Suddenly, the barrier gate in the distance trembled, and two more figures entered through another entrance.
They were Ling Xiao and Jie Baobao.
"They've made it this far too?" Seeing the two of them, Long Chengyu's eyes narrowed with wariness.
"It's hardly surprising they've reached this point — this kind of trial is exactly what Spirit World Masters excel at," Qin Xuan said.
Upon spotting Chu Feng, Jie Baobao instinctively moved toward him, which in turn sparked hostility in Xiao Yu'er's eyes.
She didn't know the situation and assumed Jie Baobao was seizing this opportunity to make a move against Chu Feng.
Xiao Yu'er couldn't care less about most things — she didn't even have much interest in the struggle over that treasure chest — but she cared deeply about Chu Feng's safety.
In truth, Jie Baobao only wanted to come over and greet Chu Feng.
"There are too many eyes around. Better not go over there."
It was Ling Xiao's discreet voice transmission that brought Jie Baobao back to her senses.
Although there weren't many people here, they were all peak geniuses from various powers. Their words carried considerable weight. If word got out that Ling Xiao and the others were on close terms with Chu Feng, they could face retaliation once they returned to the Seven Worlds Holy Mansion.
"Ling Xiao, you wouldn't be joining forces with them, would you?" Feng Ling asked Ling Xiao.
By "them," she was naturally referring to Huangfu Shengyu and his group.
"I, Ling Xiao, am a Spirit World Master — but I am a Spirit World Master of the present age. I would never ally with the Ancient Heavenly Clan," Ling Xiao replied.
"That's good to hear."
Feng Ling smiled, then extended her hand toward Huangfu Shengyu: "Huangfu Shengyu, hand over the key already."
It seemed the two sides had been locked in a dispute over the key.
"Here's the key."
Huangfu Shengyu produced the key, then opened his mouth wide and shoved the key straight into it.
Seeing this, Feng Ling didn't grow angry — she laughed instead: "What, you think we wouldn't dare cut you open to get it back?"
"Could you even manage that?" Huangfu Shengyu shot Feng Ling a mocking glance.
"Whether I can or can't — why don't you try and find out?"
Feng Ling maintained her smiling expression. She showed no anger, but neither did she show the slightest fear of Huangfu Shengyu. If anything, she seemed eager to exchange blows.
"Miss Feng Ling, there's no need to fight him."
Xianhai Shaoyu spoke, then turned his gaze to Huangfu Shengyu: "Huangfu Shengyu, we have no objection to sharing whatever's inside with all of you. There's no need to push things to the point of no return."
"You don't mind — we do," Huangfu Shengyu said.
Hearing this, Xianhai Shaoyu couldn't help but laugh: "You don't seriously think we wouldn't dare make a move on you?"
"Xianhai Shaoyu, you probably have the nerve."
"But ganging up on someone isn't exactly thrilling."
"Here's what I propose — three fair duels."
"We each send three fighters."
"One on one, three bouts. Whoever wins more takes the key."
Huangfu Shengyu declared.
"Bring it on," Feng Ling said immediately.
"There's one condition." As Huangfu Shengyu spoke, he pointed at Chu Feng and Xiao Yu'er one after the other: "He and she — they don't participate."
"Oh, come on — if you can't handle it, just admit defeat and be done with it," Long Chengyu retorted at once.
"Exactly," Qin Xuan echoed.
But who would have thought that Huangfu Shengyu would completely ignore Long Chengyu and Qin Xuan, continuing to look at Xianhai Shaoyu instead?
"To keep things fair, this time… you choose the opponents. We'll take the challenge passively."