SSS Ranked Transmigration: Taming Beauties and The Beasts!-Chapter 221: Phoenix Clan

A few hours after departing Dragon Island, the same magnificent battleship bearing the intricate Nine-Tailed Heavenly Demon Fox insignia sliced through dawn's early light, crossing a sea of clouds toward the Phoenix Clan's domain.

The early rays of sunshine bathed the ship's hull in gilded splendor, while gusts of warm wind hinted at the realm they approached—one famed for its eternal flames and soaring pillars of volcanic rock.

Old Lao stood at the bow, cane in hand, an air of quiet resolve about him. Despite his apparent frailty, his sharp gaze revealed he was as alert as ever. Beside him, Jinyi was maintaining his usual calm, though his eyes betrayed a hint of anticipation at the impending meeting.

"We're nearly there," the envoy announced, pointing toward the horizon where craggy peaks jutted out from swirls of shimmering heat.

Deep cracks along the mountainsides leaked molten light, and rivers of lava gleamed in the distance like veins of living fire.

Unlike Dragon Island, where the sea and rugged cliffs defined the landscape, the Phoenix Clan's territory was marked by a seemingly endless chain of volcanic mountains and blazing canyons.

As the battleship descended, the temperature rose noticeably. The craft's engines hummed more loudly, adjusting for the heated updrafts swirling up from below.

"Have you contacted them?" Old Lao asked without turning his head.

"Yes, Sir," the envoy replied. "Their sentries confirmed our arrival is expected, and a landing platform has been prepared for us."

Soon, the battleship glided toward a massive plateau fringed by molten rock. A grand courtyard stretched out, paved with large, glittering stones that glowed under the intense heat.

Phoenix guards, clad in flame-embroidered robes, stood in two neat rows. Their eyes glimmered with watchful curiosity, each warrior emanating a subtle aura of fire.

When the ship touched down, steam hissed where the heat of the plateau met the craft's cooling runes. The ramp lowered, and Old Lao led the small group, stepping onto the stone.

Even though the warmth was borderline overwhelming, he walked forward as if it were a mere summer breeze.

Jinyi, the envoy, and a few other Fox clan elites followed closely. Their garments that were emblazoned with the majestic nine-tailed fox crest stood out against the fiery backdrop of Phoenix emblems.

The subtle crackle of flames echoed across the plateau, and every breath tasted of ash and cinders.

A phoenix emissary stepped forward, bowing deeply. She appeared youthful, with feathers woven into her dark hair. When she spoke, her voice was clear and resonant, reminiscent of a distant phoenix cry.

"Welcome to Phoenix Ridge. I am Elder Rie. We've been awaiting your arrival. Our Matriarch and the Great Ancestor will greet you in the Main Hall."

The Fox clan group inclined their heads in acknowledgment. Old Lao cast a thoughtful glance around, taking in the imposing architecture as tall spires shaped like rising flames and intricately carved effigies of phoenixes perched on towering columns. Ornate banners depicting scarlet wings fluttered in the molten breeze, adding to the grandeur.

Elder Rie guided them deeper into the stronghold, her steps unwavering on the blistering-hot ground. They passed through corridors of basalt rock and glasslike obsidian walls, occasionally broken by windows revealing flowing rivers of lava far below.

The air was thick with a distinct, sulfuric tang. Yet, despite these severe surroundings, there was a strange majesty to the place—a vibrant energy that pulsed in every ember and flame.

Finally, they emerged into a vast hall. Pillars decorated with phoenix motifs soared overhead, wreathed in perpetual flames that seemed to dance just shy of the ceiling.

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At the far end, on a raised dais of glassy, volcanic stone, stood two figures as a regal woman with ember-bright eyes, presumably the Matriarch and an older man who leaned calmly on a staff carved from scarlet crystal.

The older man lifted his gaze, and at once, a grin split his face. He tapped his staff on the dais, sending a mild ripple of heat through the air.

"Old Lao," he greeted, voice echoing with a warmth reminiscent of a glowing hearth. "Come closer, my friend, so these old bones of ours can see each other properly!"

A light chuckle escaped Old Lao's lips. He inclined his head but didn't hesitate to mount the dais, his cane clicking against the volcanic stone.

"Ha! I'd have thought you'd be in seclusion, Old Yan," he teased, voice tinged with years of comfortable familiarity. "Didn't expect you to welcome me personally."

The Phoenix Ancestor, who Old Lao had called Old Yan, returned the greeting with a bow. "I heard you were traveling around stirring up trouble again. My old friend dropping by the Dragon Clan before coming to see us? How could I not greet you myself?"

As they laughed, the Phoenix Matriarch stepped forward with graceful poise. Her long, fiery hair seemed to shimmer like living flame, and her gaze carried the weight of many generations.

"Honored guests from the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Demon Fox Race," she said respectfully, "welcome to Phoenix Ridge. We have prepared a feast and quarters for your stay. Please, make yourselves at ease."

Jinyi exchanged polite courtesies with the Matriarch, while Old Lao and Old Yan continued their banter.

At one point, Old Yan tapped his staff and a small flame danced across its tip, forming the shape of a tiny phoenix that flitted around Old Lao's cane before vanishing. The two elders grinned at one another, amused by their display of elemental conjuration.

"It's been too long," Old Yan admitted with a nostalgic sigh, stroking his bearded chin. "Though I doubt you're here purely for a social visit."

Old Lao gave a slow nod. "You're not wrong. A favor, in fact. You must have heard from the Starlight Auction House already…"

Old Yan's grin widened knowingly. "Ice Dragon blood essence was part of your request, and no doubt you'll be wanting Phoenix blood essence as well."

He cast a glance at Old Lao's group, eyes lingering on Jinyi and the envoy. "I suspect our old fox is onto something big, isn't he?"

"Always," Old Lao replied, a spark of humor dancing in his aged eyes. "But let's not discuss everything right here. We've traveled a good distance, and the heat, magnificent as it is, might melt the younger ones if we keep them standing."

Old Yan let out a hearty laugh, then gestured for everyone to follow him. The Matriarch led the way as they moved into a side corridor lit by gracefully floating flames. Carved from cooled magma, the walls depicted ancient phoenix legends with tales of rebirth, scorching purifications, and the cyclical nature of life and death.

As they proceeded, Old Lao occasionally tapped his cane, and Old Yan answered with a gentle clang of his staff, their playful jibes echoing up and down the corridor.

The younger clanspeople exchanged surprised looks, witnessing the scene of two elders conversing with the ease of lifelong companions.

Soon, the group emerged into a cozy chamber with open sides that overlooked flowing lava streams far below. A central table carved from brilliant obsidian stood under an arch of flame, already set with delicacies unique to the Phoenix clan.