The searing pain made Chu Feng dare not submerge any more of his body into the icy cauldron. In fact, he even withdrew portions that were already inside.
What Chu Feng had to endure was not merely pain — there was also the overwhelming pressure.
The golden liquid meant for tempering was seeping into his bones. But in truth, it was not just his bones — even his soul was being corroded.
The power of the golden liquid was terrifyingly strong…
Chu Feng could only proceed incrementally. Any faster, and his body would not be able to withstand it, and he would lose his life.
"It's fine. I can take it."
Chu Feng not only endured the pain but also forced a smile for Zi Ling and Duan Liufeng.
But the smile that was meant to reassure Zi Ling only made her cry harder.
The golden liquid entered Chu Feng's bones and formed beautiful golden patterns. But as both a martial cultivator and a Spirit World Master, she knew exactly what Chu Feng was suffering through.
The smile on Chu Feng's face quickly froze, for after a brief period of adaptation, he had to submerge even more of his body into the icy cauldron.
He had no choice but to clench his teeth once again, his face twisting in agony.
Watching Chu Feng's flesh continuously corroded away until only blood-soaked white bone was visible, Zi Ling could no longer bear to look. She turned away, and despite her desperate attempts to compose herself, her sobs only grew louder.
If there were any other option, she would have urged Chu Feng to stop. But unfortunately, there was none.
While Chu Feng underwent his tempering, the sect's Dragon Bell had already gathered all of the elders and disciples of the Wolong Martial Sect.
The Sect Master personally explained the connection between this great calamity and Chu Feng. She then announced in a commanding tone that come dawn the next day, the entire sect's power would be mobilized to activate the Wolong Heavenly God Formation and assist Chu Feng in resolving the calamity.
The sect had been in a state of panic, and the Sect Master's words naturally served as a reassurance to everyone.
The younger generation, upon learning that the calamity had been triggered because of Chu Feng — and that it could be resolved — felt their respect for him grow even deeper.
Only the older generation harbored worries.
While the younger disciples knew nothing of the Wolong Heavenly God Formation, they had heard rumors of it. They were concerned whether a junior like Chu Feng could truly withstand its power.
Once the matter was settled, everyone went to make their preparations — the Sect Master included.
However, the Vice Sect Master followed the Sect Master back to her residence.
There, inside the grand and imposing hall, the Vice Sect Master knelt before the Sect Master.
The Sect Master stood with her back to him, her face etched with difficulty.
"Sect Master, in all my years, I have never once asked you for anything."
"I have always put the sect first and would never do anything to harm it."
"I am not asking for anything else — I only want to know the truth. Sect Master… please tell me — did Youyu meet with some terrible fate?"
The Vice Sect Master seemed to have already guessed Zuoqiu Youyu's end. Even before receiving confirmation, his aged eyes were already brimming with tears.
The Sect Master had always ruled with absolute authority, unrivaled within the Wolong Martial Sect, where it seemed no problem was beyond her ability to solve.
But now, the Vice Sect Master's question left her in an agonizing position.
She closed her eyes tightly, let out a long breath, then opened them and turned to face the Vice Sect Master.
"This matter is not Chu Feng's fault."
"It was Zuoqiu Youyu who was in the wrong first."
The Sect Master had originally planned to tell the Vice Sect Master after the calamity had been resolved. But given their years of friendship and his desperate pleas, she could not bear to keep it from him.
And so she recounted the events to the Vice Sect Master.
"Thank you for telling me, Sect Master."
After those words, the Vice Sect Master rose to his feet. But his legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground. Though he quickly struggled back up, his steps were unsteady.
It was the weight of unbearable grief that had reduced this towering figure of the Wolong Martial Sect to such frailty.
Seeing this, the Sect Master did not step forward to comfort him.
She had anticipated this long ago.
Though the Vice Sect Master was stern by nature, he deeply loved his grandchildren — and Zuoqiu Youyu in particular had been the one he cherished most.
Now, both of his grandsons had been killed by Chu Feng one after another. She could only imagine the depth of such sorrow.
"Setting aside right and wrong — tomorrow's calamity concerns the safety of the entire sect."
"As the Vice Sect Master, I hope you will set aside personal grievances and assist me with everything you have in activating the Wolong Heavenly God Formation."