Passing the Buck

After just a few moments of anticipation, three figures parted the void and walked through.

One had greying temples and wore a practical short jacket. The other two were in simple, unadorned long robes. Their weathered faces could not hide the sharpness of their sword-like eyebrows. Standing nearly nine feet tall, they carried a palpable sense of wild, oppressive energy despite their advanced years.

The three approached in turn, clasping their fists with constant smiles.

"Tree Venerable, long time no see!"

"Hahaha, a rare gathering of us old friends. In the blink of an eye, another ten thousand years have passed."

Watching this group of old men with their extraordinary bearing, Yi Feng, who had risen to his feet, felt his anticipation grow. As the old men exchanged fist salutes and pleasantries, they also noticed the unfamiliar young cultivator.

After observing him for a few moments, they were surprised to find Yi Feng's aura profound and elusive. Their faces revealed astonishment and doubt, prompting them to scrutinize him more closely and speak up.

"Tree Venerable, who might this young friend be?"

The Old Tree stroked his beard, stood up, and clasped his fists, introducing with a smile.

"Gentlemen, this is Young Friend Yi Feng, a rising star I've had the fortune to meet. To be able to meet many friends here in the Demon-Suppressing Prison and share a drink and conversation today is truly a delightful occasion."

The three old men nodded repeatedly, offering friendly smiles to Yi Feng.

"Young Friend Yi, this old one is Xu Nanbei. Please, take a seat and let us converse."

"This old man is Chang Yuhai, of the Kun-peng lineage."

"This old man is Mu Rufang."

Before Yi Feng could even speak, they all smiled and nodded at him. Their experienced faces radiated goodwill and an extraordinary air.

In this sunless, landless Demon-Suppressing Prison, for these individuals to maintain such steady composure and speak with such ease was truly a mark of no ordinary beings.

Humans and demons could sit together sipping tea, just like the closest of friends. It was indeed different from the shallow racial prejudices of the outside world.

Yi Feng was momentarily stunned, tactfully returning the courtesy with a clasped fist salute.

As he observed the group, another ripple of spatial distortion spread.

Two old men, one plump and one thin, arrived laughing heartily, carrying a wine jar.

"Hahaha..."

"What day is it today, that you old fogies have all shown your faces? It's been so many years, a rare gathering indeed!"

The aroma of wine filled the air, their laughter open and unrestrained.

The ancient vine tea table gained more guests, instantly becoming much livelier.

The Tree Venerable and the others looked back with smiles, stroking their beards in response.

"These two have actually shown up as well."

"Heh, who knows how many powerhouses have risen and fallen, sat in meditation and passed on. The Fat and Thin Elders really know how to endure. To think they haven't perished or lost their Dao to this day, truly worthy of the main lineage of the Sea Clan."

"These two stingy old codgers, they really were hiding fine liquor!"

Amidst the banter, the two had already arrived before them.

Placing the wine jar on the table, they immediately retorted with "unconvinced," sparking another round of laughter.

"Old Chang, your words are unfair. Naturally, good things must be treasured and hidden, how can they be shown casually?"

"Indeed. Your Kun-peng clan drinks wine like oxen drink water. What would you know of the exquisite taste of fine brew? If we had brought it out earlier, wouldn't that have been a waste?"

"Hahaha..."

The bickering words sounded open and casual, devoid of any malice, more like teasing among old friends.

Sealed for endless ages within the Demon-Suppressing Prison, these individuals could still maintain such leisurely refinement and steady their Dao hearts to this day. They were truly as steady as old dogs, unperturbed by waves.

Witnessing the old men chatting and laughing, Yi Feng was also infected by this atmosphere.

People often say, adversity reveals true feelings.

That these beings could pull together through thick and thin until now, associating regardless of race, even sharing their treasured stores and teasing each other, was truly precious. Such friendship surpassed that of ordinary people ten thousandfold, a rare encounter not sought by asking.

If not seen with one's own eyes, who could imagine that the depths of this so-called land of exile could be so harmonious and friendly? Compared to the hierarchical struggles of the outer sect on Snowdrift Island, this was more like a single sect, fellow disciples.

Suddenly.

