Yao Fan was confused by Lie Feng's words, for a moment only opening his mouth slightly, unable to speak.
Seeing Yao Fan in such a state, Lie Feng did not wait for him to sort out his thoughts and continued:"I truly feel it unworthy for my master—he actually lost his life for the sake of people like you."
As soon as these words fell, even the most dull-witted could hear the hostility and contempt within them.
Yao Fan could no longer endure it and shouted loudly: "Insolence!"
Unexpectedly, Lie Feng suddenly flung the ring in his hand, embedding it firmly into the trunk of a nearby tree.
Yao Fan was first startled, then furious: "You wretch, how dare you be so disrespectful to your elders!"
Lie Feng responded with even sharper tone:"Shut up! Don't try to use seniority to press me—I don't buy it!
My master had already left Medicine King Valley, your conflict had nothing to do with him. Yet your people wanted to save you, feared for their own lives, afraid it was a trap, so you pushed my master to die in your place.
You caused my master's death, and now you still have the face to call yourself my elder and order me to serve you?
How could there be such heartless and ungrateful so-called fellow disciples in this world!"
Yao Fan was instantly speechless, perhaps feeling guilty, and could only stammer: "Chang Qingzi's great kindness to Medicine King Valley—we do not fail to know it, only…"
"Only what?" Lie Feng interrupted before he could finish. "Then will you avenge my master?"
Yao Fan stroked his beard, pondering how to reply.
But this time Lie Feng gave him no chance to speak further, continuing at once:"No need to guess—I already know what you would say.
That Great Qian is too powerful, that you cannot destroy the current balance for one person, that this matter must be carefully planned, right?
After all, in your eyes, we are all only pawns to be discarded at any time."
Lie Feng's aggressive stance left Yao Fan momentarily at a loss for words, so he could only change the subject.
"Even if that were true, you should not speak to your lifesaving benefactor in this manner."
Lie Feng sneered:"Benefactor? Was that teleportation jade slip given by you? Right now, you are nothing but a useless soul-body without a physical body, unable even to move by yourself.
The only reason you acted was because you knew if I died, you too would suffer. You only triggered the jade slip to avoid falling into your disciple's hands. And you even dared to lie to me."
Yao Fan was suddenly startled, his pupils widening, and he said in astonishment: "What? You say I lied?"
"Hmph, don't put on an act. I am certain there must have been another reason why your disciple betrayed you. If you want to go to Medicine King Valley, then go by yourself."
Lie Feng merely tossed out these words, then turned around, dragging his still aching body as he slowly left.
Yao Fan could no longer remain calm. He had once been one of the strongest in the world, almost no one dared disrespect him.
If he still had his physical body, he would have already rushed forward and slapped Lie Feng to death.
But now he was merely a soul-body. If Lie Feng truly abandoned the ring here, he would not even know where he had been transported, let alone contact Medicine King Valley to retrieve him.
From his observation of Lie Feng, he knew this person was one who always did what he said.
Thinking of this, Yao Fan began to panic. But his mind still turned quickly, and soon he thought of a way to make Lie Feng reconsider.
Though Yao Fan felt wronged—that with his status he had to lower himself to coax another—yet since he truly needed the other's help, he could only endure it.
He raised his voice and shouted:"If you just leave like this, will you be worthy of your master?"
Lie Feng had only taken a few steps, but upon hearing this he indeed reacted. He stopped, turned back, and asked:"What did you say?"
Seeing it had an effect, Yao Fan quickly followed:"Is it not so? Though Chang Qingzi left the sect, his heart still cared for it, and so he risked his life. Yet if you leave now, will his sacrifice not become meaningless?"
Lie Feng lowered his head in silence.
Yao Fan knew Lie Feng valued affection and loyalty, so he deliberately used Chang Qingzi as a reason to stir hesitation.
Seeing that Lie Feng was thinking, Yao Fan understood he could not give him time to sort his thoughts, and so he spoke decisive words:
"If you leave now, I suppose you intend to someday return to avenge your master and junior brother, correct? Do you think you can defeat Yuan Hong? The difference in realms is far too great.
