Chapter 1308: Passing The Buck
After a brief moment of anticipation, three figures emerged from the void.
One had graying temples and wore a neat short-sleeved shirt, while the other two were dressed in simple, unadorned robes. Their weathered faces couldn't hide the sharpness of their sword-like brows, and their towering stature of about nine feet gave off an overwhelming, wild aura despite their advanced age.
The three approached one after another, clasping their fists and smiling warmly.
"Tree Venerable, it's been a long time!"
"Hahaha, it's rare for us old friends to gather like this. In the blink of an eye, another ten thousand years have passed."
Seeing this group of dignified old men, Yi Feng, who had risen to his feet, felt his anticipation grow stronger. As the old men exchanged greetings, they also noticed the unfamiliar young cultivator.
After a brief glance, they were surprised to find that Yi Feng's aura was profound and elusive. Their faces showed a mix of astonishment and curiosity, and they couldn't help but speak up.
"Tree Venerable, who is this young friend?"
Old Tree stroked his beard, stood up, and clasped his fists, introducing with a smile.
"Gentlemen, this is Young Friend Yi Feng, a rising star I've had the pleasure of meeting. It's a joy to have made so many friends here in the Demon Prison. Today, sharing a drink and conversation is truly a delightful occasion."
The three old men nodded repeatedly, smiling warmly at Yi Feng.
"Young Friend Yi, I am Xu Nanbei. Please, take a seat and join us."
"I am Chang Yuhai, of the Kun Clan."
"And I am Mu Rufang."
Before Yi Feng could even speak, the old men smiled and nodded at him, their experienced faces radiating goodwill and an extraordinary demeanor.
In the dark, oppressive Demon Prison, these individuals maintained such a calm and composed state of mind, speaking with ease and grace. They were clearly no ordinary figures.
Humans and demons could sit together, sipping tea as if they were the closest of friends, a sight that defied the racial prejudices of the outside world.
Yi Feng was momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure and returned the gesture with a tactical clasp of his fists.
As he observed the group, another ripple in space spread out.
Two old men, one fat and one thin, walked in carrying a wine jar, laughing heartily.
"Hahaha…"
"What a day it is today! You old fellows have all come out of hiding? It's been ages since we last gathered like this."
The aroma of wine filled the air, and their laughter was unrestrained.
The ancient vine table welcomed new guests, and the atmosphere became even livelier.
Tree Venerable and the others turned to look, smiling and stroking their beards.
"These two have also shown up."
"Hehe, so many powerful figures have come and gone over the years, but these two, Fat and Thin Elders, have managed to survive. They truly are the mainstays of the Sea Clan."
"These two stingy old men, they still have some fine wine hidden away!"
Amidst the laughter, the two men approached.
Placing the wine jar on the table, they immediately retorted, sparking more laughter.
"Old Chang, you're wrong about that. Good things should be treasured, not shown off casually."
"Exactly, your Kun Clan drinks like oxen. You wouldn't appreciate the subtle flavors of fine wine. If we had brought it out earlier, it would have been a waste."
"Hahaha…"
Their banter was lighthearted and casual, without a hint of malice, more like the teasing between old friends.
Sealed in the Demon Prison for countless years, these individuals still maintained such a leisurely and refined demeanor, their Dao hearts steady and unshaken. They were truly as unflappable as old dogs.
Watching the old men chat and laugh, Yi Feng was also moved by the scene.
People often say that true feelings are revealed in times of adversity.
These beings had endured together to this day, transcending racial boundaries to form friendships, sharing their treasures and laughing freely. Such camaraderie was truly precious, surpassing ordinary friendships a thousandfold, something rare and hard to come by.
If he hadn't witnessed it himself, who would have thought that the so-called land of exile could harbor such harmony and goodwill? Compared to the hierarchical struggles of the outer sect of Frostwind Island, this place felt more like a close-knit sect.
Suddenly.
