After making his decision, Chu Feng used the excuse of important matters to request leave from Yin Gongfu that very night, saying he needed to be away for a while and would return in due time.
Yin Gongfu didn't ask many questions and simply let Chu Feng go, even gifting him a key that could activate the barrier, allowing him to enter and leave World's Hidden Valley at any time.
However, when Chu Feng left, he did not tell Hong Qiang. Regardless of how powerful his concealment methods were, venturing out in the current circumstances was extremely dangerous, and he didn't want Hong Qiang taking that risk with him. He intended to make this trip alone.
……
"It's rare to find a seedling I'm so satisfied with, but... sigh, what a pity." Duan Jidao sighed repeatedly, lamenting that he could not pass on his inheritance to Chu Feng.
"Cough, cough, cough—"
Suddenly, Duan Jidao fell into a violent fit of coughing, and as he coughed, a stream of golden liquid spewed from his mouth. The moment this golden liquid appeared, Duan Jidao's complexion turned ghastly pale, and his aura weakened considerably.
Yet Duan Jidao seemed entirely accustomed to this, simply wiping away the golden liquid without any trace of surprise.
"My Lord." After a short while, an elderly man walked in and knelt on the ground.
This old man was at least three thousand years old — in terms of age, he actually surpassed Duan Jidao. Yet upon seeing Duan Jidao, he was exceedingly respectful. This elder was none other than Song Yuheng's grandfather.
"Coming to see me this late — is something the matter?" Duan Jidao said.
"My Lord, something serious has occurred," Song Yuheng's grandfather said.
"What serious matter?" Duan Jidao asked.
"The wanted fugitive of the Four Great Imperial Clans, 'Chu Feng,' has intruded into our World's Hidden Valley. He was let in by Yin Gongfu," Song Yuheng's grandfather said.
"I'm aware," Duan Jidao said.
"You already know, My Lord?" Hearing this, Song Yuheng's grandfather was quite taken aback.
"Chu Feng did not intrude — I had Gongfu invite him here. Is that all you came to say?" Duan Jidao asked.
"Well..." Song Yuheng's grandfather hesitated for a moment before saying, "Chu Feng severely injured Yuheng. The injuries are quite serious."
"Oh?" Duan Jidao narrowed his eyes slightly, then looked at Song Yuheng's grandfather and asked, "Then why didn't you tell me sooner? Why didn't you bring Yuheng here for me to treat?"
"Ah... although the injuries are serious, they are only superficial wounds. I felt there was no need to trouble My Lord — I can heal them myself."
"However, Yuheng is after all a successor candidate favored by My Lord. To be beaten in public is truly a blow to your dignity, My Lord." Song Yuheng's grandfather said, attempting to sow discord.
"If you're hoping I'll punish Chu Feng, forget it. Chu Feng is a distinguished guest I personally invited — how could I possibly punish my own guest?"
"Furthermore, this young man Chu Feng possesses extraordinary talent. Tell Yuheng to get along well with Chu Feng and stir up no more trouble. Do not offend Chu Feng again."
"Oh, and tell your people — if anyone leaks the news that Chu Feng is here to the Four Great Imperial Clans, I will show no mercy," Duan Jidao said.
Hearing these words, Song Yuheng's grandfather's expression turned very unpleasant. He had come here precisely to seek justice for Yuheng and use the opportunity to have Chu Feng and Yin Gongfu punished.
He never expected Duan Jidao's attitude to be so cold — not only would he not deal with Chu Feng, he was actively protecting him. This was deeply unacceptable to him.
"This subordinate obeys." Though he was extremely reluctant, Song Yuheng's grandfather dared not defy Duan Jidao.
"Mm, that's the right attitude. One more friend is always better than one more enemy."