The Fire Luan's Nature Was Ever Slaughter

The white crane, seemingly sentient, thanked him profusely and coquettishly lingered for a while. When it finally left, it was reluctant to part, turning back to look at Li Zhengyuan before flapping its wings and flying away.

Li Zhengyuan sighed again. Rather than using divine powers to travel on foot, he summoned a cloud and rode upon it, taking in the boundless scenery along the way.

Vermilion Phoenixes danced gracefully, while black birds and azure sparrows complemented one another. For a time, the scene was immensely lively, with creatures too numerous to count. Countless species raised their heads in anticipation toward the vast sky. Within the suddenly opened purple void, feathered creatures freely displayed themselves, embodying the paths of seven kinds of enlightenment as they roamed the four directions unrestrained. Such a sight made one reluctant to leave. It could not help but scatter one's thoughts, transform the scenery, and let one drift freely into an immortal realm.

Langgan Flowers bloomed everywhere in the void. Flowing flames scattered without harming anyone, moonlight intertwined with Jielin, and the sun's radiance illuminated Yuyi Palace. Dao essence drew in and condensed into liquid, ascending in an ethereal form. Jade-like principles sang amid the brilliant scenery, while the radiant Longhua shimmered where Fuxi dwelled, drifting toward the gloomy Heavenly River.

Emperor's Flowing Essence rained down from the sky. What a beautiful sight!

Yet in that instant, the once tranquil heavens and earth underwent a heaven-shaking shift. The raging flames seemed to lose their vitality in an instant, no longer burning wildly. Even the incomparably precious Emperor's Flowing Essence froze solid and ceased to flow. Everything around them became blazing hot, and even the void itself began to melt slowly.

At that moment, a Fire Luan bathed in flames slowly poked its head out from the void. With its sharp, blade-like beak, it easily tore through the fragile membrane of the surrounding void, fully revealing its majestic and magnificent form.

With a crisp cry of "Cha," the entire void was instantly filled with flowing flames. Like nimble spirits, the flames swiftly spread across the void, forming a broad, gleaming road.

All along that road, dazzling sparks bloomed everywhere, freely displaying fire's unique splendor, so beautiful that it left people in awe.

"It's actually a Fire Luan in the Dao Lord Realm! What imposing majesty!" Li Zhengyuan, standing not far away, could not help murmuring in praise.

His gaze remained fixed on the powerful Fire Luan, his eyes gleaming with reverence and curiosity.

Legend had it that Fire Luans delighted in slaughter and governed warfare. It was Phoenix's ninth child, savage by nature and fond of devouring humans. The many luan birds all revered it and regarded it as their lord.

This Fire Luan had been born with the Fire God's Body. From the moment of its birth, it possessed the terrifying cultivation of a Half-step Dao Lord. Thirty thousand kalpas ago, it had devoured countless living beings. Whenever it ate its fill, it would find a quiet corner of the void and sleep soundly, with few daring to disturb it.

And now, the reason this Fire Luan had appeared was that it had awakened from its long slumber and was gripped by unbearable hunger, urgently needing food to fill its belly.

The moment it saw Li Zhengyuan, it was overjoyed. After all, how could it possibly let such delicious flesh and blood, delivered right to its mouth, slip away?

Li Zhengyuan only saw the Fire Luan glance at him before flapping its wings and preparing to fly over his head. He did not think much of it. Along the way, the Feather Clan had killed and fought little, living in harmony and peace, and he had nearly forgotten the taste of slaughter.

But the moment the Fire Luan flew above him, its ferocity erupted. It slashed at Li Zhengyuan's head with its claws, intending to rip open his skull and devour his brain marrow.

Li Zhengyuan suddenly felt a chill above his head, and killing intent burst forth. He immediately drew his treasured sword and raised it overhead to block its path. That had been close—he had nearly let the bird peck through his skull and spill his Primordial Spirit.

Seeing that the Fire Luan had murderous intent, he did not hold back, much less feel any fear. Although the Fire Luan was in the Dao Lord Realm, Li Zhengyuan had been a Half-step Dao Lord for countless years and had long begun entering the Dao Lord Realm. He had merely deliberately restrained himself to accumulate his mana. His strength had long since reached the Dao Lord Realm, so he did not fear it.

He thrust his sword forward to kill. The Fire Luan was startled inwardly. It had eaten quite a few Half-step Dao Lords before, yet never had it seen one dare resist. It assumed he was merely an ant trying to stop a cart.

It swept its wings at Li Zhengyuan again, intending to knock him to the ground before pouncing on him and devouring him. Yet Li Zhengyuan did not budge in the slightest, as steady as Mount Tai.

He seized its claw with a backhanded grip and began competing with the Fire Luan in physical strength. Fierce beasts like this possessed crude, powerful bodies, and cultivators usually did not compare their fleshly strength with them. But Li Zhengyuan was different. The Earth Dao was heavy and vast, and few could contend with him in strength. The two engaged in close-quarters combat, claw against fist, without using any mana.