Chapter 1009: Damn It, This Old Man Has Lost His Mi

Yi Feng looked utterly defeated, his eyes lifeless like a dead fish.

He put away his 40-meter-long machete and silently approached, pulling the old man out of the pile of rocks. Even as they stood face to face, Fu Nantian couldn't process what had just happened.

This wasn't how the script was supposed to go.

Wasn't Yi Feng supposed to be in danger, and then he, Fu Nantian, would swoop in and save the day? How did it end up with him almost getting killed, and this kid stealing the spotlight instead?

Damn it!

Looking down at himself, covered in dust, Fu Nantian's face turned red with embarrassment. He quickly tried to explain.

"Uh...!"

"Kid! Don't get the wrong idea! My cultivation is formidable. I was just careless for a moment and didn't expect such a powerful technique to exist in the world. That's why I got crushed by the boulder, allowing that remnant soul to gain the upper hand."

"In terms of cultivation and real strength, he's no match for me!"

"You just happened to show up at the right time and got lucky. If I hadn't already fought him and used up 99% of my spiritual power, with your level of cultivation, you wouldn't even be able to scratch his skin!"

Despite being covered in dirt, Fu Nantian's words were as tough as ever.

If one were to judge his cultivation based on his bravado alone, he could easily be crowned the "Strongest King."

But Yi Feng was too disheartened to pay attention to the old man's boasting. Seeing that Fu Nantian was fine—standing as straight as a steel rod—he simply responded with a nonchalant,

"Yeah."

The reaction was so indifferent that it was clear Yi Feng didn't believe a word of what Fu Nantian had just said.

Fu Nantian's beard twitched in anger, but he couldn't refute the truth. Whether it was bad luck or an accident, the fact remained that he had made a fool of himself in front of others, and the whole act had completely fallen apart.

Feeling the pain from his spiritual injuries, Fu Nantian could barely hold on, gritting his teeth in agony.

The Ancient Corridor was far too strange today. If they continued, they might run into a few more powerful entities, and if that happened, he might not make it out alive.

Having personally witnessed the strength of ancient cultivators, he no longer dared to be overconfident.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned back and solemnly advised, trying to maintain his sage-like aura.

"Kid, let's call it a day. I'll bring you back another time to broaden your horizons and show you just how terrifying ancient cultivators can be. You'll also get to see my true abilities!"

His words were forceful, but they were already at the limit of what Fu Nantian could muster.

After such a harrowing experience, most people would have their Dao hearts shaken, and few would dare to return. But for the sake of taking on a disciple, he had no choice but to keep up the act.

He endured his injuries while trying to maintain the demeanor of a master.

But Yi Feng was in no mood for it. He simply responded half-heartedly, his tone filled with disappointment.

"Ah, forget it."

Fu Nantian, still full of pride, turned to reprimand his future disciple for his lack of fighting spirit, hoping to showcase his own unwavering Dao heart.

But before he could say anything, Yi Feng beat him to it with a complaint.

"This place isn't all that great. I've been back and forth a few times, and besides the nice scenery, there's nothing special to see. It's just... meh."

Not great? Back and forth a few times?!

Listen to this! Is this even human language?

Fu Nantian's eyes widened, and he felt a surge of blood rushing to his throat.

He had been extremely cautious the entire time, barely making it through a small section of the corridor, only to encounter a terrifying remnant soul that nearly cost him his life.

And yet, this kid had the nerve to say such dismissive things, as if the Ancient Corridor—a place of immense danger—was nothing more than a tourist spot!

This was beyond humiliating!

Fu Nantian had never felt so humiliated in all his years of fame.

While he was fighting for his life, this kid had already grown bored of the place, and from the sound of it, he genuinely didn't find it interesting enough to return.

Why was the gap in luck between people so vast?

Both of them had entered the same ancient secret realm, yet one nearly lost his life and his dignity, while the other walked away unscathed, spouting words that could make a person's blood boil!

And the worst part was, he couldn't even blame the kid. It was his own idea to bring Yi Feng to the Ancient Corridor in the first place.

