Nine Nether Island.
Before Jiang Hao and Han You's shocked eyes, the countless chains were broken free.
Immediately afterwards, a pair of blood-red wings that blotted out the sky unfurled, their surface shimmering with a light like crystal, incomparably beautiful. As a long and graceful neck stretched out, the proud head of a phoenix appeared before everyone's eyes, its eyes gleaming like two blood-red moons.
The Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix has reappeared in the world!
Although its power is much weaker than in its prime, its ancient ferocity and domineering aura of devouring and destruction have already reigned supreme over this world!
It simply hovered there, as if it had become the embodiment of death and end, making everything tremble!
Jiang Hao felt difficulty breathing, and his soul trembled slightly; this was the true power of an ancient Devil God.
"Hahaha! I, the great one, have finally been born!"
A thunderous laugh rang out.
"This guy... I didn't expect him to be so powerful."
Jiang Hao muttered to himself, sensing the power of the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix, which seemed to rival even the might of Han Xuanji's previous attack.
He even suspected that this guy might turn against him.
After all, can an oath truly bind such a powerful figure?
Han Xuanji was naturally not worried about this guy betraying him. At its peak, the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix was a top-tier existence at the Hunyuan Taiji level, but after countless years, its power had declined beyond recognition.
Despite its imposing presence, it is actually only at the level of Hunyuan One Qi Daluo Golden Immortal.
Of course, an ordinary Hunyuan One Qi Daluo Golden Immortal would only be destined to die. The opponent's essence is still extremely high, and given enough time, he can easily return to the Hunyuan Taiji level in the future.
Having seemingly vented its anger, the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix, who was incomparably majestic in everyone's eyes, did something that almost made people's eyes pop out.
Its enormous body rapidly shrank, and the terrifying pressure emanating from it receded like a tide.
In the blink of an eye, the ancient ferocious bird that blotted out the sky disappeared, replaced by a small phoenix... not much larger than the previous Nether Crow form, its entire body covered in flowing dark red light, appearing exceptionally majestic.
The dark red phoenix flapped its wings and flew to Han Xuanji with lightning speed. Then... it expertly rubbed its head against Han Xuanji's sleeve, making a sound that was exactly the same as before, or even more obsequious:
"My lord! Look at this! How's your new look? Isn't it much more handsome than before?"
Of course, this is all thanks to you, sir! Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today! From now on, I will serve you faithfully and diligently!
Jiang Hao stared in disbelief, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor. After a long pause, he finally managed to stammer out:
"You... you really... haven't forgotten your original intentions!"
Even Han You couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.
Han Xuanji looked at the extraordinary-looking little phoenix before him, whose obsequiousness was etched into her very bones, and his lips twitched slightly, a rare occurrence for him.
Do you have a name?
The other person wasn't annoyed by being bounced back; instead, they puffed out their chest and said in a tone that was a mixture of pride and reminiscence:
"Your Excellency! I was conceived at the beginning of time, born with the Great Dao of Devouring, and have existed since the beginning of time! At that time, I was ignorant and uncivilized, nameless and without surname. Later, I roamed the ancient times, and all living beings revered me, calling me -- the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix, while I myself call myself 'Devouring'!"
It paused, seemingly savoring the supreme ferocity and ancient history contained within the single word, but then its tone shifted abruptly, and it smiled obsequiously:
"But that's all in the past, not worth mentioning. I'm only able to see the light of day again thanks to your kindness!"
This name sounds fierce and not friendly enough; it doesn't suit my status as someone who follows an adult!
If you do not mind, sir, please bestow upon me a new name, so that I may completely leave behind my past, turn over a new leaf, and serve you wholeheartedly from now on!
It stared at Han Xuanji with pleading eyes, its gaze clearly saying, "Quickly give me a catchy and endearing name!"
Jiang Hao, listening from the side, rolled his eyes and couldn't help but complain:
"You really are a complete lackey... but you let..."
"Shut up, you brat!"
The little phoenix immediately turned to Jiang Hao and angrily said,
"To be given a name by an esteemed person is an unparalleled honor! What do you know!"
Han Xuanji looked at this lively character and pondered for a moment.
Its true form is the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix, which is in charge of devouring, so its name "devouring" is quite fitting.
"Since you have taken control of devouring and been reborn here, I will call you Xiao Hong."
Han Xuanji spoke calmly.
Little... Xiao Hong?
The dark red phoenix seemed to have been struck by lightning; the bird froze in mid-air, its eyes, which had been gleaming with a blood-red light, instantly dimmed, filled with disbelief.
It's hard to believe the way Han Xuanji chose her name.
Xiao Hong?
This has absolutely nothing to do with the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix.
It opened its beak, as if trying to subtly suggest that the name might be a little too... plain and unadorned?
But when they met Han Xuanji's calm and indifferent gaze, all the protests that were on the tip of their tongues were instantly blocked by an invisible pressure, turning into a trembling response:
"Thank you so much, Master, for bestowing upon me a name."
It tried its best to make its voice sound grateful, but even Han You, who was standing next to it, could feel the sense of utter despair and grievance.
Looking at the other person's expression—as if they had swallowed a thousand flies but were forced to force a smile— Jiang Hao couldn't help but laugh.
"What a lovely name! It's so fitting and endearing! From now on, I'll call you Xiao Hong!"
"You brat, you're asking for it!"
The little phoenix immediately vented its grief and anger on Jiang Hao, flapping its wings to peck at him, its dark red feathers bristling with rage.
Laugh again! Laugh again and I'll devour you!
Han You blinked her pure, large eyes, looked at the exasperated Xiao Hong, and whispered:
" Xiao Hong..."
Then, seemingly finding the name easy to pronounce, he chuckled softly.
Hearing Han You's laughter, Xiao Hong was overcome with grief, feeling that her ancient ferocious bird's majesty had been completely swept away at this moment, shattered into nothingness.
It drooped its head, listlessly flew back to Han Xuanji's shoulder, and lay there weakly, like an eggplant that had been hit by frost. It only mumbled a sentence in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz:
"Master, Xiao Hong... awaits your orders."
Han Xuanji looked at the ancient ferocious bird on his shoulder, which had become completely dejected because of a name. A faint smile seemed to flash deep in his eyes, but he quickly returned to calm.
He flicked his sleeve and said calmly:
"With this matter settled, it's time to leave."
His gains from this trip to the Land of Returning to the Ruins far exceeded his expectations.
Not only did they subdue two powerful beings at the Hunyuan level, but they also obtained a large amount of cultivation resources.
Given enough time to absorb and digest this information, his strength will undergo a dramatic transformation.