Chapter 650

Chapter 650: The Debt That Cannot Be Repaid

Feng Wu had always known that she was different from the other members of the Phoenix Clan.

While the eggs of others were pure and translucent, like fine jade, hers was covered in intricate black patterns, entwined with the images of a dragon and a phoenix—a mark of extraordinary destiny.

Yet, despite her noble origins, she remained trapped within her shell, unable to hatch at the expected time. If not for Lu Chao Chao’s intervention, she would have suffocated inside the egg before ever seeing the world.

When she was finally born, celestial phenomena accompanied her arrival, and she descended alongside her Companion Spirit Pearl. The Phoenix King knelt in reverence before the heavens and immediately declared her the heir of the Phoenix Clan, destined to one day inherit the throne.

Though insignificant to the divine, her Companion Spirit Pearl was a priceless treasure to the Dragon and Phoenix Clans, both sacred beings of the world.

The Dragon Clan, rulers of water, controlled the clouds and rains of the mortal realm, guarding the Spring of the Three Realms—a vital lifeline that maintained balance.

However, years ago, young dragons, deceived by outsiders, allowed intruders into their sacred land. The spring was damaged, and their crime was grave. If reported, they would lose their dominion over the skies, their status as divine beasts stripped away, their legends erased from history.

Desperate, the Dragon King sought every possible means to repair the spring, but all efforts were futile. The destruction only accelerated as time passed.

Upon learning of Feng Wu’s Companion Spirit Pearl, a celestial treasure sharing a common origin with the Dragon Clan, they saw a chance at salvation. If offered to the spring, it could restore balance and undo the devastation.

Thus, the Dragon Clan proposed marriage.

The Companion Spirit Pearl held half of Feng Wu’s lifespan and cultivation—it was, in essence, half of her very existence.

With such a sacrifice required of her, she dared not be careless. She traveled to the Dragon Clan overnight.

She arrived before dawn, standing beneath the moonlight. Zhu Mo, the groom-to-be, did not even turn to look at her. His voice was calm and detached.

“I give myself to this union willingly, Princess. I was not coerced by my clan. Please, prepare yourself for marriage.”

Feng Wu was not one to be blinded by love. She never harbored foolish fantasies. The alliance between their clans was one of mutual benefit. So long as they treated each other with courtesy and preserved appearances, that was enough.

Even without love, even if it was merely a political arrangement—what woman would not anticipate her own wedding?

She adorned herself in a crimson bridal gown and walked down the aisle toward Zhu Mo, her heart filled with hope.

But who would have expected—

With a single cold glance, Zhu Mo spoke only one sentence:

“Marrying you was never my wish. My heart belongs to another. Forgive me, Princess.”

Then he abandoned her.

Before all the gods of the heavens.

Before the grand assembly of divine beings.

Before the entire wedding hall.

Leaving her alone.

She, the cherished princess of the Phoenix Clan, the future Phoenix Emperor, raised in dignity and pride.

She had come to save the Dragon Clan.

Offering up half her life to do so.

Yet, she was discarded like nothing.

Lifting the red veil from her head, she saw only expressions of pity from the celestial beings above.

She was born to rule. She needed no one’s pity. She despised those sympathetic stares!

Forcing back the tears, she gripped the edge of her wedding robe, her voice clear and resolute:

“I shall never forget this humiliation! I swear upon this moment—one day, I shall make him suffer a fate worse than death!”

With that, she severed the fabric of her wedding attire.

The Phoenix Clan would not allow her to remain in the Dragon Clan and endure further disgrace. They sought to bring her home.

But how could she accept this defeat?

On her wedding night, red silk still adorned the halls, yet all she faced was ridicule and cruelty.

Worst of all—the Dragon Clan had already begun using her Companion Spirit Pearl to repair the Spring of the Three Realms.

The spring accepted the offering without resistance.

But she—

She writhed in agony, unable to withstand the pain in the bridal chamber.

Every inch of her skin seeped blood. Her bones felt as if they were melting, the torment so excruciating that even her fingers refused to move. Like a dying fish, she gasped for air, barely clinging to life.

“How could I not be pale…” she whispered, her trembling hand touching her face. That night’s suffering remained a nightmare she could never erase.

Zhu Mo—you never even spoke a single word of apology to me.

How could Feng Wu ever let this go?

She leaned against the carriage wall, her expression cold, only softening when Lu Chao Chao and Shan Shan entered.

“Is my coffin prepared?” she asked with a faint smile.

“When the time is right, I will strike. Remember to dig me out…” she spoke seriously.

Lu Chao Chao sighed. Though Zhu Mo had signed a Servant Contract with her, she had always treated him as an equal, even as a friend.

She had hinted at this outcome multiple times, but—

Zhu Mo owed a debt of life. This was his fate.

“…Alright. Just don’t hurt yourself.”

The carriage creaked forward. The further they traveled, the more suffocating the heat became. The land itself seemed to burn, and fallen refugees littered the road.

Some collapsed mid-step, never rising again.

As they neared the border of Eastern Ling, their convoy was suddenly attacked.

Driven by desperation, the starving refugees finally turned against them.

That night, Zhu Mo and Windchaser stood on guard alongside the escort guards, knowing they could not afford to let down their vigilance.

Shan Shan, nestled in his nursemaid’s arms, sniffed the air.

He tugged at his sister’s sleeve, his eyes glowing with excitement.

“Treasure… treasure…”

Lu Chao Chao frowned. “What treasure? Are you delirious? It’s pitch dark, I can’t see a thing.”

Shan Shan stomped his feet anxiously.

“Money… food… I smell it!” He pointed at his nose, his face serious.

Lu Chao Chao jolted upright.

“A cave-dwelling!”

“Which direction?” she practically shouted.

Shan Shan flinched at her sudden enthusiasm, then pointed toward Eastern Ling. “That way… I’ll find it… I’ll bring Sister there!”

His voice was firm with determination.

Lu Chao Chao gleefully lifted him, spinning him around. “Shan Shan, you’re the best! If I get that cave, I’ll owe you big time!”

“Oh no, what would I do without you?”

Shan Shan’s little face flushed red, brimming with excitement. “I’ll find the treasure for Sister! I’ll find it!” His tiny fists clenched in determination.

That night, his dreams were filled with the cave’s location.

Gold glimmered within, treasures beyond count.

Stacks of grain filled the space, the scent of rice mingling with the rich fragrance of wealth—a combination he found utterly intoxicating.

Upon waking, he felt a lingering sense of loss.

But he remembered the cave’s location.

Within three days, they would reach Eastern Ling.

“Find treasure… find treasure for Sister…” he murmured, unaware of whose domain the cave belonged to.

“Unlucky fool… unlucky fool…” he muttered, grinning mischievously.

His tiny face twisted in glee.

Then—a distant roar shattered the night.

The entire camp tensed in an instant.

Screams followed from deep within the forest, a cacophony of anguish and terror growing ever closer.

“Help! Help us!”

Several men burst from the darkness, their faces contorted with fear, something unseen chasing after them.

“Who goes there? Do not approach!” Zhu Mo’s voice rang out, sharp with authority.