Chu Feng arrived safely at the peak of True Essence Lone Mountain.
However, it was quite different from what he had imagined.
There were no grand palace complexes—only a small, two-story hall of simple construction, standing amid the overgrown grass atop the mountain.
Though it was called a hall, it looked more like a dwelling. It could not be called shabby, but it was certainly plain.
When Chu Feng arrived, two disciples happened to be walking out from the hall.
They must have received guidance from the True Essence Supreme, because both wore expressions of delight on their faces.
They had been about to descend the mountain, but upon spotting Chu Feng, they sized him up.
However, there was no arrogance or conceit in their demeanor. Instead, as they drew near Chu Feng, they exchanged a friendly smile with him.
They likely reasoned that anyone who could reach this place as smoothly as they had must be no ordinary person.
Such a person deserved their respect.
Chu Feng entered the hall and found its interior even simpler than the outside.
The walls were white, identical to those outside, with no superfluous decorations, yet they were pleasing to the eye.
If not for the giant cauldron standing in the main hall—five meters tall and three meters long—it would have felt remarkably empty.
The cauldron was an antique bronze color throughout. It not only looked ancient but also radiated an aura of deep antiquity, and the runic patterns etched upon it were mysterious and immeasurably old, so profound that even Chu Feng could not discern their full nature.
For a Spirit World Master like Chu Feng, this giant cauldron was enormously attractive.
But Chu Feng only glanced at the cauldron once before immediately turning his gaze toward a corner of the main hall.
There sat a white-haired old man, his hair as pale as snow. Though he wore plain cloth robes, an otherworldly, transcendent quality emanated from his very being.
Chu Feng did not need to guess—this man could only be the True Essence Supreme.
The senior of his Crouching Dragon Martial Sect.
"Disciple Chu Feng pays respects to the senior."
Chu Feng bowed respectfully.
"Enter the cauldron."
The old man spoke in a flat, unhurried tone.
He kept his eyes closed throughout, meditating in repose. When he spoke, he did not so much as lift an eyelid.
"Senior, I am a disciple of the Crouching Dragon Martial Sect."
"Our sect is facing a crisis. I have come to seek the senior's help."
At this moment, only Chu Feng and the old man were inside the hall, so Chu Feng stated his purpose directly.
But the old man opened his eyes, glanced at Chu Feng, and said, "You have the wrong person."
"Senior… are you not the True Essence Supreme?"
Chu Feng thought he might have misidentified him and hurriedly asked.
The old man smiled faintly and stroked his long beard. "Everyone who comes here does indeed call me the True Essence Supreme, but I have never once said that I am the True Essence Supreme."
"Senior, the Crouching Dragon Martial Sect is truly facing a trouble that cannot be resolved on its own. Otherwise, I would not have come to disturb you."
"Our Sect Master is also at the foot of the mountain. If you are willing, might you meet with the Sect Master so she can explain the situation to you in detail?"
Chu Feng asked.
"Young friend, I have told you—you have the wrong person."
"I am not the senior you are looking for."
The old man said.
"Then, Senior, do you know where the senior I am looking for might be?"
Chu Feng inquired.
"How would I know who you are looking for?"
"Since you have made it here, it means you have the qualifications."
"Enter the cauldron. Once inside, you will receive a benefit."