Numbed

Wei Zhenfang was so shocked that his eyes nearly popped out, and his hands trembled visibly as he bowed.

"E- Elder?!"

But before he could finish, the gleaming divine blade in Yi Feng's hand choked his words back down his throat.

All he could do was force out a strained reply.

"Everything… as the elder wishes…"

Wei Zhenfang wanted to flee, but that blade was too terrifying, and Yi Feng's cultivation level filled him with growing dread. Refusing outright would likely cost him his life.

Even if he crushed an escape talisman, he doubted he could outrun that blade.

Seeing the old man bow obediently, Yi Feng nodded in satisfaction and strode forward.

The two proceeded deeper into the forest, one leading, the other following—their positions reversed, their expressions and emotions shifting with every step.

As they advanced, Yi Feng cleaved through obstacles with his blade, moving as if on level ground. The steady stream of experience points made his grin widen, and a strong premonition of imminent fortune grew within him.

Behind him, the bald old man Wei Zhenfang's expression kept changing.

With every powerful demonic creature felled before his eyes, his estimation of Yi Feng's strength climbed higher.

Heavenly Tier Rank 2.

Heavenly Tier Rank 3.

Heavenly Tier Rank 4!

By the time another golden skeleton collapsed, Wei Zhenfang was utterly dumbstruck, petrified on the spot.

He was numb with shock.

This elder…

Was too strong.

His power shattered Wei Zhenfang's understanding.

Truly unfathomable!

Why would such an existence appear in a place like Shuihan Star?

Had he known Yi Feng was this monstrous, he wouldn’t have dared offend him even with ten thousand extra lives!

And to think he had tried to steal demon corpses from him—wasn’t that just asking for death?!

Now, as they ventured deeper into the dense forest, Wei Zhenfang was torn between terror and regret, his face deathly pale, his guts twisting with remorse.

As for using an escape talisman…

Against an expert like this? Pointless.

Even he wasn’t stupid enough to think he could slip away.

If this elder didn’t let him go, a mere flick of a finger would render any escape attempt useless. He’d never escape Yi Feng’s grasp in this lifetime.

With a bitter expression, Wei Zhenfang trailed behind, trembling and silent. He stealthily tore up his escape talisman and swallowed the scraps, cowering like a lowly underling.

By the time they reached towering ice-covered trees at the heart of the forest, Wei Zhenfang’s legs were shaking uncontrollably, his regret so intense he wanted to punch himself.

Damn it all…

He had schemed to use others to kill for him, and now? He was walking straight into the depths of the Frozen Snow Forest—how he’d die was anyone’s guess. Wasn’t this just lifting a rock to smash his own foot?!

Overcome with panic and remorse, Wei Zhenfang couldn’t take another step.

He dropped to his knees, kowtowing desperately to Yi Feng.

"Elder! Spare me, I beg you!"

"My cultivation is too weak! I dare not go any further! Please, have mercy and let this lowly one live! Waaah!"

The bald old man suddenly burst into tears, snot and all. Yi Feng turned, baffled.

Glancing at the quiet path ahead, he was even more confused.

Was it really that scary?

Seeing the old man prostrate himself, Yi Feng scratched his head.

"Uh… the demons ahead aren’t that strong. No need to be so scared…"

Hearing this "comfort," Wei Zhenfang’s eyes bulged, his face ashen.

Elder—no, master!

You’re a peerless expert, but I’m just a measly Heavenly Tier Rank 1 weakling! How can I compare?!

Wei Zhenfang wasn’t just scared—he was so frustrated he nearly cursed out loud!

But of course, he didn’t dare voice any of that.

Trembling, he could only plead further.

"Elder, please! My cultivation is truly lacking! I can’t go on! Have mercy!"

Every rustle of wind made him flinch, his tears and snot flowing freely as he kowtowed hard enough to leave marks on the ice.

Seeing his terror, Yi Feng sighed.

If the guy was already this jumpy, seeing enemies in every shadow, he really was too weak to be useful as a guide.

Well, fear was natural when the gap in strength was this vast.

With a resigned nod, Yi Feng relented.

"Fine."

The single word left Wei Zhenfang stunned.

After a brief pause, his face lit up with ecstasy, as if granted a pardon.

"Thank you, elder! Thank you!"

But before he could grovel further, Yi Feng cut him off.

"Don’t thank me yet. I still have something for you."

Thud!

Wei Zhenfang’s joy froze. Dread flashed in his eyes.

Of course.

