"Oh."
Upon hearing Chu Feng's words, the Queen couldn't help but sigh.
She naturally wished that Chu Feng would use this mist for himself. After all, breaking through to True Immortal—that would be a qualitative transformation in his strength.
No matter how powerful a Martial Ancestor was, they could never contend with a True Immortal.
But what if Chu Feng became a True Immortal?
With his talent and his means, there would likely be very few among the True Immortals of the Hundred Refinements Ordinary Realm who could stand against him.
At that point, Chu Feng would truly be able to walk sideways throughout the Hundred Refinements Ordinary Realm. He could even single-handedly annihilate the Soul Infant Sect and complete the task his father had assigned him.
However, she did not try to dissuade Chu Feng. She knew that, given his character, he would certainly choose to use this mist to save Zhao Hong's life.
No matter how she argued, it would be of no use.
So she chose not to argue. She would simply continue to feel heartache—heartache on Chu Feng's behalf.
"You are certain?" the yellow-robed elder asked.
Though Chu Feng's decision was within the Queen's expectations, it was clearly not within the yellow-robed elder's.
Now, upon hearing Chu Feng's answer, the elder was visibly astonished.
"This junior is certain. I humbly request that the senior release my friend," Chu Feng said.
"Young man, hear my counsel. Though you have already reached the peak of the Martial Ancestor realm, this opportunity is of extraordinary importance to you."
"You should know—many people reach the peak of the Martial Ancestor realm at a young age, yet spend their entire lives stuck there."
"The peak of the Martial Ancestor realm and the True Immortal realm may seem separated by only a thin line, but the distance between them is vast. It is not so easily bridged," the yellow-robed elder said.
"I understand the senior's kindness. But compared to my friend's life, this is not worth mentioning," Chu Feng said.
"So it seems you are determined to save her?" the yellow-robed elder asked.
"This junior's intention is exactly so. I humbly request that the senior release my friend." Chu Feng bowed once more to the yellow-robed elder with utmost sincerity.
"Young lady, you have truly made a loyal friend."
Just then, the yellow-robed elder's gaze shifted, and the next moment a barrier gate materialized beside him.
As the barrier gate appeared, a figure tumbled out of it and collapsed face-down on the ground.
It was none other than Zhao Hong. But at this moment, she was gravely injured, without even the strength to stand.
Though Zhao Hong's body was utterly spent, she still raised her head with effort and looked at Chu Feng, speaking in a strained voice: "Chu Feng, you cannot do this. You cannot give up your rightful reward just to save me."
"You cannot do this. I won't accept it. I won't accept your gift."
It seemed that Zhao Hong had indeed been inside the Life and Death Formation, but she had overheard the conversation between Chu Feng and the yellow-robed elder.
This gave Chu Feng a headache.
He hadn't expected the yellow-robed elder to deliberately let Zhao Hong hear their exchange.
Yes—it was deliberate. Had it not been for his doing so, Zhao Hong could never have heard their conversation.
But precisely because of this, Chu Feng found himself in a difficult position. He knew how stubborn Zhao Hong was. Though he was acting for her own good, given her personality, she would likely rather die herself than accept Chu Feng's kindness.
"Young lady, that is not for you to decide. This opportunity—you will take it whether you wish to or not."
And just as Chu Feng was caught in this dilemma, the yellow-robed elder suddenly spoke. As he did, his sleeve swept outward.
The cloud of golden mist floating before Chu Feng drifted toward Zhao Hong, and in moments it engulfed her entirely.