Chapter 1007: Battle of Wits and Courage

The Ancient Return Corridor?

Yi Feng was utterly baffled by the term and instinctively blurted out his confusion.

"What the hell is the Ancient Return Corridor? Weren’t we just by the lakeside earlier? How did we end up in a place like this...?"

Fu Nantian scanned the surrounding sea of stars, his eyes filled with awe and trepidation.

"The world is home to many ancient mystic realms, and the Ancient Return Corridor is one of them! This corridor doesn’t exist within Cloud Star—it lies among the celestial rivers beyond the heavens!"

"Right now, we’re adrift in the vast cosmos, most likely swept here by the chaotic currents of the Great Dao. What wretched luck!"

Noticing Yi Feng’s stunned expression from the corner of his eye, Fu Nantian pressed on, his tone growing graver.

"The Ancient Return Corridor is a mysterious passage connecting Cloud Star to other star domains. It’s perilous beyond measure, with countless legends of doom. Only true supreme experts can traverse it safely!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng gasped in shock, as if thoroughly terrified.

"It’s really that dangerous?!"

Fu Nantian nodded solemnly, a glint of smug satisfaction flashing in his eyes. His voice turned even more urgent.

"Dangerous? That’s an understatement! This place is a death trap—no one makes it out alive!"

Just as expected.

The moment those words left his mouth, Yi Feng’s eyes widened in horror!

This kid clearly lacked worldly experience. The mere mention of an ancient mystic realm beyond Cloud Star had already shaken him to the core. Now, hearing how deadly it was, he seemed paralyzed with fear.

Perfect.

Once Fu Nantian led him into the Ancient Return Corridor, he’d reveal his overwhelming Sage cultivation, saving the kid from certain doom while flaunting his prowess just a little.

Heh.

When a Sage dramatically unveils their power, wouldn’t the boy be so awestruck he’d kowtow in reverence?

Everything was falling perfectly into place. His plan was flawless. Fu Nantian felt utterly in control as he continued stoking the tension.

"The Ancient Return Corridor is a bridge between star domains, riddled with deadly traps and endless labyrinths. Without Sage-level cultivation, survival is impossible!"

After emphasizing the absolute necessity of Sage strength, Fu Nantian adopted a nostalgic expression, painting an even more horrifying picture.

"Over a hundred thousand years ago, a cataclysmic battle erupted here—a war among the stars!"

"That battle was beyond mortal comprehension. Cloud Star and countless other star domains were embroiled in it—a grand slaughter spanning the cosmos, an event unseen for ages!"

"Back then, the power of the Great Dao raged like chaotic tempests, staining the starry rivers with blood. Countless peerless geniuses perished, their Dao extinguished. Though warriors from Cloud Star participated, they were but a handful—mere legends among legends. Those who fought in that war stood above all living beings!"

"When the dust settled, innumerable supreme experts had fallen, their remains lost among the stars. Ever since, the Ancient Return Corridor has been shrouded in terrifying killing intent, haunted by vengeful remnants and endless dangers. Yet, it also holds treasures beyond imagination!"

"For a hundred thousand years, powerful figures have braved the starry seas, venturing into the corridor in search of their heart’s desires..."

As Fu Nantian’s solemn words echoed, Yi Feng’s eyes grew even wider.

Fu Nantian assumed the kid was scared stiff, inwardly gloating as he plotted how best to reveal his power later—what dazzling method would make the grandest impact?

But little did he know, Yi Feng wasn’t terrified at all.

In fact, he was so excited he was momentarily speechless.

Even without witnessing it firsthand, just hearing the legends made Yi Feng’s imagination run wild, conjuring images of that mysterious, horror-filled path.

Now, gazing into the boundless sea of stars, it felt like he was staring at his deepest dream.

If this place was truly that deadly, it was the opportunity he’d been waiting for! His repeatedly failed suicide plans suddenly had hope—no, not just hope, but the greatest chance he’d ever had!

If even countless supreme experts had perished here, then surely he’d meet his end without a doubt!

A new light ignited in his heart. Yi Feng felt like he’d finally found his purpose.

The starry expanse before him might as well have been paradise.

Without hesitation, he eagerly asked,

"Old man, do you know how to get to this Ancient Return Corridor?"

Hiss—!

