Chen Li spread his hands, a look of innocence on his face. "If I really had that ability, would I need to bow and scrape to them? I could just wipe them all out, couldn't I?"
The crowd was taken aback by his words, and after a moment of thought, they realized he was right. They checked their bodies and found no abnormalities. The fear they had just experienced seemed to have been nothing more than a false alarm.
Embarrassment and guilt gradually crept onto their faces. The first to speak up was a Cultivator who scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly, "Heh, we were just too nervous. It was a misunderstanding."
Others quickly chimed in, expressing their apologies. The tense atmosphere began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief mixed with a hint of awkwardness.
Chen Li waved his hand, signaling that there was no need for concern. After all, it was normal for him to have fooled everyone with his acting skills.
What Chen Li didn't realize was that his honesty only made everyone feel more ashamed. Among the group, the one with the highest cultivation had already stepped into the Mystic Boundary's first level, with a lifespan of several hundred years. He had just been saved by Chen Li at great risk to himself, yet he had doubted him moments ago.
Even the burliest male Cultivator's face turned red as he spoke in a deep voice, "Brother Chen Li, I'm truly sorry!"
Another slender Cultivator followed suit with sincere apologies, "Yes, Brother Chen Li, it was our folly. We almost... "
As he spoke, he couldn't help but lower his head, his face filled with regret. Many Cultivators wore expressions of shame: here was a child not even nine years old who had risked everything to save them, and they had doubted him.
Several people secretly raised their hands and slapped themselves hard, thinking, I should be ashamed!
Seeing the self-reproach on their faces, Chen Li couldn't help but smile wryly. It was all because of his convincing performance; not only had he deceived the three demons but also managed to fool these Cultivators.
He waved his hand again and said, "Seniors, really don't blame yourselves. You are all injured; you should hurry back home. We will meet again someday."
After saying this, he clasped his fists in farewell and prepared to leave. Having saved them, he could now focus on how to find the Demon Emperor and figure out a way to rescue his mother.
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd fell silent.
Though their meeting was late, their admiration for Chen Li had already surpassed that of many others. The leader, a Palace-Dressed Woman, looked at Chen Li with reluctance and asked, "Young friend Chen Li, are you not planning to leave?"
Chen Li shook his head. "I can't leave just yet." As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the distant, undulating mountains. The mountains stretched endlessly, reaching the sky and connecting with the sun, resembling a massive dragon coiled upon the earth.
The Palace-Dressed Woman immediately showed a look of curiosity. "Do you have other matters to attend to? I wonder if we can assist you in any way."
Hearing this, Chen Li gratefully thanked everyone. "Thank you, seniors, but I'm afraid you won't be able to help with my task."
The crowd grew even more curious. "What else do you need to do?"
After a moment of hesitation, Chen Li decided not to hide any longer. After all, there was no point in concealing his mission to save his mother. "I need to rescue my mother; I cannot leave."
Chen Li smiled at everyone, his voice serious. The determination in his demeanor struck a chord within them all.
Once again clasping his fists together, Chen Li said, "Seniors, let us part ways here!" With that, he took Shen Qingyue's hand and turned toward the distant mountains. Their small figures appeared particularly insignificant under the setting sun, yet they radiated unwavering resolve.
As the onlookers watched Chen Li and Shen Qingyue's determined backs, it felt as though something heavy had struck their hearts. Among them were sons and fathers, each person aware of how difficult life could be. Protecting oneself was already immensely challenging; how much harder was it to safeguard one's family?
If they faced the same predicament as Chen Li, they might not possess the same determination or courage. Yet at that moment, Chen Li's small frame seemed to emanate an invisible brilliance that deeply moved them.
The Palace-Dressed Woman was the first to react; she hurriedly approached Chen Li and said, "Little one, my family has long been slaughtered; I am all alone now. If you don't mind, I would like to stay and help you rescue your mother!"
Others quickly came to their senses as well. A tall man stepped forward and said solemnly, "My life was saved by young brother Chen Li; if he is going to rescue his mother, how can I stand by idly? I will stay too!"
"Count me in! I'm staying too!"
In an instant, everyone expressed their desire to help Chen Li. They were moved by his filial piety and courage, feeling ashamed of their previous doubts and wanting to make amends.
Chen Li stood there, stunned, as he looked at these unfamiliar cultivators before him. A warm current surged within him as he watched one frail figure after another resolutely stand in front of him. He never expected that these people, whom he barely knew, would willingly offer him such help!
They had just escaped from the gates of hell, still bearing wounds from their ordeal, yet they were determined to assist him without hesitation. He had only acted on his conscience to save others and had never thought of repayment. Yet these cultivators were ready to repay even the smallest kindness with great gratitude.
Is this the happiness of mutual support?
"Thank you, everyone!" Chen Li began, wanting to refuse their help.
But before he could finish his sentence, the Palace-Dressed Woman approached him, gently patting his shoulder. "Child, where is your mother trapped? We will set off right away!"
The others looked at him with unwavering determination.
Reluctantly, Chen Li decided not to be polite any longer. He lifted his head and gazed at the towering peaks like a giant dragon. "It's deep within the Azure Dragon Mountain Range, in Demon Flame Valley!"
Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions changed slightly, and they fell silent.
The Palace-Dressed Woman sighed and said, "This child is truly filial! Demon Flame Valley is a corner of the Azure Dragon Mountain Range and the Ancient Battlefield. It is filled with Demonic Energy and is eerie and terrifying. For those below the Mystic Boundary who enter, it’s a matter of life and death—extremely perilous!"
Chen Li nodded firmly. "Senior, I know how dangerous Demon Flame Valley is, but I must go to save my mother. Even if it’s a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, I will charge in!"
Seeing Chen Li's resolute attitude, someone couldn't help but advise him: "Little one, that place is incredibly dangerous. We understand your desire to save your mother, but it's too risky. If something were to happen to you, wouldn't your mother be heartbroken for the rest of her life?"
Chen Li's expression remained unchanged as he softly replied, "Seniors, please rest assured. I am not reckless or foolishly filial. My sister and I will act according to the situation."
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