As if sensing someone's arrival,
"
The moment she saw Chu Feng and the others, Yao'er's face lit up with joy. A radiant smile spread across her innocent features as she sprang to her feet and ran toward them.
Hummm—
But just then, a flash of golden light flickered into existence, blocking Yao'er's path. As the light faded, the figure of a middle-aged man materialized before Chu Feng and the others.
It was none other than the man who called himself
This mysterious existence—even now—remained an enigma. Those deep, unfathomable eyes and that faint, subtle smile set him apart from everyone else.
Chu Feng couldn't figure him out, couldn't gauge his true nature, let alone comprehend the extent of his strength.
Long Lin had clearly noticed
Such contemptuous behavior made Baili Xuankong's brows twitch with displeasure. All of them felt a stir of irritation.
However, none of them spoke, nor did they take any action. The man was simply too unfathomable.
Even Baili Xuankong realized that this individual's strength most likely surpassed his own. Dealing with him would not be easy.
He truly hadn't expected that such a being could exist within these ancient ruins. How many years had this man lived? Could it be that he was a relic of the ancient era itself?
"Chu Feng, you've truly given me a pleasant surprise. I set a deadline of two years for you to reach Half-Emperor and come here, but it's been barely over a year and you're already a Third-rank Half-Emperor. Your rate of progress is quite impressive."
"Truly, you've exceeded my expectations." Long Lin smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was clear that Chu Feng's return had genuinely pleased him.
"Can I take Yao'er with me now?" Chu Feng asked.
"Why not ask for the fruit first? I know those fruits would be extremely useful to you." Long Lin pointed at the tree laden with fruit.
"To me, Yao'er is more important than any fruit."
"…"
Hearing those words, Yao'er's eyes shimmered. Her small mouth parted slightly, and the beginnings of tears welled up in her large, bright eyes. In that moment, her heart overflowed with emotion.
She knew that Chu Feng had originally come here for the treasure. For the sake of that treasure, he had risked his life to break through the ancient killing formation.
That alone showed how important the treasure was to him.
And yet now, he placed her above even that treasure. How could she not be moved?
Yao'er had originally helped Chu Feng out of gratitude for having saved her, but now, that sense of gratitude had grown immeasurably stronger.
In truth, it wasn't just her. Even Baili Xuankong and the others were quietly nodding with admiration.
Baili Xuankong in particular felt he had not been wrong about Chu Feng. Such loyalty and righteousness were precisely what made someone worth investing everything into.
"Good, truly a man who values bonds and honor. In this world of cultivation—where deception reigns and self-interest is king—someone like you is a rare find indeed." Long Lin clapped his hands in approval.
"Can I take Yao'er away now?" Chu Feng asked.
"There's no rush." Long Lin smiled lightly, then pointed his right hand at the sealed chest.
Swoosh—
A beam of golden light shot from his fingertip and pierced into the chest. With a sharp crack, the chest burst open.