MCU- CH-191. Phoenix became a Little Bird

Wu Fengji just glanced at Luke before quickly looking away. With only a single glance, she realized that her suspicions about the God-King mentioned by the fiery boy were correct.

Since merging with the Phoenix Force hundreds of years ago, she had never felt this intense, self-aware power within her react in such a way.

What Wu Fengji didn't know was that, within her consciousness, the Phoenix itself was curled up in a corner, trembling at the sight of the domineering and majestic figure before it—consumed by an unmistakable fear.

The once-untamable Phoenix that had often brimmed with greed and desire now had only fear left after stepping onto Dispelia.

What puzzled Wu Fengji further was a strange familiarity she sensed from Luke, prompting her to look at her fists, perplexed.

"You're confused, wondering why I seem familiar to you." Luke spoke before Wu Fengji could voice her thoughts.

Wu Fengji nodded instinctively, surprised by his insight.

"You carry the power of a dragon within you. Though it's a bit diluted, it still belongs to the true dragon lineage."

"I can just barely consider myself part of the same clan as the one who granted you that dragon power."

Hearing this, Wu Fengji suddenly understood that the Luke before her shared the same dragon heritage as Shou-Lao.

"Is the Senior also from Earth? I wonder how Shou-Lao has fared over the years?"

"Since entering the universe hundreds of years ago, I've never had the chance to return."

This revelation seemed to ease her fear slightly. Seeing an opportunity to get closer to him, she addressed Luke as "senior" rather than "Your Majesty the Divine King."

"Am I from Earth?" Luke mused, "Yes and no, but that's irrelevant."

"As for the old man Shou-Lao you mentioned, I don't know him personally. I've only heard of him in passing—a washed-up relic imprisoned in Kunlun, training you so-called Iron Fists through self-sacrifice while secretly using your energy to amplify his own."

"But it appears that old dragon made a poor investment in you!"

"Normally, given a human lifespan, you should have perished long ago. But you've managed to survive until now, and even the dragon power within you has been influenced by the Phoenix."

"Even if you die in the future, that power will not be able to return to his body."

"That old dragon calculated well, but this time he's lost everything!" Luke didn't hide his contempt for Shou-Lao, someone Wu Fengji had once revered. His arrogance as a superior dragon was evident.

Wu Fengji felt a bit embarrassed; she hadn't expected Shou-Lao to be so dismissed in the eyes of his kin.

But she also understood it was natural for someone like Luke to look down on Shou-Lao, who was trapped in Kunlun. After all, every generation of Iron Fist had to defeat Shou-Lao in combat to gain the dragon's power, ultimately marking their fists with the dragon's brand by killing him.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for coming here unannounced. I only wish to understand what caused the Phoenix Force disturbance recently. I have no intent to offend you, and if I've been inappropriate, I ask your forgiveness."

Seeing her attempt to connect with him fail, Wu Fengji changed her tone and clarified her purpose.

At this moment, she adopted a humble stance, not daring to conceal anything, and showed utmost respect.

"Don't worry; I harbor no ill will toward you." Luke said.

"As for the truth you seek, I'll tell you outright. Dispelia has recently seen the birth of a new power fueled by pure emotion. As the embodiment of life's emotions throughout the infinite multiverse, the Phoenix Force is, naturally, drawn to it."

"So, it's not just you—every Phoenix host scattered across the multiverse will be attracted here."

"Just like the Phoenix host you eliminated before arriving. Except they were not as fortunate; they lacked full control over the Phoenix's power. Instead, they were slaves to its will, controlled by the Phoenix itself."

Luke didn't hold back, revealing everything she wanted to know.

"So that's how it is… no wonder." Wu Fengji murmured, "Thank you, Senior, for clearing up my doubts. I am deeply grateful. I'll take my leave now."

If she weren't worried about appearing impolite, Wu Fengji would've left in an instant. The pressure she felt in Luke's presence was overwhelming.

Even though Luke had shown her no hostility and had answered her questions earnestly, the innate danger signals her instincts gave off hadn't subsided. They served as a constant reminder.

Let her leave this place quickly.

"You are a guest from afar, and I have not yet fulfilled my duty as a host. Please stay on my Dispelia for a while." Luke said, "There will be a grand show soon, and it wouldn't be complete without you, the White Phoenix!"

Luke's words carried an unquestionable authority.

