Upon learning that there actually existed a method to kill Chu Feng, Linghu Tiemian's gaze changed, and his heart surged with excitement.
His hatred for Chu Feng ran so deep that he dreamed of Chu Feng's death.
Now, learning that there was a way to kill Chu Feng with his own hands — naturally, he was thrilled.
"What method?" Linghu Tiemian asked. Though he was still communicating via secret voice transmission, the eagerness in his tone was unmistakable.
"I possess a secret treasure. While this treasure cannot kill Chu Feng, it carries power that should not be underestimated. Aim it at Chu Feng, and he will absolutely be unable to dodge. He will be gravely wounded."
As Tantai Xing'er spoke, she produced a small sphere the size of a pearl from her hand.
The sphere was black, yet its surface was densely covered with inscribed rune patterns.
The sphere flashed by in an instant, and no one would have noticed it — but Linghu Tiemian caught it all the same.
"That appears to be the legendary Dark Wind Thunder Talisman," Linghu Tiemian marveled.
The Dark Wind Thunder Talisman was a rare supreme treasure — or rather, it was better described as a rare weapon.
The Dark Wind Thunder Talisman possessed devastating offensive power. It was said to be capable of annihilating Martial Immortal realm cultivators, and only Venerable realm powerhouses could withstand it. However… because it could only be used once and was exceedingly difficult to forge, it had only ever been heard of — few had ever laid eyes on the real thing.
"It is indeed a Dark Wind Thunder Talisman, but its power is not as great as the legends claim. On its own, it cannot take Chu Feng's life."
"Didn't you say you could kill him? Since this thing can't kill, then how exactly am I supposed to do it?" Linghu Tiemian asked.
"Originally, I intended to keep it and use it against Chu Feng by surprise. It couldn't kill him, but it could have created an opportunity to defeat him."
"But things are different now. The phenomenon appeared and pointed out that deadly hidden passage. All you need to do is use this Dark Wind Thunder Talisman to force Chu Feng into that passage, and he will surely meet his end," Tantai Xing'er said.
"Really?" Linghu Tiemian asked.
"If you don't believe me, then forget it," Tantai Xing'er said.
"Then why don't you do it yourself?" Linghu Tiemian asked.
"Because I don't want to be the villain," Tantai Xing'er said.
"Now you're being plenty direct," Linghu Tiemian said, somewhat speechless.
Tantai Xing'er didn't want to be the villain — did that mean he, Linghu Tiemian, wanted to be one?
Geniuses like them all wanted to maintain a good reputation. Even if they were usually arrogant and did terrible things behind the scenes, in front of so many elders, so many powerhouses, and so many witnesses, they still tried to preserve their image.
At the very least, resorting to underhanded sneak attacks was something they couldn't afford to do.
"Think it over carefully. This is a rare opportunity. Miss it, and you'll likely regret it," Tantai Xing'er said.
"I want to kill him. There will be plenty of chances in the future," Linghu Tiemian said.
"Indeed, you will have plenty of chances in the future. But what about today?"
"Today, Linghu Hongfei is not participating in the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection. Who in your clan can match Chu Feng? If this Chu Feng claims first place, it will be an indelible disgrace for your clan forever. Even if Chu Feng dies later, what good will that do?" Tantai Xing'er said.
Hearing these words, Linghu Tiemian's expression turned grim, and he fell into deep thought.
Chu Feng had paid no attention to the secret machinations between Linghu Tiemian and Tantai Xing'er.
At this moment, Chu Feng stood before the twelfth gate.
This was the gate Chu Feng considered the safest — and also the one that would allow him to pass through and reach the exit the fastest.
However, although Chu Feng stood before the twelfth gate, his gaze remained fixed upon the thirteenth gate.
Although the phenomenon had dissipated and the mysterious gaze observing Chu Feng had likewise vanished, the Nine Dragons Sacred Robe that had been awakened within him still resonated.
The Nine Dragons Sacred Robe did not manifest outwardly — no one else could perceive any phenomenon.
But he could feel the surging power of the Nine Dragons Sacred Robe, a sensation as though it were being summoned. And the one calling to it was none other than that thirteenth gate.
"Perhaps the legend is true."
That thought crossed Chu Feng's mind. He was beginning to suspect that the legend might actually be real — that the thirteenth gate might truly be the path to the deepest reaches of the Nine Dragons Upper Realm.
As for those who had entered and never returned, that only proved the path was extraordinarily dangerous — and also that their strength had been insufficient.