175: Chapter 176 Phoenix Feather's Third Rebirth

"Even if he didn't ask for our help, we must prepare in advance." Wang Zhuojun pressed his cigarette butt heavily into the ashtray, his tone more solemn than ever before. "The duration of that scroll is only about half a month. If he doesn't send any news of clearing it within this week, or even if there's no news at all, we must prepare for the worst and activate the emergency plan. At that time, it won't be a simple inquiry or support; we might need to mobilize special forces or even consider forced intervention to try and bring him out of the secret realm. Although the cost would be immense and it would destroy the secret realm, a good prospect—especially one like him—is worth it."

Forcing intervention into an epic-level secret realm to rescue someone trapped? Su Zongming's heart shook at the words. He knew what that implied. It would require at least three Nation-Guarding Level Experts working together, paying a heavy price, and potentially permanently damaging the secret realm's entrance, causing unpredictable spatial tremors. This was essentially the deployment of national-level strategic resources. The fact that Wang Zhuojun could say this meant that certain big shots at the top valued Lin Muyang far more than he had estimated.

"I understand." Su Zongming took a deep breath and nodded heavily. "I will keep a close eye on it. Once five days pass without definitive news, I will immediately initiate the emergency contact procedures." In his heart, he actually felt the possibility of Lin Muyang clearing it was high, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Preparing for the worst in advance was never wrong.

However, just as Su Zongming had been convinced by Wang Zhuojun and felt the need to prepare for a rainy day—even starting to calculate the activation process for the emergency plan and which departments needed coordination...

The private encrypted communicator in his pocket suddenly vibrated, indicating a new message.

Su Zongming made a 'wait' gesture to Wang Zhuojun, took out the communicator, and unlocked it to check.

The message was from Lin Muyang, and the content was extremely brief, consisting of only two words:

"Cleared it."

The expression on Su Zongming's face froze instantly, as if someone had pressed the pause button. He blinked, then carefully read those two words again, confirming he wasn't seeing things and hadn't misunderstood the meaning.

Cleared? Which one was cleared? Which one could it be? The only one Lin Muyang took his team to conquer today was that Level 165 epic-level secret realm—the [purgatory demon sea]!

How long had it been? From the time he received news that Lin Muyang had left Ziyun Mountain Villa and was suspected of entering a high-level secret realm until now, it hadn't even been three hours in total! Even if you subtracted travel and preparation time, the time Lin Muyang spent in the secret realm was probably only two hours or even less?

Two hours to clear a Level 165 epic-level secret realm?

Su Zongming subconsciously wondered if he had misunderstood, or if Lin Muyang was joking. But logic told him that Lin Muyang wasn't the type to make baseless claims, and joking about such a thing would bring him no benefit.

So... it was real?

As soon as this thought arose, it spread like wildfire through Su Zongming's mind. The hand holding the communicator trembled slightly. Not from fear, but from extreme shock and an indescribable sense of absurdity.

He knew Lin Muyang was strong, knew he could fight above his level, and knew he could crush King and Emperor Level secret realms of the same level with his summons. That was why he felt Lin Muyang clearing an epic secret realm was "not a big problem," just a matter of time. But the time he had estimated was several days, perhaps even a week of slow grinding! After all, it was epic-grade; the monster strength, complexity of mechanics, and harshness of the environment were not comparable to King or Emperor Levels.

And the result? The guy finished it in two hours?

"This..." Su Zongming opened his mouth but found his throat dry, momentarily unsure of what to say. One moment he was discussing with Wang Zhuojun about "activating the emergency plan if there's no news for a week," and the next moment Lin Muyang sends "Cleared it"?

This slap to the face was fast and loud, but a surge of uncontrollable wild joy and pride welled up in his heart.

"Old Su? What's wrong? You look like you've lost your soul." Wang Zhuojun looked at Su Zongming's rapidly changing expression—from solemn to dazed, then to shock and a hint of wild joy—and couldn't help but ask in confusion. He hadn't yet connected Lin Muyang's "feat" to the serious emergency plan he had just discussed.

