The crowd followed Chu Zhiyuan half-doubtfully, their only thought being to find a chance to survive.
As for Chu Feng, they had completely cast him from their minds — not only believing he was dead, but thinking he deserved to die.
However, they had no idea that as they left the cave empty-handed, even preparing to depart the Nine Moon Divine Domain, Chu Feng was cultivating in the deepest reaches of the fire lake within that very cave.
At this moment, Chu Feng was situated within the spring source at the absolute deepest point of the fire lake, sitting cross-legged and focused entirely on his cultivation.
Alone, he savored the greatest treasure hidden within the Yin-Yang Gate of the Nine Moon Divine Domain.
Meanwhile, Chu Youyuan stood outside the spring source, positioned within the fire lake itself, hands clasped behind his back.
Though he stood within the fire lake, Chu Youyuan was not harmed by its waters.
Thunder emanated from around his body as well, that thunder shielding him from the blood water's assault.
It turned out that not only Chu Feng could release that protective thunder — Chu Youyuan could do the same.
It seemed anyone who possessed the Heavenly Thunder bloodline was capable of it.
Though Chu Youyuan currently stood outside the spring source, his gaze remained fixed upon it.
Because the spring source was now different from before.
The spring water was no longer calm as it had been — it had actually begun to boil, much like the churning waters of the fire lake itself, carrying a sense of building momentum ready to erupt.
The changes to the spring source had begun shortly after Chu Feng started cultivating.
And as his cultivation deepened, the changes in the spring source grew increasingly apparent.
Chu Youyuan was certain that all of this was connected to Chu Feng.
Whoosh— Suddenly, the boiling spring water transformed into a massive vortex. Centered on Chu Feng, it began spinning at tremendous speed — its momentum majestic, its spectacle breathtaking.
Most importantly, heaven and earth energy visible to the naked eye was continuously surging into Chu Feng's body.
"Mm—"
Under these circumstances, even the slumbering Fire Lake Ghost was startled awake.
However, after the Fire Lake Ghost awoke, it did not make a racket as before. Instead, it blinked its enormous crimson eyes, watching the scene before it — even it was captivated by the spectacle.
"To produce such a phenomenon while cultivating within this fire lake?"
Seeing this scene, Chu Youyuan's gaze was filled with both shock and delight. After a long moment, his expression eased, and he couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Chu Feng, I truly look forward to seeing what gains you'll obtain from this cultivation."
While Chu Feng devoted himself to cultivation, Chu Zhiyuan and the younger generation were still on the move.
At first, everyone had been quite suspicious of Chu Zhiyuan, but as they traveled along, they began recognizing landmarks they had seen on the way in, which steadily bolstered their confidence in him.
And Chu Zhiyuan, possessing a complete route map, naturally would not lead them astray — so in the end, he successfully brought everyone back to the entrance of the Yin-Yang Gate.
However, the younger generation, unaware of the truth, erupted in excitement.
In that moment, they couldn't stop praising Chu Zhiyuan, their words of gratitude flowing endlessly.
One couldn't blame them for their excitement — after all, Chu Zhiyuan had led them out, which was the same as saving their lives.
They immediately stepped through the Yin-Yang Gate, finally departing the Nine Moon Divine Domain.
And once they emerged, the elders who had been standing guard there hurried forward to greet them.
"What happened? What went on in there?"