Apotheosis

From atop the wall, the golden-armored guards watched Zen knocking at the gate. Exchanging dubious glances, they started whispering amongst themselves in wonder.

"This man isn't a servant of the Phoenix Palace. How could he have walked out of the Primitive Illusion?"

Finally, the leading guard called Zen's attention. "Who are you?" he shouted with a frown. "Why do you knock on the gate?"

Zen, looking up to face the guard, answered clearly, "I'm Zen Luo, a disciple of the Flow Sword Sect. I'm looking for Elvinia."

"A disciples of the Flow Sword Sect?"

The guards exchanged puzzled glances.

Their leader continued to speak to Zen harshly. "I don't care which sect you are from. You are not welcome here. Get out!"

The Phoenix Palace was where the direct descendants of East Emperor Taiyi lived. Additionally, it was the core area of the Oneness Mountain. It was impossible for ordinary people to enter.

Zen's expression darkened as his patience ran thin. He leapt forward, and ricocheted off the wall, launching himself into the air. With a determined look on his face, he decided right then and there that he was going to break through the gate.

Once the leading guard realized what he was up to, he sneered haughtily, "Never in my years here have I witnessed anyone attempt to break into the Phoenix Palace. Sir, you are courting death; don't blame me for killing you."

Bang!

Eyes flashing menacingly, he then channeled his aura to summon a large golden shield, which smashed towards Zen.

The leader had been a five-star Oneness Guard. Due to his excellence, he was transferred to guard the Phoenix Palace.

While the technique he used was relatively simple, the sheer force of the shield attack reached eight hundred divine megatons.

Zen's eyes narrowed as he observed the approaching shield. With gritted teeth, he summoned the strength from the Strength God Totem, while simultaneously gathering the Shade Stone's liquid into his right hand.

Bang!

The other guards covered their ears in anguish at the deafening sound, lights flashing everywhere, which blinded them. When they finally regained their senses, they were stunned.

Their leader had been flung off the wall, and had fallen into the square of the Phoenix Palace. The impact was so great that a crater was formed where he landed.

Zen, on the oth

word Sect disciple's punch.

"Let him stay. I need to talk to him," said Flamine firmly.

"Yes, Lady Flamine!"

The guards could do nothing but bow humbly to the woman and take their leave.

If Zen was just an ordinary disciple of the Oneness Sky Palace, Flamine would have let the guards take him away.

However, she could sense Zen's extraordinary power. This definitely piqued her interest.

Swoosh!

Flamine withdrew her ribbons, freeing Zen from his shackles.

"Why did you break into the Phoenix Palace, young man?" Flamine asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Rubbing his hands and neck, he answered calmly, "I'm looking for Elvinia."

"Elvinia?" Flamine raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Why are you looking for her?"

"She took my people away," Zen answered bluntly.

Scratching her chin delicately, she asked, "Why did she take your people away?"

"God knows what that stupid woman was thinking!" he cried exasperatedly. "Maybe since she lost to me in the Seven Mountains Meeting, she has been holding a grudge towards me." Zen shook his head in frustration.

When Flamine heard Zen cursing Elvinia, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. "I can take you to see her."

"You can help me find her?" Zen's eyes lit up at her offer.

"Of course. If what you say is true, I must make her apologize. After all, I'm her mother." She smiled cunningly.

Zen was stunned. He recalled how Konnor told him that Elvinia had been brought back from the Divine Lair. Did this mean Flamine was also a nonhuman creature from the Divine Lair?