Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Vol 2 Ch 21: Taming the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle

Zhang Xuan said, "The two of you risked your lives, disregarding potential offense to the Destiny Hall, just to bring me information. Even before I revealed my identity during my most difficult times, you both offered various forms of assistance. I, Zhang Xuan, remember this well and could never commit an ungrateful act!"

Yu Longqing, anxious, responded, "But... if you don't kill us and this information leaks, you'll be in huge trouble!"

"The city lord is right!" Lu Mingrong nodded. "Killing a Destiny Master and impersonating him is a crime severe enough that, even as a member of a distinguished family, you may find it hard to escape punishment."

"First of all, though we've only known each other for a short time, I trust your character enough to believe that you wouldn't betray me for personal gain!"

Interrupting their conversation, Zhang Xuan's eyes shone with determination. "Secondly, to repay kindness and settle grudges is the principle of being human. If I were to kill my benefactors out of fear for my safety, how would I be any different from a beast?"

Yu Longqing and Lu Mingrong fell silent.

Repaying kindness and avenging wrongs are indeed fundamental human principles. Sadly, many people forget them, and even they themselves had once abandoned these ideals for profit. It was surprising that the young man before them adhered so firmly to these values despite his age.

After a moment, Yu Longqing sighed, a wry smile crossing his face. "It seems our perspective was too narrow!"

"Yes, I thought that the older you are, the better you understand people, but I have forgotten my original purpose," Lu Mingrong shook his head.

Back then, he would dedicate his all to someone’s single request, even if it seemed foolish now—it remained the most cherished memory of his life.

Exchanging glances, both men took a step forward and bowed deeply. "Since Teacher Zhang trusts us so much, we hereby swear that if we were to disclose this information, we would face eternal damnation, dying from a backlash of Source Energy!"

"There's no need for such a heavy oath. I trust your integrity," Zhang Xuan waved his hand. "Enough of this. Let's focus on handling the Liu family's wrath. The death of their patriarch and the depletion of their wealth won’t be resolved easily."

The Liu family had allied with Ling Buyang for a chance at glory, only to be drained of 4,000 Source Coins and suffer the death of their patriarch. If news of this spread, it would undoubtedly cause a major uproar.

If the matter remained confined to White Roc City, it would be manageable. However, if word reached the imperial capital, suspicions would inevitably arise. Proper planning for this eventuality was essential.

"Teacher Zhang, you don't need to worry," Yu Longqing said. "On my way here, I had Adviser Liao mobilize the city guard. Over the years, the Liu family has leaned on the Destiny Hall to commit numerous atrocities, becoming a blight on White Roc City. Now that Liu Tianzheng is dead, this poison needs to be eradicated."

"Good!" Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

With the City Lord’s Mansion intervening and the fall of the Liu family’s leadership, any potential upheaval was swiftly quelled. Within half a day, the family's remnants were cleaned out, leaving behind an empty shell of assets.

At that moment, Zhang Xuan brought Liu Mingyue over to see Xu Xin, who was already bound and showing signs of mental breakdown.

"You decide his fate," Zhang Xuan said, his hands clasped behind his back as he stood nearby.

"He ambushed and killed my father from behind; I will kill him in the same way," Liu Mingyue said, her eyes red, biting her silver teeth in resolve.

Although her father had been strict, he had genuinely loved her. In a matter of days, life had become irreversibly different.

Taking out a dagger, the girl trembled as she tried to strike multiple times without success.

Although her strength had reached the peak of the Energy Storing stage, she had never killed anyone. Despite her burning hatred, she found it difficult to act.

After what felt like an eternity, she took a deep breath and plunged the dagger into Xu Xin’s heart. After a brief struggle, the Protector at the pinnacle of the Jade Bone stage met his end.

Clang!

The dagger slipped from her hand as Liu Mingyue collapsed to the ground, her pent-up emotions finally breaking free.

"Teacher..." Yu Xiaoyu looked worriedly at Liu Mingyue's state.

Zhang Xuan shook his head. "This is something she has to endure and overcome on her own. Only by doing so can she truly mature and stand on her own."

Liu Tianzheng’s character aside, he had devoted himself entirely to his daughter, and Liu Mingyue, despite feeling stifled, had adhered to his expectations, showing she understood his intentions.

Now... there was no one left to command or demand anything of her. Yet, the pain was hers alone to process. No amount of consolation would help if she couldn’t find her way out of it herself.

"Stay here with her for now," Zhang Xuan said to Yu Xiaoyu. "Also, I plan to leave White Roc City. If any of you wish to continue as my students, come to my residence by tomorrow morning. If not, I won’t force you."

With a wave of his hand, Zhang Xuan signaled his decision.

Since he had resolved to impersonate Ling Buyang and infiltrate the Destiny Hall in the imperial capital to investigate Kong Shi's situation, staying any longer in White Roc City was pointless. He would set out the next day.

Whether or not these three students chose to follow him was entirely up to them.

