Shi Borong was momentarily taken aback by Chen Fei's words, then immediately understood.
Aside from an unwillingness to participate, the only reason he could not take part in the early-stage eighth-order battles was that his cultivation did not qualify.
"You have a truly exquisite Breath Concealment Technique, young friend Chen. Even now, I cannot discern your true realm." Shi Borong studied Chen Fei carefully, but still could only perceive an early-stage Creation Realm cultivation.
"Just a few little tricks. I hope you won't laugh at me, senior."
Chen Fei released the restraint imposed by Dragon Elephant Heaven Suppressing, revealing his mid-stage Creation Realm cultivation.
"We have only been apart a few days, yet you have climbed another step atop the hundred-foot pole, young friend Chen. This truly calls for congratulations!"
Shi Borong picked up the teapot and personally poured Chen Fei a cup, then offered him a toast with tea in place of wine to celebrate.
"There's no need for such ceremony, senior." Seeing how solemn Shi Borong was, Chen Fei also raised his cup and returned the toast.
"Your extraordinary talent truly makes this old man green with envy, young friend Chen." Shi Borong smiled as he set down his cup, concealing the astonishment in his eyes.
The last time he had watched Chen Fei slay a mid-stage eighth-order opponent in battle, Shi Borong had always assumed that Chen Fei had only recently broken through to the Creation Realm, likely after obtaining some opportunity within the Heart Anomaly Realm.
Yet after just a short time apart, Chen Fei was already at the mid-stage Creation Realm.
Shi Borong could no longer determine when Chen Fei had actually broken through to the early-stage Creation Realm. His cultivation speed was simply too inconceivable.
Shi Borong did not ask Chen Fei about his