Chapter 103: Conditions

Originally, in this world, the Butterfly Transformation stage was merely a mid-tier level. Beyond it lay not only the Feather-Molting stage but also the Myriad-Domain stage and the Carefree stage. These nine realms—Post-Natal, Pre-Natal, Sha-Condensing, Precious Body, Nirvana, Butterfly Transformation, Feather-Molting, Myriad-Domain, and Carefree—constitute the most complete progression of cultivation in this Treasure Vase World.

However, some catastrophe occurred in the past, leading to the total extinction of cultivators at the Myriad-Domain and Carefree levels, leaving Feather-Molting as the highest attainable realm. Furthermore, the world suffered a loss not only of these cultivation stages but also of the natural lifespans of its practitioners. As Hong Yun had previously deduced, the lifespans in this world are abnormal, though this affliction is specific to those who practice cultivation; common mortals remain entirely unaffected. Many of the world’s past emperors spent their final years desperately seeking the cause of this phenomenon, yet all failed.

Hong Yun sat in the deepest archive of the Luan Bird clan, sipping tea while reading. His initial leisurely demeanor had faded, replaced by a solemn expression after consuming dozens of ancient texts. Much of the information here was not recorded in standard books; instead, it was inscribed using the blood of Luan Phoenixes onto diverse materials like animal hides and feathers. Some of these records were fragile, fading slightly with each reading, and a few secrets inscribed on Luan Phoenix plumage turned to dust the moment Hong Yun finished perusing them.

He cared little for this, however. In his eyes—and in the eyes of the Luan Bird clan—bloodline was paramount. Ever since Hong Yun helped Luan Qingliu activate his full Luan Phoenix bloodline and complete his metamorphosis into a Heart-Fire Luan Phoenix, the clan had revered him almost as an emperor. When he emerged from his retreat and requested access to the clan’s library, they naturally agreed without hesitation.

Hong Yun had now grasped the secret to becoming an emperor in this world. During the Butterfly Transformation stage, both soul and body undergo subtle changes. At the peak of this stage, a qualitative transformation occurs—a prerequisite for reaching the Feather-Molting stage. Once this transformation is achieved, the cultivator must absorb a specific type of "tribulation energy" native to this world, known to them as "Imperial Aura." Upon accumulating enough to trigger a further evolution, they can reach the Feather-Molting stage and become a "Heaven."

After the Myriad-Domain and Carefree cultivators vanished, this world originally allowed five "Heavens" to coexist, corresponding to the five major tribes: the Eight-Armed Golden Apes, the Kui-Wood Savage Bulls, the Underworld-Water Yin Pythons, the Heart-Fire Luan Phoenixes, and the Seven-Orifice Stone Spirits. For reasons unknown, at the dawn of the Demon-Suppression Era, the Kui-Wood Savage Bulls and the Seven-Orifice Stone Spirits were wiped out, vanishing into history. Later, during the Peace-Making Era, the Underworld-Water Yin Pythons waged war against humanity and subsequently disappeared, leaving only the Eight-Armed Golden Apes and the Heart-Fire Luan Phoenixes.

The status of the Eight-Armed Golden Apes remains unknown, but the Heart-Fire Luan Phoenix clan’s tribulation energy is constantly volatile; every century, a Butterfly Transformation cultivator must sacrifice their life to quell it. Consequently, no new Heart-Fire Luan Phoenix had been born into the clan for nearly a thousand years.

When the clan elders realized Hong Yun had truly taken the object from the cavern, their feelings were complex and indescribable. Their first instinct was to demand its return, but the thought of their own helplessness—knowing that even their Feather-Molting emperors had failed to refine that heart—made them abandon such foolish notions. They knew their own limitations.

Gold, wood, water, fire, earth... Water, the Underworld-Water Yin Pythons... Hong Yun closed the book, his mind flashing back to the massive skeleton he had once seen. A lingering doubt was finally resolved.

After spending some time in the archive and mastering the knowledge he required, Hong Yun walked out. He did not conceal his departure, triggering the local formation. Within half a cup of tea, Luan Qingliu appeared by his side.

"Master, you have emerged."

"There is no need for such formalities," Hong Yun said, sensing the other’s unease. Understanding what weighed on Luan Qingliu’s mind, he held up three fingers. "Since I took that object, I have severed your clan's future foundation. Though you have inherited your bloodline perfectly, there is still a risk of failure. I will give you one hour to consider: I shall use my own methods to help your Luan Bird clan produce three more Heart-Fire Luan Phoenixes."

Luan Qingliu’s eyes lit up. This exceeded his expectations, yet he still harbored a desire to ask for more. However, when he looked up and met Hong Yun’s indifferent gaze, he felt a heart-stopping tremor, reminiscent of the first time he saw a portrait of his clan’s ancient emperor as a child.

"Many thanks, Master."

After bowing, Luan Qingliu transformed into his true form and flew into the sky, letting out a cry. The sound resonated with the Luan Phoenix Bell hanging above the statue of a Heart-Fire Luan Phoenix on the mountain peak, producing a clear, piercing chime. Instantly, countless Luan birds responded, flying toward him from all directions.

The first to arrive were the clan’s elders at the Butterfly Transformation stage. Upon hearing the news, they were stunned, uncertain of how to react. Their immediate concern was how to divide the spots. As for themselves, they knew the truth: very few Luan Bird elders died in battle; most were sacrificed to the cavern. Beyond slowly accumulating "Imperial Aura" and harboring the impossible dream of becoming a Heart-Fire Luan Phoenix, they had no other path. If Hong Yun had offered even one spot, they would have served him to the death. But three spots were difficult to distribute.

Just as they were agonizing over the decision, a telepathic message reached Luan Qingliu, causing him to stumble in mid-air. Under the gaze of the elders, he felt his throat itch as he spoke:

"He told me to convey that if you agree to two more conditions, he can provide three additional spots. First, once they have all metamorphosed into Heart-Fire Luan Phoenixes, one must be chosen to pledge loyalty to his descendant. Second, at least two Butterfly Transformation elders must join him in launching an attack on the Flowing Moon Sect."