A White Dragon God Cloak on someone even younger than Zhou Zhi.
This was undoubtedly a genius, without question.
"Young Hero Chu Feng, at such a young age you've already reached the White Dragon God Cloak. May I ask which school you hail from?"
The Zhou Clan Master's entire demeanor had undergone a dramatic shift, transforming from his earlier skepticism into a face full of flattery.
The Martial Cultivation World was just this realistic — if you wanted respect, you needed sufficient strength.
But before Chu Feng could answer, Zhou Yi spoke up.
"Father, Young Master Chu Feng is unwilling to reveal his origins," Zhou Yi said.
"No matter, no matter." The Zhou Clan Master smiled, then turned to Chu Feng and asked, "I wonder, what kind of reward does Young Master Chu Feng require?"
"I came for the treasure on the Undying Peak. I'll fight on behalf of your Zhou Clan, and afterward you open the guardian formation for me so I can attempt to awaken that treasure," Chu Feng said.
"That's all?" the Zhou Clan Master asked.
"That's all," Chu Feng said.
"Very well, Young Hero Chu Feng. You shall fight in our Zhou Clan's stead."
"Regardless of the outcome, I will open the guardian formation and give you the chance to attempt awakening that treasure," the Zhou Clan Master declared.
"Father, that Master Liu is already on his way back," Zhou Shuang hastily interjected upon hearing this.
But upon hearing those words, the Zhou Clan Master's expression turned displeased.
"That Master Liu you found doesn't hold our Zhou Clan in any regard whatsoever. He's already nine thousand years old and only at the White Dragon God Cloak — his talent speaks for itself. How could he possibly compare to Young Master Chu Feng?"
"If it weren't for the requirement that only a White Dragon God Cloak could fight on our behalf, we wouldn't have lowered ourselves to beg for his help."
"Yet he repeatedly made things difficult for our Zhou Clan. True, you're the one who brought him here, and we should have treated him with courtesy — but did he give you any face?" the Zhou Clan Master asked.
"I..." Zhou Shuang didn't know how to respond.
Because what they had just been discussing was precisely that matter concerning Master Liu.
Master Liu had originally been traveling with them, but midway through, he suddenly demanded an increase in his compensation. When the Zhou Clan Master refused, Master Liu claimed he had matters to attend to and left.
He told them to wait for him there, saying he would return shortly.
But now the waiting period had long passed, and Master Liu still hadn't returned. They all understood that Master Liu was deliberately making things difficult for them.
Zhou Shuang knew she was in the wrong and didn't dare talk back to her father. She could only direct her resentful gaze toward Zhou Yi.
She felt that Zhou Yi had ruined her plan.
"Enough. The matter is settled."
The Zhou Clan Master then led Chu Feng and Zhou Yi outside.
"Everyone, allow me to make an announcement. Due to Master Liu being otherwise occupied, he will not be able to fight on behalf of our Zhou Clan."
"Fortunately, Young Master Chu Feng arrived just in time, and at his young age, he has already achieved the White Dragon God Cloak."
"Therefore, I announce that Young Master Chu Feng shall fight on behalf of our Zhou Clan," the Zhou Clan Master declared publicly.
"He's a White Dragon God Cloak?"
"He looks like he's still a junior, doesn't he?"
Upon hearing this, the assembled crowd began scrutinizing Chu Feng.
"Chu Feng?"
"Why does that name sound so familiar? And he does look somewhat familiar too." An elderly man with yellow hair studied Chu Feng with a contemplative expression.
"Zhou Clan Master, what is the meaning of this?"
But suddenly, an old man clad in a Spirit formationist's robe came flying over.
This was none other than Master Liu himself. It turned out he hadn't gone far at all — he had been hiding nearby, deliberately keeping the Zhou Clan Master anxious.
He had figured enough time had passed and was about to reveal himself, but who could have expected the Zhou Clan Master to simply switch representatives? This left him greatly displeased.
"Master Liu, so you didn't leave after all. Nothing in particular — just as you can see," the Zhou Clan Master replied with a sarcastic tone of his own.
"So from the looks of it, you're dead set on replacing me?" Master Liu asked.
"That's right," the Zhou Clan Master said.
Hearing this, Master Liu turned his gaze toward Zhou Shuang.
"Zhou Shuang, I came here out of respect for you. What is your Zhou Clan playing at? Give me an explanation."
"Master Liu, I..." Zhou Shuang didn't know what to say.
But the Zhou Clan Master spoke instead: "Master Liu, this competition is of vital importance to our Zhou Clan. Representing us in battle should naturally go to the most capable person."
"Heh..."
"The most capable person? Isn't this simply because you think my price is too high? A mere junior — how could he possibly compare to me?"
Master Liu let out a mocking laugh, then turned his gaze toward Chu Feng: "Boy, speak — how much are you asking for?"
But before Chu Feng could respond, Zhou Yi cut in first: "Young Master Chu Feng isn't asking for any reward."
"No reward?" Master Liu's mockery deepened as he continued addressing Chu Feng: "Boy, are you really a White Dragon God Cloak?"
The implied meaning behind his words was clear to everyone — he suspected Chu Feng was a fraud.
And to this suspicion, Chu Feng responded with just four words: "None of your damn business."
Master Liu's expression froze. He hadn't expected that someone he considered a mere con artist would dare say such a thing to him in public?
"Arrogant junior, you dare act wild in front of me?"
"I'll show you what a true White Dragon God Cloak looks like." As Master Liu spoke, he directly released his formation power.
But the moment that formation power was unleashed, it was intercepted by an even stronger force.