"Go to a certain place and help me obtain an egg from inside." Empress Myra said.
"What kind of egg?" Evan Yang asked.
"The Ancient Fire Phoenix!" Empress Myra smiled.
Evan Yang was shocked. "The Fire Phoenix? That's a heaven-defying existence."
"That's right. Its power is at least at the God level, and a truly powerful Fire Phoenix can instantly kill even Gods." Empress Myra smiled again.
Evan Yang frowned. "Why don't you go get it yourself? Why make me do it?"
"Because you can withstand the Fire Phoenix phantom, but we can't." Empress Myra smiled.
"Fire Phoenix phantom?" Evan Yang asked skeptically.
"That's right, the fire bird you encountered today was the Fire Phoenix phantom. Years ago, when I entered that place, I could only extract a wisp of the Fire Phoenix's phantom and fuse it into the armor, granting that ability. But I still couldn't reach the depths, so that's where you come in." Empress Myra smiled.
"Such a difficult task," Evan Yang said.
"You don't have the right to choose," Empress Myra said. Lynn Lin and Melody Wood's faces slowly turned pale.
"Fine, I agree—but these two friends must go with me," Evan Yang said.
"Of course. They can even help entertain you if you're bored," Empress Myra smiled.
Evan Yang planned to heal Lynn Lin and Melody Wood first, then deal with this old witch later. He asked, "Where is it, and when do we leave?"
"No rush. Tomorrow night, I'll take you there. For now, the three of you stay in the palace. I'll arrange for someone to take you to rest." Empress Myra smiled, then had someone escort Evan Yang and the others to their rooms.
Soon after, General Hugh entered and said, "Empress, they've already been detained."
"Hmm, where are they? I'll go take a look," Empress Myra said.
"Please follow me," General Hugh said, then led Empress Myra to meet the Desert Tribes.
On the way, General Hugh asked, puzzled, "Empress, why would you offend the Desert Tribes just to save those people?"
"Save them? You're too naive. I need them for something, so I'm only delaying their conflict with the Desert Tribes." Empress Myra smiled.
"What is it that only they can do? Can't I do it?" General Hugh asked, confused.
"You don't need to know for now. You'll understand later," Empress Myra smiled.
General Hugh nodded. Since Empress Myra didn't want to say more, he didn't press further. Soon, the two arrived at a special room—difficult to open, guarded by many experts outside.
When Empress Myra entered, the Desert Envoy asked, "Empress, I hope you'll give us an explanation."
"Everyone, please calm down. Isn't that why I'm here—to explain?" Empress Myra smiled.
"Alright, speak. If your reason isn't good, prepare for the Desert Tribes and Meyor to break their alliance," the Desert Envoy said.
"The envoy already said not to be angry, so I'll explain now. Actually, I need that person to help me, so I'm temporarily protecting him. When the time comes, I'll hand him over to you—do whatever you want, even kill him, it won't concern me," Empress Myra said.
"Are you serious?" The Desert Envoy raised his eyebrows.
"When have I, Empress Myra, ever lied?" Empress Myra smiled.
"If that's the case, can you let us go now?" The Desert Envoy asked.
"Of course, but you can't leave this courtyard. I don't want any unnecessary trouble," Empress Myra said.
"You—" The Desert Envoy looked a bit angry, but since this was the empress's territory, they could only swallow their frustration. Otherwise, who knew when they'd ever get to leave.
After settling the unrest, Empress Myra went off to handle her own affairs.
Meanwhile, Evan Yang and the other two were placed in a room. Evan looked at them and said, "Don't worry. Once we leave the empress tomorrow night, I'll detoxify you both."
"You have a way? Then hurry and help me, this is unbearable—it's so itchy!" Lynn Lin complained.
"Not yet. If she finds out I detoxified you, she'll come up with other ways to deal with you. Let's just wait until tomorrow," Evan Yang said.
"Seriously? The poison is that bad?" Lynn Lin grumbled.
"Then why not just detox us now and take us away?" Melody Wood asked curiously. She knew Evan Yang was strong enough, so why follow the empress's orders?
"Yeah, why didn't I think of that? Why does it have to be tomorrow night?" Lynn Lin asked skeptically.
"You heard it just now—the Ancient Fire Phoenix's egg. I want to see it for myself," Evan Yang said.