"What resources for cultivation do you and I possess, compared to what Chu Feng has?"
"Ask yourself honestly: without our families' support, could either of us have reached this level of cultivation at our age?"
"But even with all that, Chu Feng has caught up. You've both seen his talent."
"At this stage, the advantage provided by our families will soon be lost."
"Sister, I know you want to cultivate alongside Brother Chu Feng, but the conditions our family offers are undoubtedly more beneficial for you."
"If you truly wish to spend more time with Brother Chu Feng, you need to train even harder, with a sense of urgency. Otherwise, sooner or later, you will be left behind."
"When that happens, unless you want to be his burden..."
"You will never be able to walk the same path as him for the rest of your life."
"Don't believe me? Look at who walks beside him now. Besides Miss Meow-Meow, are any of those old friends from the Ancestral Martial Lower Realm still by his side?"
"And why is it that Miss Meow-Meow can walk with him?"
Xianhai Shaoyu continued.
His tone shifted from stern to earnest.
Xiao Yu'er fell completely silent.
Although Xianhai Shaoyu and Xiao Yu'er were conversing secretly, Chu Feng still sensed something was off.
"What are you two talking about?" Chu Feng asked.
"Big Brother, how long will it take you to open the Benefactor of Future Generations Formation?" Xiao Yu'er asked.
"It's hard to say for sure, but it will definitely take some time. I estimate..."
"At least a month or two, possibly up to a year or more. I'll have a better idea after I successfully activate one," Chu Feng replied.
"Then Big Brother, my brother and I will return to our clan for a bit. We'll come find you in two months," Xiao Yu'er said.
"Alright, you should go back first."
Chu Feng knew that Xianhai Shaoyu and Xiao Yu'er undoubtedly had their own matters to handle. Besides, he needed to focus entirely on opening the Benefactor of Future Generations Formation. Even if they stayed here, there wouldn't be much time for conversation.
"Brother Chu Feng, if anything happens, crush this item."
Xianhai Shaoyu handed Chu Feng a formation token.
Chu Feng accepted it without hesitation. He naturally understood the function of such a token. Xianhai Shaoyu must have arranged for someone to secretly protect Chu Feng near this auction house. As long as Chu Feng crushed the token, that person would come to his aid immediately, within a certain range, of course.
Truthfully, Chu Feng didn't particularly want the Xianhai Fish Clan involved in his affairs. He knew the strength of the Seven Realms Holy Temple and didn't wish to drag the Xianhai Fish Clan into his troubles. But he accepted it nonetheless, for it was a kind gesture from Xianhai Shaoyu. Even if he refused, Xianhai Shaoyu would still send people to protect him.
Shortly after, Xiao Yu'er and Xianhai Shaoyu departed. As they left, Xianhai Shaoyu asked, "Seems like you've thought it through? You're really afraid of becoming Brother Chu Feng's burden, aren't you?"
But Xiao Yu'er raised her small face with a hint of pride. "Not at all."
"Not at all?" Xianhai Shaoyu didn't believe it.
"I want to spend more time with Big Brother because we're close, and he's one of the few friends I have. But your words did remind me of something."
"However, the reason I want to go back and train isn't because I'm afraid of being left behind by Big Brother. It's because I don't want to become weak."
"The one I need to protect isn't Big Brother; he can protect himself. The ones I need to protect are the Xianhai Fish Clan... and you," Xiao Yu'er said.
"Oh my, you've grown up. You know to protect your big brother now," Xianhai Shaoyu chuckled.
"Even though you're annoying, you're still my brother. I can't just watch you get beaten up, can I?" Xiao Yu'er retorted.
"I was actually quite touched for a moment, but now it feels a little strange."
"I get beaten up that easily?" Xianhai Shaoyu looked helpless.
Meanwhile, the people of the Seven Realms Holy Temple also received the news that their offer had been refused.
Of course, they didn't know the person in question was Chu Feng.
"How arrogant! To actually refuse the olive branch extended by Elder."
"I want to go see for myself what kind of background he has."
Upon learning this, many within the Seven Realms Holy Temple were enraged. Some even wished to confront the person who had rejected their invitation in person.