With the help of the Golden Crane True Immortal, Chu Feng's sealed cultivation was quickly restored, and his physical body was also reconstructed by the Golden Crane True Immortal.
In the blink of an eye, Chu Feng transformed from a skeletal monster draped in clothing back to his normal appearance.
Chu Feng could also feel that the Golden Crane True Immortal was using powerful formation techniques to help heal his injuries.
Under these circumstances, the pain in his body did ease somewhat, but for some reason, he could still feel it.
His head, in particular, hurt terribly — as though it was about to burst apart.
Most importantly, the pain felt as if it had been deeply etched into his mind, impossible to erase.
"Senior, I'm sorry. I've disappointed you — the God-Sealing Bamboo Slips were..." Chu Feng only spoke up after the Golden Crane True Immortal finally stopped.
"There's no need to say it, Chu Feng. I already know everything. The reason this place appeared was because a superior expert intervened."
"That is an existence that even I cannot contend with. How could you have possibly protected the God-Sealing Bamboo Slips in front of someone like that?"
"Truthfully, facing that kind of opponent, the fact that we're still alive is the greatest fortune within misfortune. Don't carry any psychological burden. I will absolutely cure your friend's injuries," the Golden Crane True Immortal said.
"Thank you, Senior." Chu Feng's face filled with gratitude. Though losing the God-Sealing Bamboo Slips left him somewhat disheartened, the moment he considered that the Golden Crane True Immortal was still willing to honor his promise and treat Wang Qiang's injuries, his mood instantly brightened from gloom to sunshine.
"Aigh." Seeing Chu Feng's expression of joy at the news that he would treat Wang Qiang, the Golden Crane True Immortal let out a sigh.
"Chu Feng, there is something I must let you know," the Golden Crane True Immortal said.
"Please speak, Senior," Chu Feng replied.
"Chu Feng, in a state where your cultivation had been stripped away, you managed to traverse the Mountain of Blades and Sea of Fire through sheer willpower and Mental Power."
"I'll be honest — I have never seen Mental Power and willpower this strong before. When I say strong, I don't mean raw power, but rather the sheer tenacity of it."
"However, although you successfully crossed the Mountain of Blades and Sea of Fire, it placed an enormous strain on your Mental Power."
"As a result, your Mental Power has suffered severe damage — damage so grave that even I cannot make it heal."
"Right now, do you feel that the injuries on your body haven't fully healed, and that the pain in your head is growing worse rather than better?" the Golden Crane True Immortal asked.
"That's exactly right." Chu Feng nodded.
"This is caused by the trauma to your Mental Power. It is a condition that even the most capable experts find exceedingly difficult to treat. The only way to alleviate it is through your own efforts."
"Perhaps, given enough time, it will heal on its own. But it is equally possible that it will never recover for the rest of your life."
"If that is the case, it won't only affect your cultivation to a certain degree — your formation techniques will be unable to make further progress as well."
"I'm afraid that for your entire life, you may remain stuck at the level of an Immortal-Robed Spirit World Master," the Golden Crane True Immortal said.
Hearing these words, Chu Feng's heart trembled. It was as though an invisible mountain had plummeted from the heavens and smashed squarely onto his head. In that instant, he was stunned.
He had already suspected that something might be wrong with him, but he truly had not expected it to be this serious.
"My cultivation will be affected? My formation techniques will stop advancing? How can it be this serious?!"
"Chu Feng, quickly ask him — is there any way to break through this?"
At that moment, Her Majesty's voice rang out. Compared to Chu Feng himself, Her Majesty was even more restless, practically beside herself with anxiety.
Yet, facing the anxious Her Majesty, and facing the Golden Crane True Immortal's guilt-ridden expression—
Chu Feng did not press further. Instead, he smiled with a sense of release and said: "Senior, I chose this path myself. Please don't blame yourself. Besides, I believe I will definitely recover."
Seeing Chu Feng like this, the Golden Crane True Immortal's gaze shifted. The guilt in his eyes did not diminish — if anything, it only deepened.