126. Sometimes Naive, Sometimes Brilliant

"Very well, Baili Tianchang. Since my son shares a fated connection with you and has already forged an equal contract with you, then regardless of whether I am willing to accept it, I must face this reality."

The great phoenix parted its beak and continued to speak slowly to Baili Tianchang: "However, Baili Tianchang, your strength is truly too weak. I fear you do not possess even a shred of cultivation, do you?"

"It is exactly as the Phoenix King says; I currently possess not a single shred of cultivation."

Baili Tianchang did not attempt to hide it. Furthermore, before the noble King of the Divine Phoenixes, even if she had wanted to conceal the truth, she would have been unable to hide anything.

"Baili Tianchang, although I am the exalted Phoenix King of the Divine Phoenix clan, this little one has always been a source of heartache for me due to a confinement he suffered."

The great phoenix spoke to Baili Tianchang with heavy concern regarding the little phoenix's condition.

"Little Phoenix only possesses the power of the Divine Phoenix when he assumes his true form. Yet, as you have seen, when he is in that form, he is dazed, foolish, and muddled."

"Even when he possesses the power of the Divine Phoenix, he is unable to protect himself. When he transforms into a black phoenix-tailed butterfly, he becomes clever and sharp-witted. Regrettably, however, he possesses no abilities whatsoever in that state."

"I have already discovered this. Such a state for Little Phoenix must surely cause you great worry, Phoenix King. In that case, I shall leave him here by your side. Rest assured, I will not take him away."

Baili Tianchang took it for granted that this was the Phoenix King’s intent in bringing her into the clan for a discussion.

"No, Baili Tianchang, you have misunderstood my meaning."

Unexpectedly, the great phoenix waved a wing at her.

"My Little Phoenix shares a true destiny with you. Before you appeared, he had only his original Divine Phoenix form, and his intelligence was severely lacking."

"But since your arrival, he has been able to transform into the black phoenix-tailed butterfly. To see him occasionally lucid and clever, capable of distinguishing right from wrong—even if only for a fleeting moment—has brought me great comfort."

"In other words, across this entire world, you are likely the only fated person capable of granting my Little Phoenix even a moment of clarity."

"Therefore, Baili Tianchang, since that is the case, and since Little Phoenix is so fond of you, I agree to let you keep him by your side and take him with you when you depart from the Divine Phoenix clan."

"However, Baili Tianchang, you must understand that whether it is you, Little Phoenix in his butterfly form, or even in his original Divine Phoenix form, none of you are strong."

"Not only are you not strong, but you are actually quite weak. How could I possibly set my mind at ease under such circumstances?"

"In the Devil's Forest, I can protect Little Phoenix. But once you leave this forest, all difficulties and dangers—whether you meet safety or peril—will depend entirely on the two of you."

"I understand the Phoenix King’s meaning. I also know that, currently, I truly lack the ability to protect myself or Little Phoenix. However, if you grant me time, I believe that I will certainly become strong!"

Hearing the words of the great phoenix, Baili Tianchang felt not a shred of inferiority. She believed that as long as she was given time, she would undoubtedly possess the capability to protect herself and those around her.

"It is good that you have such ambition. However, human woman, Baili Tianchang..."