Fengyunlu

It was precisely because of this situation that Luo Hongchen solemnly entrusted Feng Chen with a mysterious jade talisman before his departure. This jade talisman, seemingly ordinary, actually contained unpredictable methods to ensure Feng Chen's successful journey to Yaochi. However, the price to pay for using this talisman was extraordinary. Compared to this, even if Master Gu Yuan were to settle scores afterward, it would be insignificant. Therefore, this jade talisman could only be used in dire emergencies, and absolutely never in front of Master Gu Yuan. Using it in front of him would likely result in it being taken away, rendering all previous efforts futile.

Furthermore, it must be emphasized that only Feng Chen can wield this jade talisman; no one else can bear the so-called price. This is also a key reason why Luo Hongchen entrusted the jade talisman to Feng Chen, rather than Lei Gong. As for whether the jade talisman can be used during the journey to Yaochi, that depends on Master Gu Yuan's attitude.

Given this situation, Feng Chen had been suppressing his inner impulses. Hearing Bai Lu mention the wonders of Yaochi, the jade talisman immediately came to mind. Although he still didn't know what special methods were hidden within it, Feng Chen had a strong feeling that even if it ultimately proved useless, he would definitely try it out after everything was over. After all, Luo Hongchen had personally instructed him that once the talisman was activated, the karma it contained would stir up the entire Xuanmen (mystical sect), and both the righteous and evil paths would sense it. As the source of all this, Feng Chen, besides bearing the consequences of using the talisman, would also suffer even greater turmoil—the so-called influence of the world and people's hearts.

Thinking of all this, Feng Chen nodded to Bai Lu and said sincerely, "Cousin, don't worry, I understand everything. Besides, my status is lowly right now. Even if I'm in a bad situation, you can still forcibly kidnap me."

"Good that you understand. Don't wait until I make my move." After saying this, Bai Lu secretly glanced at Lei Gong out of the corner of her eye, then turned her head and looked in the direction of the ancient cave.

Lei Gong slowly turned his head at this moment, because there seemed to be some special fluctuations coming from that direction. Even without looking specifically, one could vaguely sense them.

As for Feng Chen, he also turned his head to look in that direction at the same time, and a mysterious aura within his body was also sensing it from afar...

These words sounded cold, and anyone could tell that Feng Chen harbored resentment. Upon reflection, this wasn't surprising. He was a descendant of the Feng family, born with innate spiritual power, but unfortunately, he had an unbalanced and weak constitution. In his youth, this constitution caused him distress, and then he was caught up in a great calamity three years prior.

Having finally weathered that difficult period, he had now entered the Xuanmen sect, hoping to achieve something great and have something to look forward to. But who knew that before he even had time to dream about the future, everything was arranged by others. Moreover, these people discussed it in front of him, claiming to be considering his interests, but in reality, it was just each person having their own ideas, without ever consulting him.

Of all the people present, aside from Master Gu Yuan, with whom he had little interaction, people like Lei Gong, Ji Yao, and Fairy Bailu were all relatively close to Feng Chen, and they had even saved his life. However, no matter how great the favor, one cannot arbitrarily dispose of others' affairs. Moreover, Feng Chen carried a heavy burden of blood debt, and he had his own path to walk in the future.

Master Gu Yuan's gaze was distant and profound, as if she could see directly into Feng Chen's heart through everything around her. She just looked at Feng Chen quietly for a long time without saying a word.

She remained silent, and everyone else present followed suit. Only Lei Gong's eyes involuntarily brightened, but he didn't say anything more. He waited quietly, partly for Feng Chen to say next, and partly for Master Gu Yuan's response.

After a moment, Master Gu Yuan's veil fluttered slightly, as if revealing a hint of a smile, and his eyes softened considerably: "Like father, like son. Feng Wanlin's son is indeed a bit arrogant."

Feng Chen didn't respond to her question, but instead asked, "If I, Feng Chen, don't enter Yaochi, will you still require my Uncle Lei to agree to those three conditions, Senior?"

“That’s right.” Master Gu Yuan nodded and said firmly, “I have said before that you are you and he is he, and the two should not be confused.”

