Xuanming issued a decree.
The power of Heaven and Earth lent its strength.
The laws resonated, and the Great Dao trembled in unison.
The gray, hazy Phoenix gave an excited cry that pierced the clouds and moon, then beat her wings and soared into the sky.
As the true essence of primordial unity dispersed, it transformed into immense power that formed the Phoenix's flesh and blood, evolving naturally in accordance with the Laws of Heaven and Earth.
Her cries shook Heaven and Earth ever more fiercely.
On Phoenix Perch Mountain, phoenix bloodlines awakened one after another and gazed up at the sky. Men and women in splendid clothing stood atop the parasol trees, watching that unusual Phoenix with curiosity and bewilderment.
Feng Xi and the Wutong Tree God were watching as well.
The Tree God in particular never looked away. At some point, her hands hidden within her sleeves had clenched tight, anticipation mingling with unease.
Xuanming watched too, filled with anticipation.
Screee!
The gray haze around the Phoenix grew fainter and fainter, replaced by a crystalline, translucent ice blue.
An hour later, accompanied by a phoenix cry that shook Heaven and Earth, an Ice Phoenix was born. She spread her wings and flew, dancing across the nine heavens.
For the first time, snow fell on Phoenix Perch Mountain.
Six-pointed snowflakes drifted down in profusion, blanketing Phoenix Perch Mountain. All those of phoenix bloodline were stunned. Some raised their hands to catch the snow, some cheered amid it, some looked grave, some thoughtful, and others delighted.
Xuanming was taken aback by the sight.
He had intended to decree a golden phoenix into being. To his surprise, the evolution had produced an Ice Phoenix. Unexpected though it was, she was a Phoenix nonetheless.
With that thought, he spoke again.
"I hereby