Behind the few black-clad figures, not far from them, lay the lifeless body of a blue wolf. Standing nearby was a young boy, also dressed in black.
The boy appeared to be around eight years old. Though his baby fat still lingered on his small face, it was evident that he was on the cusp of a future unparalleled in elegance and grace.
Despite his tender age, he wore a serious expression, his hands clasped behind his back, his posture erect, and his piercing, cold eyes fixed on the battle before him.
With an emotionless demeanor, he exuded an air of aloofness and ruthless confidence. The child appeared so mature that Gu Qingli couldn't help but find it amusing.
Dongfang Kunlun's speed was a blur as he descended from the sky, landing with a light grace. His immense aura immediately overwhelmed everyone present, causing both sides to halt abruptly and retreat in disarray.
The black-clad boy's previously impassive face shifted, a flicker of surprise flashing in his dark, slanted eyes before his gaze landed on the elegant, composed Dongfang Kunlun standing in the center.
"Young master, we are no match for him," one of the middle-aged black-clad men said, retreating a few steps, his voice respectful as he cast a vigilant glance at Dongfang Kunlun, seemingly ready to protect the boy and retreat at a moment's notice.
Meanwhile, the group of young people who had appeared to be aligned with Dongfang Kunlun visibly relaxed, their pale faces breaking into relieved smiles.
Dongfang Kunlun's icy gaze swept over the injured youths beside him before turning to the black-clad figures.
When his eyes landed on the boy at the back, his expression subtly shifted. Could it be?
He had just been thinking about this child, and now, by some strange twist of fate, here they were meeting.
"Chu Chensheng?"
"Young master, do you know him?" The middle-aged man in black asked in surprise.
The young boy, his expression cold and unyielding, slowly advanced, his gaze locked on Dongfang Kunlun.
"You are the old monster Kunlun?!"
Though three years had passed since their last encounter, Chu Chensheng immediately recognized Dongfang Kunlun at first glance.
Dongfang Kunlun's face darkened, a black line forming across his brow. This boy...
"Ha!"
Gu Qingli couldn't hold back a light laugh. When she had first learned of Dongfang Kunlun's age, she too had wanted to say those very words.
Though her laughter was soft, it immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
Quickly, Gu Qingli covered her rosy lips with her hand, but before she could react, a streak of sharp, gray light shot toward her.
"Damn! This little brat is vicious!"
Gu Qingli's startled exclamation rang out. The suddenness of the attack left her no time to think.
And to think, she was just a five-year-old child! This little punk was actually going to strike just because she had laughed!
She retaliated swiftly, silently cursing the boy for his cruelty.
Dongfang Kunlun remained unfazed, not in the least bit hurried. In fact, a faint, amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
He knew his little disciple was no pushover, and he was well aware of the black-clad boy's strength.
Though this boy was undoubtedly a prodigy, a seven-star spiritualist at the tender age of eight, a talent so rare on the entire Divine Valley Continent, Dongfang Kunlun remained confident. His disciple may not have the same raw strength as Chu Chensheng, but with her unusual agility and the hidden silver needles, she would surely be able to hold her ground.
At such a close distance, Dongfang Kunlun had no doubt that he could step in and protect his little disciple in the event of danger.
But when Chu Chensheng saw Gu Qingli nimbly dodge his gray beam and land deftly beneath a tree, his eyes flashed with shock.