As Zhang Xuan exited the room, Yu Longqing approached with a serious expression. "Teacher Zhang, it seems the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle has sensed Ling Buyang’s death. It's becoming agitated, and my men are barely holding it down."

"I'll go take a look," Zhang Xuan nodded.

The Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle had been Ling Buyang’s beast companion. Normally, their souls would have been connected, so it would have known the moment he died. However, Ling Buyang had perished when his soul was destroyed while separated from his body, which was then protected within a formation and subsequently placed into the New World, preventing any such detection.

Initially, there was no sign of trouble, but as time passed and Ling Buyang didn’t return, the eagle grew restless.

Both the dean and the city lord had anticipated this and arranged for its capture. Yet the beast's power, at the Divine Soul stage, had proven difficult for even ten of the city’s elders to handle.

"A Divine Soul stage Source Beast possesses intelligence comparable to humans; it must have guessed something happened and is searching for answers," Yu Longqing explained as they walked.

"Understood," Zhang Xuan nodded.

Yu Longqing continued, "The dean and I have discussed that if it proves uncontrollable, we may need to kill it... to prevent any leak of information."

This situation with Ling Buyang's beast companion had been unforeseen. Fortunately, his death within the formation had delayed the beast’s reaction. Had it discovered the truth earlier and flown to the Destiny Hall, the absence of his life plaque would have exposed the situation immediately.

"No need," Zhang Xuan shook his head.

"No need?" Yu Longqing frowned. "Teacher Zhang, are you planning to tame it? Eagle-type Source Beasts are notoriously proud and only recognize one master for life. I know your beast-taming skills are remarkable, but taming this creature would be extraordinarily difficult."

It wasn't a matter of doubting Zhang Xuan's abilities, but rather the sheer challenge of taming an already bonded beast, which surpassed even the difficulty of taming a typical Source Beast.

Zhang Xuan only smiled, offering no further response as he followed Yu Longqing to the courtyard.

Before long, they reached a scene where a massive eagle-like Source Beast was bound by iron chains, struggling fiercely. Surrounding it were over ten elders, their powerful energy pressing down on the beast, creating a tense stalemate.

From afar, the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle looked exhausted, and the elders wore pale expressions.

Source Beasts had naturally strong physiques. Though they lacked techniques, they typically outmatched human cultivators of the same level. Especially aerial dominators like this one; without the chains, the elders would likely have been dispatched within a few charges.

Activating a disguised power, Zhang Xuan transformed once more into the image of Ling Buyang. Before he even reached the courtyard, he called out.

"Little Black!"

"Chirp..."

Seeing its "master," the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle froze, its eyes lighting up with excitement. It took two steps forward before pausing, tilting its head with a hint of confusion.

It had detected something off.

Though this person before it appeared identical to its master, there was no soul connection between them—no bond of loyalty.

"As expected of a Divine Soul stage Source Beast, far more perceptive than that dull-witted Dao Li," Zhang Xuan thought with admiration.

Dao Li, though formidable, had proven inept, taking days just to learn basic cooking. Tea preparation was another disaster, either with too much water or too few leaves. So far, boiling water was its only passable skill, highlighting the significant difference between it and this sharp eagle.

"Chirp~~"

As Zhang Xuan approached, the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle's cry turned piercing, its eyes full of fury.

It had pieced together, the truth: its true master had most likely been killed.

"You all step outside; I need to have a word with this creature," Zhang Xuan instructed, waving his hand.

The elders from the City Lord’s Mansion exchanged glances and looked at Yu Longqing. Upon seeing him nod, they collectively withdrew, stepping out of the courtyard.

"You too," Zhang Xuan said to Yu Longqing.

"Understood," Yu Longqing hesitated momentarily before exiting, closing the gate behind him and waiting outside.

Although unsure what Zhang Xuan intended, he knew they couldn't afford to let the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle escape. He turned to issue orders, "Bring three city-defense crossbows over here!"

Several elders quickly moved to comply. Not long after, they brought in massive crossbows, each weighing over a thousand pounds, their strings drawn taut, emitting an aura of deadly intent.

These siege crossbows, paired with special arrows, were capable of threatening even someone of Yu Longqing's strength. If Teacher Zhang failed to control the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle, they would not hesitate to kill it on the spot.

Preparations complete, Yu Longqing finally breathed a little easier. Suddenly, from within the courtyard, the distressed and angry cries of the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle echoed. It was clear that whatever negotiation Zhang Xuan had attempted had failed.

In the next instant, the massive form of the Source Beast shot into the sky—not flapping its wings to fly, but as though it had been punched into the air.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The eagle's body bounced a few times like a ball before landing. Just as Yu Longqing and the elders exchanged puzzled looks, they heard an unexpected sound from within the courtyard.

"Chirp chirp~~ chirp chirp chirp~~"

"???" Yu Longqing was stunned.

Was that the Black-Scaled Phoenix Eagle's cry? Why did it sound... different?

Author's Note