Chu Feng understood the old man's meaning — either take the poison pill, or die right here.
The poison pill was deadly, but Chu Feng had no choice. He took the pill directly and swallowed it.
"Quite decisive. Seems like you're sensible." Seeing Chu Feng consume the poison pill so readily, the old man looked at him with a hint of new regard.
"I only wish to prove to this senior that I won't betray you. I trust you're a reasonable person who will provide the antidote afterward," Chu Feng said.
"You're clever," the old man replied.
"Senior, can you point me in the right direction now?" Chu Feng asked.
"Why don't you ask why I won't let you speak of me to anyone?"
"Don't you find that curious?" the old man asked.
"I'm guessing it must be because you've had conflicts with the other tribes in the Ancient World, and you don't want them to know you're still alive."
"That's an internal matter of your Ancient World. I have no intention of getting involved. I was only invited to come here — I came for the Sacred Hall Pearls. Once I have them, I'll leave. So I didn't ask any further."
"But I promise — regarding you, Senior, I won't mention a word to anyone. Not to people of the Ancient World, and not to anyone beyond it either," Chu Feng said.
"You little brat, you're interesting."
"How did you get here?" the old man asked.
"After I passed the examination, I entered this place," Chu Feng said.
"You went through the normal examination and entered directly?" the old man asked again.
"Yes," Chu Feng said.
Hearing this, the old man appeared thoughtful, then a meaningful smile crept across his face.
"I'll trust you." With that, the old man waved his sleeve, and another pill flew toward Chu Feng.
It was, in fact, the antidote.
"You're giving me the antidote now, Senior?" Chu Feng was somewhat surprised, but he swallowed the antidote as he spoke.
The pill was genuine — once it entered his stomach, it immediately dissolved the poison within Chu Feng's body.
"I don't think you're the type to break your word." The old man pointed in a direction.
"Follow that path straight ahead and you'll reach the Ancient World's main city. The examination is usually held in the main square of the city."
"When you get there, quite a few tribes will want to form an alliance with you, but I hope you'll agree to ally only with my Source Vein Tribe," the old man said.
"Does that mean I'm free to choose which tribe to ally with?" Chu Feng asked.
"Yes," the old man confirmed.
"And the Source Vein Tribe is among the options?" Chu Feng pressed.
"Though my Source Vein Tribe has fallen into decline, by the rules, as long as a single member of the tribe still lives, we may still form alliances with examination candidates," the old man said.
"Then it's settled. I can form the alliance right now," Chu Feng said.
"No need to do it now. Take Xiao Yueya with you — go to the city and make the alliance publicly in front of everyone," the old man said.
"As you wish, Senior," Chu Feng replied.
"Xiao Yueya, go wash up too. Looking like a little beggar is hardly proper." As he spoke, the old man tossed out a set of brand-new clothes.
"Wow, Uncle got me new clothes! Thank you, Uncle! Hehe!"
Xiao Yueya caught the new clothes, overjoyed. Clutching them tightly, she ran off deeper into the cave.
When she came back out, the grimy little beggar had transformed into a fair-skinned, adorable child.
Truth be told, once cleaned up, the little girl was even more endearing — especially her eyes, which were quite unique. Though she had single eyelids, their gentle curve was beautiful, truly like little crescent moons.
"Ready, Xiao Yueya?" Chu Feng extended his hand to the little girl.
"Let's go, big brother!" Xiao Yueya ran over and grasped his palm with her small hand.
"Oh, Senior — you mentioned Chu Xuanyan earlier. Who is that?" Chu Feng felt that since the old man had specifically brought up this person, they must be someone important.
"When you reach the Ancient World's main city, you'll find out for yourself."
"Also, you'd better get moving. The examination has a time limit — if you arrive too late, you'll miss it," the old man said.
Hearing this, Chu Feng bowed respectfully to the old man.
"Then this junior takes his leave."
With that, Chu Feng soared into the sky, carrying Xiao Yueya away from the place.
After Chu Feng and Xiao Yueya departed, the old man stepped out of the cave and gazed toward the direction of the Ancient World's main city.
"You've all waited long enough. Before long, I, Yuan Jiang, will make you remember my power once more."
"The Ancient World will belong to my Source Vein Tribe." After these words, a smile spread across the old man's lips. His entire being trembled with excitement, and his eyes blazed with boundless anticipation.
This day, he had waited far too long.