and waves of scorching heat poured down from the sky.
Seeing this, everyone quickly activated their protective spiritual Spiritual Qi to dispel the heat wave.
"This fire is so fierce, I wonder where the Crimson Flame Fire and the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow are?"
Li Chunyan looked puzzled and asked.
"The Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow likes to build its nest on mountains... To the southwest, about ten miles from here, there is a steep peak; its nest should be there."
Liu Yan explained.
Having identified their destination, the group immediately flew southwest.
Before long, a straight mountain peak came into view.
Perhaps because it was immersed in the sea of fire for a long time, the entire mountain was burned into some kind of special material, which was extremely hard, pitch black, and yet emitted an extraordinary luster.
"The Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow's nest is on this mountain peak. Crimson Flame Fire should also be in her nest."
Just as the operation was about to begin, a thorny problem arose.
Who will lure away the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow?
The group looked at each other, but no one answered.
To be fair, Xiao Minghuang didn't want his subordinates to act as bait.
The same logic applies to Liu Yan's side.
Just as the two sides stared at each other, hesitating about who should speak first.
A sword's cry pierced the air.
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The sound of swords clanging grew clearer and clearer as it approached.
Everyone looked up and saw a pure white sword light slash through the sky and land in front of Xiao Minghuang and the others in an instant.
"My name is Luo Rong. Are you all interested in the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow?"
The sword light receded, revealing the figures of a group of the Spirit Sword Sect disciples.
The two leading figures were Luo Rong and Cheng Wen.
Xiao Minghuang smiled slightly and said:
"So you are the two true disciples of the Spirit Sword Sect. We have gathered here naturally for the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow."
Without needing to say more, from the moment Xiao Minghuang saw Luo Rong and Cheng Wen, she already had a new plan in mind.
Upon hearing this, Luo Rong hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
Xiao Minghuang knew that since the other party had come here, they must want a share of the profits.
She did not object to this.
But to reap benefits without paying a price is just wishful thinking.
Luo Rong naturally understood this principle as well.
After thinking for a moment, Luo Rong finally spoke:
"I've heard that the princess has quite a few Moon Spirit Fruit. If we can use them as bait to lure away the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow, we can easily steal her cubs."
"If the princess is willing to help, the Spirit Sword Sect will never forget her kindness!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly.
Luo Rong wasn't saying he wouldn't forget.
But the Spirit Sword Sect will not forget.
This indicates that the theft of the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow cubs was orchestrated by the higher-ups of the Spirit Sword Sect.
"In that case, I'd like to hear what conditions your sect can offer. You must know, the Moon Spirit Fruit is not some common, readily available spiritual herb; it can't be found anywhere else except in the Heavenly Mansion Secret Realm."
Upon hearing this, Luo Rong knew that Xiao Minghuang was trying to raise the price arbitrarily.
However, in the Heavenly Mansion Secret Realm, apart from the Sword Dao Stone Tablet, the Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow is the most attractive to the Spirit Sword Sect.
If we could obtain a Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow, we would have a better chance of winning the Holy Academy election three years later, and wouldn't be outdone by other neighboring sects.
It should be noted that in the last Holy Academy election, the Spirit Sword Sect failed to qualify as a third-grade sect because it did not have a single Spirit Beast worthy of being presented.
Once recognized by the Holy Academy and becoming a third-grade sect, one can enjoy many benefits, such as having a recommendation quota and becoming Sacred Academy Disciple directly without needing to take an exam.
Such an opportunity must not be missed.
Therefore, before his departure, the sect's higher-ups repeatedly instructed him to make sure he obtained a Crimson Flame Fire Sparrow egg.
After a moment's hesitation, Luo Rong asked:
"No matter how many spirit stones and pills the princess needs, the Spirit Sword Sect can provide them."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang smiled and said softly:
"I have no shortage of spirit stones and pills, but I would like to know what realm your sect Sect Master is currently at?"
Upon hearing this, Luo Rong suddenly had a thought and frowned, saying:
"What does Your Highness mean by this? Your master's realm is beyond my comprehension as a disciple."
"Fellow Daoist, you have misunderstood."
"As a princess of Great Xia, I naturally have to consider the future of Great Xia. Now that our country is being targeted by the Dragon Tiger Sect and is in imminent danger, these Moon Spirit Fruits are extremely precious. I plan to take them back to the country so that Great Xia can have a few more valuable Divine Sea Realm experts to deter the Dragon Tiger Sect and prevent them from acting rashly."
Upon hearing this, not only Luo Rong, but everyone present also gave him strange looks.
Can a few Divine Sea Realm really intimidate the Dragon Tiger Sect?
Is Princess Xiao still dreaming?
But only Luo Rong knew that Xiao Minghuang's words meant she was setting even higher conditions.
The Great Xia is currently facing a threat from the Dragon Tiger Sect. As the number one sect in the Southern Border, if the Spirit Sword Sect can curb the Dragon Tiger Sect's aggressive posture, then what are a few Moon Spirit Fruit?
After thinking for a moment, Luo Rong replied:
"Your Highness is mistaken. If you wish to intimidate the Dragon Tiger Sect, your strength at the Divine Sea Realm is unlikely to be effective. Our sect Sect Master is Nascent Soul True Person who has also comprehended the Major Accomplishment Perfection of Sword Intent. Even the Dragon Tiger Sect Master has to give her some face. If Your Highness is willing to offer the Moon Spirit Fruit, I can speak to my master and ask her to mediate the conflict between your country and the Dragon Tiger Sect."
Xiao Minghuang smiled without saying a word. She did hope that the Spirit Sword Sect would intervene in the conflict between the Great Xia and the Dragon Tiger Sect, but it was not as simple as just mediation.
"Thank you for your kind offer, fellow Daoist, but the Dragon Tiger Sect is pressing too far, and they may not actually be willing to follow your sect's arrangements. If you think you can resolve the conflict with just a few words, fellow Daoist is being far too simplistic!"
After hearing these words, Luo Rong couldn't help but frown.
Seeing this, Cheng Wen couldn't help but speak up:
"Does the Dragon Tiger Sect even deserve to be called one? As long as Master makes a move, he can wipe out the Dragon Tiger Sect with just his sword. Princess Xiao, rest assured, I will report this matter to Master after returning to the sect, and we will teach the Dragon Tiger Sect a lesson!"
Seeing this, Luo Rong's face darkened, and he glared at Cheng Wen.
While he was still weighing the pros and cons, his junior sister preemptively agreed to the matter.
They clearly didn't take him seriously.
Cheng Wen ignored this.
As true disciples of the sect Sect Master, they would inevitably stand on opposite sides sooner or later over the position of Sect Master.
Now is the perfect opportunity to befriend Princess Xiao, especially with a true disciple of the Beast Taming Sect present. If she can make this happen, she will surely become famous throughout all sects and kingdoms.
Cheng Wen will no longer be her senior brother's little shadow!
Everyone present except Luo Rong wore smiles.
Xiao Minghuang smiled and said:
"Cheng Dao has great courage! We are confident that this operation will be a complete success!"
Cheng Wen straightened her chest, took a step forward, and flew towards Xiao Minghuang. As she passed Luo Rong, she curled her lips into a smug smile.