Hearing this, Wu Fengji knew she was essentially trapped here and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

'Alas! Why did I even think of coming here? It's like willingly stepping into a tiger's den.'

As for attempting to escape by force, Wu Fengji didn't even consider it. Just now, one look from Luke had stripped her of any will to resist, and even the Phoenix power within her had shrunk to that of a small, frightened bird.

The disparity in strength was so vast that she couldn't even imagine disobeying Luke. She simply hoped that this powerful being would let her leave after the show.

"Nur, come and entertain our guest for me!"

At Luke's call, Nur, dressed in priestly robes, appeared instantly at Wu Fengji's side.

"Yes, my respected Divine King." He said reverently, "Madam, please follow me."

En Sabah Nur, the ancient mutant who had once called himself a god, had now become a devout follower of Luke, eagerly assuming the role of priest. Yet, Luke primarily used him as the general overseer of Dispelia.

Wu Fengji followed Nur compliantly and left.

Watching her retreating figure, Luke mused aloud:

"With billions of Phoenix hosts scattered throughout the multiverse, this great battle might just grant us a chance to restore the Phoenix Force to its original form."

"I wonder if this ancient divine power, born from the primordial universe, truly possesses the legendary strength it's said to hold."

According to legend, when the Phoenix Force reunites in its entirety, it has the power to annihilate the multiverse. Luke had his reasons for keeping Wu Fengji around—she was one of the rare, perfect Phoenix hosts. With her, along with a zither, he believed he might be able to separate the Phoenix's full power.

"I hope I won't be disappointed."

Unconsciously, Luke had begun to disregard all lives except those he cared for. In the impending Phoenix catastrophe, he believed that only a handful of the billions of Phoenix hosts would be worthy of survival.

__________

A huge thanks to William Reid, Luck George, Osman Gomez, David Aderoju, Wesely_Teixeira, reso60 gomes, Kieron Haydon, thunderwalker123, Romel Rivera, Cesar Montemayor , Victor Perez, Devor, Imen, LazyAsh, Joe Thigpen, Ding dong, Mightyowl1767, Emilio Gonzalez, Nathan Hill, Alexis vasquez, Luca, tsuko leelane, Osiel, Matt, A, ParallaxDawn, Marick Mendoza , Philippe Techer, Chelsea2valve, Onemanarmy, Reed Pace, id wyrm, Rafael Borges, RealReader743, Thomas Desrosiers, Ryan, Chaos420, matt griffin, isaiah ramirez, bikash gurung, Joseph Bishop, arthur Jones, Raiden Allen, Noname09, Gabe Smith, Rome, Benoit Valtin, Ichdaboom, Whitewolf, EmptyBeing, Smithy Boy 420, Atticus Chea Jamaal King, multiverse right, Colin Hilterhaus, nick reisch, Aryan Singh, PhantomNite, Jessie, Chaos, Kds89, BR, Wes Ferrell, Eugene sivila, M.C, Random, Ownin Tarabi Yare, The Meta, Car Crash, Maybay, Gary, Gregg, Velzura, Carlos, greenDUECES, TheEntityAbove, Skulllnight43, Cristher Medina, Adrian, WyrmDragon, kl, Tanner Johnson, Andres Saavedra, john lowry-davis, WMAF Enjoyer, Cade Atkinson, Darius Collins, Josh, Kenechukwu Nkem-ossai, JackM, Scarlet Mars, Justin Barnes, Umbra Paco, Tariel Khalvashi Mr.goldenweek, John, Brennan Tubbs, Sung Jin woo, mike panos, Kobin Philip, brian price, wolfram, Wilnet Duverne, Joe Thingpen, eduardo tellez, Panera employee, Mandy G, Shadow King, Caio Lacerda, abs, Ecokane 0, Auzzo, Taz_231, solo _le, Velzura, Alexander Martinez, Marvin Lynn, OMG X WAFF3LZ, Denacious, idk5231, Drake, Georg Tasche, Maurice, MM, Luis, Alireza Akram, Chamar Ellis, Daniel Thomsen, Kiddeath1998, Jonay, Doomsdaylover321, pop_tarts, Niklas, Red Dragon, Tanner Johnson, Jesus, AIM ABLE, Paul Auke, Stephen, Placid, Origin, Lunar, Tarabi Yare, Sebastian and Lith Vehen or supporting me.