*Swish, swish, swish—*
While Yin Zhuanghong was momentarily dazed, countless scythes shot out from the formation’s core, hurtling toward her.
“Damn it.”
Her earlier distraction, combined with the scythes’ terrifying speed, left her no time to dodge by the time she reacted.
*Swish—*
Just as Yin Zhuanghong thought she was doomed, a figure suddenly landed in front of her.
*Boom—*
Before she could make out who it was, a powerful force shoved her aside.
It was the person who had stepped in front of her, pushing her out of harm’s way.
When Yin Zhuanghong came to her senses, she finally saw who it was.
It was Chu Feng. He had placed himself in front of her and pushed her away.
But by the time she registered this, the scythes from the formation’s core had already struck Chu Feng.
*Swish, swish, swish—*
Blood sprayed as Chu Feng’s body was torn apart, covered in wounds.
Despite having preemptively released his barrier power, forming layers of protective armor, it was useless against the ferocious scythes.
“Chu Feng!!!”
As the scythes retreated back into the formation’s core, Yin Zhuanghong hurriedly used her martial power to pull Chu Feng to her side.
But Chu Feng was now not only covered in wounds and blood but also had an extremely faint aura.
“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault, all my fault.”
Seeing Chu Feng on the brink of death, Yin Zhuanghong’s tears fell like rain.
She was overwhelmed with grief and guilt. If not for saving her, Chu Feng wouldn’t be in this state.
“This might… be the first time I’ve seen you cry, little girl.”
Though Chu Feng was battered and seemingly at death’s door, a faint smile curved his lips.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.”
Yin Zhuanghong kept repeating her apologies, convinced she had caused Chu Feng’s suffering.
“Enough, stop crying. I’m not dead yet,” Chu Feng said.
*Whoosh—*
As his words fell, a blood-red aura began to emanate from his body.
As the crimson aura surged, not only did his wounds start to heal, but his aura rapidly recovered as well.
“Little girl, your embrace is pretty comfy.”
Chu Feng grinned widely, his smile now carrying a mischievous edge compared to before.
“What’s going on with you?”
“Why…?”
Yin Zhuanghong quickly released Chu Feng from her arms, staring at him in confusion.
“You silly girl, did you really think shooting that ruler infused with your aura into the formation’s core would let you harness its power? That’s too naive.”
“Aura alone won’t do. It requires your blood mixed with your aura.”
“But even blood and aura aren’t enough. You need this.”
As he spoke, Chu Feng opened his palm, revealing a special spring water.
“Is… is that the thing you said was hidden in that entrance?” Yin Zhuanghong asked.
“Exactly. This can conceal my blood and aura. Once hidden, the formation’s core can’t distinguish them and will absorb my blood and aura into itself,” Chu Feng explained.
“So, you got injured on purpose just now?” Yin Zhuanghong asked.
“Yes,” Chu Feng nodded.
“Then… you’ve already gained the formation’s core power?” she asked.
“Correct. I think now we can go rescue the elders of your Red Robe Holy Land,” Chu Feng said.
“Good.” Yin Zhuanghong nodded.
*Swish—*
As soon as she spoke, her body was enveloped by the blood-red aura, and she began moving rapidly.
“Chu Feng, thank you.”
Yin Zhuanghong looked at him.
“Thank me for what?” Chu Feng asked.
“If not for you, our Red Robe Holy Land would’ve suffered heavy losses this time,” she said.
“We’re friends, aren’t we? No need for such words between friends.”
“But there’s something I need to tell you. You’d better prepare yourself mentally,” Chu Feng said.
“What is it?” Yin Zhuanghong asked.
“Isn’t there supposed to be a supreme treasure hidden in the Ancient Blood Refining Pool?” Chu Feng asked.
“Yes, a treasure from ancient times, though we don’t know exactly what it is. We’ve never successfully opened the Ancient Blood Refining Pool,” Yin Zhuanghong replied.
“Now that I have the formation’s core power, I can sense some things about the pool.”
“I know where that treasure is kept.”
“But that place… is empty now,” Chu Feng said.
“Empty? What does that mean?” Yin Zhuanghong asked.
“The treasure in the Ancient Blood Refining Pool has already been taken,” Chu Feng said.
“Taken? How is that possible?”
“Could it be that there was never a treasure in the Ancient Blood Refining Pool to begin with?”
“Did we discover it too late? Was the treasure already gone when we found the pool?”
“But that doesn’t make sense. Our Red Robe Holy Land has guarded this pool for tens of thousands of years.”
Yin Zhuanghong’s emotions surged.
The Ancient Blood Refining Pool was too important to them. They had guarded it for millennia for that treasure, and now Chu Feng was saying it was gone. She couldn’t accept it.
