"Deputy Hall Master Ling?!"
Chen Ming was both astonished and overjoyed. Never had he imagined that, at this moment when his life hung by a thread, Ling Feng would be the one to save him!
Ling Feng smiled faintly, his expression as gentle and composed as ever, as though blocking the Jadewater Black Tortoise's deadly orb had required no more than lifting a hand. His white robes were spotless, and a faint spiritual glow surrounded him, keeping the drifting dust and chaotic fluctuations of spiritual energy at bay. He carried an air of transcendence, untouched by the turmoil around him.
"Island Master Chen, I trust you have been well." Ling Feng cupped his hands, his tone calm. "It has only been a little over a month since we parted on Divine Wind Island. I never expected you to have already broken through to the Nascent Soul realm. Congratulations."
Chen Ming hurriedly returned the salute and said with a bitter smile, "You flatter me, Deputy Hall Master Ling. Had you not intervened in time, I would likely have met a grim end. I will remember this debt of life even after my teeth have fallen out!"
"It was no more than lifting a hand. There is no need to mention it." Ling Feng waved his hand and turned his gaze toward the enraged Jadewater Black Tortoise, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes. "This Jadewater Black Tortoise, however, is rather troublesome. I never imagined the Luo Heaven Gate had an ancient beast like this hidden away. That was certainly unexpected."
Just then, Situ Hong arrived with the people from Tianxing City. When he saw Ling Feng, a complicated expression crossed his face-surprise mingled with apprehension-but he still cupped his hands respectfully. "Deputy Hall Master Ling! What brings you here?"
Ling