Su Zongming took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, though the shock and excitement in his eyes were still hard to hide. He looked up at Wang Zhuojun and, in an extremely strange tone mixed with disbelief and triumph, said word by word:

"Old Wang, I just received a message from Lin Muyang."

"He said that epic-level secret realm, the [purgatory demon sea]..."

"Has been cleared by him. All the monsters and the BOSS inside have been wiped out."

The office suddenly fell into a dead silence.

The Disguise on Wang Zhuojun's face seemed to stiffen for a moment, and those eyes that seemed capable of piercing through human hearts showed obvious bewilderment for the first time. The new cigarette he was about to light stopped mid-air.

"What?" Wang Zhuojun's voice was a pitch higher than usual, carrying a sharp edge he hadn't noticed himself. "Say that again? Cleared? When did this happen?"

"Just now, the message he sent." Su Zongming turned the communicator screen toward Wang Zhuojun, which clearly displayed the two words Lin Muyang had sent.

Wang Zhuojun stared at those two words for several seconds as if to confirm they weren't an illusion. Then, he slowly set down the cigarette and lighter, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long, long breath.

"Two hours... no, counting preparation and travel, his actual time in the secret realm might have been less than two hours..." Wang Zhuojun murmured under his breath, as if calculating, or perhaps trying to convince himself to accept the fact. "A Level 165 epic secret realm... this efficiency..."

He looked up at Su Zongming. His expression had returned to its usual composure, but the shock deep in his eyes could not be erased.

"It seems we still underestimated him," Wang Zhuojun said slowly, his tone complex. "No, it's not underestimating; he simply cannot be judged by common logic. The upper limit of this kid's strength is likely much higher than any of us imagined."

Su Zongming nodded in deep agreement, a smile finally breaking out on his face—a smile of relief and vicarious pride. "Yes. I was worried his level wasn't high enough and he'd be in danger... now it seems I was worrying over nothing. This kid simply can't be measured by common sense."

"It's a good thing, a fantastic thing." Wang Zhuojun also smiled, this time a genuine one. "With this, many plans can be moved forward. Regarding his protection level and treatment level, everything can be re-evaluated to speed up the process."

"Mm, I'll go arrange it immediately." Su Zongming was invigorated and turned to leave.

"Wait." Wang Zhuojun called him back, pondering for a moment. "As for the news of Lin Muyang clearing the [purgatory demon sea], don't announce it to the public for now; keep it limited to the highest levels. Let him handle the specific spoils of the secret realm himself; don't ask about them. We need to give him enough space and trust. Additionally, in my name, transfer a batch of precious materials and scrolls from the headquarters' secret vault that suit his level or that he might find useful, as a congratulation and reward for successfully challenging an epic secret realm. Take them over personally, be sincere, and don't put any pressure on him."

Su Zongming's eyes lit up at the words. Wang Zhuojun was really going all out with this investment! The items in the headquarters' secret vault were true treasures, many of them strategic resources that couldn't be bought even with money. He immediately straightened his back. "Yes! I guarantee the mission will be completed!"

Watching Su Zongming's hurried departure, Wang Zhuojun picked up the unlit cigarette again, twirling it between his fingers as his gaze toward the window grew distant.

"Lin Muyang... you really gave everyone a big surprise this time. No, it's a shock." He whispered to himself, a hint of gratification at the corner of his mouth. "It seems this old bag of bones of mine needs to get moving to clear some unnecessary obstacles for you. The future of the Xia Country... perhaps it really will bloom with a different radiance in your hands."

Lin Muyang didn't feel much about the waves caused among the national high-level officials by his brief message. Notifying Su Zongming was simply fulfilling a previous agreement. His mind was currently entirely focused on the harvest from this secret realm trip and his next arrangements.

