124. The Ever-Changing Little Fengfeng

The Great Phoenix, who had been sitting regally upon her throne, rose at once. Forgoing all regard for her usual dignity and composure, she hurried toward Baili Tianchang and the little phoenix, her emotions running high.

She gazed at the little phoenix, who had appeared so abruptly, with a mixture of shock and joy, finding it almost impossible to believe. She rubbed her eyes and looked again, focusing intently. It was indeed her little phoenix standing before her.

The Great Phoenix spread her arms, motioning for an embrace. "Little one, you... you truly did it?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

"Did what?" the little phoenix asked, looking at her with a blank expression, as if it had no idea what she was talking about.

Seeing the little phoenix’s dazed look, Baili Tianchang gently nudged it from her arms, urging it toward the Great Phoenix. Only then did the little phoenix flutter into the Great Phoenix’s open embrace.

"Little one, you finally did it..."

The Great Phoenix’s heart remained overcome with emotion. What exactly had it finally done? Baili Tianchang found herself completely lost, unable to grasp what this mother and child were discussing.

"Mother, why are you so sad? Are you going to cry?" The little phoenix could not interpret the Great Phoenix's intense excitement, seeing only a look of sorrow on her face.

"No, Mother is not sad. Mother is happy, so very happy," the Great Phoenix replied, stroking the golden feathers atop the little phoenix's head with a look of relief. "Quickly, little one, show me again."

Even so, the Great Phoenix could not set her mind at ease. Before her emotions had even settled, she immediately made her request.

"Change? Change into what?" The little phoenix tilted its head, looking up at her in bewilderment. It was just as confused as Baili Tianchang, mirroring her expression perfectly.

"Change into the black swallowtail butterfly. Quickly, transform into the black swallowtail butterfly so Mother can see." The Great Phoenix gritted her teeth, forcing the words out. She could not be certain if her child, once transformed into the black swallowtail butterfly, would be able to shift back into its phoenix form at will.

Yet, she had to be firm to confirm her suspicions. If she could not, how could she rest easy leaving her little phoenix in the care of a human with no cultivation?

"Mother, am I not a divine phoenix? How could I possibly turn into a black swallowtail butterfly?" The little phoenix stared at her, completely failing to understand.

Seeing the confusion on the little phoenix's face, the Great Phoenix realized that no amount of explanation would make it understand. This dazed, dim-witted nature had always been a source of heartache for her. Now that a glimmer of hope had finally appeared, she was unwilling to let it slip away.

Suddenly, a thought struck her. As if catching a glimpse of salvation, she lifted her gaze toward Baili Tianchang, her eyes fixed upon the black swallowtail butterfly marking on the side of the girl's face.

"Kiss? Kiss?" Hearing the Great Phoenix’s words, the little phoenix followed her gaze, its eyes landing on the butterfly mark on Baili Tianchang's face.

"Yes, little phoenix, give it a kiss. Go on, give it a kiss."

The little phoenix slipped from the Great Phoenix’s embrace...