Just as Fang Xian was about to make his move, an aged voice rang out.
"Li Tianba, stop!"
Li Tianba didn't want to stop his attack, but the voice sounded familiar, so he looked in the direction of the voice.
What he saw startled him.
"Elder Cheng? What brings you here?"
Li Tianba immediately withdrew his attack upon seeing Elder Cheng and greeted him respectfully.
Elder Cheng snorted coldly and slowly stepped aside.
A handsome young man with a gentle smile flew out.
Li Tianba was even more surprised to see the handsome young man and quickly bowed.
"Young Master Cheng."
The handsome young man was named Cheng Feng, and his father was the domain lord of the Blue Star region.
Cheng Feng had stopped Li Tianba from attacking again to prevent Fang Xian from wasting his life-saving item.
He was still hoping to recruit Xiang Tianyu, Lü Wushuang, and Fang Xian to enter "Divine Stone Mountain."
Cheng Feng ignored Li Tianba and went straight to Fang Xian and the other two, smiling as he spoke.
"Are you alright?"
Although the three didn't recognize Cheng Feng, they could tell from Li Tianba's attitude that Cheng Feng was no ordinary person.
They bowed slightly in gratitude.
Cheng Feng waved his hand and smiled slightly.
"My name is Cheng Feng. Would you like to come in for a drink?"
Xiang Tianyu and Lü Wushuang stared at Cheng Feng in shock. They naturally didn't recognize him.
His surname was Cheng, and the fact that the City Lord of Asia City treated him with such respect made it obvious to anyone.
"Young Master Cheng, please come in."
Cheng Feng nodded slightly and flew down.
Li Tianba stood awkwardly in place, wanting to ask Old Master Cheng for advice, but Old Master Cheng had also gone down.
Since Cheng Feng hadn't spoken, he dared not follow, nor could he leave. He could only stay where he was, waiting for Cheng Feng to come out before making any decisions.
Fang Xian glanced at Li Tianba, utterly speechless.
If it weren't for his appearance, Fang Xian wouldn't have needed to intervene.
Actually, Li Tianba's "Piercing Cannon" did deal damage, albeit a -1 damage.
However, Fang Xian concealed it with his "Covering Cloth," making others believe he used a life-saving item, rather than due to his superior defense.
He followed Lü Wushuang and the others down to the Taihe Hall, reserved for VIPs.
Inside the Taihe Hall, the decor was magnificent, with crimson pillars, golden screens, and colorful beams reflecting each other.
Looking up, the coffered ceiling was exquisitely beautiful.
At the center of the ceiling, beneath a mirror, was carved a coiled dragon with a pearl in its mouth, its eyes gleaming, adding to the hall's majestic and imposing aura.
Cheng Feng looked at the antique decor with great curiosity, constantly examining the surrounding furnishings.
Xiang Tianyu, Cheng Feng, and Elder Cheng sat on a throne carved from nanmu wood and gilded with dragons.
Cheng Feng sat down without ceremony, while Elder Cheng stood respectfully behind him.
Members of the Dragon Alliance immediately stepped forward and poured tea.
Cheng Feng picked up the teacup, held it to his nose, and gently inhaled.
A refreshing aroma of tea wafted out, with faint floral and fruity notes.
He took a small sip and nodded slightly.
"Excellent tea."
"I've always heard that the Dragon Alliance in Asia City is the most culturally rich guild; today I've truly broadened my horizons."
Cheng Feng put down his teacup and smiled at the standing group.
"By the way, I haven't asked your names yet."
The three answered politely and respectfully.
"Fang Xian."
"Lü Wushuang."
"Xiang Tianyu."
Cheng Feng nodded, looking at the three of them with interest.
"Do you want to break through the level 500 barrier?"
The three looked at Cheng Feng curiously.
Currently, Lü Wushuang and Xiang Tianyu were in charge, so Fang Xian naturally couldn't speak up.
Xiang Tianyu looked at Cheng Feng and answered seriously.
"Of course, breaking through level 500 is something every Awakened One dreams of."
Cheng Feng smiled slightly and began to get down to business.
"So, what are your thoughts on the 'Divine Stone Mountain' that will begin in two months?"
Xiang Tianyu didn't answer directly but asked Cheng Feng instead.
"What does Young Master Cheng need us to do?"
"Hehe, chatting with smart people is always pleasant."
Cheng Feng laughed and stopped beating around the bush.
"I'm recruiting talented individuals so that I can obtain an 'Advanced Divine Stone' during the two-month 'Divine Stone Mountain' and break through to level 500."
"I would like to ask for your assistance so that I can reach level 500 by the age of 20."
"Of course, I only need one 'Advanced Divine Stone.' All the 'Advanced Divine Stones' I obtain afterward will be distributed among you according to your contributions."
"Would you be willing to accompany me?"
Xiang Tianyu and Lü Wushuang were both slightly tempted upon hearing this.
They had been stuck at the level 500 mark for several years and naturally wanted to take another step forward, but had never succeeded. This was indeed a good opportunity.
In the past, if invited by a big shot like Cheng Feng, they might very well have joined.
However, things were different now. Fang Xian's strength was undeniable; he was definitely one of the top beings within level 500. Entering "Divine Stone Mountain" with him would greatly increase their chances of obtaining an 'Advanced Divine Stone.'
Although they didn't know each other inside and out, Fang Xian's actions in the "Alliance War Zone" were enough for them to be certain he wouldn't betray them.
They exchanged glances, remaining silent and awaiting Fang Xian's opinion.
Cheng Feng, assuming they were considering, picked up his teacup and slowly sipped his tea.
Fang Xian felt that following Cheng Feng's large group was inconvenient, given his many wives, which could easily cause unnecessary trouble.
Also, too many outsiders could easily expose his strength.
Killing everyone he knew would be fine, but if a few accomplices escaped, it would only reveal his secrets.
Therefore, he decided to refuse Cheng Feng.
Fang Xian couldn't directly answer Cheng Feng, lest others think he was the leader.
He slightly shook his head at Xiang Tianyu, who immediately understood.
Xiang Tianyu bowed slightly, cupping his hands in apology,
"Young Master Cheng, I'm truly sorry. Our strength is weak, and we're afraid we'll be a burden to your team. Therefore, we wish to go alone. Fewer people means easier movement, and we might miss out on any opportunities."
Cheng Feng took a sip of tea, glancing at Fang Xian out of the corner of his eye, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He put down his teacup, smiled slightly, and slowly rose.
"Alright, since you're unwilling, I won't force you."
"If we meet at 'Divine Stone Mountain,' I'd still welcome you to join me. Or you can sell me clues about 'Advanced Divine Stones,' and the reward will certainly satisfy you."
"If you could sell me any 'Advanced Divine Stones,' that would be even better."
"I'll be leaving now."
Fang Xian watched Cheng Feng's departing figure, his brows furrowing slightly.
Cheng Feng was a man of deep cunning, not easily befriended.
Of course, if he harbored ill intentions, Fang Xian would show no mercy.
He was determined to obtain the "Advanced Divine Stones."
As for the geniuses of the Great Thousand Worlds, anyone who dared to obstruct him would be killed without exception.