After hearing Master Gu Yuan's words, Feng Chen's eyes became clear and firm, without a trace of resentment. It was as if he had let go of some obsessions in his heart, or as if he had given up something important. He looked at Fairy Ji Yao, then stepped forward to bow and said sincerely, "Aunt Ji Yao, I will take my leave now. When I have the opportunity in the future, I will definitely repay this kindness."

After saying this, he turned to Lei Gong and said, "Uncle Lei, I am naturally impulsive, but I also have my own path to follow. You have always been kind to me, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness. As for this kindness, I am afraid I can never repay it in this lifetime. In that case, if there is an opportunity in the future, and I am fortunate enough to have some cultivation, as long as you have any orders, Uncle Lei, or if the Thunderbolt Hall has any requests, I will do my best without hesitation, even if it means sacrificing my life. Now, I will take my leave."

After Feng Chen finished speaking, he respectfully bowed to Lei Gong, nodded to Fairy Bailu, and then turned and left, his movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. He didn't even glance at Master Gu Yuan again, as if he didn't care about him at all.

Such a sudden change was unexpected by everyone. Even Fairy Ji Yao originally thought that Feng Chen's arrival would bring him a great opportunity. But who could have imagined that this child would be so headstrong and proud, preferring to forgo this rare opportunity rather than suffer any delays?

Such personality traits, when applied to the path of spiritual practice, are mostly a good thing. Because the mind is as firm as a rock, it won't be easily swayed by external things, allowing for greater focus on spiritual cultivation. However, when applied to interpersonal relationships, it often leads to significant losses. Because of the unwillingness to be flexible, many opportunities for advancement are missed.

But this is often how things are in the world: there is gain and loss, and everything is in balance. Feng Chen's choice may not necessarily be a bad thing; who can truly see what the future holds? Therefore, Fairy Ji Yao did not try to persuade Feng Chen, but simply sighed softly in her heart, feeling a little regretful.

Lei Gong truly understood Feng Chen's intentions. He knew Feng Chen didn't want to be a burden. Although Master Gu Yuan had made it clear that whether Feng Chen entered Yaochi or not, the three conditions wouldn't change, there's always room for compromise and reason. The conditions Feng Chen proposed were merely his own; whether others agreed was their business. Feng Chen had never accepted these conditions and therefore owed nothing. Thus, there would be no emotional entanglements in their future dealings. Even if Lei Gong wanted to repay those three conditions, Feng Chen wouldn't agree, and Lei Gong couldn't force him. This made it easier for Lei Gong to explain himself to others.

After all, if the parties involved don't cooperate, and have no obligation to cooperate, then the matter can't be controlled at will. In the end, Lei Gong will be freed. At the very least, he won't be tied to Feng Chen's side forever. As for Lei Gong's own desire to protect Feng Chen, that's entirely his personal matter, and it differs somewhat from the conditions proposed by Master Gu Yuan. He only intends to protect Feng Chen's life, without interfering with Feng Chen's specific actions.

This was, in fact, the limit that Feng Chen could accept. In his eyes, although he was still young, he had already entered the Xuanmen (mystical path). In the days to come, there would certainly be hardships, but how could one truly grow without experiencing trials and tribulations? Moreover, how could one achieve great enlightenment without truly experiencing life and death, without falling into such a terrifying situation? This is the principle of cultivation; no matter how much others say, it is merely their experience. Only by experiencing it firsthand can one truly understand its essence.

Therefore, the saying "The master leads you through the door, but the practice is up to you" illustrates this principle. While this principle seems simple and easy to understand, very few truly grasp it. This explains why there are many renowned teachers, yet only a handful of disciples truly excel. Ultimately, the younger generation, without the support of the older generation, will find it easier and more comfortable navigating the turbulent currents.

No matter how well it's explained, it's just experience. Only through arduous struggle can one truly accumulate knowledge and skills. Just like this principle itself, everyone knows it's simple and easy to understand, but when it comes to practical application, how many people can truly put it into practice? Most people keep these experiences to themselves, afraid that their disciples will encounter setbacks. However, there are many geniuses in the world, but very few can reach the pinnacle. The fundamental reason is that these so-called geniuses are excessively pampered and spoiled. They haven't experienced real hardship, which leads to them becoming like fragile flowers when faced with adversity—easily broken by a strong wind or unable to withstand a heavy rain, with many dying prematurely.

