Chapter 313:

Yun Qingxue descended from the treetops and released Huanling from her storage bracelet, instructing, “Huanling, go and find out where we are.”

“Yes, Master,” Huanling replied, immediately drifting deep into the phoenix tree forest.

Yun Qingxue sat down beneath the tree that had caught them.

Huanling was a spirit she had brought from the Yunhuang Illusion Realm. Aside from Daise and a few others, no one knew of Huanling’s identity or existence.

That was why Yun Qingxue felt completely at ease sending her to scout ahead—no one would recognize her, so there was no risk of exposure.

After waiting under the tree for about a quarter of an hour, Huanling returned, though her expression was grim.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Qingxue asked, noticing her troubled look.

“Nothing,” Huanling said with a sullen face. “I found out this forest is the territory of the Bird Clan. Master, they’re extremely unfriendly. We should leave now!”

“What exactly happened?” Yun Qingxue was baffled. Of course, she understood what Huanling meant by the Bird Clan—this was Feng Zihuang’s domain.

But judging by Huanling’s demeanor, had she already gotten into a fight in such a short time?

“Master, let’s run first! I’ll explain in detail once we’re somewhere safe,” Huanling urged, grabbing Yun Qingxue’s hand and dashing toward the edge of the forest.

“Huanling, what kind of trouble did you stir up?” Yun Qingxue asked as they ran.

“Master, it really wasn’t my fault! Those birdfolk were just too hostile! I only asked for directions, but the moment they saw me, they glared and shouted, ‘How dare you trespass into the Feather Clan’s territory!'” Huanling defended herself indignantly.

“So you fought them?” Yun Qingxue sighed.

“They tried to capture me first! I just used an illusion to confuse them.”

As soon as Huanling finished speaking, Yun Qingxue suddenly stopped and pulled her back.

“Master…?” Huanling looked at her in confusion, but Yun Qingxue quickly said, “Huanling, return to my storage bracelet!”

Without waiting for a response, Yun Qingxue waved her hand and stored Huanling away.

The sound of flapping wings echoed from the sky.

Within moments, the towering trees around them were filled with birds of all kinds.

A massive bird landed before Yun Qingxue, its wings flapping as it scrutinized her. “Who dares trespass into the Feather Clan’s territory?”

Yun Qingxue smiled faintly. “I got lost and wandered here by accident. Please forgive the intrusion.”

“Lost?” The bird transformed into a man in a blue robe, eyeing her coldly. “The Feather Clan has defensive barriers around its borders. You couldn’t have entered by accident unless you did so intentionally!”

He sneered. “I suggest you confess honestly—who sent you, and what is your purpose here?”

Yun Qingxue felt utterly wronged. She really had appeared here by accident!

“I’m not a spy!”

“Still lying? If you refuse to cooperate, don’t blame me for being harsh!”

The blue-robed man’s expression darkened as he ordered, “Seize this outsider and interrogate her thoroughly!”

Two small birds flew down from the trees, transforming into young men who advanced menacingly toward Yun Qingxue.

Her expression turned cold. It seemed a peaceful resolution was impossible now.

Just as the two men were about to grab her, a blue light flashed in Yun Qingxue’s hand. The nearby phoenix tree trembled slightly, and its leaves scattered like a shower of petals.

The Feather Clan members in the trees flapped their wings and took to the sky to avoid the attack, while the three men in front of Yun Qingxue hastily dodged.

Seizing the chaos, Yun Qingxue released Huanling and commanded, “Create an illusion now!”

Without delay, Huanling cast her magic.

The phoenix forest remained the same, but it twisted into a labyrinth filled with eerie shadows.

The Feather Clan members were instantly ensnared in the illusion, thrown into disarray.

Taking advantage of the confusion, Yun Qingxue summoned the wind and fled with Huanling toward the forest’s edge.

“Who dares cause havoc in the Feather Clan?!” Just as they neared the exit, a blinding red light flashed across the sky.

The illusion shattered, and the Feather Clan members snapped out of their daze.

Realizing the danger, Yun Qingxue swiftly recalled Huanling into her storage bracelet.

A figure in red descended gracefully, blocking Yun Qingxue’s path.

The strikingly handsome face of Feng Zihuang, King of the Feather Clan, came into view.

Recognizing the intruder, Feng Zihuang’s phoenix-like eyes widened in surprise. “Flower King?”

Yun Qingxue took a step back and smiled politely. “Phoenix King, it’s been a while.”

“Your Majesty, this woman trespassed into our territory and attacked us!” the blue-robed man reported indignantly.

“Nanhua, mind your manners!” Feng Zihuang reprimanded sharply.

Though displeased, the man named Nanhua retreated without another word.

Feng Zihuang turned back to Yun Qingxue, his smile radiant. “It’s been months since we last met in the Beast Clan. I never expected the Flower King to grace the Feather Clan with her presence. What an honor!”

He bowed slightly. “My subordinates failed to recognize you. Please forgive their rudeness.”

“You flatter me, Phoenix King,” Yun Qingxue replied gracefully. “It was my mistake to intrude, causing this misunderstanding. I apologize.”

She curtsied lightly. “Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, I won’t impose further. Farewell.”

“Flower King!” Feng Zihuang’s smile deepened, his phoenix eyes gleaming. “Old friends reunite, yet you leave so soon? Do you not consider me a friend?”

Yun Qingxue paused mid-step. She knew she had stumbled into a hornet’s nest.

With the clan’s king personally intervening, leaving wouldn’t be easy.

She steadied herself and smiled. “Phoenix King, you misunderstand!”

“I’ve always remembered the kindness you and the Dragon King showed me in the Beast Clan.”