Yi Feng thought of his previous encounters and couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. At the same time, he felt a bit troubled. In such a harmonious atmosphere, he didn't know how to broach the subject.
What should he do to provoke these calm and composed old men?
Just then.
A dull thud echoed from the void.
It sounded like something was tapping on the ground.
The old men suddenly froze, turning their heads in unison!
"Whoosh!"
A ripple slowly spread out, and an elderly man with white hair stepped forward. His steady footsteps made no sound, and if not for the tapping of his cane, it would have been impossible to detect his presence.
Though his back was slightly hunched, the old man still exuded a vigorous spirit.
Seeing the figure approach steadily, the old men seated at the vine table rose in surprise, bowing respectfully!
"Elder Guo…"
"We pay our respects to Elder Guo!"
It was clear that this man was a senior of great stature, someone of extraordinary power.
Yi Feng's eyes lit up with admiration, and he was also impressed by the elder's unshakable demeanor. As the old men stood up, he quietly observed the newcomer.
The old man walked forward like an ordinary person, but in the blink of an eye, he was standing before the group.
Upon closer inspection.
Yi Feng felt a growing sense of familiarity, as if he had seen this man somewhere before…
Tree Venerable, looking both nervous and excited, quickly bowed again in greeting.
"Elder Guo, it's an honor to see you again after so many years. What brings you here today?"
The old man stopped, leaning on his cane, and didn't respond immediately.
His cloudy eyes swept over the group, and everyone seemed to feel an increased pressure, their attitudes growing even more respectful. Yet, the old man barely glanced at them, as if they held little significance.
Until his gaze fell on Yi Feng.
His eyes were pure, and after a few moments of eye contact, there was no trace of timidity or retreat. Instead, there was an endless, soaring fighting spirit, as if the young man were a sharp sword!
Finally, the old man's eyes showed a hint of a smile.
He nodded slightly, his voice filled with approval.
"Hmm…"
"Today is a good day. Perhaps there is hope for us old fellows to see the light of day once more."
As soon as he finished speaking.
The waiting elders all trembled, rising in excitement!
"See the light of day?!"
"This!"
"Have we finally reached this day?!"
They exchanged glances, their faces filled with excitement.
The old men, who had been as steady as Mount Tai just moments ago, now seemed to have caught a whiff of hope, their paths to the Dao reignited. They could hardly contain their joy, their faces beaming with happiness.
Before Elder Guo could say more, Tree Venerable and the others eagerly stepped forward, bowing.
"Elder Guo, do we truly have a chance to see the light of day again?!"
"What is the hope you speak of…?"
Facing their eager questions, the old man remained unmoved.
His aged eyes were fixed solely on Yi Feng, who stood there dumbfounded.
"The hope I speak of is this young friend."
Sss…
At these words, the group was even more astonished.
They quickly turned their gazes to Yi Feng!
Suddenly.
All the old men were staring at him, and Yi Feng, now the center of attention, was even more confused.
What the heck?
How had he become their hope?
He hadn't even started trying to provoke them, and now this old man had dropped such a heavy responsibility on him. How was he supposed to pick a fight and get himself killed now? This was just messing things up.
In just a few breaths.
Yi Feng, under the intense scrutiny of the old men, felt extremely uncomfortable, as if he were a young maiden with boundless charm at this moment.
Helpless, he could only brace himself and respond.
"Uh…"
"I have no idea how to get out of here. Elder Guo, you must have the wrong person."
As soon as he spoke.
The focus was successfully shifted, and the old men exchanged puzzled glances, their faces filled with doubt and hesitation. Finally, they all turned to Elder Guo, who was leaning on his cane.
But the old man only smiled more broadly.
With a wave of his hand, he firmly passed the buck once more.
"Hehe."
"This old man never makes mistakes. This young friend is undoubtedly our hope!"
Instantly, Yi Feng's brows furrowed in frustration.