Through their conversation, Chu Feng came to understand the full situation.
After Chu Feng had entered the ancient ruins alone, Saintlight Whitebrow and the others had been very worried about him.
But there was nothing they could do, until a tremendous explosion erupted nearby and they rushed toward the sound.
Only then did they discover that the guardian barrier had been blasted open, leaving a massive gap through sheer brute force.
However, they had not seen who was responsible.
At that time, they also realized something was wrong — a powerful existence must have entered the ancient ruins, and the place had now become extremely dangerous.
But considering Chu Feng's safety, they chose not to leave and instead ventured inside to search for him.
Fortunately, Daoist Niantian was highly skilled in barrier arts, and he quickly picked up on the aura Chu Feng had left behind, following it to locate where Chu Feng was.
When they found Chu Feng, he was actually still trapped within the formation and hadn't come out yet.
So when Chu Feng emerged from the formation, everything he encountered afterward — they witnessed it all firsthand.
As for why they didn't show themselves immediately, it wasn't deliberate stalling — they had wanted to see the true faces of the people from the Nine Souls Heavenly River.
As for Chu Feng's safety, they weren't worried. After all, they were hidden in the shadows, and if Daoist Zhang and the others truly intended to harm Chu Feng, they would have stepped in immediately to save him.
As they chatted, they continued traveling.
After some time on the road, the darkness ahead of Chu Feng's group finally gave way, and they saw a barrier gate.
Passing through the barrier gate, they entered a barrier palace.
Inside the palace stood a massive formation, and outside the formation sat a figure.
He was an elderly man with a head of gray hair, looking somewhat disheveled, and he wore the robe of the Nine Souls Sacred Clan.
No introduction was needed — Chu Feng and the others already had their guess.
He must be that Master Yin Ren of the Nine Souls Sacred Clan.
Xian Miaomiao's soul had been fused with Princess Xiaoxiao — that was his doing.
Right now, this Master Yin Ren had set up a formation and was driving it to contend with the formation already present in this place.
And judging by his furrowed brows and drenched-in-sweat appearance, clashing with the formation here was no easy task.
"Dragon Transformation Eighth Stage."
"Master Yin Ren truly lives up to his reputation."
Daoist Niantian spoke.
Through the formation that Master Yin Ren had set up, he had already determined the level of Master Yin Ren's barrier arts.
Hearing someone speak, Master Yin Ren finally noticed that people had entered, and he turned toward the source of the voice.
"Chu Feng?"
After sweeping his gaze around, Master Yin Ren fixed his eyes on Chu Feng.
He... actually recognized Chu Feng.
Then he glanced at the severely wounded Daoist Zhang and the elder of the Nine Souls Sacred Clan, and immediately understood certain things.
Only then did he say to Chu Feng: "Chu Feng, you came here not for the secret technique in this place, but to avenge Princess Miaomiao, correct?"
"Was it you... who killed Miaomiao?"
Chu Feng asked in a grave tone.
"I was merely following orders."
"But if you want revenge, you could simply kill me right here."
"As long as I die, Princess Xiaoxiao in the secret realm will certainly die as well."
"Your great vengeance would be fulfilled."
"However, if you wish to save Princess Miaomiao, I advise you to remain calm."
"I cannot die, and neither can Princess Xiaoxiao."
Master Yin Ren said.
The moment these words left his mouth, Chu Feng's expression shifted.
"What do you mean? You're saying Miaomiao... isn't dead yet?"
Chu Feng asked in a grave tone.
"Princess Miaomiao's soul is currently within Princess Xiaoxiao's body, but her physical body is perfectly preserved, and her soul is also intact — so naturally, she is not dead yet."
"But... if Princess Xiaoxiao dies, then Princess Miaomiao will absolutely not survive." Master Yin Ren said.
"Despicable creature! To save your own life, you'd even spout such lies."
"Young friend Chu Feng, don't believe him. Just say the word — however you want him dead, I'll make it happen."
Saintlight Whitebrow did not believe Master Yin Ren's words and wanted to teach him a harsh lesson.
"Wait."
But Chu Feng raised his hand to signal Saintlight Whitebrow not to act rashly.
"Is what you're saying true? Miaomiao really isn't dead yet?"
Chu Feng continued to press Master Yin Ren.
He had indeed come for revenge, but if Xian Miaomiao was still alive, that would be incredibly wonderful news.
Nothing was more important than saving Xian Miaomiao.
"She is indeed not dead yet. In fact, it is because of you that Princess Miaomiao was able to keep her life." Master Yin Ren said.