Inside Ruyi Ancient Castle, Chu Feng stood on the Talent Steps, flames surging around him, yet the pain on his face didn’t intensify. Instead, it began to ease.
The faint pain was fading from his expression.
Chu Feng was adapting to the power of the Talent Steps.
This left the younger generation present so stunned they didn’t know how to express their feelings.
To them, Chu Feng’s presence was like a towering mountain, reminding them of their own insignificance.
“Little one, come down. You’ve conquered the Talent Steps,” Elder Ruyi said to Chu Feng.
As he spoke, he tossed a token to Chu Feng.
Many onlookers gazed curiously at the token.
It looked simple, just a wooden token.
But it radiated an ancient aura and bore the words “Ruyi Ancient Castle.”
No one had seen such a token before, and they wondered about its purpose.
“This is your reward for conquering the third level of the Talent Steps.”
“From now on, you can enter Ruyi Ancient Castle anytime,” Elder Ruyi announced.
His words clarified the token’s purpose.
It was a pass, allowing Chu Feng to enter the castle even when its barrier gate was closed.
Ruyi Ancient Castle was a true treasure land, where the Ruyi Mirror could yield unimaginable treasures.
Chu Feng’s privilege sparked envy.
But the younger generation knew he deserved it.
After all, he achieved what others couldn’t, earning privileges they couldn’t enjoy.
Many approached Chu Feng to greet him, hoping to build connections.
Chu Feng didn’t act aloof, responding to each one.
However, when asked about his origins or master, he gave no answers.
In truth, Chu Feng engaged with them only because he was waiting for Yu Ting and Yuan Shu.
Though Chu Feng had challenged the Ruyi Mirror, Yu Ting and Yuan Shu hadn’t.
Finally, both approached the Ruyi Mirror.
They succeeded, each claiming treasures from within.
With all three having gained something, they decided to leave Ruyi Ancient Castle.
Chu Feng wanted to bid farewell to Elder Ruyi, but he had vanished unnoticed.
With no other choice, the trio left the castle.
Upon exiting, Chu Feng was immediately mobbed by onlookers.
From the crowd, someone pointed at the trio, shouting loudly.
“They’re out, they’re out!”
“The woman beside Yuan Shu is Yu Ting, who conquered the first level of the Talent Steps.”
“And the man beside Yuan Shu is Chu Feng.”
“Not only did he emerge from the hidden gate, but he also effortlessly conquered the second and third levels of the Talent Steps.”
“Master Shao Dong’s grandson, Shao Yu, was gravely injured just stepping onto the second level, nearly dying.”
“But Chu Feng stood on the second level without a flicker of emotion.”
“Even the third level had no effect on him.”
“A monster, I’ve never seen such a monster, yet here he stands before us.”
Some juniors from the castle had left earlier.
So when Chu Feng’s trio appeared, they immediately identified Chu Feng and Yu Ting to the crowd.
“Standing on those Talent Steps, truly unaffected?”
“His talent reached such a level?”
Not just the younger generation, but even the older generation, renowned spirit masters of Shengguang Tianhe, scrutinized Chu Feng and Yu Ting.
They were curious about these unfamiliar prodigies, wondering which faction they came from or which spirit master had trained such disciples.
Some even speculated that Yu Ting and Chu Feng were fellow disciples from the same sect.
“You really conquered the second and third levels of the Talent Steps?” a voice suddenly rang from the crowd.
All eyes turned to the speaker.
He was refined and elegant, standing out even among powerful spirit masters.
A true dragon among men.
This was Lü Jie, disciple of Saint Master Wudao.
“What’s the matter, friend?” Chu Feng asked, his tone guarded.
He saw ill intent in Lü Jie’s gaze, so his response wasn’t warm.
“I’m Lü Jie. I heard your talent is extraordinary, but I’m unsure if the rumours are true. I’d like to test your spirit techniques,” Lü Jie said.
His words made the crowd’s expressions even more vivid.
Lü Jie, always proud, had never challenged anyone among the younger generation.
But today, he made an exception.
Everyone understood that Chu Feng’s success on the second and third Talent Steps had shaken Lü Jie.
Long hailed as Shengguang Tianhe’s most outstanding spirit master junior, he wouldn’t allow anyone to take his place.
This was a battle for dignity and honour.
But after Lü Jie spoke, Chu Feng squinted at him, giving no reply.
“What, not speaking? Are you scared?”
“Or is your talent all fake?” Lü Jie pressed, his words growing harsher.
At this, Chu Feng gave a faint smile, about to speak, when someone stepped in front of him.
It was Yuan Shu.
“Brother Lü Jie, Chu Feng is still a junior. You’ve trained in spirit techniques far longer. Challenging him like this isn’t fair,” Yuan Shu said.
He knew Lü Jie’s strength. Even with Chu Feng’s talent, facing Lü Jie now would likely lead to a crushing defeat.
Yuan Shu didn’t want this duel, fearing Chu Feng would suffer.
But at Yuan Shu’s words, Lü Jie’s face darkened, and he said coldly, “Who are you to interrupt my conversation with Chu Feng?”
“…” Yuan Shu’s face fell.
Once, he was on par with Lü Jie, but now, the gap between them was vast.
To others, Yuan Shu might still be Master Tangchen’s prized disciple, an outstanding spirit master junior, even a rare genius.
But to Lü Jie, Yuan Shu was insignificant.
“Didn’t expect Saint Master Wudao’s disciple to be so rude.”
“Even stripping others of their right to speak,” Chu Feng said, stepping in front of Yuan Shu, staring at Lü Jie. “Since that’s the case, I have a question for you.”
“What is it?” Lü Jie replied.
Chu Feng smirked mockingly, then said, “Someone who hasn’t even challenged the second level of the Talent Steps, nor secured their name on the first, who gave you the courage to challenge me?”
“Do you think you’re qualified?”