Fu Nantian’s heart lurched at the question, nearly gasping aloud in shock.

Damn.

Any ordinary cultivator would’ve paled at the mere mention of the corridor. But this kid? Not only wasn’t he running scared, he actually seemed eager to go!

You had to admire his guts.

This fearlessness was beyond ordinary—even most Sages would pale in comparison.

To walk the path of immortality, one needed both immense courage and wisdom. From this perspective, though the boy was a bit reckless in his youth, he possessed rare potential.

Truly a disciple worthy of this old man’s recognition!

After the initial surprise, Fu Nantian grew even more impressed. Despite his youth, Yi Feng displayed extraordinary bravery and resolve—almost a mirror of Fu Nantian’s own younger self.

Seeing that eager, expectant glint in the boy’s eyes, Fu Nantian couldn’t help but smile.

Very well. Since his disciple had such determination, the master could no longer hold back. Even if dangers arose later, he’d step in to turn the tide, ensuring his disciple’s safety while broadening his horizons. And in doing so, he’d secure this exceptional talent for himself.

Two birds with one stone—what could be better?

With the timing just right, Fu Nantian slowly removed his bamboo hat, clasped one hand behind his back, and revealed a profound, enigmatic smile.

"This old man naturally knows the way."

"Since you're intent on exploring the Ancient Corridor, I might as well take you there to see for yourself!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng's eyes widened in surprise.

He was looking for death, but he absolutely had no intention of dragging anyone else down with him—that much basic decency he still possessed!

He quickly tried to dissuade the old man, his expression deadly serious.

"Old man, don’t do anything reckless! Didn’t you say the Ancient Corridor is perilous beyond measure, that none but a Saint can survive it…?"

The words struck a chord deep in Fu Nantian’s heart.

The old man’s demeanor suddenly shifted, his head lifting with pride!

"Indeed! I did say that. But since you, a junior, still dare to venture forth, how could I stand idly by?"

"Given the circumstances, I have no choice but to reveal the truth."

As he spoke, he caught Yi Feng’s widened eyes from the corner of his vision.

Fu Nantian slowly turned with a knowing smile, his gaze brimming with anticipation as he stared straight at Yi Feng.

With a single ethereal point of his finger, he exuded an air of immortal grace!

"Today, I shall lay my cards on the table."

"I have wandered the realms for years, never revealing my full power, all to temper my heart and mind. But the truth is—I am a Saint. A supremely powerful Saint!!!"

Fu Nantian gestured grandly, his sleeves billowing as he struck the most awe-inspiring pose of his life, doing everything in his power to embody the image of a transcendent master.

At this moment, all he lacked was a painter to immortalize his celestial demeanor for eternity, a portrait to be revered by generations to come!

Be it his bearing, his aura, or the sheer gravitas of his words, he had perfected it all. Even the most renowned Saints of legend would struggle to match his transcendent presence.

A single finger pointed, as if dispelling the illusions of all mortal beings.

A faint smile, as if he had glimpsed through the vicissitudes of countless lifetimes!

His weathered face bore the marks of time, yet his clouded eyes blazed with an astonishing light. With effortless grace, he unveiled the truth—all to guide this junior toward his destiny!

Such magnificence!

Such majesty!

Fu Nantian’s sharp eyes captured every flicker of Yi Feng’s expression, not a single nuance escaping his gaze. He was ready to witness the shock and awe he so rightfully deserved!

Having set the stage with flawless grandeur, Fu Nantian fixed his gaze, his anticipation reaching its peak.

Then—

Yi Feng responded with a single, utterly indifferent syllable, his face blank as if he were nothing more than an unimpressed spectator.

"Oh."

…Huh?

Fu Nantian blinked, caught completely off guard.

One breath.

Two breaths.

Three breaths…

A full ten breaths passed, and still, no further reaction came—not even an extra word.

The two stared at each other, one bewildered, the other utterly unfazed.

Watching Yi Feng blink slowly, his expression utterly deadpan, Fu Nantian’s cheek twitched. His face stiffened with awkwardness.

Here he was, his right hand clasped behind his back, his left finger poised with divine elegance, his entire presence radiating supreme mastery—only to be met with a single, flat "Oh."

Where was the awestruck reverence?

Where was the trembling disbelief?!

