The Truth

Murong Feng smiled and shook his head.

"All right, I understand what you're thinking. I started out as a low-level cultivator myself. There's no need to test me. If I wanted your Companion's bloodline Origin Essence, neither of you could resist."

Before Chen Lin could respond, he continued, "You don't know much about the Immortal Stele, so it's natural to worry. But it isn't activated the way you think. Extracting bloodline Origin Essence would be useless, because the Immortal Stele chooses people, not the other way around."

Chen Lin froze, unable to grasp what he meant.

Murong Feng did not explain further. Instead, he waved a hand. "That's enough. You may leave. The Immortal Stele Fragment that appeared this time is unusual, and plenty of people want a share of the spoils. If your Companion is chosen, it will be a tremendous opportunity, but also a tribulation. Whether she survives will be up to her. If she does survive and is willing to offer the inheritance to the Murong Lineage, you can come find me. The benefits will certainly satisfy you both."

After a pause, he added, "It isn't that I'm stopping you from leaving. Since the Immortal Stele has already sensed her, leaving makes no difference. Someone it chooses cannot escape, no matter where she goes."

Chen Lin left Murong Feng's residence with his head full of confusion.

Murong Feng had said plenty, yet Chen Lin was still in the dark. Since Murong Feng was unwilling to elaborate, he could not press him.

He flew down the mountain with a deep frown. When he spotted the elderly steward still there, his expression shifted, and he hurried over.

"Greetings, Lord Steward!"

After giving a respectful salute, he spoke without waiting to see how the man would receive him. "Senior Murong