Xiao Chong smiled faintly, his sword flashing as he effortlessly deflected Han Feng fierce attack.
"It's simple. I want you to remember clearly how you'll descend step by step into the abyss of despair after losing to me."
"You…" Han Feng was at a loss for words.
Memories of the past surged in his heart, bringing a pang of pain. His former arrogance and self-confidence had now become chains that bound him.
"Is this all you've got, Han Feng?"
Xiao Chong voice carried a rare hint of pity, but for Han Feng at this moment, that pity was more piercing than any sharp blade.
"Never!"
Han Feng roared in a sudden burst of fury. The Seaheart Flame surged violently, forming a massive wall of fire that sought to engulf Xiao Chong.
However, at the moment the flames were at their fiercest, Xiao Chong figure suddenly became ethereal, as if merging into the air.
In the next second, he appeared behind Han Feng.
"It's over, Han Feng." Xiao Chong voice was as cold as a blade, brushing lightly past Han Feng ear.
The tip of his sword rested gently on Han Feng shoulder, yet not a drop of blood was drawn—a supreme act of contempt from a master toward a weaker opponent.
"No—" Han Feng cry was abruptly cut off.
A flash of despair crossed his eyes, only to be replaced by an eerie calmness.
The Seaheart Flame dimmed abruptly, as if even the flames of the heavens and earth mourned his fall.
"Why…" Han Feng murmured, his voice so faint it was almost inaudible, yet it struck Xiao Chong heart with a heavy blow, causing a rare crack in his icy expression.
"Han Feng, you're still too insignificant" Xiao Chong voice was low and firm.
He slowly withdrew his sword, his gaze complex as he watched Han Feng's body collapse.
Soon, Han Feng life force faded, leaving behind a lifeless corpse.
Zi Yan stepped lightly to Xiao Chong side, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.
Her lively eyes held both sorrow for Han Feng demise and a deep understanding of the cruel laws of the world of the strong.
She asked softly, "Xiao Chong, Han Feng is gone. What should we do with his… remains?"
Xiao Chong gaze shifted from Han Feng cold body to the distant horizon, where the last remnants of the Seaheart Flame's glow seemed to linger.
His voice was low, echoing like distant mountains.
"Zi Yan, let nature take him. This is his final resting place."
"Let nature take him?" Zi Yan was momentarily stunned, then suddenly understood.
"You mean…"
"Yes, let his body return to the earth or become part of the food chain for wild beasts" Xiao Chong tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.
Zi Yan nodded.
Though her heart was filled with mixed emotions, she decided to carry out Xiao Chong wishes.
She bent down, clasped her hands lightly, and effortlessly lifted Han Feng body, walking toward the depths of the forest.
In the forest, the wind and rustling leaves wove together into a mournful melody.
Zi Yan found an open clearing where a pack of hungry wolves gathered, their eyes gleaming with greed and wildness.
She took a deep breath and called out to the wolves
"Come, this is your meal."
The wolf pack seemed to understand her words, letting out a chorus of excited howls as they surged forward, vying to reach the body that had once been a paragon among men.
In this moment, the law of survival in nature was displayed in its full, unvarnished truth—both brutal and stark.
After handling the situation, Zi Yan returned to Xiao Chong side.
Their eyes met in the air, and no words were needed.
Together, they walked along the forest path bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, heading toward the secluded bamboo-fenced cottage where Elder Hu Gan lived in seclusion.
Along the way, Zi Yan emotions were a tangled mix. There was sorrow for Han Feng fate, but also deep admiration for the resolute determination behind Xiao Chong actions.
Sensing her subtle turmoil, Xiao Chong gently squeezed her hand, offering silent support and comfort.
When they arrived at their destination, the scene before them was one of serene harmony. Wisps of smoke from the chimney rose gently, blending seamlessly with the lush vegetation, painting a picture of a tranquil haven far removed from the chaos of the world.
In front of the thatched cottage, an elderly man with a full head of white hair sat leisurely sipping tea. This was Elder Hu Gan, his eyes reflecting the calm wisdom of someone who had weathered the storms of life.
"Elder Hu Gan, Zi Yan and I have returned" Xiao Chong voice broke the silence.
The elder looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, before rising to his feet and walking toward them.
"Xiao Chong, Zi Yan, it's been a long time. You both look radiant—your cultivation must have advanced significantly," Elder Hu Gan said with a smile, his gaze sweeping over them as if he could see through everything.
Xiao Chong took out a delicate jade vial from his robe and handed it to the elder.
"Elder, this is the Rejuvenation Life-Extending Pill I've refined. While I dare not claim it can bring the dead back to life, it is certainly capable of extending one's lifespan and improving physical constitution."
Elder Hu Gan accepted the vial and gently removed the stopper. Instantly, a refreshing and ethereal medicinal aroma filled the air, soothing the mind and spirit. He examined the pill inside carefully, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"This... this is truly the Rejuvenation Life-Extending Pill? Such quality—even the top alchemists on the continent would struggle to refine something like this! Xiao Chong, your medical and alchemical skills are nothing short of miraculous."
Xiao Chong smiled humbly.
"You flatter me, Elder. The refinement of this pill was made possible with Zi Yan's assistance and the medical knowledge you imparted to me in the past."
Zi Yan nodded slightly beside him, her eyes shining with pride. She knew well the effort and hardship Xiao Chong had poured into this achievement. This success was the best testament to their combined efforts.
"Good, good," Elder Hu Gan praised repeatedly.
At Xiao Chong's urging, Elder Hu Gan swallowed the pill.
However, the potency of the Rejuvenation Life-Extending Pill was too overwhelming, and the elder found himself unable to absorb its energy immediately.
"Xiao Chong, I feel... as though a thousand wild horses are galloping inside me. This power is too astonishing!" Elder Hu Gan complexion fluctuated between light and dark, beads of sweat rolling down his cheeks as he clearly endured immense pain.
Xiao Chong brow furrowed, and his hands quickly formed a series of seals.
A faint blue aura of Dou Qi swirled around him, gently enveloping Elder Hu Gan body like an invisible shield, striving to calm the surging medicinal energy.
"Elder, steady your mind. I will use my Dou Qi to guide and help you assimilate this overwhelming power."
"Mm..."
Elder Hu Gan nodded with difficulty, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes, fully cooperating with Xiao Chong treatment.
In the room, Dou Qi surged, and the scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. Zi Yan watched nervously from the side, her palms drenched in sweat.
Time seemed to stand still, each second passing with excruciating slowness.
Finally, under Xiao Chong patient and precise control, the medicinal energy within Elder Hu Gan body was gradually tamed, transforming into a gentle, nourishing force.
It revitalized his internal organs, and even his meridians and bones seemed to glow faintly with the light of rebirth under the influence of this power.
After a while, Elder Hu Gan slowly opened his eyes, his face revealing an indescribable sense of relief and astonishment.
"It worked? I... I feel like I've regained at least ten years of youth! Xiao Chong, Zi Yan, you two are truly my lucky stars!"