In the time that followed, the two of them no longer exchanged words with Chu Feng or Chen Hui.
Only when the elder arrived did they bow respectfully.
And that elder actually returned the courtesy with a bow of his own, before smiling and asking:
"Young Master Zhao, Miss Song — what brings you here?"
The elder's attitude alone made it clear that these two were far from ordinary.
"We heard someone capable had appeared here, so we came to see for ourselves. Unfortunately... whether or not they're capable is anyone's guess, but their character is certainly lacking. The arrogance is off the charts."
"If someone like this were to enter the Seven Realms Holy Academy, it would surely bring disgrace to the Academy," said the Young Master of the Celestial Spirit Manor.
The elder did not respond to these remarks. Instead, he took out his artifact and began collecting Chu Feng's harvest.
This time, Chu Feng's harvest was exchanged for one hundred and ten Realm Beads.
It had been the same number for the past several days.
When they saw the Realm Beads Chu Feng received, the expressions of Song Yuping and the Young Master shifted.
Although they had heard the rumors beforehand, actually witnessing it with their own eyes still left a complicated taste in their mouths.
After all, both of them had been hailed as prodigies in barrier arts since childhood. The things they could not comprehend had been mastered by someone else — that kind of feeling was never pleasant.
But at the same time, they felt a trace of admiration. Deep down, they instinctively sensed that Chu Feng was no ordinary person.
However, the admiration was brief, quickly replaced by envy and hatred.
After handing the Realm Beads to Chu Feng, the elder began collecting Chen Hui's harvest.
Light flowed, and an astonishing number of Realm Beads shot out from the artifact one after another — sixty of them.
Though far fewer than Chu Feng's, the amount was still enough to leave anyone thunderstruck.
"This fat guy actually managed to comprehend it?"
"Chu Feng must have told him, right?" Song Yuping said in surprise.
"What are you talking about? I figured it out myself."
"Ask Chu Feng if you don't believe me," Chen Hui said.
"He did indeed comprehend it on his own," Chu Feng confirmed.
At this moment, a smile once again appeared on the Young Master's face — though this time, the smile was directed at Chen Hui.
"One truly cannot judge by appearances. Young Master Chen Hui possesses such remarkable comprehension — how disrespectful of me. Please forgive my earlier rudeness."
Chen Hui broke into a wide grin: "Heh, save the act. We're all adults here, so cut the fake pleasantries. Just tell me straight — you want to buy my technique, and how much are you offering? Show me the sincerity."
The Young Master rummaged through his Universe Bag, produced a new one, and tossed it toward Chen Hui.
Chen Hui gripped the Universe Bag and could sense the treasures inside.
"Oh ho, quite generous. As expected of the Young Master of Celestial Spirit Manor — truly loaded," Chen Hui said.
Seeing how satisfied Chen Hui appeared, the Young Master of Celestial Spirit Manor looked rather pleased:
"Young Master Chen Hui, my Celestial Spirit Manor has always valued making friends. Today is only the beginning. In the future, what you stand to gain from us will be—"
Before he could finish, his expression froze.
Because Chen Hui had thrown the Universe Bag right back.
"Young Master Chen Hui, what is the meaning of this?" The Young Master caught the Universe Bag, confusion in his eyes.
"What do you think? Can't you figure it out?"
"I'm not selling," Chen Hui said.
"Too little? We can renegotiate the price," the Young Master said.
"You've got it wrong. I never intended to sell in the first place," Chen Hui replied.
"Then what did you mean earlier when you said you knew it too?" Song Yuping cut in, unable to help herself.
"I said I know it — so what? I really do know it. But I never said I'd sell it."
"Did I say that? I don't think I did."
At this point, Chen Hui turned to Chu Feng: "Chu Feng, did I say I was going to sell it?"
"You didn't," Chu Feng said.