Chapter 1114: The One Year Promise

Tianmang Fortress.

By the time they returned from the Wind-Burial Plains, three days had already passed.

During those three days, Ling Feng had tended carefully to Duanmu Qingshan's broken body. Duanmu Qingshan had suffered endless torment under Lin Canglang. Though Duanmu Qingshan repeatedly begged to join Ling Feng in searching for the Blood Jade Spring Flower, Ling Feng refused. His master's recovery came first.

After all that had happened, and with Mu Qianxue's departure still heavy in his heart, Ling Feng had no desire to attend ceremonies of reward or recognition. Fortunately, Mo Feng had truly grown. He could now stand before the old fox Yuan Tiangang without flinching, carrying himself with authority that belonged to him alone.

Seeing Mo Feng's transformation, Ling Feng felt comforted. The time had come for him to step back.

The Tianfeng Battalion would be entrusted to Jingwang. As for Xiaofan and Bufan, both had proven themselves in this campaign. With them at Mo Feng's side, Ling Feng could leave without worry.

One evening, Ling Feng gathered Jiang Xiaofan, Li Bufan, and Mo Feng inside the main camp. He meant to tell them of his decision.

"Big Brother, why did you call us here so suddenly? Did something happen?"

Jiang Xiaofan still wore his armor. By now, he had become a general of high standing, one even Yuan Tiangang held in respect.

"Yes. There is something I must say."

Ling Feng drew a long breath, his gaze sweeping across the tent. His voice grew solemn. "I have decided to leave Tianmang Fortress."

"What?"

Mo Feng jumped to his feet. "Brother Feng, why now? I still need your help!"

"No. You are already doing well. My presence no longer changes much!"

Ling Feng rested a hand on Mo Feng's shoulder and gave a faint smile. "Besides, you all know Xian'er's condition. I must find the Blood Jade Spring Flower as soon as possible."

"Big Brother, let me come with you!"

Jiang Xiaofan clenched his fists. To him, the title of general meant nothing. What mattered was standing at Ling Feng's side and fighting with him.

"No. You will stay as well."

Ling Feng shook his head. "Once I find the Blood Jade Spring Flower, I will head straight to the Dongling Immortal Pool, the greatest sacred land of the human race in the Dongling Region. I will go first and open the way. One year from now, we brothers will meet again at the Dongling Immortal Pool. By then, I believe all of you will have reached the standard to enter."

"I understand!"

Jiang Xiaofan nodded heavily. "Big Brother, one year from now, I will meet you there!"

Li Bufan did not speak, but his eyes burned with determination. The Dongling Immortal Pool was his dream as well. One year. Within that time, he would grow stronger no matter the cost.

"Good. Xiaofan, do not forget you carry the blood of the Xuanwu. One year from now, do not let me leave you behind."

"Big Brother, I will not lose to you!"

"And you, Bufan. You once called me both your friend and your rival. If your strength lags too far behind mine, you will no longer have the right to call yourself my rival."

Li Bufan chuckled. "Do not boast too soon, Ling Feng. When Xiaofan and I surpass you, let us see how you keep your pride intact."

"

Hahaha!

"

Ling Feng threw back his head and laughed. "Then it is settled. One year from now, we will meet again at the Dongling Immortal Pool. And Mo Feng, if you lose to the Fourth Prince, do not blame me for disowning you as a brother!"

Mo Feng nodded with conviction. "I have never cared for power, but this time I will not yield. Because I am your brother!"

"Good. I look forward to the day you ascend as ruler of the Tianbai Empire."

Ling Feng raised his cup high, his laughter echoing in the tent. "Tonight we drink without restraint!"

"Drink until we fall!"

...

The next morning, Ling Feng left Tianmang Fortress.

Duanmu Qingshan and Tuoba Yan accompanied him, though he soon placed them into the Five Elements Heavenly Palace.

Although the Heart-Devouring Red-Dust Gu no longer bound him and Tuoba Yan, the Tiance Mirror within her body remained one of Ling Feng's strongest trump cards.

Since she was in no hurry to return to Wangduan Mountain, there was no reason to send her away.

With her caring for Lin Xian'er, things would be much easier.

After all, with only Ling Feng and Duanmu Qingshan present, it would have been inconvenient to look after Xian'er in daily matters.

By the time Jiang Xiaofan and the others awoke from their drunken sleep, Ling Feng was gone. They had expected it, yet without him, the Tianfeng Battalion felt strangely empty.

"

Ah...

Big Brother!"

Jiang Xiaofan clenched his fists and let out a long sigh.

"Instead of sighing, think about how to grow stronger within this year."

Li Bufan rubbed his temples and spoke calmly. "That man is always ahead of us. Even if we cannot close the gap, we must not let it grow wider!"

Jiang Xiaofan scratched his head. "You are right, but it will be hard!"

"Yes. Very hard!"

Li Bufan could not help but feel powerless. Ling Feng was simply too monstrous, too far beyond them.

...

After leaving Tianmang Fortress, Ling Feng took out the teleportation token that led to the Misty Ghost Forest. In an instant, he stepped back into that familiar place.

The Tiansheng Empire lay far to the north of the Tianbai Empire, and the token spared him a long journey.

More importantly, Ling Feng intended to escort Duanmu Qingshan and his daughter back to the Divine Ling Sect first.

As sect leader, he had hardly fulfilled his duty. Now that Duanmu Qingshan had returned, it was time for him to share the burden.

The Divine Ling Sect was growing quickly, yet relying on Elder Yao alone was not enough.

Duanmu Qingshan had both the strength and the qualification to become the sect's pillar. After over ten years of seclusion at Little Bamboo Peak, he had burst forth once again. In the past year, his cultivation had reached the late Transformation Realm. Though captured and tormented by Lin Canglang, his foundation had not been broken.

Ling Feng had also passed to him the teachings of the Wine God Sword Dao. It would not be long before Duanmu Qingshan mastered it. Once he did, his strength would soar, and he would surely lead the Divine Ling Sect to flourish.

As these thoughts lingered in Ling Feng's mind, the scenery before him shifted. The dense mist rolled aside, and he landed steadily upon the ground.

He had returned to the Misty Ghost Forest...