Chapter 2876 The Fire Phoenix Clan's Sincerity
The powers gathered again on the ground floor of the palace, taking their seats.
This time, everything was quick since everyone knew where to sit and how to behave. There were not many sparks flying as they seemed to have quieted down.
In a few minutes, the banquet started again, with the two hosts making speeches about yesterday's results.
"… with that, we all agreed to sign a non-aggression treaty with the alliances that are present here, no matter who wins the Candidacy for the initial ten years. As long as no one breaks this agreement, then we will have enough time to discuss and come up with a peaceful resolution that will not hopefully shame the legendary Saintess."
Earth Dragon Clan's Patriarch Klavius Rocksunder spoke with a wide smile.
Unlike yesterday, he seemed confident and outgoing as he seemed talkative, giving out many details that were not said yesterday.
Davis wasn't surprised by his reaction since they were going to dance in joy if they gained Isabella, and unlike the Fire Phoenix Clan that brought forth a Blood Soul Contract, they really didn't try to restrict Isabella in any way as they were empty-handed.
Or, they might take out a Blood Soul Contract from one of their spatial rings, which he couldn't tell.
Regardless, he waited for them to be done with the initial preparation for the second day of the banquet.
At this point, it was already noon.
During this time, Patriarch Fenren Jadelight and Patriarch Soaren Jadelight had asked him numerous times what was wrong, that he could share with them, and they would stand with him. However, he remained quiet, not saying anything.
Yilla Zyrus also returned, shaking her head as she couldn't obtain any news on his stolen seeds. However, he told her to leave him for now, but she insisted on staying even if he said that he wasn't abandoning her.
But finally, the Fire Phoenix Clan's Patriarch churned open the scroll he had in his hands but stopped halfway, smiling at Shirley.
"Fourth inheritor, we are honored to receive you on this day. Therefore, I will hope that you can see through our sincerity, see eye to eye and become a part of us."
"…"
Shirley's eyes didn't even blink. She still stared at them with a disinterested expression, causing Patriarch Killian Zenflame's lips to twitch, but he kept smiling and turned around, putting up the Blood Soul Contract for everyone to see.
A projection appeared in the air and enlarged the scroll, allowing everyone to look at its content from all four sides.
[
This is a contract made between the Fire Phoenix Clan and Shirley Ashton of the Aurora Cloud Gate.
-Shirley Ashton is free to take on the surname of the Fire Phoenix Clan's Zenflame Branch and shall become a member of their clan regardless of her name. Moreover, she shall retain her identity as a disciple of the Aurora Cloud Gate and shall be free to maintain contact with her family and power.
-Shirley Ashton shall be subject to the customs and traditions of the Fire Phoenix Clan. However, she shall have the freedom to follow her own beliefs and practices, provided they do not conflict with those of the Fire Phoenix Clan.
-Shirley Ashton shall be free to leave the residence of the Fire Phoenix Clan and to visit her own clan or any other place. However, she shall inform her guardian or a Grand Elder of her whereabouts and plans.
-Shirley Ashton shall be free to engage in any business or trade of her own choosing. However, she shall not make any major financial decisions without the approval of the Fire Phoenix Clan.
-Shirley Ashton shall be free to entertain visitors of her own choosing, male or female. However, both parties shall show each other the proper respect and decorum. If not, the guests would be removed for a breach of etiquette.
…
..
.
-Shirley Ashton shall be responsible for managing her household of the Fire Phoenix Clan. However, she shall be free to delegate responsibilities to others and to hire help as needed or instructed by the Fire Phoenix Clan.
-Shirley Ashton's child, Eterna Ashton, shall receive the absolute protection and nurturing of the Fire Phoenix Clan. She will not be discriminated against because of her yang origin.
-Shirley Ashton shall be free to have a cultivation partner and children at any time. However, she shall follow the customs and traditions of the Fire Phoenix Clan regarding marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing.
…
..
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-Shirley Ashton shall enter the Candidacy as bound by her duty and responsibility to the immortal inheritance she obtained. Under no circumstances can she back out unless she is crippled.
-Shirley Ashton shall share the immortal inheritance with the Fire Phoenix Clan as she sees fit. However, the Fire Phoenix Clan can make a request once a month, but Shirley Ashton still reserves the right to refuse at any time.
-If Shirley Ashton fails to comply with any of the above conditions, she shall be subject to restrictive actions by the Fire Phoenix Clan. However, the Aurora Cloud Gate shall have the right to intervene if they believe Shirley Ashton's rights are being violated.
]
"…"
Looking at the long list of clauses, many felt their eyes flutter in sleepiness. However, there were also people who read each word and each line with focus and scrutiny. At a glance, the Blood Soul Contract seems to favor Shirley's freedom a lot, but it also has many restrictions in place.
However, these restrictions were all part of becoming one with a power, so they didn't see it as anything restrictive but protocol.
A minute of silence passed.
Only then did Shirley stand up, floating towards the stage with her hands behind her back. Her crimson robes fluttered while her stylish and fiery frame left many people feeling the heat of her beauty and prowess, causing them to sigh inwardly, not knowing how a Divergent like the Emperor of Death was so lucky.
"The Blood Soul Contract is alright. However, there are many points that are of concern but taking a step back, why is my name, not Shirley Davis?"
Shirley started to speak as she came to a stop on top of the stage, her voice chilling, "Do you all think this is funny?"
She looked at the Fire Phoenix Clan's Patriarch. However, the three immortal inheritors at this moment took a step forward.
"This… we can call you Shirley Davis with no problem, but many Elders were afraid and wanted to lessen the karmic burden as much as they could, so they didn't relent on this point, wanting to keep using the name you were born with in writing as it means a lot in the world of karma. Of course, we are not pushing you the name Zenflame either, so I think we are sincere in this matter."
Ancestor Zenflame, the founder of the Fire Phoenix Clan, explained.
When he spoke, they could see that his charisma was off the charts. At the same time, his voice was also soft, as though he was speaking to a child, causing many to be appreciative of him.
Shirley also made a contemplative expression, appearing to think of many things.
"Fourth inheritor Shirley Davis, if you have any questions, feel free to ask us."
"We welcome you with all our hearts."
Hirona and Sierra smiled at her. Their voices were also welcoming, making it hard for one to resist, whether it be men or women, as they were immortals almost every phoenix looked up to. After all, they were once the foundation of their phoenix clans.
At this moment, Isabella also appeared on the stage, aligning herself with Shirley.
"What about me?"
"As we said, we really aren't capable of restricting a Dragon Queen even if we grew more horns."
The Earth Dragon Clan's Patriarch, Klavius Rocksunder, heartily laughed. He bowed and cupped his hands.
"Earth Dragon Queen, forgive this Patriarch for being rude back then. I didn't know who I was dealing with, but I'm glad that we're now able to talk freely like this. We welcome you to our Earth Dragon Clan with open arms, carrying all the risk because you're worthy of such status. Even if you want to stay out of the Candidacy, it is definitely not off the table."
"Woahhh!~"
The crowd bellowed into an uproar, not expecting this kind of privilege to be given to the Earth Dragon Clan's fourth inheritor. They couldn't believe their ears, especially the other inheritors who squinted their brows, not knowing if they should be feeling jealous of the unrestricted freedom or joyous that such a foe wouldn't enter along with them.