Nothing was ever this easy. The elder wouldn’t just let him off.

But given his earlier offense, he had expected this.

Steeling himself, he bowed with grim resolve.

"Please instruct me, elder. Whatever punishment you decree, I’ll accept without complaint!"

Either continue guiding and risk death by demons, or submit to the elder’s judgment—the choice was obvious.

Seeing his earnest repentance, Yi Feng’s opinion of the old man improved.

Who’d have thought?

This former bandit, after a thorough beating, could actually show remorse. Maybe he wasn’t beyond saving.

Plus, considering the mountain of experience points he’d gained today, Yi Feng was feeling generous.

With a faint smile, he asked,

"Relax. I’m not punishing you. I just want to know—do you know Zhong Limeng? The one from the Vast Heaven Palace?"

Wei Zhenfang’s heart skipped a beat, his face stiffening.

Of course he knew Zhong Limeng!

Fu Haotian had hired him to hunt demons, and those two were rivals in the disciple selection!

The elder asking this… it couldn’t be good.

Maybe their plunder of demon corpses was already exposed. This question might lead to severe punishment!

Still, lying wasn’t an option.

Swallowing hard, he stammered,

"Y-yes, elder. I know Lady Zhong."

Yi Feng nodded.

So, that woman wasn’t a nobody. The Vast Heaven Palace had some reputation if even this bald guy knew of it. Good.

With a wave of his hand, Yi Feng summoned a mountain of demon corpses beside them, their sheer numbers and lingering aura enough to make Wei Zhenfang’s soul quake.

Next to this pile, he felt like an ant.

Bowing deeply, Wei Zhenfang murmured,

"Whatever you command, elder, I’ll obey!"

Pleased with his attitude, Yi Feng grinned.

"Good."

"Take these demon corpses to Zhong Limeng. That’s all."

Wei Zhenfang’s mind reeled.

So that was it!

This supreme expert… was on Zhong Limeng’s side!

Who would’ve guessed?

That seemingly unremarkable girl had connections like this! No wonder she had so many supporters despite Fu Haotian’s noble background.

Truly, none of the Vast Heaven Palace’s candidates were simple.

This senior sister of the younger generation from the Azure Sky Palace truly has some skills.

Finally understanding the whole story, Wei Donghai's eyes widened in shock.

Seeing his expression, Yi Feng thought the guy was about to go back on his word.

Frowning slightly, he spoke in a deep voice.

"What? You don’t want to?"

Wei Zhenfang trembled in fear and hurriedly bowed with an apologetic smile.

"I do, I do!"

"Senior, please rest assured, I will definitely deliver these demon corpses to Zhong Limeng, Miss Zhongli!"

His expression kept shifting, making Yi Feng grow suspicious.

This old man had a history of banditry, after all—old habits die hard. If he ran off with the demon corpses, it’d be a huge loss.

After a moment’s thought, Yi Feng drew from past experience and widened his eyes.

"Then swear an oath first—the kind where breaking it means your whole family dies."

With a vow as insurance, he could at least feel slightly more at ease.

Without hesitation, Old Man Wei immediately raised three fingers to the sky.

"Heaven above as my witness, I, Wei Zhenfang, swear to deliver these demon corpses to Miss Zhongli. If I break this oath, may I be struck by lightning, my family ruined, my body torn apart by five horses, my soul obliterated, scorned by all, and my descendants cursed to live as beasts for generations..."

The stream of curses was relentless, each one more vicious than the last.

His delivery was smooth, as if he swore oaths every day—the lines rolled off his tongue effortlessly.

The sheer ruthlessness was almost too much, leaving Yi Feng still uneasy.

Pulling out a broad cleaver, he pressed it against the bandit elder and growled menacingly.

"If you dare play tricks, you’re dead meat!"

Wei Zhenfang’s face stiffened as he bowed repeatedly like a pecking chicken.

"Senior, please don’t worry, please don’t worry!"

"Even if you gave me ten thousand times the courage, I wouldn’t dare deceive you! I’ll follow your orders exactly and deliver the demon corpses to Miss Zhongli!"

Seeing his earnest demeanor, Yi Feng reluctantly believed him.

With multiple layers of insurance, there shouldn’t be any major issues.

Watching as the old man carefully took out his Storage Ring and meticulously collected every last demon corpse—not missing a single strand—before bowing repeatedly and taking his leave, Yi Feng nodded in satisfaction.

The man’s obedience was absolute, as if he had truly reformed.

Content, Yi Feng ventured deeper into the frozen forest alone.