47: Three years of preparation, and the winds of change are rising again.

Three years, for a Cultivator, is but a flick of a finger.

In these three years, the Northern Region, under Domain Lord Yun's leadership and Nie Li's meticulous governance, entered an unprecedented period of rapid development. Resources flowed smoothly, talents emerged in droves, and overall strength steadily increased. The Yun Family, in particular, leveraged the massive resources acquired from all sides and Yun Feng's "sublimation" ability to Cultivate a loyal and powerful core force. Yun Hao, Yun Qiao, and others significantly improved their Cultivation and could now stand on their own.

Nie Li had thoroughly assimilated the Legacy of Great Emperor Fengxue. Although his Cultivation was still suppressed at Gold Rank, his comprehension of ice-elemental and Soul Laws had reached Transcendent, and his true combat power was unfathomable. He assisted Yun Feng in managing the Northern Region, handling all affairs in an orderly manner, and his prestige grew daily.

As for Yun Feng himself, he spent most of these three years on two things: first, using Phoenix Nine Heavens' drop of "Heavenly Phoenix Heart Blood" and the opportunity to closely observe the ancestral phoenix egg's resonance with Phoenix Nine Heavens' Bloodline, to deeply analyze the mysteries of the ancient Heavenly Phoenix Bloodline and the Laws of life through the System; second, continuing to consolidate his Black Gold Middle Stage Cultivation and attempting to further integrate the power of the stars with his own Origin.

The gains were immense.

Through the study of the Heavenly Phoenix Bloodline, the System successfully deduced several methods to optimize the life Origin and enhance potential. Although it couldn't directly replicate the Heavenly Phoenix Bloodline, it provided crucial data support for solidifying Yun Feng's own Foundation and perfecting the future "Life Sublimation" function. At the same time, he also gained a deeper understanding of the Seal on the outside of the ancestral phoenix egg. Though still unable to fully break it, he could now guide it to slowly absorb energy and stabilize its state.

Phoenix Nine Heavens had resided in a separate courtyard arranged by the Yun Family for these three years, periodically warming the ancestral phoenix egg with her own Bloodline under Yun Feng's supervision. She could clearly feel the vitality within the egg slowly recovering, and her confidence in Yun Feng keeping his promise increased by a few points. Simultaneously, she secretly observed the development of the Northern Region, feeling both wary and impressed by Yun Feng and Nie Li's methods.

The day the three-year period expired finally arrived.

In the secret chamber, Yun Feng, Nie Li, Phoenix Nine Heavens, and her guardian Nanny Rong gathered. The ancestral phoenix egg, covered in blood-colored patterns, was placed in the center of a Formation that condensed pure life energy. The eggshell's luster was more mellow than three years ago, and the pulsation inside was much stronger and more vigorous.

"Domain Lord Yun, the three-year period is up." Phoenix Nine Heavens looked at the ancestral phoenix egg within reach, her heart pounding, her voice trembling slightly.

Yun Feng nodded slightly, waved his sleeve, and removed the surrounding Formation. He abided by the agreement and did not set up any obstacles.

"As per our agreement, the ancestral phoenix egg is returned to you."

Phoenix Nine Heavens took a deep breath, carefully stepped forward, extended her hands, and her Heavenly Phoenix Bloodline resonated with it. The ancestral phoenix egg seemed to sense the homologous aura, trembled slightly, and actively flew into her embrace.

The warm touch and the feeling of a Bloodline connection almost brought tears to her eyes. She could feel that although the life within the egg was still dormant, its state was much better than three years ago!

"Thank you, Domain Lord Yun, for keeping your word! The Heavenly Phoenix Divine Dynasty will never forget this kindness!" Phoenix Nine Heavens bowed deeply to Yun Feng. This time, her gratitude was genuine.

"It was just a transaction, Princess, no need to be so polite." Yun Feng's tone was calm.

Phoenix Nine Heavens, holding the ancestral phoenix egg, was eager to return home. After thanking him again, she, along with Nanny Rong and others, boarded a white jade flying boat and hastily left the Northern Region, returning to the Southern Region.

Watching the flying boat depart, Nie Li walked to Yun Feng's side and mused, "Brother Yun Feng, are we just letting them take the ancestral phoenix egg? This item is, after all, no small matter."

Yun Feng's gaze was profound: "An egg that we temporarily cannot control, exchanged for three years of research time and a favor from the Heavenly Phoenix Divine Dynasty – it's not a loss. Moreover..." He paused, "The real key is not the egg itself, but the Laws and knowledge it represents. We have already obtained these."

Nie Li nodded thoughtfully.

Soon after Phoenix Nine Heavens left, the continental situation became turbulent again.

The Feather God Sect, which had been silent for three years, seemed not to have given up. Instead, due to internal power shifts, the hawkish faction once again gained the upper hand. They no longer engaged in small-scale infiltration but began to unite with forces that had old grudges with the Northern Region or were uneasy about the Yun Family's rise, such as "Mystic Turtle Island" and "Blazing Sun Sect," forming an Alliance. They deployed troops along the Northern Region's border, adopting a posture of pressure and even provocation!

At the same time, rumors began to appear across the continent about the Northern Region possessing an "ancient evil demon Legacy" and "plundering the Luck of other domains." This was clearly the Feather God Sect fanning the flames from behind, attempting to isolate the Northern Region.

Even more unsettling was that, according to reports from border scouts, some unidentified figures with strange auras seemed to have appeared among the Feather God Sect's allied forces. Their energy attributes were distinctly different from the mainstream Cultivation Techniques of the Demon Spirit Continent, carrying a chaotic and corrupt flavor.

"Feather God Sect... they still haven't given up, as expected." Nie Li looked at the intelligence in his hand, his eyes cold. "And this time, they seem to have attracted some unclean things."

Yun Feng took the intelligence and glanced at it, showing no surprise.

"The more they jump, the harder they fall." His tone remained calm, but a sharp, cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Since they're actively offering their faces, this time, we'll make them hurt, make them fear!"

He turned and looked at Nie Li: "Issue an order for the Northern Region to enter Level 1 combat readiness. At the same time, in my name, send a 'Declaration of War' to Celestial Pivot Master, the Sect Master of the Feather God Sect."

"Declaration of War?" Nie Li was startled.

"That's right." Yun Feng stood with his hands behind his back, gazing south, his voice echoing throughout the entire Yun Family compound, carrying an undeniable resolve:

"Tell him that one month from now, I, Yun Feng, will personally ascend the Feather God Sect's mountain gate and... debate life and death with him!"