42 Bad News

The moment Feng Qian's eyes fluttered open, he was met with the worried gaze of his sister, Feng Linlin.

"Brother!"

The resonance of her voice echoed through his consciousness, and he felt a soothing warmth in his chest.

As he replied to her, a flood of relief washed over him. "Ah, Linlin... sorry for making you worried."

Roar~~

Feng Linlin's response was an angry roar mixed with teary eyes, a blend of emotions that reflected the turbulent week he had apparently missed.

"Brother! You have passed out for more than a week! I thought you would leave me too... huhuu.."

Feng Qian's expression shifted from confusion to realization. A week had passed, a week he had lost in the currents of unconsciousness.

The world around him slowly sharpened into focus as he took in his surroundings. The familiar aura of the Golden Tortoise Emperor's mountain brought a sense of déjà vu, triggering memories from a similar situation years ago.

Feng Qian slowly rose from the ground, the weight of the past week's slumber still lingering in his movements.

His sister, Feng Linlin, watched with a mix of confuse and concern as Feng Qian inspected his own body.

The transformation that occurred during his unconscious state left him with a sense of awe and disbelief.

As Feng Qian surveyed himself, he noticed subtle yet significant changes. His antlers, now more majestic than ever, emitted a balanced aura of Fire and Ice, signifying the intricate balance of his dual nature.

The little horn at the center, pulsating with life energy, Feng Qian could feel the rich vitality coursing through his being.

The lion-like mane around his neck, now looked even more glorious, each strand radiating with fiery and icy enegy.

Feng Qian's physique and spiritual energy had undergone a tremendous transformation, and he could feel that his strength had surpassed his previous state.

Feeling a surge of energy within him, Feng Qian couldn't help but marvel at the changes he observed. It was as if the slumber had been a cocoon, transforming him into a more potent being.

Soon, his information was displayed clearly as he opened his status, revealing the astonishing progress he had achieved.

[Status]

Species: Terrestrial Fire-Ice Deer(82.7%), Qilin(17.3%).

Cultivation Age: 10,117 Year Spirit Beast.

The numbers on the screen sent a shock through Feng Qian's senses. Ten thousand years—a mark that resonated with the power and wisdom of countless experiences. The realization of his newfound status settled upon him, and he felt a surge of relief.

Feng Qian whispered, "Ten thousand years... I've surpassed the mark."

His gaze shifted to the reflection in the mirror, where the embodiment of his strength stood before him.

The Fire-Ice Deer, now with the inherent grace of a Qilin, represented a harmonious blend of his dual heritage.

Soon, Feng Qian looked at Feng Linlin's condition and made sure he didn't see anything wrong with her little sister.

As Feng Qian was relieved that nothing had happened to Feng Linlin, he said softly, "Thank goodness we managed to come back here alive..."

His initial relief, however, was met with a sudden shift in Feng Linlin's demeanor.

Her head bowed down, casting a shadow over her face. Feng Qian's instincts heightened; something wasn't right.

Feng Qian noticed Feng Linlin's sudden change in facial expression and he then asked casually, "Linlin, where are the others? Are they still asleep? How's Master? I should apologize to him for putting you all in danger."

His words trailed off as he sensed the gravity of the unspoken news hanging in the air.

Feng Linlin hesitated as she attempted to articulate the situation with a sorry tone.

"Sister Chenxing and Little Lanlan are awake, but... Jin and Master..."

(Author Note: Feng Lanruo's short name is now Little Lanlan)

The heaviness in her voice conveyed a tale of sorrow. Feng Qian's heartbeat quickened, and a cold shiver ran down his spine.

Feng Qian sais softly, "Linlin, what happened to Jin and Master?"

Feng Linlin's eyes reflected the pain she felt, and with a deep breath, she began to unravel the events that happened after Feng Qian lost consciousness.

"Brother Jin is still unconscious after receiving Master's Soul Core."

The weight of those words settled upon Feng Qian like a leaden cloak. The gravity of the situation hit him with an intensity that rendered him momentarily speechless.

Feng Qian pondered while whispering, "Master's Soul Core..."

The sacrifice their Master had made for Feng Jin resonated within him. Feng Linlin continued, "Master..."

Silence lingered between them, a heavy pause that echoed the magnitude of their circumstances. Feng Qian's mind raced, processing the reality of the situation.

Feng Qian then said solemnly, "Let's take a look at Jin's situation first."

His determined words cut through the silence. Feng Linlin nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting trust in her brother.

Together, they came to the lake where Feng Jin lay unconscious, surrounded by the ethereal light of a mysterious aura.

The tranquility of the lake reflected the serenity that belied the storm within the hearts of those present.

Feng Qian and Feng Linlin arrived at the lakeside, their eyes immediately drawn to the unconscious Golden Tortoise, Feng Jin.

Feng Chenxing, the phoenix, stood alongside Feng Lanlan, the Rainbow Dragon, both keeping a vigilant watch over Feng Jin.

In the midst of this surreal scene, Feng Qian's gaze widened as he noticed two more familiar figures standing nearby.

The Three-Eyed Golden Lion, her human form exuding regality, watched over Feng Jin with a mixture of concern and determination.

Beside her stood the Golden Osmanthus, his human form emanating a calm and wise aura that contrasted with the tense atmosphere.

Soon, Feng Qian and Feng Linlin approached the group, a blend of emotions swirling within them.

Feng Qian's eyes met those of Feng Chenxing, and an unspoken understanding passed between them as as they were glad to see that Feng Qian had woken up.

However, The Three-Eyed Golden Lion, graceful in her demeanor, turned her attention toward Feng Qian and Feng Linlin.

Her golden eyes held a mix of respect and acknowledgment, "Qilin, the events at Sea God Island left its mark on all of us. However, I'm sorry for your loss."

Feng Qian nodded and replied, "Thank you for your efforts to stop us back then, we might have lost our lives if not for you..." he paused for a moment and continued, "May I know what brought you here?"