The [purgatory demon sea], a Level 165 epic-level secret realm, lived up to its reputation. The monsters inside were of an extremely high level with powerful attributes, and the environment was incredibly harsh, with lava, poisonous bogs, and mental erosion zones appearing one after another. Even Lin Muyang spent over half an hour to completely clear it.

This was already the longest time he had spent in a secret realm since he started entering them. The attribute disadvantage brought by the level suppression was real; even with various God-Tier Aura buffs, the young ladies' attacks often couldn't achieve instant kills. They needed coordination, kiting, and sometimes Lin Muyang even had to step in personally, using his Auras to clear troublesome elite monsters and special mechanic monsters.

But correspondingly, the harvest was staggeringly rich.

Total drops: 75 pieces of Level 165 legendary-grade equipment! 12 legendary-grade skill books! Numerous epic-grade materials, countless rare gems, and high-level enhancement stones. What surprised Lin Muyang the most was that he actually found two [origin skill books]! Although they were relatively common warrior-type and mage-type Origin Skills that weren't very useful to him or the young ladies, their intrinsic value and the rule fragments they contained—which could be absorbed by his [Infinite Evolution] talent—were what Lin Muyang valued.

However, those 75 pieces of legendary equipment and 12 legendary skill books were a bit awkward for the current Lin Muyang. The level requirements were too high; he and the young ladies couldn't use them in the short term. Give them to the "Oracle" organization? There were a few geniuses with levels close enough, but they weren't true core members of his own; Lin Muyang didn't plan to bestow such heavy treasures lightly. Sell them to the state or large guilds? That would easily expose his source of wealth and attract unnecessary attention.

After thinking it over, Lin Muyang made a decision.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

After Lin Muyang returned to the villa, he immediately selected 50 pieces of equipment from the mountain of legendary-grade gear that had relatively ordinary attributes or were not well-suited to the classes and development paths of him and the young ladies. Then, he activated the decomposition function that came with his [Infinite Evolution] talent.

Streaks of faint light, visible only to Lin Muyang, flashed by. The 50 pieces of legendary-grade equipment, which had been exuding powerful fluctuations, disintegrated in his hands like sand sculptures, transforming into the purest energy essence containing surging fire elements—a full 50 [legendary-grade Fire Element Essence]! Each one contained heart-stopping fire-type energy; if they were to fall into the outside world, it would be enough to drive any fire-type Class Transferee insane.

Lin Muyang stored the 50 Fire Element Essences away, then, through their soul link, whispered a call: "Feng Ling, come to my room for a moment."

A moment later, the door was gently pushed open. A young lady wearing a red palace-style gown, possessing a noble and elegant temperament, yet with a slightly petite and delicate figure, walked in silently. She stepped barefoot on the carpet, her ankles slender and snow-white; it was none other than the Phoenix Heavenly Maiden, Feng Ling.

"Master, did you call for me?" Feng Ling's voice was crisp and melodious, like the cry of a phoenix. She walked up to Lin Muyang, tilted her small face up slightly, and her stunningly beautiful face was filled with pure reliance and attachment. Her memories began from the moment she was summoned, and she felt a natural, nestling-like closeness toward Lin Muyang.

"Yes, the materials for Nirvana are ready." Lin Muyang opened his hand. Above his palm hovered the fifty Fire Element Essences, emitting a scorching red glow that illuminated the entire room in a fiery red hue, causing the temperature to seem to rise slightly. "Do you want to undergo your third Nirvana now?"

Feng Ling's eyes, which looked like they were burning with golden flames, lit up instantly. She looked at the Fire Element Essences, then looked at Lin Muyang, her eyes filled with longing, but more than that, with obedience to Lin Muyang's will.

"Feng Ling obeys Master." She said softly, her voice carrying a hint of suppressed excitement. For her, Nirvana was not only a leap in strength but also a sublimation of her life level, an unlocking of bloodline memories, and an opportunity for growth. She stole a glance at Lin Muyang, her cheeks slightly flushed. After Nirvana, her body would grow further and become closer to the perfect form of the Phoenix Heavenly Maiden inherited in her bloodline... Perhaps, she would be able to get closer to Master, just like the other sisters.

