Facing Long Chengyu like this, Chu Feng truly felt warmth in his heart.
Because Long Chengyu was different from Long Muxi.
Although Chu Feng and Long Muxi had not known each other for long either, they had at least fought together and shared life-and-death experiences. That kind of bond was something else entirely.
But Long Chengyu was not like that — they had known each other for too short a time.
True, Chu Feng had saved him once, but someone of Long Chengyu's status — there was no shortage of people who would turn their backs without a second thought.
Some might even consider having been saved by Chu Feng a stain on their reputation, and to prevent the matter from spreading, there would be those who would even try to eliminate him.
But Long Chengyu didn't. Instead, in such a brief acquaintance, he already leaned so firmly toward Chu Feng.
Admittedly, Long Muxi's existence played some part in that.
But Chu Feng knew it was mostly Long Chengyu's own decision.
He... truly regarded Chu Feng as a friend.
"I've indeed caused trouble. If there is to be any punishment, so long as it doesn't cost me my life or go too far, I, Chu Feng, am willing to accept it," Chu Feng said to Long Chengyu.
That was simply who he was — treat him well, and he would repay you tenfold. A drop of kindness repaid with a gushing spring.
But if you crossed him, then sorry — not only might you die, your entire clan could be dragged down with you.
"What are you talking about? As long as I'm here, no one will lay a finger on you," Long Chengyu said in a tone of absolute assurance.
But Chu Feng spoke from the heart. He could see that the Totem Dragon Clan had made extensive preparations for this Weapon Vault. This incident would inevitably delay and setback the development of the younger generation of the Totem Dragon Clan.
Chu Feng truly felt guilty. The guilt he felt now was heavier than before — magnified by Long Chengyu's loyalty.
Afterward, Chu Feng, Long Chengyu, and Long Muxi arrived at the Totem Dragon Clan's side hall.
Not far away was the main hall, where Long Xu and the higher-ups of the Totem Dragon Clan were discussing matters regarding Chu Feng and the Weapon Vault.
"Chu Feng, find a way to escape. I have a bad feeling about this," the Queen said, deeply worried about Chu Feng.
"Long Chengyu has already guaranteed that nothing will happen to me. If I run, that would be a pretty low move."
"Let's wait and see. If the Totem Dragon Clan finds me at fault and hands down a punishment, for the sake of the Long Chengyu siblings, as long as it's within what I can accept, I'm willing to bear it."
"But if they go too far, then I won't be afraid. After all, I still have the protective formation my father left behind."
"Because Long Chengyu has been honorable, I feel truly guilty — I feel I did cause the Totem Dragon Clan real losses. But my guilt is my own business. If they try to pin all the blame on me, then I, Chu Feng, absolutely will not accept that," he said.
"So what do you think their attitude will be?" the Queen asked, still somewhat worried. After all, the Totem Dragon Clan was far too powerful for Chu Feng in his current state.
"It's hard to say. It depends on whether they have foresight."
"If they're short-sighted, then naturally they'll pin everything on me and use my punishment to put the matter to rest."
"If they're wise, they'll at most hand down a superficial punishment — something to give the ordinary clan members an explanation — but won't actually punish me in any meaningful way," Chu Feng said.
"Which kind do you think the Totem Dragon Clan's higher-ups are?" the Queen asked.
"I haven't had enough contact with them to judge. I hope it's the latter," Chu Feng said.
The three of them waited inside the side hall.
Although Chu Feng and Long Chengyu kept up a cheerful conversation while inside, Chu Feng could sense that Long Chengyu was also somewhat worried.
It wasn't just the loss of a precious opportunity for the talented juniors to have a divine weapon acknowledge them.
More critically, even the great formation that guarded the Totem Dragon Clan had been affected. For the Totem Dragon Clan, this was a very serious incident.
Finally, someone arrived at the side hall, saying that Lord Long Xu requested Chu Feng and the other two to come to the main hall.
"Chu Feng, don't worry. I'm the one who brought you here, and I will make sure you leave safely," Long Chengyu said once more.
The feeling behind his words was not confidence, but responsibility. In truth, he had no certainty himself — but he had resolve.
A resolve that swore he would protect Chu Feng's safety even at the cost of his own life.