The middle-aged man beside Ark remained silent, his eyes flashing with a cold light. He shot Xu Luo a sideways glance, then followed, carrying his companion on his back.
"Xu Luo, don't be angry…" Phoenix bit her lower lip, looking at Xu Luo with concern. "He's much older than you. You'll surpass him sooner or later…"
Xu Luo smiled casually and waved his hand. "It would be a lie to say I'm not a little angry. Phoenix, I really can't compare to you prodigies from the great sects."
Phoenix's starry eyes twinkled as she gazed at Xu Luo, wanting to say something but holding back.
Xu Luo raised a hand, stopping her. "But you don't have to worry about me. I'm not so fragile that I can't take a hit. I've faced far worse ridicule than this growing up… It's nothing. I'm not going to take it out on you, and I don't feel like I'm losing face because you're protecting me right now."
