Chu Xinghan appeared incredibly nervous in Jiang Chen's room. He had been brought to the room, and his heart was pounding, unsure of what would happen next.
Jiang Chen looked at Chu Xinghan and smiled faintly. "Brother Chu, we parted ways at Indestructible Spirit Mountain, and you followed Elder Shun. You've gained quite the fortune since then. I never expected we'd meet again here."
"You…" Chu Xinghan's whole body trembled. Hearing these words, utter shock filled his eyes. He stared at Jiang Chen in a daze, momentarily unable to form a sentence.
"You're Jiang Chen? And… Miss Huang'er?" Chu Xinghan had followed Elder Shun for many years, and the pieces quickly fell into place in his mind.
"It's us. Brother Chu, how have you been?" Jiang Chen kept his tone as calm and gentle as he could. He knew Chu Xinghan was under enormous psychological pressure.
Chu Xinghan was stunned for a long while before slowly regaining his composure. A bitter smile spread across his face. "I'd have to crack my skull open to imagine this — running into Brother Jiang in a place like this."
"Miss Huang'er, I've heard about the Yan family's situation while I was on Wanyuan Island. But how is my master doing now?"
Truthfully, Chu Xinghan had always wanted to visit the Yan family. But he had firmly remembered Elder Shun's instructions: until his strength reached mid-stage Heaven Rank, he must not set foot in the Yan family's territory.
Chu Xinghan was someone who deeply valued relationships. Yet, when it came to his master's words, he could not bring himself to disobey.
He was also well aware that at his current level of cultivation, he would be considered top-tier among the human territories. But on Wanyuan Island, he was nothing special.
Forget visiting the Yan family or the Eternal Divine Kingdom — even among many third-rate forces, he couldn't hold his own. Entering Heaven Rank was the bare minimum.
Without reaching Heaven Rank, one could barely move a single step in many situations.
Over the years, Chu Xinghan's strength had actually improved very rapidly. Given his humble origins, the fact that he had managed to cultivate to high-stage Emperor Realm — approaching the peak of Emperor Realm — in such a short time was entirely due to Elder Shun's meticulous guidance.
Of course, although Chu Xinghan came from a low background, the young geniuses of the Sixteen Kingdoms Alliance were not lacking in talent. What they lacked was foundation, a proper starting point, and a nurturing environment.
Once Chu Xinghan began following Elder Shun, the old man had long since cleansed his marrow and reforged his meridians, elevating his starting point to be nearly on par with the geniuses of Wanyuan Island.
Only then could the Chu Xinghan of today exist.
Otherwise, based on his original foundation, reaching the peak of Emperor Realm would have been nothing but a fool's dream — practically impossible.
Even if he had somehow managed it, the time required would have been at least ten times what it had actually taken.
"Elder Shun… his cultivation was crippled by a great deal by his family." Huang'er sighed softly. The mere mention of this weighed on her heart.
She knew that much of Elder Shun's downfall had been because of her.
Jiang Chen smiled, however. "There's no need to worry. Elder Shun is doing quite well now. Last time I visited the Yan family, I brought him to the Eternal Sacred Land and helped him recover his cultivation. In a few more years, Elder Shun should be fully restored. He may even surpass his former level."
"Really?" Chu Xinghan's heart surged with joy. "You mean to say that master is fine now?"
"Yes, he's fine." Jiang Chen nodded.
Chu Xinghan was overcome with happiness, tears brimming in his fierce eyes. Though he had been considered a genius at the Purple Sun Sect, his time there had not been a happy one.
The happiest days of his life had been the period he spent following Elder Shun — Elder Shun's nurturing, Elder Shun's transformation of his body, Elder Shun's genuine care.