"The relationship between Tuoba Shangshui and Li Rui is indeed extraordinary. Li Rui is actually Tuoba Shangshui's own grandson, and the only seed left in the Tuoba bloodline."
"Very few people know about this. Li Rui himself doesn't even realize that his Master is, in truth, his own grandfather," the Valley Master of Luoxia Valley said.
"Even I didn't know about this — how did you find out?" Su Jingrui asked, astonished.
"Surely you could tell their relationship was unusual. That's why I made a point of investigating in secret."
"Tuoba Shangshui didn't want to go public, and he had his reasons, so I never exposed the secret," the Valley Master said.
"But even if Li Rui is the last of the Tuoba line, there's no reason for Tuoba Shangshui to go to such lengths for him. That doesn't seem like his style." Su Jingrui still had his doubts.
"If Tuoba Shangshui still had the ability to produce heirs, he naturally wouldn't do all this for Li Rui alone," the Valley Master said.
"Such a thing actually happened?" Su Jingrui's eyes widened in shock — he had already guessed what was implied.
"Otherwise, he truly would not have acted this way," the Valley Master said.
"Given his character, one might call it retribution," Su Jingrui said with a cold laugh.
At that moment, Chu Feng had heard and understood everything.
Tuoba Shangshui had likely suffered some mishap that stripped him of the ability to produce heirs. Li Rui was the only surviving seed of the Tuoba family — the last sprout left behind. That was why he valued Li Rui so extraordinarily.
"Young friend Chu Feng, since you wish to leave, I won't press you to stay. This is a small token of my regard — please accept it." As the Valley Master spoke, he produced a Universe Bag and offered it to Chu Feng.
"Valley Master, I've already told you — I cannot accept any more gifts. Please, absolutely not."
Chu Feng hurriedly refused. On a previous occasion, the Valley Master of Luoxia Valley had already given him quite a collection of gifts, and those had been no trifling matter — setting aside what a Spirit World Master might need, they included several semi-ancestor weapons among other things.
Yet the contents of this Universe Bag were even more valuable than those earlier gifts.
"Young friend Chu Feng, if you don't accept, our Valley Master won't let you leave the valley."
"So you might as well accept," Su Jingrui chimed in from the side.
"Young friend Chu Feng, Elder Su isn't joking," the Valley Master added with a smile. Though his tone was lighthearted, he genuinely seemed prepared to follow through.
In other words, if Chu Feng did not accept this gift, the Valley Master would not permit him to leave.
In the end, he still felt guilty toward Chu Feng and wanted to ease that guilt in this way.
"In that case, I'll accept without further politeness. Thank you for your hospitality, Valley Master." Chu Feng understood that the Valley Master harbored genuine remorse, so he ultimately took the Universe Bag.
"Young friend Chu Feng, allow me to escort you out," the Valley Master said, wanting to personally see Chu Feng off.
"Valley Master, before I leave, I'd like to say goodbye to Yiyi and Elder Ning Shuang," Chu Feng said.
"Of course, no problem at all. I'll have them summoned here at once," the Valley Master said.
"There's no need, Valley Master. I'd rather go see them in person," Chu Feng said.
"Very well, I'll lead the way," the Valley Master said.
"Valley Master, the Three Star Hall is still waiting, isn't it? It wouldn't be good to keep them hanging for too long," Su Jingrui couldn't help but say at that moment.
"Ah…" Hearing this, the Valley Master's face immediately showed a conflicted expression.
"If the Valley Master has matters to attend to, please go handle them. I can find Yiyi and Elder Ning Shuang on my own," Chu Feng said.
"Very well." The Valley Master nodded. Although he didn't personally escort Chu Feng, he did arrange for someone else to guide the way.
"Today is the day we agreed to meet with the Three Star Hall. Chu Feng was right here — he could have helped us. Why didn't you tell him?" Su Jingrui asked the Valley Master after Chu Feng departed.
The Valley Master let out a long sigh. "Luoxia Valley has already put young friend Chu Feng through more than enough hardship. He nearly lost his life trying to help us. I simply can't bring myself to trouble him again."