Chapter 116: Shen Xinglan, Head of the Seven Stars!

The white heron seemed to possess a human-like intelligence as it glided gracefully into the grand hall and landed before Phoenix.

Its plumage was pristine, without a single stray feather. With its head held high and a gaze of haughty pride, it looked remarkably like its master.

He was an exceptionally handsome man—so much so that upon first glance, one might even overlook his beauty. This was because his presence was simply too extraordinary: his long robes billowed, and his hair flowed like silver light scattered across a dark night, or fresh snow breaking through a desolate landscape.

His features were exquisite, his eyes gentle. Every gesture he made was effortless and poised, radiating an air of unique, refined charm—the very portrait of a dashing young gentleman of the world.

Tang Fei had always prided himself on his own looks. Ever since Phoenix gifted him several sets of clothes, he had often admired himself in the mirror, posing the soulful question: "With such a handsome face, what kind of powerful connections couldn't I make?"

Yet, upon seeing this young man, a thought of stunned realization crossed Tang Fei’s mind: "I actually have to concede the spotlight to him."

"Is this Shen Xinglan?"
"The Shen Xinglan of the West Qixi Mountains, where the phoenix descends?"
"Looking closely, he’s nothing special. He’s just better at playing with his bird than I am."

—

Shen Xinglan’s arrival pushed the atmosphere of the venue to another climax.

Zhong Daolong represented the imperial family, power, and supreme majesty. Those in high positions or with ulterior motives were eager to make contact or socialize with him; even a distant photograph would have been a prize.

However, for the young people of Phoenix City, Shen Xinglan was their idol, the goal they strove toward, the legend whispered in praise, and the "child of another family" their parents used for comparison.

Now, Shen Xinglan stood right before them.

"Shen Xinglan, head of the Seven Stars, is truly as elegant as jade; the rumors do not do him justice."
"The heron-riding youth, Shen Xinglan, is so handsome—truly a sight to behold."
"Only a man like him could be a match for a woman like the Princess."
"Since Princess Xiuxue of the West Qixi Mountains is holding her coming-of-age ceremony today, does this mean the two of them can finally discuss marriage?"
"Shen Xinglan’s deep devotion to the Princess is well-known throughout Phoenix City. But what is going on between her and that Tang Fei?"

—

"Pfft, a scavenger from the Old Lands, how can he be mentioned in the same breath as our Brother Xinglan? He isn't even fit to carry Brother Xinglan’s shoes, let alone be compared to him."

—

Shen Xinglan hopped down from the heron’s back as light as a feather, his movement even more graceful and natural than the bird in flight.

Ignoring the clamor and noise around him, it was as if Phoenix were the only person in the world.

He walked toward her, examined the "Phoenix Dancing in the Nine Heavens" crown on her head, and said apologetically, "I am sorry I am late. I missed the most important part of the crowning ceremony."

"It’s alright," Phoenix comforted him. "You aren't too late."

Shen Xinglan gestured, and the white heron obediently trotted toward him.

Pointing to the bird, Shen Xinglan said, "His name is Xiaobai. He is quite intelligent; I hatched him and raised him myself. Today is your coming-of-age ceremony, and knowing you lack nothing, I wanted to gift Xiaobai to you. Think of him as a companion for your leisure time."

The crowd gasped in amazement.

"The heron-riding youth is actually giving his own bird to the Princess?"
"Why is he called the heron-riding youth? Partly because he cultivated on Heron Mountain from a young age, and partly because he raised this mythical bird. It is said the bird understands human speech, can carry riders, and even assist in battle."
"He is gifting his very own totem beast—that is a profound sentiment indeed. I wonder if the Princess will accept it."
"Oh, heavens, the Princess is so lucky. If Brother Xinglan gifted me such a beautiful bird, I would do anything he asked."

—

It must be said that Shen Xinglan’s gift was unique.

If you called it priceless, it was, after all, just a bird.
If you called it worthless, it was a spiritual pet hatched, nurtured, and accompanied day and night by that god-like man.

The emotional value contained within was a priceless treasure that no amount of money could buy.

Phoenix reached out to stroke Xiaobai’s feathers. As if enjoying the touch, the bird actively rubbed its head against her.

*Sycophant!* Tang Fei cursed in his heart.
*No, a sycophant bird.*

The behavior of the bird made Tang Fei feel flustered. He worried that its presence would render his own necessity to Phoenix obsolete.

"Good boy," Phoenix praised.

*...* Tang Fei’s heart grew even more anxious.

Phoenix looked at Shen Xinglan and asked with a smile, "How did you ride it in? Didn't anyone at the palace try to stop you?"

"I spoke with Chief Steward Chen, saying I wanted to give you a special gift. Once he knew, he did me a small favor," Shen Xinglan explained.

"I see," Phoenix replied with a smile.

The palace was heavily guarded; it was impossible for anyone to simply ride a heron or other beasts in so brazenly. If someone had ridden a highly destructive mechanical beast inside, the resulting damage would have been incalculable.

"You hesitated?" Shen Xinglan looked into Phoenix’s eyes and smiled.

He knew very well that, given their relationship, if he gave a gift, Phoenix would usually accept it immediately, regardless of what it was.

Now, however, he had gifted her Xiaobai, and instead of saying she would accept, she had changed the subject. That proved she was not prepared to take him in.

They could be considered childhood sweethearts who had played together since they were young. In the past, either he would come to the palace, or Phoenix would go to Mount Luojia. They would run wild across the mountains and plains, fishing for crabs, drinking tea, and watching the bamboo flowers bloom.

Phoenix shook her head and said, "This gift is too precious; I cannot accept it. Xiaobai was hatched by your own hands and has been by your side for years. You have long since become inseparable friends. I know he is of great significance to you; I cannot deprive you of what you love or force you two apart."

Shen Xinglan smiled gently. "Very well. If you are unwilling to accept, I will not force you."

He reached into his robe and took out a small box. "This is the Heart of the Snow Dragon I hunted while exploring the Yulong Valley. It can cleanse the marrow and consolidate the yin and yang energies; it will be of great benefit to you now. You won't refuse this, will you?"

"Thank you," Phoenix replied, accepting it readily.

She had already turned down one gift; to turn down a second would be to make an enemy of him. That was entirely unnecessary.

Shen Xinglan smiled, a trace of melancholy in his eyes. "You don't even call me 'Brother' anymore."