"Hmm…" However, faced with True Master Three Swords' invitation, Chu Feng wore a troubled expression.
"What's with Chu Feng's reaction — is he going to refuse?" Seeing that Chu Feng was taking his time to respond, suspicion began to stir among the crowd.
"Hmph, this guy really doesn't know what's good for him. He deserves it." Jiang Hao, for his part, was already sneering inwardly.
In his view, big-shot figures like True Master Three Swords were all the type to hold grudges — not people you wanted to offend.
True Master Three Swords in particular was famous for his explosive temper.
For Chu Feng to refuse his request in front of so many people was practically a slap to the face, so Jiang Hao was certain that Chu Feng was going to regret it today.
In truth, he wasn't the only one who thought so — many people in the crowd shared the same sentiment.
"Little Brother Chu Feng, is there something troubling you? It's alright — if you have a reason, just speak freely," True Master Three Swords said with a smile.
When True Master Three Swords said that, Jiang Hao nearly passed out from anger.
What was going on?
Hadn't everyone said that True Master Three Swords had a fiery temper and wouldn't tolerate anyone saying no to him? So why was he being so accommodating toward Chu Feng?
"Senior, this junior does have some matters that need attending to. I'm afraid I must decline your kind offer," Chu Feng said. The matters he spoke of, of course, referred to Liu Chengkun.
Liu Chengkun's condition flared up several times a year, and the previous episodes had followed a fixed schedule. But recently, it had become highly erratic.
Chu Feng had to rush back with Liu Xiaoli as quickly as possible, hoping to arrive before another episode struck so that Liu Chengkun could be spared the suffering.
"Haha, no matter at all. If Little Friend Chu Feng has business to attend to, then handle it. If you find yourself free in the future, you're always welcome to visit my Sword-Wielding Immortal Sect. As long as I'm around, you'll be treated as an honored guest." As he spoke, True Master Three Swords handed a token to Chu Feng.
The moment the crowd saw that token, their eyes went wide. Jiang Hao and his ilk were practically slack-jawed, thick envy swirling in their gazes.
This token was an invitation token of the Sword-Wielding Immortal Sect. Carrying it not only granted entry to the sect but also guaranteed honored-guest treatment.
The Sword-Wielding Immortal Sect — that was a first-rate power within the Hundred Refinements Ordinary Realm. Obtaining this token was a mark of honor for anyone.
"Chu Feng, take it quickly! That's an invitation token from the Sword-Wielding Immortal Sect!" Xu Yiyi tugged at Chu Feng's sleeve and urged him in a hushed voice when she saw that he hadn't accepted it.
"Thank you, Senior." Chu Feng not only accepted the token but also bowed to True Master Three Swords once more in gratitude. From the reactions of everyone around, he could tell that this token carried tremendous weight.
"Sigh, meeting here today is fate, so there's no need for such formalities. Too much courtesy makes things stiff between friends."
"Little Brother Chu Feng, then — until we meet again." True Master Three Swords clasped his fists in farewell.
"Until we meet again." Chu Feng returned the gesture.
After True Master Three Swords departed, Master Pocket led the cultivators of the Buddha Light Heavenly Temple over to Chu Feng's side.
"Amitabha, Amitabha. This humble monk also wishes to invite Benefactor Chu Feng to visit the Buddha Light Heavenly Temple."
"However, since Benefactor Chu Feng has matters to attend to, I won't press the matter. I do, however, wish to express my thanks."
"Had Benefactor Chu Feng not intervened, we likely wouldn't have made it past that purple mist — we would never have seen the true face of the Enlightenment Barrier Formation," Master Pocket said with a smile.
"Master, you're too kind. What this junior did was only what should have been done," Chu Feng replied with a smile.
"Benefactor Chu Feng is truly modest. Possessing such monstrous talent yet showing not a shred of arrogance — it's been a long time since I've encountered a young person as sensible as you."
"This is a fine thing. Truly a fine thing." Master Pocket showered Chu Feng with praise.
Everyone knew that Master Pocket was a kind-hearted man, but for him to praise someone to this degree was exceedingly rare.
By now, many of the onlookers were staring in a daze. The disciples of the Sunset Valley, in particular, wore looks of complete astonishment.