How could there be no reaction beyond that one measly word?!

Had something gone wrong? Had the boy been too stunned to process his words properly…?

Struggling to maintain his composure, Fu Nantian’s smile froze, leaving him stranded in this painfully awkward moment. With no other choice, he doubled down, his voice strained.

"I—I am a Saint!"

This time, Yi Feng responded much faster—as if being a Saint was no big deal.

"Mm."

His reply was crisp, utterly devoid of surprise.

His expression remained perfectly calm, his eyes blinking lazily, as if he’d just heard the most mundane statement imaginable—unworthy of even a raised eyebrow.

Fu Nantian’s composure shattered. His eyes bulged slightly.

What kind of freak is this kid?!

He’d just heard the word "Saint," and this was his reaction?!

All that painstakingly crafted grandeur, all that transcendent posturing—completely wasted. Now, standing there under Yi Feng’s vacant stare, he felt like nothing more than a bad stage actor, drowning in secondhand embarrassment.

Could it be… the boy had met a Saint before?

That was possible. Maybe he’d gotten lucky and encountered one. But he clearly had no idea just how terrifying a true high-level Saint could be—hence this utter lack of reaction.

Fine. If words weren’t enough, he’d just have to show him.

Fu Nantian calmly retracted his left hand, his aged face betraying no shame. He cleared his throat, masking his discomfort.

"Ahem…"

"Now that you’re aware of my cultivation, if you still wish to enter the Ancient Corridor, I shall escort you personally. Rest assured, no harm will come to you."

With that, he gestured toward the starry path ahead.

"See there? Among these boundless starry seas, there is but one entrance—where the power of the Great Dao surges forth."

Yi Feng followed his gaze.

Sure enough, amidst the endless celestial expanse, a patch of inky darkness stood out starkly, as if repelled by an invisible force—so absolute that not even starlight could approach it.

Seeing Yi Feng study it intently, Fu Nantian finally regained a shred of dignity.

But inwardly, he was already scheming.

This kid’s composure was unnerving. Worse, he’d somehow outmaneuvered him multiple times by sheer luck. There was no room for further mistakes. Since revealing his cultivation hadn’t fazed him, he’d have to escalate—force him to understand the vast gulf between them.

The best approach was to let this young man put himself in harm's way, facing mortal danger, so he would realize the shallowness of his cultivation. Only then, by rescuing him in his moment of peril, could Fu Nantian achieve twice the result with half the effort!

Recalling past mistakes—especially the humiliation at Heavenly Poison Island—Fu Nantian had learned his lesson well. This time, he was determined to let Yi Feng stumble into danger alone.

With his scheme carefully laid out, Fu Nantian clasped his hands behind his back and strode forward.

"Boy, follow me to the Corridor of Ancient Echoes!"

Yi Feng mimicked his steps.

Though they stood amidst the sea of stars, it felt as solid as solid ground beneath their feet. The sheer power of a Saint-realm cultivator finally brought him a flicker of joy and reassurance.

The two passed through a dark entrance and, in the blink of an eye, stepped into the starry expanse.

Countless celestial lights shimmered above, while their path was paved with radiant starlight—a sight so wondrous it could only be described as the most breathtaking spectacle in all existence. Merely witnessing such a scene would leave an indelible mark on one's soul.

Yet, where beauty flourished, danger often lurked—a universal truth that seemed to echo the warnings they had heard earlier, as if foretelling an unprecedented peril ahead.

If they truly ventured deep into the Corridor of Ancient Echoes, Yi Feng might finally achieve his wish for death.

Following closely behind, Yi Feng’s anticipation grew stronger.

At the same time, observing the leisurely old man before him, he began plotting his own little scheme.

This old fellow, though eccentric, had a kind heart and was willing to guide him. But Yi Feng was bent on seeking death—he couldn’t drag the man down with him.

How could he slip away unnoticed and find danger on his own?

Lost in thought, Yi Feng paid no attention to the starry corridor around him, nor did he notice how far they had traveled.

Meanwhile, Fu Nantian ahead was also turning things over in his mind.

I can’t just openly toss this kid into danger—he’d see right through me, and all my efforts would be wasted. How can I shake him off and let him stumble into peril on his own…

The two exchanged a glance, each harboring their own schemes.