The moment these words were spoken, even Chen Heng, for all his composure, could not help his expression changing. He abruptly stepped back and bowed solemnly.
The old ape standing respectfully outside the strange grove with his hands lowered, and Zhou Ji listening with pricked ears outside the valley, were both startled as well.
They exchanged a distant glance, different expressions on their faces.
"This wretched valley is finally getting a young master. I wonder what he's like? If he's kindhearted, perhaps I'll even get to go out for some air and fun.
"Spending all day circling this godforsaken place is enough to fill my belly with godforsaken frustration!"
The old ape scratched his ears and cheeks, thinking:
"But forming a first-grade core is no easy matter. There isn't even the first stroke of this character yet, so there's no need to get too anxious..."
Elsewhere, Zhou Ji smacked his lips.
After a chuckle, he said nothing.
Whatever had come to mind, his expression gradually grew cheerful...
"When you leave Xiaoming Great Marsh to seek medicines this time, barring anything unexpected, Chen Jade Pivot will certainly make some moves in secret.
"However, I have already made my position clear and discussed matters cordially with our fellow cultivators throughout the Nine Provinces and Four Seas."
Tong Xuan looked at Chen Heng and said:
"If anyone truly has no regard for his life and leans too heavily on his cultivation to suppress you, bullying the young with seniority, I will step in and settle matters for you. Have no worries; you may act freely.
"But in contests between those of the same realm, you must rely on your own abilities...
"According to the established customs of the various sects, even if you die while gathering medicines, I will not interfere. Victory or