"No, no. Your achievements today are entirely your own doing — they have little to do with me."
"However, there is one matter that I may truly need your help with."
"I intend to enter the Ninth Heavenly River. As you know, once anyone enters the Ninth Heavenly River, there is no way out."
"And I will need to leave soon, otherwise I may miss a certain window of opportunity."
"But through my divinations, the Summit of the Nine Heavens being located here — it should not be simple."
"I fear that if an extraordinary power truly awakens, it will attract certain existences," Zhang Yingxiong's Master said.
"The extraordinary power you speak of — could it be…" Song Changsheng thought of a possibility.
"It is exactly what you are thinking," Zhang Yingxiong's Master said.
Hearing these words, Song Changsheng's expression turned grave. His eyes widened, and he could not help but ask, "Has it finally appeared?"
"That is not yet certain."
"But if it does appear, there will undoubtedly be certain existences fighting over it."
"If it is a contest among the younger generation and whoever obtains it earns it through their own ability, then so be it. But if the older generation intervenes, that would be unfair."
"Changsheng, I know you do not like to meddle in others' affairs, but this time is different."
"I hope that the Summit of the Nine Heavens can proceed smoothly," Zhang Yingxiong's Master said.
"What you have entrusted to me, Changsheng will certainly accomplish," Song Changsheng replied.
"Mm. I only hope no one causes trouble," Zhang Yingxiong's Master said.
……
The clash between Chu Feng and Zhang Yingxiong lasted an entire hour without a victor being decided.
As the power of the barrier dissipated, the wooden swords in their hands vanished, and the two returned from the formation world to reality.
Both were drenched in sweat and panting heavily.
What appeared to be a simple spar had actually consumed an enormous amount of their energy.
Because their opponent was so strong, neither dared let their guard down for even a moment — the slightest lapse in concentration would have led to defeat.
But maintaining that level of mental focus was extraordinarily draining.
Though both were exhausted in body and mind, a smile hung on each of their faces.
Even though the outcome was undecided, this spar had been thoroughly exhilarating!
"Brother Chu Feng, you really are a monster," Zhang Yingxiong sighed.
"If I'm a monster, then so are you," Chu Feng replied.
Over the course of that hour, he had personally experienced the full extent of Zhang Yingxiong's strength.
Not only did Zhang Yingxiong possess ample real combat experience, but he also had exceptional reactive thinking.
Of course, Zhang Yingxiong's swordsmanship was truly profound.
That was the advantage of his resources, but it was also a testament to his own ability.
"Next time we spar, I expect it will be in the Primordial Divine Domain."
"By then, I imagine you won't need this formation. You should be able to fight me with your own cultivation," Zhang Yingxiong said.
"I hope so," Chu Feng sighed.
He too wished to face Zhang Yingxiong relying solely on his own cultivation and skills — only then would it be truly fair.
"Here, take this." As he spoke, Zhang Yingxiong pointed a finger toward Chu Feng, and a beam of light drilled into Chu Feng's body.
Chu Feng looked down to find a peculiar pattern imprinted on his chest.
But it quickly vanished from sight — invisible to the naked eye and imperceptible to the soul. Yet he could sense its presence.
All he could sense was the pattern itself. It seemed to contain something within, but Chu Feng could not discern what it was.
He looked up at Zhang Yingxiong. "What is this?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself. My Master instructed me to give it to you. When the time is right, you will naturally know," Zhang Yingxiong said.
"I really am curious — just who exactly is your Master?" Chu Feng said.
"You will find out. My Master thinks highly of you."
As he spoke, Zhang Yingxiong walked up to Chu Feng and pressed his hand against the badge on Chu Feng's chest — the one formed from the Heaven-Devouring Qilin.
"Remember — don't try anything funny."
"You cannot afford to provoke my brother here. If anything happens to him, you will die."
Those words were directed at the Heaven-Devouring Qilin.
He actually knew that Chu Feng's badge was the transformed Heaven-Devouring Qilin.
But this did not surprise Chu Feng in the slightest.