The Fire Immortal Secret Technique had merged with Chu Feng. His expression remained unchanged, his aura undisturbed; he felt none of the oppressive force the Fire Immortal Secret Technique had spoken of.
Chu Feng felt the Fire Immortal Secret Technique was unlikely to be lying. After all, the fat monk had once said the same thing—that the Five Elemental Secret Techniques could not coexist within a single body. It seemed that was indeed true.
Yet here, Chu Feng felt no pressure. The only explanation was that his soul was exceptionally strong. The Fire Immortal Secret Technique and the Water Immortal Secret Technique alone were not enough to pose a threat to his soul.
Chu Feng was delighted. He hadn't expected to obtain the Fire Immortal Secret Technique so easily, and without any strain on his soul.
This strengthened his resolve: he must find a way to obtain the remaining Gold Immortal Secret Technique, Wood Immortal Secret Technique, and Earth Immortal Secret Technique from the Five Elemental Secret Techniques.
He was intensely curious about what secret the Ancestor of the Five Elements had left behind.
"Egg, I've already obtained the Fire Immortal Secret Technique. I wonder when you will awaken."
In this moment of success, Chu Feng felt a pang of loss. Normally, Egg would have shared this joy with him, but not now.
Egg had been slumbering for some time. Chu Feng didn't know when Egg would wake, but he was certain that until then, his heart would remain suspended in worry.
Chu Feng then retraced his steps. Because he had subdued the Fire Immortal Secret Technique so quickly, when Du Xiangyu and Du Wanwu saw him, they both assumed he had failed.
"Friend Chu Feng, it seems even you cannot conquer the Fire Immortal Secret Technique."
"But you need not be too disheartened. After all, for so many years, no one has been able to conquer it. I'm afraid in this world, there is no one left who can make it serve them."
Du Xiangyu was ostensibly comforting Chu Feng, but her words were laced with barely concealed cheer. It was clear she was very pleased that Chu Feng had failed.
Chu Feng could naturally read her thoughts. He knew the people of the Poison Clan still harbored hopes that he would not be able to take the Fire Immortal Secret Technique away.
Since Du Xiangyu and the others believed he had returned in failure, Chu Feng saw no need to tell them he had already succeeded.
He simply smiled faintly, leaving his true meaning known only to himself.
However, Du Xiangyu and her companion misinterpreted his smile, believing it to be an admission of defeat.
At this moment, although Du Xiangyu tried to mask her pleasure, the joy in her eyes grew ever more obvious.
People were people, after all. Even monsters who lived for nearly ten thousand years and possessed heaven-defying strength could not escape the seven emotions and six desires. Joy, anger, sorrow, happiness—these were the essence of being human.
Of course, only with such traits could one truly be called human.
Subsequently, Chu Feng and the others returned to the grand hall where Chu Feng had first been received.
"Senior, may I ask what method you spoke of, that will allow me to take Du Wanwu away from here?" Now that Chu Feng had obtained the Fire Immortal Secret Technique, he was eager to leave.
"The method is simple. It is a secret technique passed down within my Poison Clan. Through this secret art, you will be able to take at least two people out."
"However, this secret art requires certain materials, and these materials are crucial. I will need some time to prepare," Du Xiangyu said.
"How much time will that take?" Chu Feng asked.
"One day should be sufficient," Du Xiangyu replied.
"In that case, may I first return to the village? I wish to inform them of your promise to restore their freedom," Chu Feng said.
"Of course," Du Xiangyu said with a smile.
"If I go alone, I fear they may not believe me. Let Du Wanwu accompany me," Chu Feng said.
"I'm not going," Du Wanwu refused flatly.