Chu Feng’s current cultivation level shocked everyone present—everyone except Wuming Fenghuo.
This included Chu Hanpeng, Chu Xuanzhengfa, and all the other members of the Chu Heavenly Clan.
Even if the Chu Heavenly Clan’s leader were here, witnessing Chu Feng’s current cultivation would leave him equally stunned.
After all, Chu Feng had only been a Fifth Rank Martial Immortal before.
Yet in just a few days, he had broken through consecutively to Seventh Rank Martial Immortal—and under the torment of heavenly lightning, no less. How could this not astonish people?
In truth, Chu Feng reaching Sixth Rank Martial Immortal was inevitable. Back in the ancient ruins of the Wuma Heavenly Clan, he had indeed gained significant insights and was confident of a breakthrough.
But to leap straight to Seventh Rank Martial Immortal in one go? That was thanks to the relentless heavenly lightning striking him on the Heavenly Lightning Punishment Platform.
The lightning inflicted considerable harm on Chu Feng, yet it also brought him immense rewards.
With extraordinary willpower and comprehension far beyond ordinary people, Chu Feng endured the lightning’s torment while simultaneously mastering a deeper control over his bloodline power. This, in turn, boosted his cultivation, leading to consecutive breakthroughs.
So, the suffering Chu Feng endured on the Heavenly Lightning Punishment Platform paled in comparison to the gains he reaped.
“I get it now. Those two astonishing nine-colored heavenly lightning bolts earlier weren’t summoned by the Heavenly Lightning Punishment Platform—they were divine lightning triggered by Chu Feng’s breakthroughs!”
“He must have grasped the method of breakthrough while on the platform and achieved consecutive advancements, resulting in his current cultivation!”
Suddenly, a member of the Chu Heavenly Clan exclaimed in realization.
“What? On the Heavenly Lightning Punishment Platform? How is that possible?”
Hearing this from a Chu Heavenly Clan member, the people from the Fang Heavenly Clan, Zhao Heavenly Clan, Song Heavenly Clan, and others were filled with disbelief.
They, too, were from heavenly clans and had their own Heavenly Lightning Punishment Platforms. They knew full well how terrifying those platforms were.
Enduring even a single day on one was already the mark of an exceptional person.
Breaking through in cultivation on the platform?
That was pure fantasy—impossible.
At the very least, it wasn’t something a human could achieve.
“I knew it. Those two lightning bolts were so extraordinary. So, Chu Feng, you’re cultivating the same Self-Punishment Mysterious Art as your father and grandfather, aren’t you?” Wuming Fenghuo asked.
“The same mysterious art? Does that mean…?”
Wuming Fenghuo’s words sent a chill through the hearts of the Fang Heavenly Clan and their allies.
The same Self-Punishment Mysterious Art as Chu Hanxian and Chu Xuanyuan—didn’t that mean the legendary Divine Punishment Mysterious Art?
Wasn’t Chu Feng deemed a cripple incapable of martial cultivation?
Even if he could cultivate now, with his talent, he shouldn’t be able to master such a profound art, right?
Otherwise, wouldn’t that make Chu Feng a monstrous genius like his grandfather and father?
“In response to Your Excellency, yes,” Chu Feng replied.
“He… he’s actually cultivated the Divine Punishment Mysterious Art?”
Hearing Chu Feng’s confirmation, the Fang Heavenly Clan and their allies felt as if they’d been struck by lightning, momentarily at a loss for what to do.
Chu Feng had truly reached the level of cultivating the Divine Punishment Mysterious Art?
This wasn’t some martial cripple—this was a heaven-defying monster!
If earlier, the Fang Heavenly Clan and their allies had looked at Chu Feng as if he were a joke, now their gazes were not only filled with respect but tinged with deep shock and fear.
After all, this was a duel over control of the Purple Tree Mortal Realm—the Fang Heavenly Clan couldn’t afford to lose.
But with both being Seventh Rank Martial Immortals, and Chu Feng being Chu Xuanyuan’s son who had mastered the legendary Divine Punishment Mysterious Art, even though Fang Hualong was undeniably strong, they lacked absolute confidence that he could defeat Chu Feng.
In desperation, the Fang Heavenly Clan’s leader turned to one person—Wuming Gangxiong.
Wuming Gangxiong was their backer. The ability to arrange this unfair duel had relied entirely on him.
So now, if anyone could help them, it would be Wuming Gangxiong.
Yet, despite the Fang Heavenly Clan leader’s pleading look, Wuming Gangxiong acted as if he hadn’t seen it.
If Wuming Fenghuo weren’t here today, Wuming Gangxiong could call the shots.
But with Wuming Fenghuo present, Wuming Gangxiong didn’t dare utter a word.
Besides, even a fool could see that Wuming Fenghuo was eagerly anticipating Chu Feng’s next move. Who would dare ruin his enjoyment?
This was Wuming Fenghuo, one of the ten greatest experts of the Starfield Main Realm—a true powerhouse with both strength and status in the Ancestral Martial Starfield!
“Sigh, looks like it’s all up to Hualong now.”
With no help forthcoming, the Fang Heavenly Clan leader could only turn his gaze to Fang Hualong, their last hope.
To his immense relief, despite knowing Chu Feng’s strength, Fang Hualong remained composed. His proud demeanor and unshakable arrogance hadn’t diminished in the slightest due to Chu Feng’s display.
At this moment, he still exuded two words: confidence.
Indeed, as the greatest genius of the Fang Heavenly Clan in tens of thousands—perhaps hundreds of thousands—of years, Fang Hualong had every right to be confident.
His confidence wasn’t blind; it was forged through countless battles and proven by real skill.
Seeing Fang Hualong like this, not only did the Fang Heavenly Clan members breathe a sigh of relief, but even Wuming Gangxiong quietly relaxed.
He’d accepted hefty bribes to arrange this duel in favor of the Fang Heavenly Clan. If they lost, it’d be a blow to his reputation.
…
Suddenly, everyone’s expressions grew serious, their gazes locking onto the grand formation.
Because Chu Feng had made his move. After shattering the Fang Heavenly Clan’s offensive, he gripped the Chu Heavenly Clan’s battle flag, soared into the air, and crossed the dividing river.
He was the first—and only—member of the Chu Heavenly Clan to cross that boundary.
Everyone understood…
The real showdown was about to begin!!!