"Chu Feng, to be honest, we came here this time to rescue Kong Sheng."
"But a situation like this hardly warrants the personal intervention of our Supreme Elder."
"If it weren't for the news that you were here, our Supreme Elder would not have come at all."
"And the reason he did come was not to deal with that so-called monster — he simply wishes to invite you to visit our Kong Heavenly Clan as an honored guest."
"So I hope you can set aside past grievances, Young Friend Chu Feng, and give our Kong Heavenly Clan some face."
"That's right, Young Friend Chu Feng. Our Supreme Elder rarely extends invitations to anyone. You really should accept this gesture of respect."
At that moment, the various experts of the Kong Heavenly Clan also spoke up, addressing Chu Feng with warm and amiable words.
"Young Friend Chu Feng, we were in the wrong back then. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against us."
Not only that — even those who had clashed with Chu Feng and his companions at the Eight Desolations Mass Grave were present. They stepped forward of their own accord to offer their apologies and courtesies. Clearly, the Kong Heavenly Clan had come well prepared to win over Chu Feng and his group.
"Kong Sheng, Kong Zheng — Young Friend Chu Feng is an honored guest of our Kong Heavenly Clan. You offended him greatly before. Why haven't you apologized yet?" someone barked at the two brothers.
……
Kong Sheng and Kong Zheng exchanged glances.
They were not stupid. They could see that their clan truly intended to win over Chu Feng and his companions. And they absolutely could not become obstacles to that effort.
Having to apologize to Chu Feng and the other two was, admittedly, a blow to their pride. But everyone had pride — even their elders, even the Supreme Elder himself, had offered apologies to Chu Feng. What was their pitiful pride in comparison?
"Chu Feng, Zhao Hong, Wang Qiang — we truly did not know the full extent of what you had accomplished before."
"But now that we do, we brothers are genuinely impressed from the bottom of our hearts. As juniors, you have brought great honor to our generation."
"We won't say any more — please accept our bow."
Having made their decision, Kong Sheng and Kong Zheng both bowed to Chu Feng and his two companions in unison.
"I didn't expect you two to… to… to have some sincerity after all. In that case, brother, why don't we go take a stroll around the Kong Heavenly Clan?" Wang Qiang said to Chu Feng.
"Chu Feng, go. You can't catch a tiger's cub without entering the tiger's den," the Queen's voice also sounded in Chu Feng's ear.
By this point, Chu Feng had already assessed the situation thoroughly. If the Kong Heavenly Clan truly intended to deal with them, they could have attacked directly right now — there was no need to go through such elaborate motions.
In Chu Feng's view, visiting the Kong Heavenly Clan would certainly carry some danger, but the odds were relatively favorable.
Then again, even if their invitation was some kind of scheme, Chu Feng still had the Evil God Sword in hand. That would give him a fighting chance.
In short, even if they did encounter danger at the Kong Heavenly Clan, the level of that danger would be roughly comparable to what they were facing now against these experts.
Most importantly, Chu Feng was desperate to break through in his cultivation. And if he wanted to claim that treasure, he would have to visit the Kong Heavenly Clan eventually no matter what.
If he refused their invitation now, it would likely leave the Kong Heavenly Clan deeply displeased, and the enmity between them would be set in stone for good. Going there in the future would become virtually impossible.
Rather than failing to appreciate a good opportunity when it was right in front of him, it was far better to use this chance to mend fences.
Just as the Queen had said — you can't catch a tiger's cub without entering the tiger's den. Some risks simply had to be taken.
So Chu Feng spoke up: "Actually, I have long heard of the illustrious reputation of the Kong Heavenly Clan and have wished to pay my respects for some time. To receive such an invitation from all of you esteemed seniors today is truly my honor."