Watching the young lady before him, who clearly possessed an ancient and noble bloodline yet was completely obedient to him, Lin Muyang felt a touch of softness in his heart. Feng Ling's combat power was already among the best under his command, especially her AOE clearing and sustained combat capabilities. Once she completed the third Nirvana, her level cap would break through, her attributes would skyrocket again, and her combat power would become even more terrifying.

"This Nirvana will take five days." Lin Muyang said, while observing Feng Ling's reaction. "If you start now, you will miss the finals of the national Summoner Competition. According to the competition rules, I need at least five summons to participate. It wouldn't be a big problem without you, but I need you to make the decision yourself."

Feng Ling barely hesitated. She stepped forward, gently took Lin Muyang's hand, tilted her small face up, and said with determined eyes: "Feng Ling wants to become stronger, wants to grow up faster, and help Master better. There will be other opportunities for competitions." For her, Master's needs and her own growth were far more important than the outcome of a single competition.

Feeling the warm, soft touch in his hand and the young lady's determination, Lin Muyang smiled and squeezed her small hand back: "Alright, then let's proceed with Nirvana. I will wait for you outside."

"Yes!" Feng Ling nodded vigorously, a bright smile blooming on her face.

Lin Muyang brought Feng Ling to her room. The villa was large, and each of the young ladies had her own independent space. Although Lin Muyang occasionally visited, he mostly gave them enough privacy and freedom. Feng Ling's room was decorated simply and elegantly, with red and gold as the main color scheme. Several landscape paintings with distant artistic conceptions hung on the walls, and on the windowsill sat a carefully tended plant with small, fiery red flowers. The air was filled with a faint, warm fragrance, like the smell of sun-baked earth. It was much neater and more orderly than the "Elf nest" of a certain Elf Princess, which looked like it had been hit by a hurricane.

Arriving once again in this room filled with the scent of a young lady, Lin Muyang handed the fifty Fire Element Essences to Feng Ling.

Feng Ling took them carefully, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world. She first stepped forward with a touch of reluctance, gently hugged Lin Muyang, rubbed her small face against his chest, and felt that reassuring scent, before blushing and letting go, stepping back a few paces.

She took a deep breath, her expression becoming solemn and devout. She walked barefoot to the soft carpet in the center of the room, sat down slowly, folded her hands in front of her lower abdomen, and closed her eyes.

The next moment, the fifty Fire Element Essences hovering in front of her seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, starting to tremble slightly and emitting increasingly intense light and heat. The surging fire element energy, as if having found its nest, flooded frantically toward Feng Ling.

A faint layer of golden light, like flowing flames, began to emerge on the surface of Feng Ling's body. She did not trigger a violent energy explosion like the previous two times; instead, with an incredibly exquisite control, she constrained all the fire element energy within a very small range around her body. Not a single trace leaked out, and the furnishings in the room, not even the curtains, were ignited.

The scorching energy became increasingly dense, gradually enveloping her completely. The golden light also became more solid, eventually forming an oval giant egg about 1.7 meters tall and 1 meter wide, its entire body looking like flowing liquid gold with mysterious phoenix patterns appearing on the surface—the [Golden phoenix egg] of the third Nirvana.

Standing a few steps away, Lin Muyang could clearly feel the powerful, heartbeat-like life pulse emanating from the golden egg, as well as the terrifying, heart-stopping energy contained within. Looking at this golden giant egg, which was not much larger than Feng Ling's human form, he found it truly hard to imagine how it could contain a living young lady inside.

"Her body... is truly impossibly soft." Lin Muyang couldn't help but exclaim. The process of Nirvana involved profound laws such as spatial folding and energy compression; it was far from as simple as it appeared.

