The moment the Monster Emperor finished speaking, the Palace doors were thrust open.
An unrestrained voice rang out.
"Eldest Brother! Second Brother!"
The Phoenix in the Wutong Tree and the White Peacock turned at the same time as a handsome, powerfully built young man with golden hair strode inside.
At the sight of the Monster Emperor's withered state, the young man's eyes reddened.
"Eldest Brother!"
The weakened Phoenix continued.
"Third Brother, you came at just the right time."
Without another thought, the newcomer transformed into a Golden-Winged Great Peng and flew to the Phoenix's side. Golden flames rose from his body, then drifted toward the Phoenix.
Bathed in the golden flames, the Phoenix's expression did not change as he continued.
"Don't waste your strength, Third Brother."
The Golden-Winged Great Peng wanted to say more, but Cheng Yu spoke from below.
"Stop putting Eldest Brother through this. Listen to what he has to say."
At that, the Great Peng replied stubbornly.
"Eldest Brother is a Phoenix! With the Nirvana Secret Art, how could he possibly..."
Cheng Yu's voice grew stern.
"Third Brother!"
The Great Peng fell silent. He withdrew his golden flames and landed on the ground, his head hanging.
Then the Monster Emperor addressed the guards outside.
"Go summon the eldest prince, the second prince, and the eldest princess!"
"Yes!"
Before long, a young woman entered the Palace with two boys.
Her eyes were just as red as she looked at the Monster Emperor, yet she still greeted those present.
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother."
The two boys also bowed their heads in greeting.
"Greetings, Father. Greetings, Imperial Uncles."
Tenderness filled the Monster Emperor's eyes at their arrival, and he spoke softly.
"Little Sister, Tian, Yue, come here."
The young woman and the two boys immediately assumed their true