"Chu Feng, just like your father, you are a true hero of our clan."
"This bow is performed on behalf of the Chu Heavenly Clan."
"You must accept it."
Once Chu Youyuan finished speaking, he proceeded to perform a deep kowtow towards Chu Feng several times.
Only after completing the series of bows did he rise to his feet.
"Senior, you..."
At this moment, Chu Feng was at a loss for words.
If it were any other clansman performing this kowtow, Chu Feng wouldn't object and might even accept it. But Chu Youyuan owed him nothing; on the contrary, it was Chu Youyuan who was his benefactor. For a person of Chu Youyuan's stature to bow like this, Chu Feng genuinely felt unworthy.
"Chu Feng, take this. At a critical moment, it can save your life."
Chu Youyuan handed a talisman to Chu Feng.
This talisman was forged using barrier techniques and appeared quite old, definitely not crafted by a modern Spirit World Master. However, at the same time, its power was extraordinary. It was a protective talisman capable of ensuring Chu Feng's safety. In Chu Feng's view, as long as he unleashed the talisman's power, apart from Martial Immortal realm experts, it was unlikely anyone could harm him.
With such a talisman on his person, even if he encountered junior members of the Li Heavenly Clan who were stronger than him once he entered the Upper Realm Gate, he believed none would be able to wound him.
Even though Chu Feng felt his current strength was still far from sufficient, he was convinced that no junior from the Li Heavenly Clan, no matter how powerful, could possibly have reached the Martial Immortal realm.
"My lord, if the rumors are true, Chu Feng will definitely complete the mission." After receiving the protective talisman, he made his promise.
Hum—
At that very moment, an opening appeared in the central area of the Upper Realm Gate.
The gap was small, only wide enough for one person to pass through, but it was slowly expanding. Based on its current rate of growth, it was estimated that in half an hour, the gate would widen enough for ten people to pass through simultaneously.
"Senior, if I do encounter members of the Li Heavenly Clan, how should I handle the situation?" Chu Feng asked.
"Although our clan has no grudge with the Li Heavenly Clan, once this gate manifests, a war between the two clans is inevitable."
"If you encounter Li Heavenly Clan juniors, try to resolve things peacefully if possible. If that fails, prioritize your own safety. As for them, try not to resort to killing. If you are left with no choice, then you may kill them." Chu Youyuan instructed.
"This junior understands." As he spoke, Chu Feng soared into the air and shot towards the Upper Realm Gate.
The instant he passed through the gate, Chu Feng could feel that an invisible force was indeed sealing the passage.
This force was likely what Chu Youyuan had mentioned—the barrier that blocked cultivators based on their age.
Chu Feng was a junior under a hundred years old, so this force couldn't stop him. But if it were Chu Youyuan or Ying Mingchao, they would probably be blocked by that invisible power.