Faced with the sudden laughter and words of approval that had appeared without warning not far from their group.
Guan Xiangfei and Jiang Xing both instinctively stiffened slightly.
It was a kind of stress reflex possessed by cultivators.
It signified that, because the event had happened too abruptly, their bodies were instinctively developing either the intent to attack or the intent to defend.
Had they not forcibly restrained themselves.
At that very moment.
They would likely have either abruptly retreated a considerable distance or directly attacked the source of the voices.
At the same time.
As their gazes followed the voices.
And saw that figure who had appeared at some unknown time—unfamiliar, yet familiar.
Shock and joy simultaneously appeared in both their eyes.
Clearly, although Ling Wuyuan had left the Golden Mist Continent aboard the [Ice Erosion Cold Boat] at the age of sixteen, and the three of them had not met for a full twelve years.
At this very moment.
As people who had once known Ling Wuyuan.
Guan Xiangfei and Jiang Xing still recognized him at a glance.
Of course.
That was also related to the fact that Ling Wuyuan's physical characteristics had not undergone any major changes...
He still had that distinctive gray hair and gray eyes.
And his facial features, height, and bearing still retained much of their former foundation.
In short.
From the two men's perspective.
Ling Wuyuan's greatest change compared with the last time they had met was that he had become far more mature.
Unlike their last meeting, when he had still possessed an unmistakable air of youthfulness.
Ling Wuyuan was now a genuine Adult Form.
The instant the two of them successfully recognized Ling Wuyuan.
Ling Wuyuan, having judged from the change in their eyes that they had recognized him, spoke bluntly: