Chu Feng’s words left Linghu Hongfei feeling extremely displeased.
He had known nothing about Chu Feng before, but regarding Chu Xuanyuan, Linghu Hongfei was very well informed.
That former legend of the Ancestral Martial Starfield had always been the figure Linghu Hongfei sought to surpass. That was why he had expended considerable effort to investigate Chu Xuanyuan’s deeds and set a goal for himself to accomplish something even more remarkable at the same age.
However, the final result had left him with an unprecedented sense of defeat.
As each year passed, matching that same age, he had never once surpassed Chu Xuanyuan.
Chu Xuanyuan was like an insurmountable mountain, pressing down on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe.
Although he was undeniably a rare genius that anyone would acknowledge, when compared to the Chu Xuanyuan of old, he was indeed lacking quite a bit.
Even though rumors now circulated throughout the Ancestral Martial Starfield that he, Linghu Hongfei, had surpassed Chu Xuanyuan, the truth was that anyone who had truly witnessed Chu Xuanyuan’s former bearing still felt he did not measure up.
Even he himself was very clear on this point.
This was the ache in his heart, an ache that could never be erased. He had always wanted to forget this pain, even beginning to hypnotize himself so that he could forget the shadow of Chu Xuanyuan.
But today, that ache had been awakened once more by Chu Feng.
"It seems Brother Chu Feng will not concede. If that’s the case, then I have no choice but to use force."
As those words left his lips, Linghu Hongfei’s oppressive aura continued to press down upon Chu Feng.
The speed was slow, but when that pressure enveloped Chu Feng’s entire body, crushing down upon his frame, Chu Feng still endured considerable pain.
This was not merely ordinary oppressive force; it was laced with a special form of martial power that inflicted especially intense agony.
"Sigh, why must Chu Feng be like this? The outcome is already decided. Why must he persist so stubbornly?"
"Just concede. Admitting defeat to others might be shameful, but conceding to Linghu Hongfei isn’t shameful at all."
"Persisting stubbornly like this only makes others look down on him. I really can’t understand why he’s doing this."
People buzzed with discussion, and many began to blame Chu Feng, feeling his actions were utterly pointless.
"Regardless of everything, Chu Feng has already proven himself today. If not for Linghu Hongfei’s appearance, the first position of the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars would have been practically guaranteed."
"Even facing Linghu Hongfei, his loss isn’t shameful. After all, his age should be a bit younger than Linghu Hongfei’s."
"To have such strength at such an age—this is a true monster. As expected of Chu Hanxian’s grandson, and Chu Xuanyuan’s son."
"In my opinion, the prophesied child definitely isn’t Wu Ma Shengjie. It must be this Chu Feng."
"Exactly. From how things look today, Chu Feng certainly has the potential to be Linghu Hongfei’s rival in the future."
Of course, there were also some who felt that even in defeat, Chu Feng had nothing to be ashamed of, and that his performance today was impeccable.
Even if he fell short of Linghu Hongfei, among the other juniors, Chu Feng was already invincible.
He could be considered second only to one, above millions.
However, when these voices reached Linghu Hongfei’s ears, they only made his already turbulent emotions feel even more congested.
"Chu Feng, you still won’t concede? Then I’ll have to make you lose face a bit more thoroughly."
While Linghu Hongfei’s outward demeanor was one of righteousness, all manner of humiliating whispers were simultaneously piercing Chu Feng’s ears.
"If you have the ability, then kill me. Making me surrender is impossible," Chu Feng declared.
"Very good, you have backbone. If I don’t grant you your wish, then I, Linghu Hongfei, would actually feel bad about it."
As Linghu Hongfei spoke, while his oppressive aura did not intensify, the special martial power hidden within it grew even stronger.
The pain he intended to inflict upon Chu Feng had increased at least tenfold.
He was determined to make Chu Feng beg for mercy publicly, to force Chu Feng to admit his inferiority.
Chu Feng sensed the change in the power entwining his body, and his heart clenched, but he showed no hint of retreat.
Chu Feng knew that with so many experts present, Linghu Hongfei absolutely could not kill him.