Li Bufan's back suddenly stiffened, and a chill shot from his tailbone straight to the crown of his head. He had heard that voice before. Though only once, it had left an unforgettable impression—it belonged to the master of that giant hand.
The old man's phantom abruptly changed expression. For the first time, a trace of wariness appeared on his once composed and open-minded face.
"You've recovered to this extent already?"
That voice rang out again, still carrying that lazy drawl, yet the pressure within it made everyone's breathing catch. "Being able to recover this far is all thanks to you old fossils."
"What do you mean?" The old man's phantom furrowed his brows tightly.
"You think the power suppressing me has been growing weaker because too much time has passed?"
The voice laughed, its laughter filled with lofty mockery. "You're wrong. It's because your Cave Heaven treasures have been constantly eroded by me. Your power became part of me long ago. Every extra day you maintain this secret realm is another day you feed me."
The old man's phantom shuddered violently, unprecedented shock surfacing on his face.
"Kid, what's your name?"
The voice suddenly turned toward Li Bufan, carrying a hint of amusement.
Li Bufan answered in a low voice, "Li Bufan."
"Li Bufan... a good name."
The voice repeated it, as if savoring something. "You're interesting—far more interesting than these old fossils. There's something on you that attracts me greatly. I really want to know what it is."
Li Bufan did not answer. He merely tightened his grip on the Seven Killings Blade in his hand.
The moment the words fell, the entire underground space began to tremble violently.
The remaining flames leaped madly amid the shaking, while the magma on the ground rippled like water being stirred.