Lei Gong watched Feng Chen's retreating figure silently, and in a moment of realization, he seemed to see an old friend in him. Back then, his old friend was also a young man like this, only a few years older than Feng Chen. At eighteen, he was just as stubborn, willing to endure hardship rather than be bound by any rules, and refusing to be swayed by worldly affairs. It was precisely this stubbornness and untamed spirit that made him the extraordinary genius he later became.

Feng Wanlin bid farewell to his elders at the age of eighteen. Sixty years have passed, and that once arrogant youth has stirred up the entire Xuanmen (mystical sect). In both the righteous and evil paths, no one is unaware of his name; from the highest cultivators down, everyone knows his deeds. He even led the Feng family, originally an insignificant Xuanmen household, to become the leader of the Northern Frontier. While guarding the desert, he also intimidated the entire Xuanmen. It wasn't that Feng Wanlin didn't want to become an Emperor; later, Fengsha Fortress actually possessed the strength of a Great Emperor sect. Otherwise, when he was ultimately betrayed, he wouldn't have been merely hovering between the Nine Luminaries Immortal Sects.

Thinking of his old friend Feng Wanlin, Lei Gong couldn't help but think of himself. Wasn't he just as proud and aloof? It took him four hundred years to achieve great things, and the reputation he now held was only the result of achieving his highest level of success in the last two hundred years. In those first two hundred years, he had no special skills, only an arrogant personality, and it was precisely because of this personality that he suffered so much.

Until he met Feng Wanlin, the two hit it off and learned from each other. Inspired by Feng Wanlin, Lei Gong created his own unique skill, Snowfall Across the Sky. This led to a breakthrough in everything, and his Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Technique soon reached its peak. The Thunderbolt Hall lineage he led thus became renowned throughout the world, no longer relegated to the bottom of the Nine Luminaries Immortal Sects, but rather a powerful force. He himself possessed the bearing of an emperor, yet, like his old friend Feng Wanlin, Lei Gong also did not wish to become an emperor.

Thinking of this, Lei Gong unconsciously recalled his current predicament. The entire Thunderbolt Hall anxiously awaited his recovery from his injuries. Countless beings along Thunder Mountain were also eagerly anticipating his return to take charge. The Spring and Autumn Emperor was struggling to maintain the situation alone, and now Yaochi had presented such harsh conditions, and Feng Chen had made this choice. If his situation were reversed with that of his old friend Feng Wanlin, what choice would Feng Wanlin make in this predicament?

Lei Gong pondered for a moment, and even after Feng Chen had stepped out the door, he still hadn't truly come up with an answer. In his eyes, Feng Wanlin would never face such a situation. Even in a desperate situation like three years ago, when the Nine Netherworld Emperor's true form appeared, his ancient name renowned, Feng Wanlin still managed to shatter his true form, ultimately allowing him to escape with only a remnant soul thanks to the Heavenly Talisman.

If the power of the Nine Netherworlds is already so formidable, what about the so-called turmoil at Thunder Mountain? Although Feng Wanlin also perished back then, Lei Gong was confident that in that situation, any member of the Xuanmen, even the Cangyun Emperor himself, would not have handled it better than Feng Wanlin. After all, the Nine Netherworlds have existed since ancient times, and legend has it that they were sealed away by the Five Ancient Emperors. Over the long course of time, although their true form has diminished somewhat, they are still not something that later generations can easily touch.

So Lei Gong pondered this deeply, imagining himself in Feng Wanlin's shoes. He envisioned Feng Wanlin as an unstoppable force, unassailable by any obstacle. Even if Mo Wenjian were to truly intervene, along with the Demon King and other later arrivals, they would have no chance of taking anything from Thunder Mountain from Feng Wanlin. Therefore, Lei Gong couldn't fathom what choice Feng Wanlin would make under the current circumstances.