Yi Feng thought of his previous encounters and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. He also felt a bit troubled. In such a harmonious atmosphere, he actually didn't know how to begin.

What on earth should he do to provoke these old brothers with their tranquil mindsets?

Just then.

A dull thudding sound came from the void.

It sounded like something was striking the ground.

The several old men suddenly stiffened, turning to look in unison!

"Whoosh..."

A ripple slowly spread as a white-haired elder stepped forth. His steps were steady and soundless; were it not for the cane tapping the ground, ordinary people would hardly have noticed him.

Though the elder's frame was slightly stooped, his spirit remained vigorous.

Seeing that figure walking steadily forward, the elders seated at the vine table all rose in pleasant surprise, offering salutes in unison!

"Old Guo..."

"We pay our respects to Old Guo!"

This was clearly treatment befitting a senior elder of the highest rank. This person must possess extraordinary strength.

Yi Feng watched with keen interest, also marveling at the steps as steady as Mount Tai. As the elders rose, he began to observe the newcomer carefully and quietly.

The old man walked over as if an ordinary mortal, yet in the blink of an eye, he was standing before the group.

Looking closely from up close.

Yi Feng increasingly felt a sense of familiarity, as if he had seen him somewhere before...

The Tree Venerable, looking both nervous and delighted, hurriedly offered another salute in greeting.

"Old Guo, to see you again after so many years is a profound honor for us. May we ask what brings you to show yourself here today?"

The man stopped, leaning on his cane, and did not respond immediately.

His cloudy eyes swept over the group. Everyone seemed to feel increased pressure, their attitudes growing even more respectful. Yet, the old man never gave them more than a glance, as if they held little weight.

Until his gaze fell upon Yi Feng.

His eyes were pure and clear. After a few moments of meeting that gaze, there was not the slightest hint of timidity or retreat. Instead, there seemed to be an endless, soaring fighting spirit, the whole person like a sharp sword!

Finally, a smile appeared in the old man's eyes.

He nodded slightly, speaking with appreciation.

"Hmm..."

"Today is a good day. Perhaps there is hope for us old fellows to see the light of day once more."

As soon as the words fell.

The waiting elders all trembled, rising abruptly in shock and delight!

"See the light of day?!"

"This!"

"We've finally waited for this day!"

They exchanged quiet glances, brimming with excitement.

The old men, who moments ago were as steady as Mount Tai, now seemed to have caught the scent of hope for their lives, the path of the Great Dao showing vitality once more. They were so startled they could hardly contain themselves, joy spilling over their faces.

Before Old Guo could speak again, the Tree Venerable and the others had already stepped forward eagerly, offering salutes.

"Old Guo, do we truly have a chance to see the light of day again?!"

"Might we ask... what is the hope you speak of?"

Facing their eager inquiries, the old man never shifted his gaze.

His aged eyes held only the figure of Yi Feng, standing there dumbfounded.

"The hope I speak of is this young friend."

Hiss...

Upon hearing this, the group was even more astonished.

They swiftly turned their eyes, their gazes all drawn to Yi Feng!

Suddenly.

All the old men in the gathering stared intently at him. Becoming the focus, Yi Feng was even more bewildered.

What in the world?

How did he become the hope?

He hadn't even started trying to draw hatred, and now this old man dropped such a label on him. How was he supposed to pick a fight and seek death later? This was just causing trouble.

Within a few breaths.

Stared at by a crowd of old men, Yi Feng felt utterly uncomfortable, as if he were a young maiden with infinite charm at this moment.

Left with no choice, he could only brace himself and respond.

"Uh..."

"I have no idea how to get out. Old Guo, you've got the wrong person."

As his words fell.

The focus was indeed successfully shifted. The group of old men stared at each other wide-eyed, faces full of suspicion and hesitation, finally turning their looks towards the cane-leaning Old Guo.

Who would have thought the old man's smile would only grow broader.

With a slow wave of his hand, he decisively continued to shift the blame.

"Heh."

"This old man could not possibly be mistaken. This young friend is undoubtedly the one we have been hoping for!"

In an instant, Yi Feng's brows furrowed tightly in anger.