Chapter 2742: Gossip and Secrets

After contemplating for just a moment, Ling Feng understood; he guessed it was likely due to the differing time flow in the Netherworld Void.

The time flow in the Netherworld Void is much faster than it is here in the Shui Clan world. Ling Feng spent a few hours there, but seven days had already passed outside.

Ling Feng’s expression of surprise gradually faded as he thought through the reason for this strange occurrence.

“What’s wrong? Is there something odd?” Ling Yao noticed Ling Feng’s strange change in expression and asked.

Ling Feng decided it was better not to tell Ling Yao about this matter, so he feigned fatigue and said, “It’s nothing. I’ve just been so focused on healing that I didn’t notice time passing so quickly.”

“But it’s all good now. I’m almost fully recovered. Though that black poison was potent, I’ve slowly dissolved it and didn’t let it harm my body at all.”

Ling Feng smiled, already pondering how to explain the progress of his healing. Since the passage of time had already impacted the situation, Ling Feng conveniently extended his healing time.

This allowed Ling Feng to emerge smoothly now; otherwise, if he had pretended the poison was strong and he was very weak, it wouldn’t make sense if he hadn’t needed seven days for deep healing.

“If you hadn’t come to call me, I would’ve come out myself,” Ling Feng said with a smile, then continued to ask, “So, during these days, did anything special happen? Did anyone come looking for me?”

“I came to find you for a few things. Although I don’t think anything major happened, I still wanted to discuss them with you,”

“The first thing is that Huo Hui has already awakened. The Shui Clan’s healer, Shui Sheng, is quite skilled; he managed to awaken Huo Hui in no time…”

Ling Feng nodded and smiled, “That’s good news. It’s a good thing Huo Hui has awakened.”

However, Ling Yao’s expression was unpleasant as she shook her head, “Awakening is certainly good, but after waking up, this child saw himself surrounded by blue-skinned Shui Clan people and couldn’t accept the fact that he is one of them,”

“He’s been insisting on returning to the Huo Clan, continually refusing to acknowledge that he is part of the Shui Clan…” Ling Yao shook her head and sighed.

Ling Feng also furrowed his brow slightly and then nodded, “After all, it’s been a long time since there was a war between the Shui Clan and Huo Clan. Many old Huo Clan members haven’t seen Shui Clan people, let alone a child like Huo Hui,”

“Even if he knows his skin color is different from others, he might just think it’s a personal issue and wouldn’t associate it with his ancestral enemy, the Shui Clan.”

“Also, he probably can’t accept the fact that Huo Yue is dead. Did he say anything about returning to find Elder Huo Yue?”

Ling Yao hesitated for a moment before nodding, “That’s correct. Even though the Shui Clan people patiently explained his lineage, the child simply doesn’t believe it.”

“The Huo Clan is almost exterminated now; he absolutely cannot go back,” Ling Feng decisively stated, “Moreover, the fall of Huo Tian and his followers was by my hands, so no matter how much Huo Hui resists, he cannot return,”

“How is Huo Hui now?” Ling Feng asked, looking up.

“He’s currently confined in a room by the healer Shui Sheng, who seems intent on accepting Huo Hui as a disciple. It just requires time and Shui Sheng’s genuine effort,” Ling Yao shook her head, evidently doubting that Huo Hui could set aside his reservations anytime soon.

However, Ling Feng nodded, “That’s the best outcome for now. Let’s leave it at that for now. Is there anything else?”

“The second thing is Song Ruozhao has gone out for something. I don’t know where he went, but he said he wouldn’t leave the Shui Clan’s world and just wanted to have a look around; staying in the mansion was making him uncomfortable.”

Ling Feng nodded outwardly but still internally doubted that Song Ruozhao simply went out for a stroll. Such a gifted figure, Ling Feng finds it difficult to fathom his thoughts, so unless Song Ruozhao himself reveals his whereabouts, Ling Feng won’t know where he is.

Additionally, Ling Feng wouldn’t be able to find him unless Song Ruozhao returned on his own.

“Since he wants to go out, let him be; there’s no choice in the matter. Let’s leave it as it is for now. Is there anything else?”

“The third and final thing; it’s something I personally judge as quite significant. Four days after you went into retreat to heal, Shui Nian and Shui Kong came once and wanted to see you. Of course, I said you were in retreat, enhancing your strength, and asked if there was anything urgent to relay through me,”

“Shui Nian told me that several worlds from Nine Nether are going to hold a meeting soon…”

“A meeting? What kind of meeting?” Ling Feng asked.

“I asked Shui Xia, and I heard it’s Nine Nether’s grand assembly, held every seven thousand years. Each world’s clan leaders will attend; actually, there are about nine of them, where they will jointly discuss Nine Nether’s future development,”

“Could it be they’re dissatisfied with always being the Lower Realm of the Nine Provinces, and are planning a meeting to unite and find a time to overthrow the Nine Provinces’ rule?” Ling Feng laughed.

Ling Yao looked at Ling Feng with an exceedingly peculiar gaze and then exclaimed, “How did you know? You wouldn’t happen to have been gathering outside information instead of healing in seclusion, would you?” Ling Yao suspected.

Ling Feng laughed heartily, “I genuinely guessed it; this was something I suspected while back in the Lava World. It’s just that I guessed it when you said they were having a meeting.”

Ling Yao could only nod and say, “Indeed, many of the worlds’ leaders have long been displeased with the Nine Provinces’ oppression above them, so they’ve always wanted to wage war.”

“Shui Xia mentioned that among these war advocates is her grandfather Shui Kong; he’s an exceedingly fervent warmonger. Shui Nian is against the war because he doesn’t want the clan members caught in the crossfire, leading to his conflict with Shui Kong,”

“I heard Shui Kong plans to first annex other worlds, then unify Nine Nether, and subsequently launch a war against the Nine Provinces. Previously, he went out with Shuiluan to gather information but ran afoul of the Clan of Darkness people, getting seriously injured,”

“These past few days, Shui Nian and Shui Kong have been squabbling constantly over this issue and Shui Kong’s ambitions.”

Ling Feng glanced at Ling Yao’s expression, then jokingly remarked, “How did you suddenly learn so much gossip?”

Ling Yao replied with prideful laughter, “Well, isn’t it true? These past few days, I’ve established a good relationship with Shui Xia and heard plenty of Shui Clan gossip from her. I haven’t been idle.”

Ling Feng rubbed Ling Yao’s head, just about to praise her, when a deep voice resounded:

“Brother Ling Feng is out of retreat?”