"I have also been tormented by that evil force. The force is far too terrifying — I am not certain whether I can maintain my loyalty to the Star Sea World forever."
These words revealed the truth to Chu Feng.
He did not absolutely trust Chu Feng. Rather, he did not trust his future self.
That was why he had not dared to pry into the secret of Xianhai Yuer's bloodline.
"Since you've already discovered it, is there no way to stop it?" Chu Feng asked.
"I reported this matter to the Chief Grand Elder long ago, but even the Chief Grand Elder could do nothing about it."
"In truth, even the Chief Grand Elder is being tormented by that evil force," the Chief Elder said.
"Even the Chief Grand Elder...?"
Hearing this, Chu Feng realized that the situation had already deteriorated to a truly terrible degree.
After all, the Chief Grand Elder was the most powerful person here, and the true ruler of this place.
If even he had fallen, then the Star Sea World had effectively been completely consumed.
"As for the Chief Grand Elder, you need not worry. With his abilities, that evil force cannot truly affect him."
The Chief Elder saw the concern on Chu Feng's face and offered his explanation.
"I, too, was once confident that I could maintain my resolve."
"But a few days ago, this evil force suddenly grew far stronger — so strong that I have lost confidence in myself," the Chief Elder said.
"There must be a way," Chu Feng said.
The Chief Elder suddenly smiled — a smile tinged with helplessness, yet also with a measure of solace.
"The Star Sea World has already reached a perilous precipice."
"And now, the only hope for our world to turn the tide lies with Xianhai Yuer and Jie Tian."
"Though I can no longer act on Xianhai Yuer's behalf, you are still ultimately a person of the Star Sea World. Even if you serve Jie Tian, you must give everything you have."
"I will," Chu Feng nodded.
"However, Jie Tian is indeed a ruthlessly brutal man."
"When you serve him this time, you must be extremely careful. Above all, do not defy his will."
"Rest assured, Elder. I will handle it," Chu Feng replied once more.
The Chief Elder then led Chu Feng outside.
Upon seeing Chu Feng emerge, Jie Tian immediately began to examine him with his gaze.
It was the most focused, scrutinizing look he had given anyone since arriving here.
After a thorough examination, he spoke: "Xianhai Yuer's barrier armor — you modified it?"
"It was the work of all of us together," Chu Feng said.
But upon hearing this, Jie Tian let out a soft snort. He did not laugh, but that single snort was brimming with contempt.
Not directed at Chu Feng, though — at everyone else besides Chu Feng.
"I observed it. Although many people contributed to that barrier armor, there was only one true master controlling it."
"And your style of control is entirely different from all the others — a style that has never appeared before."
"It was precisely your control that elevated Xianhai Yuer's barrier armor to such a remarkable degree."
These words from Jie Tian caused both Chu Feng and the Chief Elder's expressions to shift.
They had initially suspected that someone had leaked information about Chu Feng, which was why Jie Tian had come looking.
Now it seemed more likely that Jie Tian had figured it out on his own.
"You deduced that a new forger had arrived here based solely on the changes in the barrier armor?" Before Chu Feng could respond, the Chief Elder asked.
For if that were truly the case, it would be an astonishing feat of perception.
"What else could it be?" Jie Tian replied.
With just those few words, he confirmed Chu Feng and the Chief Elder's suspicions — confirmed his own astonishing power of observation and deduction.