At that moment, within Sikong Zhaixing's line of sight, nine figures appeared. All nine were clad in long black robes that concealed their faces entirely, making it impossible to discern their features.
And right now, each of these nine individuals was producing high-grade Royal Weapons one after another to pass through the inspection. Most notably, one of them had personally produced ten high-grade Royal Weapons to get through.
This indicated that among these nine, there was a Martial King powerhouse — because the fee for a Martial King to enter the Ancient Immortal Pool was precisely ten high-grade Royal Weapons.
"This is bad." Suddenly, Sikong Zhaixing's eyes narrowed. He hurriedly turned to the elders behind him and said, "All of you, except Elder Gongsun — hand over your Royal Weapons."
Upon hearing Sikong Zhaixing's words, the sect's presiding elders were all stunned. Though they were quite puzzled, they didn't hesitate for long, nor did they ask questions. Instead, they each took out their Royal Weapons and placed them before Sikong Zhaixing.
As presiding elders, the quality of the Royal Weapons they carried was naturally not weak — all of them were high-grade.
Looking at the collection of high-grade Royal Weapons laid out before him, Sikong Zhaixing selected ten of slightly lower quality and handed them to Elder Gongsun. "Elder Gongsun, go in immediately. Stay close to Chu Feng and the others — you must protect their safety."
"At your command." Upon hearing this, Elder Gongsun didn't hesitate. He took the ten Royal Weapons and hurried forward. However, since many people were entering at the moment, he couldn't simply walk right in — he had to wait in line.
Watching Elder Gongsun standing behind the long queue, and then watching the nine black-robed figures who had already completed their inspection and passed through the gate to head deeper inside, Sikong Zhaixing's face turned pale. Suddenly, he gritted his teeth, opened his mouth, and shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Listen up, all of you! If anyone dares to harm a disciple of my Azure Wood Southern Forest, I will fight to my last breath to make sure they never know peace!"
Sikong Zhaixing's voice was incredibly loud — nearly everyone outside the city wall heard it, and even some people inside the wall caught his words.
In an instant, countless gazes turned toward him, including those of the Ancient Spirits.
However, compared to the crowd, the nine black-robed figures did not turn to look. If one observed carefully, one would notice their bodies trembled slightly. They hesitated for a moment before quickening their pace and disappearing inside.
"What's gotten into Sect Master Sikong?"
"Could it be that someone plans to harm the Southern Forest disciples?"
"How is that possible? Who would dare cause trouble on the Ancient Spirits' territory? That would be courting death. In my opinion, it's because the Azure Wood Southern Forest had a clash with the Black Python Stronghold earlier. Sect Master Sikong, doting on his disciples, is simply afraid of retaliation — that's all." The crowd buzzed with speculation over Sikong Zhaixing's outburst.
"Sect Master, what happened?" Compared to the outsiders, the Southern Forest's presiding elders could no longer hold back their questions, because Sikong Zhaixing was a man who had always been composed. His series of actions earlier had been decidedly unusual.
"If I'm not mistaken, those nine black-robed figures should be members of the Han Family," Sikong Zhaixing said.
"The Han Family? Are you saying they intend to harm our Southern Forest disciples?" Only after hearing Sikong Zhaixing's words did the presiding elders notice that indeed nine people were striding deeper into the grounds, heading in the very direction Chu Feng and the others had disappeared.
"The Han Family has the standing to come here for cultivation — they wouldn't need to disguise themselves. Given their sneaky behavior, they must harbor a grudge against our Southern Forest. Most likely, they plan to deal with Chu Feng and the others," Sikong Zhaixing said.
"But Sect Master, the Ancient Spirits have explicitly forbidden fighting within their territory, and certainly murder. Anyone who disobeys faces severe punishment. No matter how audacious the Han Family might be, they wouldn't dare offend the Ancient Spirits, would they?" Some elders expressed doubt.
"The Han Family does have some unhinged members. Chu Feng made them suffer a great loss this time — perhaps the Han Family really will do something to harm Chu Feng and the others." Most of the elders remained worried.
"The Han Family had better not go too far. Otherwise, I won't let their bloodline continue." But compared to those elders, a flash of savage menace now blazed in Sikong Zhaixing's eyes.
While the commotion raged outside, Chu Feng and his group were moving swiftly. Coupled with the fact that a special power within the Ancient Spirits' domain interfered with sound, they hadn't heard Sikong Zhaixing's shout at all.
Right now, they had entered a dense and expansive jungle — though calling it a jungle hardly did it justice, for it was more like a massive garden. Not only were there bizarre and exotic trees, but also stunningly beautiful flowers and strange plants of every kind. The sight was nothing short of magnificent.
Chu Feng and the others needed to traverse this jungle to reach the Ancient Immortal Pool. Since the Ancient Spirits considered themselves above common folk, they would not guide the visitors. To pass through the jungle, the group would have to find their own way.
"This jungle is so strange. The moment I entered, I felt completely drained — even breathing became difficult. I thought I'd adjust after a while, but it only gets worse the deeper we go. What kind of place is this?" a pale-faced disciple grumbled unhappily.
In truth, it wasn't just him who was pale and drenched in sweat. Nearly everyone from the Azure Wood Southern Forest looked the same — as though they were sick, their bodies weak with exhaustion. As martial cultivators, they rarely found themselves in such a state.
"Junior Brothers, this isn't an ordinary jungle. These plants have been imbued with a special barrier — not only are they virtually indestructible, but they also suppress our strength. Forget flying — even walking here is a struggle."
"This was deliberately arranged by the Ancient Spirits. They believe that not everyone is worthy of the special power within the Ancient Immortal Pool. So even after paying the fee, one must pass a trial. If you can't make it through this jungle, you don't deserve to use the Ancient Immortal Pool." Wang Wei explained this to everyone.
"What? We already paid the fee, and they're still throwing obstacles at us? That's outrageous — isn't this just plain robbery?"
"Who knows how many people can actually make it through such a vast jungle. Those who get through, fine. But those who don't — haven't they just wasted their high-grade Royal Weapons without getting to cultivate in the Ancient Immortal Pool? This is the biggest scam there is." Many grew agitated after hearing Wang Wei's explanation.
"That's not quite right. If someone can't make it through the jungle, the Ancient Spirits will return their Royal Weapons. So it's not a scam — it's simply a trial," Wang Wei clarified.
"I actually think the Ancient Spirits are doing the right thing. First, a steep fee keeps most people out, and then the remaining ones are tested. This avoids a lot of trouble." Unlike the others, Chu Feng approved of the Ancient Spirits' approach.
Hearing Chu Feng's words, those who had been grumbling fell silent. The anger on their faces faded, replaced by a hint of worry.
They were afraid — afraid that they wouldn't be able to make it through this jungle. After all, the high-grade Royal Weapons, however valuable, were not theirs. They had been freely provided by the Southern Forest. This opportunity had essentially been handed to them for free, and if they missed it, the loss would be enormous.
"Brother Chu Feng, why don't you feel any pressure at all? You look completely fine!" Suddenly, one disciple pointed at Chu Feng, his face full of astonishment.
"Oh my, it's true! Brother Chu Feng, how did you manage that?"
At the other's words, everyone turned to look at Chu Feng, studying him carefully. In that instant, their expressions shifted dramatically — a mix of shock and delight.
For they had made an astonishing discovery: just as the disciple had said, Chu Feng showed not the slightest sign of strain. He was in the exact same state as before entering the jungle — truly unaffected by the power within.