"I am the current Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan, and I know that Young Master Chu Feng does not wish to reveal his identity, so... I have not disclosed your identity or my own to anyone," the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan said.
At this moment, Chu Feng finally understood why the Patriarch had stepped away from Kong Xunlian and Kong Yuehua before saying these words.
Obviously, even those two had no idea that this mysterious True Immortal-level expert was actually the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan—the one responsible for guarding the Hundred Refinements Field.
"Senior, I am no longer a member of the Chu Heavenly Clan," Chu Feng said.
After hearing Chu Feng's words, the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan was slightly stunned, then said: "I do not know what happened between Young Master Chu Feng and the Chu Heavenly Clan, but the blood of the Chu Heavenly Clan flows through your veins. In my eyes, you are my master."
"Then how did you know I was a member of the Chu Heavenly Clan? Was it when I entered the Hundred Refinements Field that you discovered my identity?" Chu Feng asked.
"Indeed. Since then, I have been secretly protecting Young Master Chu Feng, until two years ago when the Kong Heavenly Clan moved against my master," the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan said.
"Senior, you have truly gone to great lengths." Chu Feng was moved. After all, he had only met the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan once, yet the Patriarch had treated him with such devotion. It was clear that the Guardian Array Clan's loyalty to the Chu Heavenly Clan was truly unwavering.
Thud— The Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan suddenly dropped to his knees and said: "Young Master Chu Feng, please stop calling me Senior. I am not worthy of such a title."
"Please, get up quickly." Chu Feng helped him to his feet and said: "If you truly regard me as your master, then listen to me—from this day forward, address me simply as Chu Feng. And I... will continue to call you Senior."
"This..." The Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan looked troubled.
"Otherwise... cease your protection of me."
"No matter how you see me, I do not wish to accept a master-servant relationship, because in my heart, I am not a member of the Chu Heavenly Clan." Chu Feng spoke with great seriousness.
"Very well, then I shall do as Chu Feng says." The Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan corrected himself.
"Senior, could you tell me what happened with Zhao Hong?" Chu Feng asked.
"Mm." The Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan nodded once more, then proceeded to tell Chu Feng everything that had transpired during this time.
Two years ago, in the battle against the Kong Heavenly Clan, Chu Feng had been nearly consumed by the Evil God Sword's control, on the verge of losing all recognition of those around him.
As a last resort, at Chu Feng's request, the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan took Kong Yuehua, Kong Xunlian, and Wang Qiang away from the Kong Heavenly Clan.
That battle had dealt a devastating blow to both Kong Yuehua and Kong Xunlian—a blow of deep distrust and suspicion toward their own clan.
As a result, they never returned to the Kong Heavenly Clan. Some even believed they had died.
All this time, they had remained with the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan and Wang Qiang.
Meanwhile, the Patriarch of the Guardian Array Clan and Wang Qiang had been deeply worried about Chu Feng's safety, searching everywhere for traces of him, but without any news.
Before long, word spread that Chu Feng had died. While they did not fully believe it, they could not help but feel a gnawing sense of doubt.
Because of this, Wang Qiang harbored intense hatred toward the Kong Heavenly Clan, vowing to make them pay. He then sought out Zhao Hong, who had already learned of the matter and equally despised the Kong Heavenly Clan to the bone.
The two of them began plotting their revenge against the Kong Heavenly Clan.