The quiet chamber was filled with dense purple light.
The enormous cocoon of light enveloping Zi Yan pulsed slowly and rhythmically, like a massive heart.
With every pulse, the natural energy in the surroundings would ripple faintly. Then, that vast energy surged into the cocoon like rivers flowing into the sea, making the purple glow on its surface ever brighter and more brilliant.
At a stone table not far from the cocoon, Han Feng sat across from Zhu Li, the First Elder of East Dragon Island, leisurely sipping fragrant tea.
Zhu Li's gaze drifted toward the enormous purple cocoon from time to time, his eyes full of anticipation and tension. Only after a long while did he withdraw his gaze and look at the unruffled young man before him. A complicated sigh appeared on his aged face.
"Young Friend Han," he said, setting down his teacup and giving Han Feng a solemn bow, "to be honest, this old man... we old fellows never expected you to produce the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit so quickly and help little Zi Yan evolve."
"We truly judged a gentleman's heart by our own petty standards."
Han Feng merely smiled and waved his hand. "Elder Zhu Li, you flatter me. I did not do this without selfish motives."
He met Zhu Li's gaze calmly, making no effort to conceal his purpose. "I hope to forge a true friendship with Ancient Dragon Island. A powerful ally is far more important than a lifeless object."
Upon hearing such frank words, Zhu Li was first stunned, then stroked his beard and burst into laughter. The last trace of doubt in his eyes completely vanished.
"Hahahaha! Good! What a powerful ally!"
He looked at Han Feng, his eyes brimming with appreciation.
"Young Friend Han, don't humans have a saying? 'A