During this exploration of the ancient ruins, the Chongxu Temple's approach had been rather casual — all elders were free to leave as they pleased.
After Chu Feng departed, Song Ge had also left the ancient ruins.
However, Song Ge was something of a celebrity within the Chongxu Temple, so tracking down her whereabouts was an easy matter for Chu Feng.
Near the Seven Sun Mountain Range, there was a city, and Song Ge happened to be in that very city at the moment.
Though the surroundings of the Seven Sun Mountain Range were vast, the scale was relative — for someone of Chu Feng's cultivation, reaching the city was a matter of moments.
Sure enough, in no time at all, Chu Feng traveled from the ancient ruins to the city.
Though the city was large, nothing could escape Chu Feng's perceptive gaze. He quickly locked onto Song Ge's location.
Chu Feng could see that Song Ge was currently with a woman — another female elder of the Chongxu Temple. And as it happened, Chu Feng recognized this woman.
She was Wang Lian, Aunt Liu's daughter.
But at this moment, it wasn't just Song Ge and Wang Lian.
Alongside them were several other people — men and women alike, though the men were more numerous. Each of them was dressed in fine, luxurious garments, looking every bit like they belonged to wealthy, prestigious families.
They weren't members of the Chongxu Temple, but rather disciples from other sects.
It appeared these people had run into Song Ge by chance, yet several of the men were clearly showing an unusual degree of interest in her.
At this very moment, they were inviting Song Ge to visit a teahouse for some tea, but Song Ge had no desire to go.
Though Song Ge was reluctant, Wang Lian showed great enthusiasm and was trying hard to convince her to go.
Of course, from Wang Lian's eyes, Chu Feng could tell — Wang Lian wasn't actually interested in drinking tea at the teahouse. She was interested in those men.
In Chu Feng's estimation, those men were utterly unremarkable — both in status and in strength. But for Wang Lian, their background, social standing, and cultivation were all ideal criteria for a husband. In fact, being with any one of them would be a tremendous step up for her.
It was quite the contrast — just earlier, when Wang Lian had spotted Chu Feng, she'd been unbearably haughty. But now, before these men, she was the picture of eager solicitude.
As for Song Ge, though she treated those people with a cold demeanor, she found it difficult to refuse Wang Lian outright.
Song Ge was clearly in a very awkward position.
Chu Feng knew it was time to make his move.
So, he stepped out from the shadows into the open, deliberately walking past Song Ge as if by coincidence, orchestrating what appeared to be a chance meeting.
"Asura?"
Sure enough, under Chu Feng's carefully arranged timing, Song Ge spotted him almost immediately.
To Song Ge, Chu Feng was her savior. Not only had he rescued her, but he'd also spoken with her at length afterward, which had only deepened the gratitude she already felt — and turned it into genuine fondness.
Upon seeing Chu Feng, her face broke into a radiant smile, and she hurried over to him in just a few quick strides.
"What a coincidence — running into you here!"
Song Ge beamed at Chu Feng like a blooming flower.
"What a coincidence indeed."
Chu Feng returned the smile with a look of pleasant surprise.
"Who's this guy?"
However, the moment the men who had been vying for Song Ge's attention laid eyes on Chu Feng, their brows furrowed and displeased looks crossed their faces.
They had gone to such great lengths to ingratiate themselves with Song Ge, only to be met with cold indifference. Yet the moment this man appeared, Song Ge had transformed into an entirely different person. The sight filled them with jealousy and irritation.
"Why is it him?"
While the others were sizing Chu Feng up, Wang Lian had also turned her gaze toward him.
But she didn't need to look twice — the very first glimpse was enough for her to recognize him.
"Elder Wang Lian, do you know this person?"
The men turned to Wang Lian and asked.