Chapter 460: An Unexpected Gift
Chapter 460: An Unexpected Gift (Please subscribe, favorite, and vote)
"Phoenix?" Hermione asked, a bit puzzled. "Isn't Phoenix supposed to be a large bird with golden-red feathers, like Fawkes? I read in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that it says the same thing."
"No, no, no, this is a translation issue", Liam whispered, careful not to startle the Phoenix perched on a bamboo branch, munching on bamboo seeds. "The Phoenix we're talking about is known as Phoenix in China, originally from ancient Egypt. The Phoenix in front of us, however, is at least more powerful in magical abilities than Dumbledore's Phoenix."
As he spoke, he pointed to the Phoenix for Hermione to see: "Look, the pattern on its head is in the shape of the character for virtue, the pattern on its wings represents righteousness, the pattern on its back symbolizes propriety, the pattern on its chest embodies benevolence, and the pattern on its abdomen signifies trustworthiness. These characters represent the most important moral values in China, and their presence on the Phoenix indicates that it has mastered a part of the human Power of the Rules, similar to what we call Faith Power."
"Amazing, but it's just an extraordinary creature. How could it understand such complex rules?" Hermione, who was already on the path of gradually exploring the rules, knew what this kind of power represented. She found it hard to believe that a magical creature could grasp such intricate concepts.
For example, Dumbledore's Phoenix was at most as intelligent as a human teenager. It certainly couldn't conduct such complex research. And that was already one of the smartest magical creatures they had seen.
"Hey, you two young ones, I don't think humans are much smarter than other animals", Liam heard a clear voice from the depths of his mind, like the sound of spring raindrops hitting the earth and seeds sprouting. The voice startled him; there weren't many people or creatures who could send messages directly to his mind without alarming him, even Dumbledore would need to make an effort to do so.
Liam's first reaction was to look at the Phoenix, which was stretching its neck to reach the bamboo seeds. Immediately, he heard another voice: "You're not slow, kid, and you've got a bit of smarts."
"Who are you?" Liam asked cautiously. The Phoenix had already demonstrated its power, and regardless of what it was, that power was worthy of respect.
"You can call me Phoenix Spirit", the Phoenix said, flying to a horizontal bamboo branch in front of Liam. "Don't be nervous, I just called you out of curiosity. There aren't many outsiders who come to this place. Even after more than two thousand years, I've seen less than a dozen outsiders. The last time I saw someone who looked like your young friend here was decades ago."
"Do people like me from Europe often come here?" Hermione asked, intrigued.
"Not often, no. Foreign wizards usually only come here for specific reasons", Phoenix Spirit explained. "When I met that person, it was because of something else. That man came here with his partner to return a Zouwu that had been taken by poachers. I even learned a greeting from them, let me think—ah, yes, it's this."
After recalling the phrase, the Phoenix raised one of its wings and said, "Good morning, that's how it goes, right? Ha, I knew my memory was good; I've remembered it all these years."
"Zouwu?" Liam suddenly thought of someone. He pulled out a copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from his Spatial Bag and pointed to the black-and-white photo of the author in his youth. "Was that person the one back then?"
"It was him", the Phoenix said, leaning closer to the book to look. "I had a good feeling about that young man, and we chatted a bit. Do you know how he fared afterward?"
Newt Scamander later became a great scholar of magical creatures and is now retired, living in his manor in Dorset with his wife and pets. He’s not young anymore, nearly a hundred years old. Our first-year textbook was written by him.”
“Oh, age does make one forget a lot. I always thought he would become quite accomplished, and it seems my judgment was good.” The Phoenix Spirit’s voice became more cheerful. “By the way, what brings you here? I remember this place doesn’t get many foreigners.”
“We’re here for an engagement ceremony and a holiday trip. I’m also visiting my family,” Liam said, holding Hermione’s hand.
“Oh, love. How lovely.” The Phoenix Spirit said, “Though we’ve only just met, I must tell you that great power is the foundation of action, and sometimes killing is a necessary means. However, always remember your initial choices and don’t let power and bloodshed cloud your judgment. I’ve seen too many tragedies caused by those who couldn’t hold onto their inner convictions. Love and responsibility are the only anchors that can guide you back from the brink.”
“Thank you for your guidance,” Liam bowed to the Phoenix. He believed that a warning from a Phoenix who had lived for two thousand years must have a reason. After some thought, Liam realized he might have been too inclined toward physical elimination recently. He stood there, reflecting on whether his thoughts and actions had been too extreme.
“It’s good that you’ve gained something from this. I believe you will become a great sorcerer one day. Now, let me give you a gift. May you carve out your own sky in a foreign land. And of course, congratulations on finding your soulmate.” The Phoenix Spirit, noticing Liam’s thoughtful expression, took flight and began to sing in ancient Elean.
“Phoenix, oh Phoenix, return to your homeland, wandering the four seas in search of your mate. Unmet and unguided, how could I have foreseen my ascent to this hall!” The Phoenix Spirit sang while dancing in the air. As the song ended, a golden light flashed, and the elegant and beautiful figure disappeared into the bamboo forest, leaving behind only a heavenly echo.
“Phew—” Hermione let out a soft breath. Even though the Phoenix Spirit had tried to contain its aura, the magic power accumulated over two thousand years was overwhelming, even for Hermione, who was just beginning to grasp the rules of magic.
“Is this the depth of Chinese wizards?” Hermione asked, almost disbelievingly. “Two thousand years old, and the longest-lived being I’ve heard of before was that Basilisk you told me about, which lived under the school’s girls’ bathroom. It felt only slightly less oppressive than that Reaper.”
“A civilization with thousands of years of unbroken magical lineage, you don’t think they haven’t expanded because they’re weak, do you? Not to mention, the Phoenix we just met is probably just a step below a deity,” Liam said, looking at the astonished Hermione. “Alright, let’s not dwell on this. Let’s see what the Mythical Beast Phoenix gave us as a gift.”
After a moment, Liam and Hermione both rolled up their sleeves. On their forearms, a thumb-sized, intricately detailed golden Phoenix tattoo appeared.
After a brief probe with their magic power, they discovered that the tattoo allowed them to summon each other to their side, provided they were in the same world and the other party agreed. Besides this primary function, it also allowed them to communicate with each other.
“We really should thank the Phoenix Spirit,” Liam thought. He felt a bit puzzled about receiving such a generous gift, but then he considered that to a two-thousand-year-old Phoenix, this gift might indeed be a small favor given to a promising young wizard.
But for Liam and Hermione, this was the best gift they received during their trip to China.
(End of Chapter)
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