“Yu Ting?”
“Who is this Yu Ting?”
As the two characters for Yu Ting gradually emerged, the others present were also greatly astonished.
Where was the promised Chu Feng?
What was this about Yu Ting?
Amid the confusion, everyone’s gazes turned towards Yue Yang and Chen Guang.
Hoping to find answers from those two.
“Yu Ting?”
But in truth, not only were the bystanders utterly bewildered, even Chen Guang and Yue Yang, who had emerged from Ruyi Ancient Fortress, were at a loss.
They had at least witnessed Chu Feng’s strength firsthand.
But who was this Yu Ting? They had no idea whatsoever.
…
Within Ruyi Ancient Fortress.
After people had witnessed the utter defeat of Chen Guang and Yue Yang with their own eyes.
No one dared challenge Chu Feng any longer. Chu Feng smoothly claimed that so-called reward.
However, when the box was opened and the so-called reward revealed.
People felt a profound sense of disappointment.
One could imagine that if Yue Yang and Chen Guang had seen this reward earlier, they would not have risked challenging Chu Feng.
It turned out that this so-called reward was merely a grey stone the size of a hen’s egg.
That stone appeared utterly ordinary.
It was just like the most commonplace of pebbles, not even qualifying as the lowest-grade spirit stone.
Forget these Martial Cultivators; even ordinary folk would not collect such a thing.
Yet this was, after all, a reward from within Ruyi Ancient Fortress.
People naturally did not dare dismiss it lightly.
Thus, at first, they thought the stone might seem unremarkable on the surface but was in fact a hidden supreme treasure.
However, after careful examination, no one could discern anything special about it. Even when Chu Feng inquired as to the stone’s purpose, the reply from Elder Ruyi was utterly jaw-dropping.
He said heaven’s secrets must not be divulged and that Chu Feng need only keep the item safe.
If it truly proved useless, collecting it would still be fine.
The first part still stirred some anticipation, but the latter dashed even that sliver of hope.
Though some still believed it a concealed treasure, most felt Chu Feng had likely obtained a worthless trinket.
Thus, people’s envy for Chu Feng extended only to his talent and strength; as for the reward, few envied it any longer.
And because no one challenged Chu Feng, the invisible barrier obstructing the crowd was also fully retracted by Elder Ruyi.
Everyone could finally, as desired, approach the Ruyi Mirror or challenge the talent ladder.
Notably, Yu Ting was the first to step onto the talent ladder.
Originally, people had paid little heed to this woman.
But now, Yu Ting had become the centre of attention within Ruyi Ancient Fortress.
Even Elder Ruyi, who had been reclining in his rocking chair, slightly opened his eyes and glanced sidelong at Yu Ting.
The reason was that Yu Ting had already stood upon that talent staircase for the duration of one incense stick.
The time of one incense stick was, in truth, quite brief.
But to endure a battle on the talent staircase for that long was extraordinarily impressive.
The last to achieve this feat had been Lü Jie.
Yet even Lü Jie, after standing for one incense stick, had been drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, and hastily descended the talent ladder.
But the current Yu Ting, though likewise soaked in sweat, her brows tightly furrowed and her face etched with strain, still stood firm upon it. She had strength to spare…
She persisted, and the time she had stood clearly surpassed Lü Jie’s.
“Enough. If you persist further, it will harm you.”
“Moreover, you have already surpassed Lü Jie. Your name is now inscribed upon the banner outside. There is no need to continue. Come down.”
Elder Ruyi spoke.
At his words, Yu Ting no longer forced herself and left the talent ladder.
Upon descending, Yu Ting seemed utterly drained, as if on the verge of collapse.
“Are you all right?”
Chu Feng stepped forward and asked.
“No matter.”
Yu Ting revealed a smile.
Chu Feng rarely saw Yu Ting smile, but one had to admit, this girl looked truly lovely when she did.
When Yu Ting smiled, she was several times more beautiful than when she did not.
“Miss Yu Ting, you are truly one to conceal your depths.”
“I, Yuan Shu, have gained much insight today.”
Yuan Shu also approached Yu Ting. Compared to Chu Feng’s calm, Yuan Shu’s expression was far more vivid.
After all, Yu Ting’s feat just now was sufficient proof that, in terms of talent, her realm spiritist aptitude surpassed Lü Jie’s.
This was something the previous Lü Jie had never anticipated.
And seeing Yuan Shu, as well as Chu Feng’s conversation with Yu Ting, the bystanders finally realised that these three knew one another.
Yuan Shu needed no explanation; as a disciple of Grandmaster Tang Chen, he was already renowned.
Chu Feng and Yu Ting’s performances were equally astonishing.
Their acquaintance only made people realise that Chu Feng and Yu Ting’s backgrounds must be extraordinarily profound.
“The Ancient Spirit Domain is truly a treasure land no realm spiritist wishes to miss.”
“With the Ancient Spirit Domain about to open, even these hidden powerhouses have emerged.”
At this moment, many voiced such sentiments.
Chu Feng and Yu Ting’s talents required no further comment; both surpassed Lü Jie.
Their emergence would not eclipse Lü Jie’s brilliance entirely, but it would at least somewhat overshadow his lustre.
And as the saying goes, a fine teacher produces fine pupils. Thus, people were exceedingly curious about what sort of existences could nurture such disciples.
But since even the disciples had appeared.
People felt that these two’s masters would surely show themselves as well.
Thus, these juniors were filled with anticipation.
Anticipation upon leaving Ruyi Ancient Fortress.
Anticipation when the Ancient Spirit Domain opened.
That Yu Ting and Chu Feng’s masters would reveal themselves.
What sort of figures would they be?
People were immensely expectant.
“Chu Feng, you give it a try as well.”
Yu Ting said to Chu Feng in a feeble tone.
Though Yu Ting was exceedingly weak, Chu Feng did not worry overly.
He knew her weakness stemmed from some pressure of the talent ladder.
From Yu Ting’s appearance, though frail at present, it should soon ease.
Everything within Ruyi Ancient Fortress remained relatively humane; it generally did not harm entrants, and even challenges were moderated appropriately.
Thus, Chu Feng turned his gaze towards the talent ladder.
Upon closer inspection, he discovered that Yu Ting’s name had also appeared upon the talent ladder.
Chu Feng realised that Yu Ting actually cared deeply about her own talent.
The reason was likely due to her consistently weaker aptitude within the Crouching Dragon Martial Sect.
Now, achieving such results would build her tremendous confidence.
This was evident from the smile she had shown earlier.
And Chu Feng did not wish to diminish the confidence Yu Ting had just built.
He hoped Yu Ting’s glory would remain etched upon that banner.
This would serve as immense encouragement for her future.
Thus, Chu Feng turned his gaze towards the second staircase.
Whoosh—
Suddenly, Chu Feng’s figure leapt forth. He skipped over the first staircase entirely and landed directly upon the second.
“What is he doing?”
Seeing this, everyone was dumbfounded. Even Elder Ruyi, who had been reclining, abruptly sat upright.
“Chu Feng, come down quickly!!!”
And Yuan Shu shouted in utmost anxiety!!!
