"Chirp!"
Accompanied by a faint phoenix chirp echoing in Youyou's mind, the ninth phoenix she visualized grew increasingly lifelike.
With the infusion of dark rules, the eyes of this outwardly dark phoenix seemed to faintly gleam, filled with ever-growing divine energy saturating its form.
It's close, so very close.
Youyou vaguely sensed she was nearing the complete visualization of this phoenix.
Yet, this seemingly reachable distance held tremendous resistance.
This resistance existed since she visualized the second phoenix, and grew as the number of phoenixes increased, with each visualization of a new phoenix becoming tougher.
Feeling just a step away from success with the ninth phoenix yet unable to achieve it with all her might, a hint of determination shone in Youyou's eyes.
It suddenly opened its eyes, gazing at the very close source of the Nether River.
This time, it clearly saw what existed at the river's source.
