When Chen Hui walked over, the dark-skinned man and several juniors of the Ancient Faction all rose to their feet and stood behind him.
It was quite the display.
"Brother, my name is Chen Hui," Chen Hui said with a grin.
"I've heard of you," Chu Feng replied.
"Heard of your ass — call him Young Master Chen Hui," the dark-skinned man said, pointing at Chu Feng.
Slap— The moment those words left his mouth, he went flying, slamming hard into the palace wall.
When he hit the ground, his body was fine, but a bright red handprint was left on his face.
"Your young master isn't necessarily everyone's young master."
"If you dare lord it over people again, see if I don't tear your mouth apart?" Cang Li glared viciously at the dark-skinned man. Clearly, that slap had been his doing.
Though the dark-skinned man looked aggrieved, he didn't dare let a single word slip.
"Don't stoop to his level — that's just how his temper is," Chen Hui said to Chu Feng.
Chu Feng smiled and said nothing.
"Brother Feng Chu's talent is extraordinary. It's a pity the New Faction can't see what's right in front of them."
"If Brother Feng Chu is willing to join our Ancient Faction, I guarantee you'll never lack for resources again," Chen Hui declared, thumping his chest.
"I'm afraid that if I wanted to join, your Ancient Faction wouldn't dare take me," Chu Feng said with a grin.
Upon hearing this, Chen Hui — who didn't know Chu Feng's true identity — laughed.
"As long as you're willing to join, our Ancient Faction will wholeheartedly welcome you."
"And the New Faction absolutely won't dare retaliate against you," Chen Hui said with confidence.
As he spoke, he released his aura. His cultivation had actually reached the Seventh Level of True God realm.
"Wow—"
Exclamations erupted from all around.
Even Cang Li's eyes widened in surprise, and a look of appreciation appeared on his face.
But Ji Mo Qian Zhou's expression turned ugly.
Clearly, they had not known about Chen Hui's level of cultivation beforehand.
"What's there to show off — it's some backdoor shortcut," Eggy cursed.
She didn't believe that Chen Hui could be this powerful through normal cultivation alone.
"Young Master Chen Hui truly makes progress at a frightening pace."
"But I've heard that Song Yun and Young Master Chen Hui are quite close."
"Before fleeing, she even met with Young Master Chen Hui."
"Could it be that Young Master Chen Hui, just like Song Yun, has been using the flesh and blood of our Prison Sect brothers as nourishment for your cultivation?" Ji Mo Qian Zhou spoke up, his words dripping with mockery and sarcasm.
"Song Yun's crimes are unforgivable, and our Ancient Faction is hunting her down as well."
"But as a Prison Commander, you'd better have proof before you speak. You claim I, Chen Hui, used the flesh and blood of Prison Sect brothers for cultivation."
"Where's your evidence?" Chen Hui shot back.
"Hmph."
Ji Mo Qian Zhou snorted coldly and was about to retort.
But before he could get the words out, Cang Li spoke: "Enough. When the juniors are talking, what business does an elder have butting in?"
"Lord Cang Li, this Chen Hui is openly poaching talent from our New Faction. Shouldn't I—"
"Shouldn't you what?"
"Whether it's the Ancient Faction or the New Faction, they're all part of my Prison Sect. People can go wherever they want — are you going to forcibly hold them?"
"Is this sect called the Prison Sect, or is it called the New Faction?" Cang Li asked sharply.
"Of course it's called the Prison Sect."
Ji Mo Qian Zhou didn't dare argue. He knew Cang Li was already displeased with him, so he had no choice but to bow his head and accept the rebuke.
"Brother Feng Chu, our Ancient Faction sincerely invites you. With so many people watching, give me some face, will you?" Chen Hui said with a smile.
Looking at Chen Hui's face — somewhat cheeky, yet genuinely sincere — Chu Feng couldn't help but recall the days at the Seven Realms Sacred Residence, when he'd been put through the entrance trial and had harvested rice alongside Chen Hui.
Back then, Chen Hui had left without saying goodbye, and Chu Feng had thought they would never meet again. After all, the martial world was far too vast.
Who would have thought they'd not only meet again, but here of all places — in the Prison Sect?
Truthfully, Chu Feng had a favorable impression of Chen Hui.
But thinking about how Chen Hui had approached him with ulterior motives before, a hint of payback stirred in Chu Feng's heart.
He decided to have a little fun with him.
"Fine. Once this Sacred Artifact awakening is over, I'll join the Ancient Faction," Chu Feng said.