"The relationship between Tuoba Shangshui and Li Rui is indeed extraordinary. Li Rui is actually Tuoba Shangshui's biological grandson — and the only seed of the Tuoba bloodline."
"However, very few people know about this. Even Li Rui himself is unaware that his Master is, in fact, his own grandfather," the Sunset Valley Master said.
"I didn't even know about this. How did you find out?" Su Jingrui asked, surprised.
"I'm sure you've already noticed that their relationship is far from ordinary. That's why I had someone investigate it privately."
"Tuoba Shangshui doesn't want this made public, and he has his reasons. So I never exposed it," the Sunset Valley Master said.
"But even if Li Rui is the only heir of the Tuoba bloodline, there's no reason for Tuoba Shangshui to go this far for him. It doesn't seem like his style," Su Jingrui said, still skeptical.
"Had Tuoba Shangshui still retained the ability to produce more offspring, he naturally wouldn't go to such lengths for Li Rui," the Sunset Valley Master said.
"There's actually such a thing?" Su Jingrui's eyes widened with shock — he had already deduced the implication.
"Otherwise, he truly wouldn't act this way," the Sunset Valley Master said.
"Given his character, I suppose it's fitting retribution," Su Jingrui said with a cold laugh.
At that moment, Chu Feng had already pieced it all together.
Tuoba Shangshui must have suffered some mishap that left him unable to produce descendants. Li Rui was the only surviving seed of the Tuoba bloodline — the last remaining offshoot — and that was why Tuoba Shangshui valued him so highly.
"Young friend Chu Feng, since you wish to leave, I won't keep you. Please accept this small token of my appreciation," the Sunset Valley Master said as he produced a Universe Bag and handed it to Chu Feng.
"Valley Master, I've already told you — I cannot accept your gifts. I must refuse."
Chu Feng hurried to decline, for the Sunset Valley Master had indeed given him quite a number of gifts before. That earlier offering had been substantial — leaving aside what a Spirit World Master would need, there had been several half-finished Ancestral Armaments among them.
And the contents of this Universe Bag turned out to be even more valuable than the previous offering.
"Young friend Chu Feng, if you don't accept it, our Valley Master won't let you leave the valley."
"So you might as well take it," Su Jingrui said from the side.
"Young friend Chu Feng, Elder Su isn't joking," the Sunset Valley Master added with a smile. Though his tone was lighthearted, he seemed entirely serious about it.
In other words, if Chu Feng refused this gift, the Valley Master would not permit him to leave.
At the end of the day, he still felt guilty toward Chu Feng, and wanted to use this gesture to ease his own conscience.
"In that case, I'll accept it with thanks. I appreciate the Valley Master's hospitality," Chu Feng said. He understood that the Valley Master carried a heavy burden of guilt, so he ultimately accepted the Universe Bag.
"Young friend Chu Feng, allow me to see you out," the Sunset Valley Master said, wanting to personally escort Chu Feng from the valley.
"Valley Master, before I leave, I'd like to say goodbye to Yiyi and Elder Ning Shuang," Chu Feng said.
"Of course. I'll have them summoned here right away," the Sunset Valley Master said.
"There's no need, Valley Master. I'd rather see them in person," Chu Feng said.
"Very well. I'll lead the way," the Sunset Valley Master said.
"Valley Master, the Three Star Hall is still waiting. Leaving them unattended any longer wouldn't be wise," Su Jingrui couldn't help but say at that moment.
"Ah…" Upon hearing this, the Sunset Valley Master's face immediately showed a look of difficulty.
"If the Valley Master has matters to attend to, please go ahead. I can find my own way to them," Chu Feng said.
"That works," the Sunset Valley Master nodded. Though he didn't personally accompany Chu Feng, he did arrange for someone else to guide him.
"Today was the agreed-upon day with the Three Star Hall. Chu Feng being here could have helped us. Why didn't you tell him?" Su Jingrui asked the Valley Master after Chu Feng departed.
The Sunset Valley Master let out a long sigh. "Our Sunset Valley has already caused young friend Chu Feng enough grievance. He nearly lost his life helping us. I simply cannot bring myself to trouble him any further."