They never expected that Sacred Light Xuanye had returned because he had encountered Chu Feng and the others — he had come back to turn himself in.
But they didn't understand why Sacred Light Xuanye hadn't said so.
If he had revealed the reason, the punishment he received might not have been so severe.
Because turning oneself in and being captured were two entirely different things.
"This old man deserves a thousand deaths. Accepting punishment is only right."
Under the puzzled gazes of everyone present, Sacred Light Xuanye spoke in a hoarse voice.
The Sacred Light Clan Leader who had once been so imposing and commanding...
Had completely changed his appearance. It was a transformation from the inside out.
"Punishment can wait. After this matter is settled, he'll be punished then. For now, release him from his restraints."
Chu Feng didn't plead on Sacred Light Xuanye's behalf, but he waved his arm, and the chains binding Sacred Light Xuanye shattered into dust.
"Thank Chu Feng quickly!" Sacred Light Whitebrow slapped the back of Sacred Light Xuanye's head hard.
"Little friend Chu Feng, I..."
Sacred Light Xuanye spoke with a trembling voice. He wanted to apologize again, but he didn't know how.
"Sacred Light Xuanye, do you know why I didn't kill you that day?"
"It was because you were willing to defend the dignity of the Sacred Light Heavenly River, even at the cost of your own life."
"Or perhaps what you wanted to defend was the dignity of the Sacred Light Clan, because the Sacred Light Clan held a place in your heart."
"But if what held a place in your heart was not merely the Sacred Light Clan, but the entire Sacred Light Heavenly River..."
"Then I believe the fate between us would have had two very different endings." Chu Feng said.
Sacred Light Xuanye didn't respond. Instead, he lowered his head, and drop after drop of tears fell to the ground.
He knew he had been selfish. If he hadn't feared that Chu Feng threatened the Sacred Light Clan's position, he wouldn't have schemed so painstakingly to eliminate him.
Everything Chu Feng had just done, he had seen clearly.
If not for Chu Feng, their Heavenly River truly would have fallen.
That made his remorse even deeper.
Fortunately, he had failed. If he had actually succeeded back then — if he had truly snuffed Chu Feng out — then who would be here today to defend their Ancestral Martial Heavenly River?
Then he would have truly committed an unforgivable sin.
"Little friend Chu Feng, how did your cultivation progress so quickly?"
"Just how do you cultivate? You must have encountered quite a few lucky chances, right?"
"Brother, I heard you're Jie Ranqing's son. Is that true?"
At this moment, all sorts of voices rang out one after another. Everyone was far too curious about what Chu Feng had experienced during his time away from the Ancestral Martial Heavenly River.
Rumors were only rumors.
But hearing it directly from Chu Feng's mouth — that would be the truth for certain.
"Esteated seniors, let's chat more later."
Chu Feng smiled and bowed to these elders, then walked over to a dignified woman.
The Sect Master of the Wolong Martial Arts Sect.
"Disciple Chu Feng of the Wolong Martial Arts Sect greets the Sect Master."
Chu Feng performed a deep bow to the Wolong Sect Master.
Although he was no longer what he used to be — now a celebrity throughout the vast cultivation world, hailed as the greatest genius — Chu Feng's respect for the Wolong Martial Arts Sect Master had not diminished in the slightest.
"Zi Ling has excellent judgment."
The Wolong Martial Arts Sect Master smiled as she helped Chu Feng to his feet.
But once he stood, Chu Feng said, "Sect Master, could I trouble you to lend me the main formation token?"
Hearing these words, the Wolong Martial Arts Sect Master gave a faint smile. Then she formed a series of hand seals, and a token floated out from within her body.
The token shimmered with light — it was the formation token that could control the entire great defensive formation.
But she didn't hand the token to Chu Feng right away.
Instead, she activated the token, causing the images from all the formations spread across the Ancestral Martial Heavenly River to shift.
The starry sky was replaced by Chu Feng's current location.
"Everyone, from this moment forward, the great defensive formation protecting our Ancestral Martial Heavenly River shall be placed under Chu Feng's control."
With those words, the Wolong Martial Arts Sect Master personally handed the token to Chu Feng.
Her trust in him was absolute.