The clear path that none of the younger generation dared to take on.
Linghu Hongfei, however, carved through every obstacle, unstoppable in his advance.
His steps were steady, his pace unhurried, yet he never once halted. The ancient Fierce Beasts that swept in from all directions to block his way were cut down as effortlessly as slicing melons and chopping vegetables—not a single one could so much as slow him down.
Under such an irresistible onslaught, Linghu Hongfei soon reached the end. He had drawn close to the exit of the Grand Heaven and Earth Bell.
At that moment, the path of light ahead of him was utterly clear, free of any further obstruction.
Behind him, however, lay a sky filled with bloody remnants and shattered carcasses—the remains of powerful Fierce Beasts piled as high as mountains.
He had cut a bloody swath from start to finish, and yet not a single drop of blood or speck of dust had soiled his robes.
A Linghu Hongfei like this—truly possessing the bearing of a sovereign—how could he fail to move everyone who witnessed him?
Yet just as he neared the exit, Linghu Hongfei suddenly came to a stop and closed his eyes.
His actions piqued the crowd's curiosity. No one understood what he intended.
Only when he spoke did realization dawn upon them.
"I, Linghu Hongfei, have no wish to target anyone in particular. That is why I close my eyes upon landing. Wherever I land—that shall be left to the will of Heaven."
Whoosh—
Having said those words, Linghu Hongfei suddenly accelerated. The moment he stepped out of the Grand Heaven and Earth Bell, he soared into the air, spinning rapidly in flight.
When Linghu Hongfei launched himself skyward, everyone's hearts clenched—everyone except the juniors of the Linghu Heavenly Clan and Chu Feng.
The Linghu Heavenly Clan's juniors knew full well that Linghu Hongfei would not challenge one of them.
As for Chu Feng, he felt that Linghu Hongfei would most likely challenge him. Since he already knew it was coming, there was nothing to worry about.
Still, the fact that Linghu Hongfei had spoken those words meant there was a real possibility he would truly leave the choice to the will of Heaven.
So whoever he ultimately challenged—that could be anyone.
And whether it was Tantai Xing'er, Tang Zhenghao, or anyone else, none of them wanted to be the one singled out by Linghu Hongfei.
After all, whoever was challenged was guaranteed to be eliminated. No one wanted to be that unfortunate soul.
In the end, he landed before one of the peaks among the ten elevated platforms where Chu Feng and the others stood.
Once the dust had settled, there were those who rejoiced and those who despaired. Chu Feng, who had been fairly composed until now, felt his heart sink.
Linghu Hongfei had not, as he had expected, come straight for him with a challenge.
Instead, he had landed before Wuma Shengjie.
"Brother Wuma, I truly am sorry." After opening his eyes, Linghu Hongfei cupped his fists and bowed to Wuma Shengjie with an expression of regret on his face.
But both Chu Feng and Wuma Shengjie understood perfectly well.
Linghu Hongfei had done this on purpose. All that talk about following the will of Heaven—it was a pretense. He had deliberately chosen Wuma Shengjie, because he knew that the bond between Chu Feng and Wuma Shengjie was far from ordinary.
"This position should belong to those with the ability to hold it." With those words, Wuma Shengjie descended from the peak without hesitation.
She had forfeited—given up her chance to face Linghu Hongfei in battle.
Everyone could understand her choice. No one would call her a coward; on the contrary, they would think her wise. After all, she could not possibly have been Linghu Hongfei's match.
Before departing, Wuma Shengjie turned back to glance at Chu Feng and offered a radiant smile—utterly lovely. Even though she had disguised herself as a man and deliberately made herself plain, that smile was beautiful.
Yet when that smile came into view, Chu Feng felt a pang in his heart.
Wuma Shengjie had become a sacrifice in his contest against Linghu Hongfei.
"Don't worry. You're next."
At that moment, a secret voice transmission reached Chu Feng's ears.
It was Linghu Hongfei.
Chu Feng turned his gaze sideways. Linghu Hongfei was looking right at him, his expression placid—no one else could detect the slightest hint of provocation in it. But Chu Feng understood perfectly. The reason Linghu Hongfei had chosen to participate in the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection was, in truth… aimed squarely at him.
Chu Feng said nothing, but a contemptuous smile curved the corner of his lips—and that smile was the finest response he could have given to Linghu Hongfei.