The more Fu Nantian thought about it, the angrier he became. He felt like he had shot himself in the foot, and after staring at Yi Feng for a long time, he couldn't come up with a single retort.

Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his frustration.

"Well... in that case, let's head back."

As he spoke, Fu Nantian seemed to remember something, and his expression softened slightly.

"Ahem."

"Kid, it's not that I'm trying to scare you, but the Ancient Corridor is indeed extremely dangerous. Even a Saint would struggle to make it out safely. As for finding the way out, only those with vast knowledge and expertise in the Five Elements and Yin-Yang can..."

He was about to use the topic of finding the exit to salvage some of his dignity, going on and on, strategically exaggerating a bit.

Although things hadn't gone as planned, and the outcome was slightly worse than he had hoped, he could still maintain his image as a master. As long as he led the kid out of the Ancient Corridor, it would make for a good story in the future...

Just as Fu Nantian's expression began to relax, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes,

Yi Feng lifted his dead-fish eyes and casually dropped a bombshell.

"I know the way out."

Fu Nantian's words caught in his throat, and the smile that had just started to form froze on his face.

"You know...?"

Then, the old man's face darkened, and he stared at Yi Feng with a serious expression.

"How could you possibly know?!"

"This is a matter of life and death. You can't just make things up. The exit of the Ancient Corridor is shrouded in profound mysteries. Unless you understand the Five Elements and Yin-Yang..."

Yi Feng, in no mood to listen to his rambling, responded in a low voice.

"I've walked through it a few times already. I found the exit."

Walked... walked through it a few times?!

Fu Nantian was stunned, as if struck by lightning!

He looked at Yi Feng again, seeing that the kid was completely unharmed, and urgently asked,

"Are you serious?!"

Yi Feng shrugged nonchalantly. "What's the big deal? There's only one path over there. I've walked back and forth at least five or six times. How could I not find the exit?"

Gulp...

Fu Nantian wanted to say something, but all he could do was swallow hard.

Looking at the young man before him, it was as if he was staring at a monster. This was the first time he had ever heard of someone casually strolling through the Ancient Corridor multiple times and actually finding the exit!

Damn it!

This was an ancient secret realm, a battlefield where countless powerful beings had fallen!

And this kid had walked through it several times, completely unscathed, and even found the exit. Was his luck just that ridiculously good?

Ah?!

Fu Nantian had already felt humiliated earlier, but now he just wanted to curse.

Why did the gap between people have to be so huge? Even if someone had absurdly good luck, why did it have to be this kid?!

Suddenly, Fu Nantian was filled with rage, his face turning green.

If he had known this would be the outcome, he would never have come up with this plan to reveal his true self. Now, his reputation was in tatters, the spotlight had been stolen by his disciple, and even the chance to show off had been taken away.

The kid had been showing off the entire time, while he, the master, was left covered in dust, looking like a complete mess. He couldn't even complain about how unfair it was. The roles had been completely reversed!

Who the hell was supposed to be the master here?!

This was a disaster!

What kind of disciple recruitment was this? It was a complete failure!

Fu Nantian's lips twitched for a long time, but he couldn't muster a single word.

Yi Feng, thinking that Fu Nantian didn't believe him, tried to comfort him sincerely.

"Old man, the exit is over on my side. I haven't checked your side yet. Should I take a look and we can pick the closer one to leave?"

Sss!

Fu Nantian was so angry he nearly bit through his teeth.

A secret realm that had trapped countless geniuses, and in your eyes, it's just a stroll in the park, huh? Not only did you find an exit, but you're also planning to pick the closer one.

Hehe...

Fu Nantian glared coldly at Yi Feng, his mind filled with a thousand bizarre thoughts. He was filled with regret, and in a moment of frustration, he raised his hand and slapped himself twice across the face!

*Slap! Slap!*

Yi Feng, hearing the sound, was completely dumbfounded.

Damn it, this old man has lost his mind!

Without wasting another moment, Yi Feng grabbed Fu Nantian and hurried toward the right-hand path.

He navigated the route with practiced ease, pointing out various landmarks along the way. Finally, he led the green-faced Old Man Fu out of the so-called Ancient Corridor.