Bu Yufeng's tone left Xu Changxing momentarily startled, but he immediately realized the reason behind it.
Before going into seclusion, Bu Yufeng had entrusted Seven Star Island to Xu Changxing.
Yet after his simulation, Xu Changxing had gone straight into seclusion himself, and had actually stayed there longer than Bu Yufeng. That really was rather hard to justify.
Xu Changxing rubbed his nose awkwardly and said, "I happened to gain some insights while cultivating a few years ago and went into seclusion before I knew it. Please don't hold it against me, senior brother."
Bu Yufeng's expression immediately grew even stranger.
He looked Xu Changxing up and down and could not help asking, "Don't tell me you've broken through again?"
Xu Changxing smiled and nodded. "You're right, senior brother. I did advance one minor stage."
The corner of Bu Yufeng's mouth twitched at that.
He had thought that taking just over a decade to stabilize his cultivation was already relatively fast.
He had never expected this junior brother of his to actually advance a stage in those same years.
It left Bu Yufeng speechless.
Only after taking a moment to compose himself did he speak again. "My judgment back then was right. You truly are a heaven-sent genius.
"Having you is truly a blessing from heaven for Seven Star Island."
Xu Changxing smiled. "I came precisely to discuss Seven Star Island's future development with you.
"Over these past several thousand years, more than half the Small Worlds that originally belonged to Seven Star Island have been taken from us.
"Now that you and I have both broken through in succession, it's time to demand those Small Worlds back."
Bu Yufeng's eyes brightened slightly at his words. "I've had that idea for a long time.
"And it isn't just me. Those