Tower after tower of oppressive pressure locked down heaven and earth.
Beneath such formidable might, a figure emerged, descending from the sky to land before Chu Feng and his two companions.
It was an old monk.
This old monk was very thin and poorly dressed. His already ragged cloth robe was patched in multiple places, resembling the clothing of a beggar.
Yet, once this old monk appeared, not a single person dared to look down on him.
Those among the crowd who had previously intended to cause trouble for Chu Feng now furrowed their brows deeply, trembling in fear.
Anyone could guess that this was the source of that terrifying pressure. This was not merely a True Immortal—he was absolutely no ordinary one.
"Senior, it's you?" Upon seeing the old monk, Chu Feng immediately lit up with joy, for he recognized him.
This old monk was precisely the old monk Chu Feng had encountered that day in the Dark Night Ghost Forest. Truth be told, Chu Feng and this old monk did share a connection of sorts.
"Young friend Chu Feng, rest assured. With me here, no one will dare lay a finger on you, nor will they be able to," the old monk said, turning to offer Chu Feng a faint yet warm smile.
"This is bad." Seeing this scene, figures like the Holy Maiden of the Sealing Formation and the peak Martial Ancestor from the Kong Heavenly Clan silently cursed inwardly, feeling they now stood on the brink of death.
After all, it was clear that the relationship between Chu Feng and the old monk was anything but ordinary.
"Senior, please don't misunderstand. We had no intention of harming Young Friend Chu Feng, we were only—"
Seeing the situation turn dire, the Martial Ancestor from the Kong Heavenly Clan who had previously attacked Chu Feng spoke up.
His face wore an ingratiating expression as he tried to explain, hoping to avoid the old monk's punishment.
However, before his excuses were even finished, the old monk's gaze shifted abruptly, and a strange gleam flashed within his eyes.
*Pfft—*
In the next instant, that peak Martial Ancestor from the Kong Heavenly Clan spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood, then collapsed weakly to his knees.
He trembled uncontrollably, unable to speak a word, appearing as frail and eerie as a dying man.
Seeing the fate of that peak Martial Ancestor, the Holy Maiden of the Sealing Formation and others felt a chill run down their spines, their terror growing.
"This person's cultivation remains, but for the rest of his life, he will be forever confined to the peak of the Martial Ancestor realm. He will never again have the chance to step into the True Immortal realm."
"What?!"
Hearing this, everyone's hearts jolted once more. With a single strike, the old monk had sealed away a person's future prospects. Such power was truly terrifying.
All of them feared suffering the same fate as that peak Martial Ancestor.
"That is the consequence for laying a hand on Young Friend Chu Feng."
"But I dare say, from now on, if anyone else dares to harm Young Friend Chu Feng, his fate will be far worse than this. I will make him worse than a beast, living a life more miserable than death."
The old monk spoke calmly, his voice as still as tranquil water, devoid of any anger. Yet his words carried an impact on the listeners that defied imagination.
Everyone knew he was not joking, for he clearly possessed the ability to do exactly as he threatened.
"Young friends, farewell."
Having delivered his warning, the old monk turned back to Chu Feng and the other two with a meaningful smile. Then, his figure flickered slightly, and he vanished completely.
Along with the old monk's disappearance, the suffocating pressure that had nearly choked everyone also dissipated.
After the old monk left, the world returned to its previous state of calm.
But no one could be certain whether the old monk had truly departed, so they all stood there frozen, at a loss, their hearts still unsettled.
"Young Friend Chu Feng, we truly harbored no ill will earlier. Please, do not take it to heart."
A moment later, as the crowd's emotions began to settle, they started apologizing to Chu Feng. Their attitude toward him had now completely transformed.
They knew that behind Chu Feng stood a powerful True Immortal protector, and this True Immortal was no ordinary figure—his strength was enough to make one's blood run cold.
"Elders, do you still intend to block my way?" Chu Feng paid no heed to their apologies, instead asking with a beaming smile.
At this, the crowd could only manage bitter, awkward smiles.
They all knew Chu Feng was mocking them, but even so, they dared not show the slightest hint of displeasure.
"Then, farewell."
Chu Feng cupped his fists toward the crowd. Though this gesture appeared courteous, it was filled with sarcasm, making these so-called experts feel even more ashamed. One by one, they lowered their heads once again.
"Hmph." Seeing their ashamed expressions, a cold smile curved at the corner of Chu Feng's lips.