At that moment, Qiushui Fuyan found herself in a difficult position. She knew Chu Feng's temperament all too well, and she deeply feared that he might do something dangerous.
But precisely because she understood Chu Feng, she also knew better than anyone that she could not talk him out of anything. And so she could only say to him, "Follow me."
After Chu Feng and Qiushui Fuyan departed, the others who were present all rose from their seats and followed close behind.
Led by Qiushui Fuyan, Chu Feng soon arrived before the so-called Path to Immortality.
It was a special gate. Though it appeared to be carved from stone, it was in truth conjured through an extraordinarily powerful barrier formation.
Most importantly, although the gate did not look particularly remarkable, just as Qiushui Fuyan had described, it emanated a rich aura of antiquity.
The moment Chu Feng laid eyes on the Path to Immortality, his brows knitted tightly together — even though it was nothing more than a barrier gate.
And yet, from within it Chu Feng could sense just how extraordinary the creator of this gate must have been.
Though many years had passed and Chu Feng's strength had surged dramatically — he was not only a Martial Emperor powerhouse but also a Dragon Mark Spirit World Master, and he held a place of standing within the Martial Holy Land —
Still, standing before this barrier gate inscribed with the words "Path to Immortality," Chu Feng could not shake the feeling that he was nothing more than an insignificant speck.
"Chu Feng, let me accompany you inside," Qiushui Fuyan said to him.
"No need. I'll go in alone. No one should follow me." With those words, Chu Feng leapt forward and stepped through the Path to Immortality's gate.
In that instant, the expressions of everyone present froze. They were worried about Chu Feng and wanted to go in with him, but they did not wish to go against his wishes, and so they hesitated.
"Ya Fei and the other two share a special bond with Chu Feng. He carries a knot in his heart — a knot that those three could have helped him untie. But now… he can only untie it on his own. It is better that he goes in alone," the Ethereal Fairy said after a moment of deliberation.
"But inside the Path to Immortality…" Qiushui Fuyan and the others still could not put their minds at ease, and everyone else present felt the same way.
"Have you all forgotten young friend Chu Feng's talent? So many years have passed. You have all made progress — do you truly believe he has not?"
"It is entirely possible that young friend Chu Feng is already a Martial Emperor," the Ethereal Fairy said.
"I would estimate that Chu Feng's cultivation has most likely reached the ninth rank of Martial King. But a Martial Emperor — that seems too far-fetched."
"After all, Huangfu Haoyue himself said that breaking through to Martial Emperor is far too difficult. If not for the treasures he discovered within the Path to Immortality, he would never have had the chance."
"Chu Feng may have exceptional talent, but he is still far too young," Qiu Canfeng and the others said one after another. They all felt that Chu Feng's current cultivation was certainly stronger than their own, but as for being a Martial Emperor — they found that hard to believe.
Although Chu Feng had been away for several years now, for people like them who had cultivated for several hundred years, a few years was hardly anything. At Chu Feng's level, breaking through to the peak of Martial King within a few years would already be a miracle. Becoming a Martial Emperor within that span was virtually impossible.
Most importantly, Chu Feng himself had stated that if he succeeded in his breakthrough, he would… not surpass Huangfu Haoyue.
From that single remark, people could already deduce that Chu Feng's cultivation remained within the Martial King realm.
"Which is precisely why entering the Path to Immortality may allow Chu Feng to gain something. His cultivation might even see an improvement. So it is best to let him go in on his own," the Ethereal Fairy said.
"That is true." At this, the others finally felt somewhat relieved. Though the depths of the Path to Immortality were fraught with danger, it also possessed a unique power — and they all knew of Chu Feng's powers of comprehension. Perhaps he truly would reap some reward from entering.
BOOM—
Just then, a tremendous roar suddenly erupted from the distance. At the same time, a blinding pillar of fire shot skyward.