You can only rely on the Five Elements Power to contend with him, but I can see that frequent use of it is too heavy a burden on you now.
Moreover, he has so many subordinates—if you are surrounded, you will have no chance of victory. But I can help you take revenge."
At these words, Lie Feng immediately raised his head to look at Yao Fan, surprised at the scene before him.
Yao Fan opened his palm and extended his right hand toward Lie Feng. The surrounding spiritual energy was gradually drawn into his palm, rotating and forming a small vortex, which grew smaller and smaller until it finally condensed into a pill.
Yao Fan explained as he did so:"This is the Void Pill Refining Technique. In this world, only I have mastered this method. By drawing upon the medicinal power of herbs dispersed in the air, one can refine pills without needing a cauldron or materials.
However, the medicinal efficacy of pills refined this way will be reduced according to their grade. This is a fourth-rank healing pill.
Though its effect is only forty percent of the original, take it for now—it will help your injuries."
Lie Feng took the pill from Yao Fan's hand, carefully examined it, and then swallowed it. Though the efficacy was not strong, it did somewhat lessen his pain.
Yao Fan continued:"Though Chang Qingzi and I disagreed, we were fellow disciples for many years. How could I not cherish that bond, how could I not wish to avenge him? Yet as sect master, I must consider the sect's interests.
Here is my proposal: acknowledge me as your master, and I shall impart all I know. In only three years—no, with your talent, I believe only one year will be enough—you will grow strong enough to defeat Yuan Hong."
The main reason Yao Fan spoke so was because Lie Feng's performance in the Grand Competition had been too dazzling.
Even the blind could see his extraordinary potential. Such a talent must be drawn in, so Yao Fan raised the matter of apprenticeship.
Yao Fan thought he had the youth cornered, never expecting this reply:"I cannot wait that long."
Yao Fan hurried to persuade him:"One year is already very fast. You must know, haste brings no success."
Lie Feng pondered for a moment, then said:"First, I already have a master and have no intention of pledging to another.
Second, I do not trust you—at most, I can only believe half your words.
Third, I can take you to Medicine King Valley, but on certain conditions."
"What conditions?"
"I must avenge my master first before going to Medicine King Valley. If I need pills, you must refine them for me."
Although this was not the outcome he had hoped for, at least he had secured Lie Feng's cooperation.
Compared to just now, this was already far better, so Yao Fan agreed. He was, however, curious how Lie Feng intended to seek revenge.
"Very well, but… how will you avenge him? The difference in realms is not easily bridged."
"On that point, you need not worry—I have my own plan."
Lie Feng's attitude toward Yao Fan remained cold.Yao Fan could see that Lie Feng still held suspicion toward him.
Yao Fan thought: Lie Feng said I lied. How did he perceive that? From now on, I must be careful with my words—this fellow's intuition is sharp.
Just then, a third-rank demonic beast emerged from the grass. It sniffed around, and finally its gaze fell on Lie Feng. Clearly, it had been drawn by the scent of blood emanating from him.
Lie Feng looked at the beast calmly and spoke casually:"Good timing. I happen to be hungry—perfect, I'll use you for a meal."
Perhaps the beast sensed it was being belittled. From its throat came a low, threatening growl, and it assumed a posture ready to pounce at any time.
Yet Lie Feng only stood motionless, his eyes fixed on it.
At last, the beast lost patience. With a roar, it lunged.
But in the blink of an eye, Lie Feng had already pressed its back firmly down. No matter how it struggled, it could not break free from his grasp.
Lie Feng said to the beast:"Since you delivered yourself, before you enter my stomach, help me with one more thing."
The beast's eyes suddenly widened. Its body thrashed harder, but its sturdy frame was shrinking. It let out a pained howl.
Yao Fan sensed the spiritual power within the beast flowing continuously into Lie Feng's body.
He exclaimed in astonishment:"This is… demonic art!"