Staring into the icy eyes of the Heavenly Nether Bird, everyone's heart quivered with despair.

But after a while, they realized the Heavenly Nether Bird hadn't attacked them, which made them breathe a sigh of relief, albeit with much confusion.

With the Heavenly Nether Bird's cruel nature, it was impossible for it to spare them. The fact that it hadn't made a move could only mean one thing: they still had some use.

Apart from this, they couldn't think of any other reason why the Heavenly Nether Bird didn't attack.

"Esteemed Lord Heavenly Nether Bird, may I ask what you require of us?"

At that moment, an elder from the Divine Bird Palace stepped forward, speaking in a respectful tone.

Truth be told, no one wanted to die, especially when facing such a terrifying presence as the Heavenly Nether Bird. Thus, they were willing to comply, even if it meant being used.

The enormous eyes of the Heavenly Nether Bird turned, fixing on the speaking elder of the Divine Bird Palace, then its cold voice rang out again.

"You're clever to understand my intention. Yes, I do need you to accomplish some tasks."

The Heavenly Nether Bird gazed at the elder, then muttered easily, "So the descendant of the Three-headed Zhu Xue Bird is here. I never expected to meet you here."

Hearing this, the people of the Divine Bird Palace were elated, and the elder asked again, "Does the Lord Heavenly Nether Bird know our ancestor?"

He looked eager to establish some kinship with the creature, hoping they wouldn't have to die.

"We've met once or twice." The Heavenly Nether Bird replied solemnly, "Follow me well, and perhaps I'll spare your lives. Otherwise, even if you are the descendants of an old acquaintance, I will show no mercy."

By the end of its speech, the atmosphere thickened again, and the entire space seemed to freeze.

"Please, whatever you wish, instruct us, and we of the Divine Bird Palace will do our utmost, willing to die a thousand deaths."

After saying this, the elder of the Divine Bird Palace knelt down, and all the martial artists of the Divine Bird Palace bowed before the Heavenly Nether Bird.

Upon witnessing this, the expressions of the other martial artists changed dramatically. Though they didn't kneel like those of the Divine Bird Palace, they quickly sought instruction as well.

Seeing everyone submit, the Heavenly Nether Bird nodded with satisfaction and then spoke.

"My requests are simple. If you tackle them earnestly, you can definitely succeed."

"First, enter the Azure Pine Hall, find the Array Formation Room and destroy it. Second, find the key to unlock the starlight chain that binds me."

As for how to enter the Azure Pine Hall, you needn't worry about that; I'll send you in.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding martial artists were taken aback; they hadn't expected to be tasked with completing something inside the Azure Pine Hall.

It seemed that the Heavenly Nether Bird couldn't enter the Azure Pine Hall and that its body was restrained by prohibitions, presumably the starlight chain.

However, they were thrilled to have the opportunity to enter the Azure Pine Hall.

Yet they couldn't help but worry; the Heavenly Nether Bird's requests likely wouldn't be easy to fulfill.

The Array Formation Room must be crucial within the Azure Pine Hall, and it was uncertain if they could get in at all, let alone find the key to lift the prohibitions binding the opponent.

If the prohibitions on the opponent were removed, the Heavenly Nether Bird would be unrestrained.

If they destroyed the array, there would be nothing in the Sky Secret Realm that could trap the opponent.

At that point, their lives wouldn't be in their hands; everything would be controlled by the Heavenly Nether Bird.

However, if they could find the key to unlock the starlight chain in advance, they might gain the upper hand and renegotiate with the Heavenly Nether Bird.

Thinking of this, their hearts burned with hope as they finally saw a glimmer of survival.

"Rest assured, my lord, we will certainly fulfill your requests!"

The martial artists of the Divine Bird Palace replied reverently.

The others also nodded in agreement.

But the Heavenly Nether Bird merely sneered, "Even though you agreed so readily, I know you humans are naturally cunning. I cannot trust you to simply go in."

"What?"

A bad premonition arose as everyone's heart skipped a beat.

Sure enough, the Heavenly Nether Bird continued, "I will place a Black Lotus Mark on each of you. As long as you obediently follow my instructions and complete the tasks, you will be safe."

"But if you dare defy my orders, the black lotuses within you will instantly transform into black flames, incinerating you completely."

Faces turned ashen, eyes filled with a tinge of despair.

Evidently, working for the Heavenly Nether Bird wouldn't be easy; finding those two difficult items aside, the flame within them was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any time.

"What? You refuse?"

The Heavenly Nether Bird smirked coldly upon seeing their expressions.

"Of course not, my lord, do as you will."

The people of the Divine Bird Palace dared not resist, kneeling and speaking respectfully.

When those from the Divine Bird Palace spoke up, the other martial artists had no choice but to agree reluctantly.

After all, the Heavenly Nether Bird was ferociously cruel, capable of killing with a mere blink. None of them wished to become collateral damage when it was angry.

Seeing no one dare to resist, the Heavenly Nether Bird smiled with satisfaction.

The black flames on its body surged, transforming into countless black lights quickly entering each martial artist's body.

Immediately, the martial artists shuddered, feeling a cluster of black flames suddenly appear within them.

And on the back of their necks, a black lotus mark appeared.

Though the flame was tiny, everyone could sense the terrifying energy it contained.

It could easily reduce any martial artist below a King to ashes.

The others received their marks smoothly, but Murong Qingcheng's expression changed drastically as a massive burst of light surged from her body, seemingly resisting instinctively.

Witnessing this, everyone was stunned, and the Murong Family's expressions shifted significantly, for they couldn't imagine why Murong Qingcheng dared to resist openly.

Murong Qingcheng gave a wry smile, realizing it wasn't her resisting but a spontaneous reaction from the bloodline power within her.

Even the Heavenly Nether Bird was taken aback, its enormous eyes fixed on Murong Qingcheng.

This bloodline seems to bear a trace of the Phoenix Bloodline, no wonder it can resist my Black Lotus Mark.

The Heavenly Nether Bird was surprised but didn't seem too angry, which relieved the Murong Family slightly.

But in the next moment, their nerves were on edge again.

For the Heavenly Nether Bird acted once more, unleashing several black flames that all surged into Murong Qingcheng's body.

Instantly, the five-colored light on Murong Qingcheng's body was suppressed and finally vanished into the air.

And on her fair neck, a black lotus mark appeared as well.

"To think I not only encountered the descendant of the Three-headed Zhu Xue Bird but also discovered a martial artist with the Phoenix Bloodline. It seems you people are even more formidable than I imagined."

"I believe the tasks I assigned to you should be within your capabilities."

The Heavenly Nether Bird seemed quite enthusiastic, then it swung its massive claw toward the Beidou Seven Stars Formation.

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