Chapter 1307: Not Bad, Young Friend

The little monster felt as if struck by lightning, his face drained of color.

He never expected that this human cultivator would be so outrageous, actually demanding that he lead the way to the strongest being. After all this time, it turned out he was really here to cause trouble, and not just any trouble—he was the kind who didn’t fear death.

Oh my god...

This guy’s a desperado!

Why am I so unlucky to run into such a terrifying figure?

Lin Kui was utterly terrified, his lips trembling as he begged for mercy.

"G-great lord!"

"Please have mercy, great lord! I still have an 80,000-year-old mother to take care of, I really can’t go there..."

As soon as the nonsense left his mouth, Yi Feng had already drawn his massive sword and was waving it around.

The chilling glint of the blade was right in front of him, making the surrounding air feel dry and cold. As the sword drew closer, the little monster, despite having a thousand excuses, didn’t dare to utter a single word.

Seeing that the creature had finally calmed down a bit, Yi Feng sternly warned him.

"If you know how terrifying this place is, then lead the way properly. We can discuss everything else later. Otherwise, you’re dead meat!"

With a few swishes of the massive sword, the little monster turned pale with fear.

Even when Yi Feng tossed him aside, he didn’t dare to spout nonsense or think about escaping. After bowing several times, he obediently led the way.

"I’ll lead the way properly, great lord. Please, this way, great lord..."

One moment he was full of grievances, and the next he was as obedient as could be, without a hint of resistance. His face was plastered with a fawning smile, so ingratiating that it was almost ridiculous.

No wonder, with his meager strength, he had managed to survive in this terrifying realm for so many years.

This little monster was truly a crafty one.

Seeing the creature bowing respectfully and leading the way, Yi Feng couldn’t help but smile wryly as he followed.

They walked for who knows how long.

Finally, they passed through an endless sea of mist, and a vast, ancient forest came into view. The forest was filled with withered trees, stretching as far as the eye could see, with towering ancient trees that had stood for countless ages.

Lin Kui suddenly stopped at the edge of the forest, his face tense as he bowed and spoke.

"G-great lord..."

"This is the Ancient Desolate Forest. The Tree Sovereign has resided here for tens of thousands of years. He’s a truly terrifying great demon. I dare not go any further."

"Please, great lord, have mercy and spare me..."

After just a few words, the little monster looked pitiful and hesitant, unsure whether he was more afraid of the ancient being in the forest or the massive sword in Yi Feng’s hand.

He looked like he was about to cry.

Yi Feng stared suspiciously for a few moments, but the forest showed no signs of movement. His suspicion only deepened.

"Is there really an ancient being here? I don’t see anything."

Before the little monster could respond, the forest suddenly shook with a deafening roar. Countless vines shot out from deep within the earth, shaking off moss and dead wood, and the ground began to tremble!

All the vines seemed to come alive, coiling toward a massive tree in the depths of the forest.

The towering tree suddenly opened its terrifying eyes, gazing down like the sun and moon. An ancient voice, as if echoing through the ages, resounded across the ancient forest.

"Who dares disturb my slumber..."

Seeing the terrifying tree awaken, radiating an overwhelming aura, the little monster was so scared that he covered his head and crouched on the ground, not daring to move.

Only then did Yi Feng show a faint smile.

Finally!

At last, he had encountered a proper ancient being!

Yi Feng eagerly stepped forward, immediately launching into his practiced provocation.

"From today onward, this territory is mine!"

"You, old rat, can find another place to sleep. If you’re not happy about it, let’s settle this with a fight!"

Although there was no enmity between them, Yi Feng needed to provoke the ancient being to ensure a fight. Demanding someone’s territory was sure to infuriate them.

Whether out of pride or self-interest, this ancient tree would surely react with fury.

A great battle was inevitable!

As Yi Feng watched with anticipation, the towering tree gazed down at him. After a few moments, it actually laughed.

"Hahaha..."

The laughter shook the forest, and countless vines spread out.

In an instant, Lin Kui was swept away, leaving only Yi Feng, holding his massive sword, standing alone. The vines wove themselves into chairs and a table, with no hint of hostility.

This turn of events was unexpected.

Yi Feng gripped his sword, staring suspiciously, only to realize that the massive tree had already fallen back into slumber, completely covered by vines and moss, its aura completely gone.

Then, an old man with a face full of tree-like wrinkles walked out, leaning on a cane and smiling.

Seeing this, Yi Feng was stunned.

The old man, however, wore a calm smile as he walked to the vine-woven table and gestured for Yi Feng to sit.

"Young friend, please take a seat and let’s talk."

Faced with such a polite invitation, Yi Feng couldn’t keep his grip on the massive sword. It felt like all his strength had been absorbed by cotton. He had no choice but to sit down, still somewhat dazed.

The old man leisurely poured tea, pushing a cup toward Yi Feng as he smiled and observed him.

After a few moments, the old man nodded, stroking his beard.

"Sir, in this Demon Prison, we are all fellow sufferers. While the creatures at the edges fight for survival, we ancient beings have been in hiding for tens of thousands of years. No one wants to waste energy. We avoid conflict whenever possible, conserving our strength and waiting for the right moment to break free from this place."

"So, if you want this forest, I will gladly hand it over. I can always find another place to settle."

After hearing this, Yi Feng felt a headache coming on.

He had demanded the territory to provoke a fight, but now the old man was willingly giving it up, making it seem like Yi Feng was the one bullying him...

How was he supposed to play this now?

Faced with such a magnanimous and polite old man, Yi Feng suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

He sat there, holding his teacup, unsure of what to say.

Recalling what he had heard earlier, he finally mustered the courage to ask.

"I heard that the Demon Prison is filled with terrifying and ferocious ancient beings from various races, imprisoned here against their will. Why are you so... accommodating?"

The old man chuckled, setting down his teacup with a look of reminiscence.

"Hahaha..."

"That’s not entirely false, but it’s only part of the story. While there are indeed ferocious beings in the Demon Prison, it’s not a land of pure evil. Just like in the world outside, there’s no absolute good or evil—only differing interests and allegiances."

"Do you think all humans who claim to be righteous are free of evil? Are all demons, known for their ferocity, truly bloodthirsty?"

"In my opinion, it’s not so black and white."

Hearing such profound and wise words, Yi Feng nodded in agreement.

"You’re right."

"Humans have their share of scoundrels, and demons can also be virtuous. I was being narrow-minded."

The old man waved his hand dismissively, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Not at all, not at all."

"Young friend, to have such insight and not be swayed by the shallow prejudices of the outside world already sets you above the masses. You are no ordinary person."

"In my opinion, your cultivation is impressive, and your perspective is far from ordinary. If you can escape this Demon Prison, your future will be limitless!"

Yi Feng smiled faintly and bowed slightly, not saying much.

He wasn’t interested in such tactical flattery. As for the future, who could say? Whether he could escape the Demon Prison or not didn’t matter.

As long as he could die, nothing else mattered...

Seeing Yi Feng’s calm demeanor, the old man’s admiration grew.

Meeting this young friend in the Demon Prison had truly lifted his spirits. It was a rare encounter with a promising young talent, and he felt compelled to offer some guidance. After all, making a friend was infinitely better than making an enemy.

The old man stroked his beard, examining Yi Feng for a few moments before nodding with a smile.

"Young friend, you are truly remarkable."

"Later, a few of my old friends will be arriving. I’ll introduce you to them. Consider it a fortunate meeting."

Hearing this, Yi Feng felt a spark of anticipation.

If this ancient tree’s friends were anything like him, they were surely extraordinary beings. If even one of them was hot-headed, maybe he’d finally get the fight he was looking for?