Lin Fei, exuding a formidable presence, addressed the Patriarch and the Elders. "You demons thought you could when I am here? How foolish. I will show you the might of the Immortal Phoenix and kill every single one of you today!"

The Patriarch and the Seventeen Elders, recognizing the dire situation, exchanged determined glances.

They knew the threat Lin Fei posed considering those purifying flames that they could sense.

In a swift decision, the Seventeen Elders volunteered to hold off Lin Fei while the Patriarch sought an escape route.

The demonic elders, despite their weakened state, unleashed a barrage of demonic techniques, attempting to divert Lin Fei's attention.

Lin Fei, undeterred by their attempts, summoned the phoenix with the activation of the Phoenix Mark. The majestic creature, radiating intense divine energy, soared into the sky with a mighty cry.

The demonic elders, witnessing the emergence of the Divine Spirit Realm phoenix, trembled with fear. Even in their weakened condition, the presence of the phoenix struck terror into their demonic hearts.

Amidst the chaos, the Patriarch swiftly chose a direction for escape, hoping to evade any further confrontations. However, his chosen path led him directly into the spatial rift from which Wang Jian emerged.

Wang Jian, wearing a thin smile, appeared before the Patriarch. "Running won't save you. This is where your journey ends."

Without hesitation, Wang Jian unleashed the Pure Yang Flame, a potent force beyond the demonic flames the Patriarch was accustomed to. The essence of pure Yang Energy engulfed the Patriarch, leaving no room for escape.

As Wang Jian unleashed the Pure Yang Flame upon the Patriarch of the Forbidden Demon Clan, the intense, purifying energy radiated from the flames.

The immortal phoenix Lin Fei had summoned shivered in the face of the overwhelming suppression caused by the Pure Yang Flame.

The Patriarch, trapped in the grip of the flames, faced an inevitable demise.

Witnessing the scene unfold, Lin Xingya and the human cultivators reached the location, astonishment etched across their faces. The display of Wang Jian's power left them in awe and shock. As the Patriarch of the Forbidden Demon Clan was consumed by the Pure Yang Flame, a sense of triumph settled over the group.

However, their elation was short-lived as Wang Jian, seemingly drained, collapsed to the ground unconscious. Lin Xingya, displaying a mix of concern and urgency, rushed to his side. She enveloped her arms around the weakened Wang Jian, shielding him from the surrounding chaos.

"Go, hunt down those elders. I'll take care of Wang Jian," Lin Xingya commanded, showcasing her sense of responsibility and compassion.

The other human cultivators nodded and swiftly departed to pursue the remaining elders of the Forbidden Demon Clan.

Amidst the ongoing battle against the Seventeen Elders, Lin Fei, assisted by the phoenix, exhibited unparalleled prowess. The powerful Phoenix Flames, cultivated through the Phoenix Ascension Technique, left a trail of destruction in their wake. Four elders had already fallen to the combined might of Lin Fei and the human cultivators.

As the final showdown ensued, Lin Xingya, with Wang Jian in her arms, kept a watchful eye on the battle. The intensity of Lin Fei's flames illuminated the battlefield, a display of both awe and danger.

Meanwhile, Lin Fei continued his relentless assault on the Forbidden Demon Clan elders, displaying a level of skill and determination that impressed even the seasoned human cultivators. The phoenix, a majestic companion in the fight, added to the formidable force.

Just as the battle reached its climax, the remaining human cultivators joined forces with Lin Fei, overwhelming the Forbidden Demon Clan elders. The combined efforts proved too much for the remaining elders, and one by one, they succumbed to the onslaught.

In the aftermath, the battlefield lay strewn with the defeated bodies of the Forbidden Demon Clan elders. The human cultivators, victorious but fatigued, regrouped. Lin Fei, his flames subsiding, surveyed the scene with a mix of accomplishment and exhaustion.

However, amidst the triumph, Lin Fei's attention was drawn to the peculiar sight of Lin Xingya cradling the unconscious Wang Jian. The complex emotions that stirred within Lin Fei were visible on his face – a combination of anger, confusion, and an unspoken jealousy.

Lin Xingya, still focused on ensuring Wang Jian's well-being, remained unaware of the turmoil brewing within Lin Fei. To her, safeguarding Wang Jian was a duty owed to the one who had played a pivotal role in their victory.

As the human cultivators assessed the aftermath of the battle, Lin Fei approached Lin Xingya and Wang Jian. His gaze locked onto the scene before him, and the internal conflict within him continued to intensify.

Lin Xingya, sensing Lin Fei's approach, turned to him with a mix of relief and gratitude. "Brother Fei, we owe much of our success to Wang Jian. He needs our help now."

The words, spoken with sincerity, only fueled the turmoil within Lin Fei's heart. His internal struggle reached a tipping point as he grappled with the inexplicable emotions that surged within him.

Unable to contain himself, Lin Fei retorted, "Oh, please! If it were me in Wang Jian's place, those elders wouldn't have escaped at all. I would've wiped them out before they even thought of fleeing. Wang Jian is just a hindrance, and his so-called contribution is overrated."

The sharpness of Lin Fei's words cut through the air, creating an uncomfortable tension among the gathered cultivators. Lin Xingya, sensing the underlying hostility, tried to diffuse the situation.

"Wang Jian played a significant role in our victory," Lin Xingya insisted, her tone firm. "He controlled the demon array formations, allowing us to succeed. The Patriarch and elders suffered injuries because of their escape. Without those injuries, your battle might not have been as straightforward."

Lin Fei's eyes narrowed, resentment burning in his gaze. The more his sister spoke in defense of Wang Jian, the hotter the flames of jealousy blazed within him. It was a jealousy that he struggled to contain.

"If you can't appreciate Wang Jian's efforts, at least refrain from belittling him," Lin Xingya continued, her voice unwavering. "He deserves respect for what he did."

Lin Fei, fueled by his own inner turmoil, couldn't tolerate the defense of Wang Jian. The rage within him bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to spill over. If not for the familial bond with Lin Xingya, he might have lashed out with harsh words.

"He's not worthy of such praise," Lin Fei muttered through clenched teeth, his fists tightening.

Lin Xingya, determined to make her point, continued, "Lin Fei, he played a significant role. You should apologize for disrespecting him."

Lin Xingya's personal maids nodded in agreement, adding their voices to hers. The other human cultivators, appreciating the truth in her words, began to murmur in approval. Lin Fei found himself increasingly isolated amidst the growing chorus of support for Wang Jian.

Lin Fei's jaw clenched, the anger within him reaching a breaking point. His fists tightened, and he felt the overwhelming urge to retaliate against the perceived injustice.

However, Lin Fei chose a different path. With a scowl etched on his face, he turned abruptly and walked away, leaving behind a cloud of resentment and unresolved tension. The anger within him raged like a tempest, but he refrained from unleashing it in that moment.

Lin Xingya's trio of personal maids exchanged glances, silently supporting their mistress's stance. The other cultivators, having witnessed the confrontation, shared a collective sentiment that Lin Fei should indeed offer an apology.

As Lin Fei retreated from the scene, the air remained charged with lingering tension. The unresolved conflict simmered beneath the surface, a testament to the complexities of relationships amidst the chaotic aftermath of battle.