After the exhausting battle in the desert and the emotional chaos that followed, the disciples finally returned to their sect, weary but grateful to still be standing . The masters didn't bother them with questions - not yet. They let them rest. Some were grieving,some were silent,and some disciples tried to sleep off the fatigue in their bones.
But rest never lasts long in the world of cultivation. Only a few days had passed when the sect's bell rang again - not for danger ,but for an urgent gathering. Whispers spread like wildfire. Something was coming. When all the disciples gathered at the courtyard, they noticed the stern expressions on their master's faces. Even Master Yue,known for her calm demeanor,looked tense.
Master Rong'er stepped forward,her voice firm but serious. " There is news," she said. " The five Phoenix Eggs...have emerged."
A ripple of gasps swept through the crowd. Some disciples blinked in confusion, others murmured to one another. " Phoenix Eggs?" Some whispered.
Master Su raised a hand, silencing the courtyard. " The trials you've faced before were only to prepare you" he said. " The Phoenix Eggs are not just powerful - they are sacred. Each one will appear only after the previous has been recovered. And each one ...will test you in ways you cannot yet imagined."
Master Huo added. " We , your masters,will not step in this time. This trial belongs to all of you. You must work together - or fall apart."
" You mean... after everything we've been through, we're only just beginning?" One of the younger disciples muttered,his voice thick with frustration.
" We've almost died multiple times," another said under thier breath. " What are we even fighting for if this wasn't it ?"
Master Xuan, who stood quietly spoke up. " The five Eggs represents the five elements - Water, Air, Ice, Earth and Fire. Once the five has been recovered and united, it awakens the True Jade Phoenix and it'll choose someone to protect it, someone amongst you,it can be anyone but someone who's pure and that has the potentials and abilities to protect it."
The weight of the announcement settled over the disciples like a heavy fog. Some clenched their fists with determination. Others looked down, uncertain. No one spoke of the desert. No one dared mention what really happened in the chamber - only Feng Wu,Li Hua and Li Liu knew the truth. And they made a silent vow to keep it hidden.