The Bai Lu seemed as if it understood human nature, slowly flying into the grand hall and landing in front of Phoenix.
Not a single feather was out of place, head held high, eyes proud, much like its master.
He was an exceptionally handsome man, so much so that at first glance, one might even overlook his attractiveness.
Because his charisma was simply too outstanding, his robe fluttering about, his long hair billowing.
Like silver light scattered in the dark night, like snow bursting into view amidst the vastness.
His features were striking, his gaze tender. Every movement he made was carefree and confident, a dashing gentleman of the troubled world.
Tang Fei also considered himself handsome; ever since Phoenix had gifted him several sets of clothes, he would often admire himself in the mirror, issuing such soul-searching questions:
Being born this striking, what kind of thighs can’t I embrace?
However, upon seeing this young man, Tang Fei couldn’t help but internally exclaim in awe, "I must actually avoid his brilliance..."
"Is this Shen Xinglan?"
"The Phoenix that descended on Luojia Mountain’s Shen Xinglan?"
"After a closer look, he’s nothing special... Just better at playing than one’s own pet..."
Shen Xinglan’s arrival pushed the atmosphere at the venue to another climax.
Zhong Daolong represented the Royal Family, authority, the supreme dignity.
Those in high positions or with their own agendas were even more eager to make contact, interact, even a distant photo together would be good...
But for the young people of Phoenix City, Shen Xinglan was their idol, their goal and direction for their efforts, a legend extolled by all, the "child from another family" that parents urged them to emulate.
Now, Shen Xinglan stood right in front of them.
"Shen Xinglan, the Head of the Seven Stars... truly a splendid figure, as reputed..."
"The youthful Bai Lu, Shen Xinglan, such striking beauty..."
"Only such a man could be worthy of a woman like Princess..."
"Phoenix flying over Luojia Mountain, Princess Xiu Xue has her coming-of-age ceremony today, does that mean they can now discuss marriage?"
"Shen Xinglan’s deep affection for the Princess is well known throughout Phoenix City... but what’s going on with him and that Tang Fei?"
"Pfft, a refugee from the Old Land, he’s not even fit to hold a candle to our brother Xing Lan. Our brother Xing Lan is the leader of the Blue List; that guy isn’t worthy of even tying Xing Lan’s shoelaces..."
Shen Xinglan lightly hopped off the back of the Bai Lu, nimble as a feather, seemingly more graceful and natural than the Bai Lu in flight.
He ignored the surrounding clamor and noise as if Phoenix was the only person in the world.
He walked towards Phoenix, observing the Phoenix Dance Crown atop her head, and said apologetically, "Sorry, I’m late, I missed the most important coronation ceremony..."
"It’s okay," Phoenix reassured him, "it’s not too late for you to come now."
Shen Xinglan gestured with his hand, and the Bai Lu obediently walked towards him.
Pointing at the Bai Lu, he said, "It’s named Xiao Bai, quite understanding of human nature, I hatched and raised it myself... Today is your coming-of-age ceremony, and thinking that you lack nothing, I decided to gift Xiao Bai to you... consider it a companion for your leisure times."
The crowd gasped in surprise.
"Did the young man from Bai Lu actually give his Bai Lu to Princess Xiu Xue?"
"Why does Shen Xinglan hold the title ’Young Man of Bai Lu?’ Firstly, because he had been cultivating on White Crane Mountain from a very early age, and secondly, he had raised an Immortal Bird. It’s said that this bird understands human speech, can carry people in flight, and even assist in battle..."
"This is him giving away his own life totem; such a friendship is indeed profound... It’s just uncertain whether Princess Xiu Xue will accept it..."
"My goodness, Princess Xiu Xue is so fortunate. If Brother Xing Lan gave me such a beautiful bird, I’d do anything he asked..."
It must be said that the gift Shen Xinglan had given was quite extraordinary.
You say it’s extremely precious, but it’s just a bird...
You say it’s worthless, but it’s a spirit pet that this godlike man had personally hatched, meticulously nurtured, and accompanied day and night.
The emotional value contained within it was priceless, something no amount of money could buy back.
Phoenix gently stroked Xiao Bai’s feathers, and Xiao Bai seemed to enjoy it, even rubbing its head affectionately against Phoenix’s body.
"Lick-dog!" Tang Fei cursed inwardly.
The aura displayed by this bird caused Tang Fei to panic; he worried that its presence might render him unnecessary in Phoenix’s eyes.
"Such a good boy," Phoenix praised aloud.
"..." Tang Fei’s heart panicked even more.
Phoenix looked at Shen Xinglan and asked with a smile, "How did you manage to ride it in here? Didn’t anyone from the palace try to stop you?"
"I looked for Manager Chen and told him I wanted to give you a special gift... After knowing that, he helped me out a bit," Shen Xinglan explained.
"I see," Phoenix said with a smile.
The security in the palace was strict; it was impossible for anyone to casually ride in on a Bai Lu or any other bird or beast.
Had someone managed to ride a Mechanical Beast with great destructive power inside, the damages would have been immeasurable.
"Did you hesitate?" Shen Xinglan asked, looking into Phoenix’s eyes with a smile.
He knew very well that with the relationship between them, if he offered a gift, Phoenix would accept it immediately, regardless of what it was...
Now, after offering Xiao Bai to her, she hadn’t said she would take it, but talked around the subject instead; this clearly showed she wasn’t prepared to accept Xiao Bai.
They had been childhood friends who always played together since they were young. When he wasn’t at the palace, Phoenix would be at Luojia Mountain. They would run wild through the mountains, fishing, crab-catching, drinking tea, and watching bamboo flowers...
Phoenix shook her head and said, "This gift is too precious; I can’t accept it. Xiao Bai was hatched by you and has been by your side for many years; you two have become close friends... I know it means a lot to you, I can’t selfishly separate you..."
Shen Xinglan’s smile was gentle as he responded, "Alright, if you don’t want to receive it, I won’t make it difficult for you..."
He took out a small box from his bosom and said, "This is the Snow Dragon’s Heart I hunted during my last adventure in Yulong Valley. It can cleanse the marrow and reinforce the Yin Yang Qi; it will greatly benefit you now... Surely you won’t refuse this one?"
"Thank you." Phoenix accepted it readily.
She had already refused one gift; if she refused this second one as well, she would be making an enemy.
There was utterly no need for that.
Shen Xinglan also smiled, a hint of melancholy in his eyes as he said, "Now you don’t even call me ’brother’ anymore."