As the monster struggled, its oppressive aura seeped outward.
Zhang Tianyi, Jiang Wushang, and the others could all feel the monster's power.
The creature's true strength was far beyond that of a Ninth Peak Half Ancestor—it was a power that towered high above the Half Ancestor realm.
It was even more terrifying than that—a realm they could not even begin to comprehend.
And yet, this fearsome monster was clenched firmly in Chu Feng's grip, utterly unable to break free, forced to remain trapped in his hand like a helpless insect.
This made them wonder—just what realm had Chu Feng reached?
And when Zhang Tianyi recalled the words he had said to Chu Feng earlier, shame washed over him even more deeply.
He had thought that by becoming a Ninth Peak Half Ancestor, he had surpassed Chu Feng. He had no idea that Chu Feng's cultivation had long since stepped into a new realm entirely—one he could not even fathom.
"You… you actually possess such power? You're not from this place—who are you?!" the monster cried out, panic now surfacing on its face.
"Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is who you are. Tell me the truth, or you'll regret it," Chu Feng said.
"Ha! It seems this King truly cannot escape fate today. Consider it my misfortune, boy. Even if this King dies here today, there will certainly be someone in my clan who can avenge me."
Having spoken those words, the monster let out a thunderous boom as its body detonated once more.
This time, the monster was truly dead.
Chu Feng had not expected the creature to possess such resolve—choosing to self-destruct rather than reveal anything further about itself.
"The Youming Royal Clan… what kind of race is this? Has it been passed down since ancient times?" Chu Feng murmured to himself.
"Brother Chu Feng, I knew you wouldn't abandon us!"
"Feng'er, I'm truly sorry. Earlier, when you told us there was something strange about this volcano, we actually doubted you. We're just… sigh."
At that moment, Chu Feng's loved ones gathered around him once more. But the expressions on their faces held not only the joy of being rescued—they were also filled to the brim with guilt.
How could they not feel ashamed?
Among them were not only Chu Feng's family but also his closest friends—and even his Master.
And yet, when Zhang Tianyi had chased Chu Feng away earlier, none of them had said a word.
They had to admit it—in that moment, they had been selfish. Driven by their desire for power, they had become so shamefully selfish that now, just thinking about it, they wished they could slap themselves across the face.
"Junior Brother Chu Feng." At that moment, another voice rang out.
It was Zhang Tianyi. And when people turned to look at him, they discovered… Zhang Tianyi had dropped to his knees.
"Junior Brother Chu Feng, you came here for us, and yet I spoke to you like that. I'm no man. I don't deserve to be your senior brother."
As he spoke, Zhang Tianyi raised his arm, intending to slap himself across the face.
However, before his palm could land on his own cheek, his motion froze.
It was not by his own doing—he had been restrained.
It was Chu Feng. Chu Feng had stopped him.
"Senior Brother Zhang, there's no need for this. Please, get up."
Chu Feng walked over to Zhang Tianyi and helped him to his feet.
"Junior Brother Chu Feng, just hit me. Hit me hard! If you strike me, my heart would actually feel a little better."
"I'm such a wretch—saying those things to you earlier. I actually doubted my own brother. I'm not human. I deserve to die."
After being helped up by Chu Feng, Zhang Tianyi was overcome with emotion. His face was not only twisted with remorse, but tears streamed down his cheeks like rain.
A grown man, reduced to sobbing like a child.
Smack—
Smack—
Smack—
Smack—
And then, at that very moment, the deafening sound of slaps rang out.