Aftermath

They left the Quiet Room and came to the lofty terrace of the pavilion.

All the sounds of heaven and earth abruptly intensified—the wind, the rustle of leaves, the distant sounds of play—all reaching their ears.

Wisps of spiritual mist brushed against their faces, its refreshing air soothing their hearts and minds.

Several white cranes came along with it.

A few had originally been circling in the sky, while two rested on one leg atop the terrace.

Now, they all gathered in this direction.

The Empress smiled.

Chu Zhiyuan gave Li Miaotan a surprised glance.

He could see that these white cranes were drawn to Li Miaotan.

It was an unseen resonance.

Li Miaotan waved her jade-like hand.

The dozen or so white cranes gradually gathering around them fluttered away once more and soared into the sky.

At this, both the Empress and Ning Suzhen noticed something strange.

The Empress gave a soft snort.

Li Miaotan smiled at her smugly.

The Empress rolled her eyes at her.

Ning Suzhen asked in surprise, "What is this?"

"The power of her bloodline." The Empress said irritably, "A hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix."

Ning Suzhen praised, "This Phoenix Bloodline truly is extraordinary. We can already see so many strange phenomena."

"These are merely minor tricks." The Empress said. "In the end, it still depends on cultivation. If she cannot become a Spirit Venerable, then no matter how good her bloodline is, it will all be in vain."

"I understand," Li Miaotan huffed.

Ning Suzhen smiled. "Once the Phoenix Bloodline has been awakened, it will be easier to step into the Spirit Venerable realm."

The Empress said, "The Phoenix Bloodline will let her live longer, but whether she can succeed still depends on her own fortune."

Chu Zhiyuan sensed the wonders of