"Join us in slaying demons?"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned their surprised gazes toward Yi Feng.
Ordinary people would steer clear of anything related to demons, yet this young man was so righteousâit truly made them see him in a new light.
Zhong Limeng was deeply moved as well.
Initially, she had heard that Yi Feng was only at the Saint-level cultivation and hadnât wanted to drag him into such danger, as they were merely strangers who had crossed paths by chance.
Never had she expected Yi Feng to volunteer himself.
After a moment of contemplation, she smiled and nodded.
"Very well. Since youâre offering your righteous aid, I wonât refuse your kindness."
Halfway through her words, Zhong Limeng cautiously added,
"But once we land on the planet, you must be extremely careful. If you encounter any demonic creatures, donât recklessly charge aheadâjust cover our retreat! After we slay the demons, the corpses and treasures will be shared equally, and Iâll make sure youâre properly rewarded!"
Her heart swelled with gratitude, and she held no trace of condescension toward him.
Yet she was well aware that, given Yi Fengâs background from the humble Cloud Star, his assistance might be limited.
After all, the difference in heritage between Cloud Star and her own Lan Star was vast, even if Yi Fengâs cultivation wasnât far behind theirs.
Thus, she could only see him as an extra pair of hands and offered her warnings accordingly.
For a stranger to extend such helpâno matter what, she couldnât let him suffer losses or be placed in undue peril.
This was Zhong Limengâs sense of righteousness.
Hearing her solemn warnings, it seemed the danger was indeed grave.
Yi Fengâs eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Good!"
"As long as we go together, everything else is negotiable. Rewards donât matterâslaying demons is what counts!"
His noble words resonated, earning even greater admiration from the group.
Who would have thought that a Saint from the impoverished Cloud Star could possess such resolve? To disregard life and profit for the sake of humanityâs war against demonsâsuch virtue was truly worthy of reverence!
With such vision and integrity, even if his origins were humble, he commanded respect from all.
Rare. Truly rare.
Even the proud and talented Zhong Limeng found herself impressed.
After studying him for a moment, she smiled warmly and replied earnestly,
"Thank you for your righteous assistance, Young Master Yi. This young lady will remember your kindness."
In the blink of an eye, Yi Feng was hailed as a heroic young champion.
The group of ten quickly bonded.
The elder led the way, Zhong Limeng and her fellow disciples followed with tension, while Yi Feng trailed at the rear, his steps filled with eager anticipation.
As they journeyed, $2he landscape was nothing but glaciers and snow-capped peaks, as if they had stepped into a fairy tale.
Yet amid such breathtaking beauty, everyone remained on high alert. Having reached the Saint-level, they had weathered countless stormsâthey knew all too well that the more enchanting the scenery, the deadlier the hidden dangers!
As they entered a glacial valley, the elderâs expression grew even graver.
Zhong Limeng scanned their surroundings and solemnly warned those behind her,
"Everyone, please be extremely cautious."
"We must stick together and support one another. While slaying demons is important, we must never act recklessly. Our safety comes first!"
Her repeated warnings heightened the tension in the air.
Yi Feng glanced up and saw Zhong Limengâs face set in grim determinationâher delicate features now etched with solemnity, as if a bloody battle loomed ahead.
Instantly, Yi Feng nodded in earnest agreement.
"Understood!"
Seeing everyone raise their guard and scan their surroundings, the anticipation in Yi Fengâs eyes burned even brighter.
Judging by their readiness, they were bound to encounter plenty of demons.
This might just be his lucky break!
Just as he stepped forward eagerly, the elder at the front suddenly raised his hand.
In an instant, $2lades and swords were drawn, and the group braced for battle!
Deep in the valley, $2 dozen or so demonic creatures rose with savage snarls, their baleful auras unmistakable even from a distance.
The elder turned back with a confident smile.
"Everyone, these demons arenât particularly strongâtheyâre perfect prey for us!"
Zhong Limeng peered ahead.
The creatures were hideous, with grotesque trunk-like noses, but their demonic energy wasnât overwhelming. She nodded in relief.
"Uncle Song is right."
"To encounter suitable prey so soon is an excellent omen. It seems fortune favors us on this journey!"
Her gentle words invigorated the group.
Weapons at the ready, they charged forward with excitement!
In moments, the clash of battle echoed through the valley, and the demons lay slain. Quiet laughter and triumphant chatter filled the air as the group reveled in their spoils.
The earlier tension eased slightly, replaced by bolstered confidence.
Only Yi Feng stood dumbfounded, staring at the corpses in the distance.
What the hellâthese were just some low-tier Trunk-Faces.
According to Qing Yin Xianyunâs teachings, Trunk-Faces werenât even true demonsâjust weak demonic hybrids, barely worth a fight.
He had long since grown tired of slaughtering these weaklings.
A mere dozen or so? Hardly worth the effort of unsheathing his blade.
Was this really worth celebrating?
Yi Feng was baffled, suspicion creeping into his eyes.
Watching the groupâs excitement, he suddenly felt a sinking realization.
Judging by their exaggerated reactions, these people seemed inexperienced. Could he really expect to encounter powerful demons by following them?
The more he watched, the more doubtful he becameâit was like boarding a sinking ship.
Especially when he saw them eagerly collecting the demon corpses like scavengers thrilled over scrap metal. A sense of foreboding settled in his chest...
As they prepared to move on, Yi Feng couldnât help but approach Zhong Limeng.
"Miss Zhongli, if we keep going⊠will we really encounter powerful demons?"
His question drew the groupâs attention.
Zhong Limeng paused, then her expression turned grave.
"Young Master Yi."
"We were fortunate to encounter weaker demons at the start, but you mustnât let your guard down. This Frostbound Star is one of the demonic raceâs strongholdsâmerely setting foot here is perilous."
"Even if we donât venture deep, we could still face terrifying demons at any moment."
"This journey is, to put it bluntly, a life-or-death gamble. Do not grow complacent just because of a smooth start."
Neither arrogant in victory nor disheartened in defeatâZhong Limengâs composure spoke volumes of her future potential.
The elder nodded approvingly, his eyes filled with praise.
The others exchanged glances, suppressing any trace of carelessness and restoring their earlier vigilance.
Under the weight of their solemn gazes, Yi Fengâs spirits lifted.
It seemed he had indeed been too hasty.
Judging by Zhong Limengâs words, powerful demons were surely ahead.
With renewed hope, Yi Feng straightened and nodded firmly.
"Understood. Iâll stay sharp."
Seeing his quick adjustment, the elder and Zhong Limeng shared a look of approval.
The group set off once more, soon encountering their second wave of foes.
Another fierce battle ensued, followed by cheerful banter and celebration.
Both the younger disciples and Zhong Limeng herself were visibly thrilled as they gathered demon corpses, treating it as a grand haul.
This time, Yi Feng steadied his emotions.
He quietly observed their triumphant harvest.
Though these Skeletal Fiends were slightly stronger, the trend was clearâthe further they went, the tougher the foes.
If this continued, he would surely encounter formidable demons.
Hope lay ahead. He couldnât afford to slacken now!
With spirits high, the group pressed onward.
Hours passed as they trekked through the glacial valley.
Finally stepping into the outside world!
Before them stretched a rolling landscape of hillsâcountless peaks and valleys rising and falling endlessly, each seemingly concealing untold dangers that made the air thick with peril.
The moment their party emerged from the river valley, the old man suddenly raised his hand in urgent warning!