He carefully checked the room, confirming that the energy was stable, the Nirvana process was proceeding smoothly, and there were no hidden dangers. Then, through their soul link, he instructed Ao Qingyan, who was cultivating in the quiet room: "Qingyan, Feng Ling has started her Nirvana and will need five days. During this time, please keep an eye on this room and ensure there are no disturbances."

"Yes, Master. Qingyan understands." Ao Qingyan's cold and clear voice came through immediately, carrying an unquestionable firmness. After transforming into a dragon, her perception and strength had reached a new height. With her guarding the villa, Lin Muyang could rest completely assured.

With everything arranged, Lin Muyang took one last look at the Golden phoenix egg standing quietly in the center of the room, radiating a warm golden glow, turned around, and gently closed the door.

With Ao Qingyan guarding, Feng Ling's Nirvana was foolproof. As for grinding monsters for levels? It was fine to put it aside for now. The summoned young ladies all had an experience catch-up mechanism, and it would be quick to make up for it later.

He walked to the window and looked out at the night scenery outside Ziyun Mountain Villa. Since his stunning performance at the Tianhai City Provincial Tournament, Zhongnan City had clearly become much livelier. Within his perception, there were many unfamiliar figures with not-so-weak Auras in the city. There were spies from other provinces, observers from international organizations, and some free experts harboring various motives, attempting to approach or investigate.

However, these people were all very well-behaved. At least within Zhongnan City, no one dared to cause trouble easily. The reason was simple—the Xia Kingdom's official authorities had directly dispatched two Nation-Guarding Level Experts to be stationed in Zhongnan City! On the surface, it was to maintain order during the competition, but in reality, it was to protect important talents and deter small-time troublemakers. With these two great experts guarding the city, who would dare to act recklessly?

Lin Muyang also received more explicit information from Su Zongming. Recently, the international situation had been fraught with undercurrents. Several major powers, led by the American Empire, seemed to be plotting a new round of technological and economic blockades against the Xia Kingdom, and there might even be small moves in the field of Class Transferees. Su Zongming specifically reminded Lin Muyang to be extra careful about his safety in the near future, not ruling out actions targeted at him personally.

To this, Lin Muyang just smiled faintly. Be careful about safety? The entire Zhongnan City was almost completely under his perception. His [Divine Sight] combined with the [Eye of Creation] was enough to see through the vast majority of Disguises, stealth, and invisibility methods. Any person with malicious intent, as long as they entered a certain range, would find it difficult to escape his eyes. Even that "Thousand-Faced Divine Monkey" Wang Zhuojun, known for his Disguise, had his soul essence laid bare in Lin Muyang's eyes.

Therefore, he was not worried about safety issues.

It was the invitation letters and recruitment letters received through various channels recently from major top-tier guilds, consortia, and even secret departments of certain countries, both domestic and international, that were as numerous as snowflakes. Regarding this, Lin Muyang ignored them all. His path was his own to walk; he did not need to rely on any force.

Time passed peacefully for a few days, spent with Feng Ling's Nirvana, Lin Muyang's daily enjoyment of Elena's "muscle-relaxing and meridian-activating" massage, processing intelligence from the "Oracle" organization, and occasionally guiding the other young ladies in their cultivation.

It was on the evening of the third day after Feng Ling entered her Nirvana state.

Lin Muyang had just finished a round of "attribute massage" and was feeling refreshed. Just as he was preparing to check the intelligence brought back by Chiba Ruri regarding several newly discovered high-level secret realm scrolls, the door was gently knocked.

"Come in."

Shen Muyao pushed the door open and entered. She seemed to have just returned from outside, still carrying the chill of the night wind, and her stunningly beautiful face wore a rare hint of gravity.

"Muyang, I just received an urgent message." Shen Muyao walked up to Lin Muyang, handed him a specially encrypted magic letter, and lowered her voice, saying, "It's a distress signal sent by Jiang Chenyu. The priority is at the highest level, and it includes some vague coordinate information..."