Zhang Yuyan listened to Lu Hongfei's explanation and couldn't help but frown.

Chu Chen noticed the expression on her face and curiously asked in a low voice, "Do you have a different opinion?"

Zhang Yuyan replied solemnly, "According to the information I have, Zhao Xinghe, the heir of the Zhao Family, unfortunately died in the city defense battle. Zhao Yunfei, the patriarch of the Zhao Family, is already in his twilight years. The Zhao Family is currently at a vulnerable transition period. They are willing to act as a mole for the Iron Wolf Thieves just to gather resources and train a new heir."

Hearing this, Chu Chen looked at Zhang Yuyan with some surprise, not expecting her to be so well-informed about the city's affairs. It seems the Zhang Family is not as aloof as imagined.

Zhang Yuyan said in a serious tone, "Although our Zhang Family doesn't intervene in city affairs, the Zhao Family is one of the three great families, so this matter deserves attention."

At this moment, Lu Hongfei's face turned a little red, realizing that the information he had received was inaccurate. He had just acted as if he knew everything, not expecting to be proven wrong so quickly.

To save face, he spoke up again, "It seems Zhao Yunfei has become senile. Given Lord City Lord's nature, he wouldn't just watch the Zhao Family decline without intervening. In one or two years at most, the City Lord will likely step in to help. However, because they did this, the Zhao Family might face a complete reckoning."

"A complete reckoning? Have they made many mistakes before?" Chu Chen asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Previously, the Beast King was watching closely, so the City Lord would turn a blind eye to some things. After all, the Zhao Family was needed during city defenses. Now that the Beast King is no longer a threat, coupled with this incident, the City Lord will surely make an example of the Zhao Family to serve as a warning to others."

Chu Chen showed an enlightened expression upon hearing this, but he had another suspicion: even if the Zhao Family hadn't acted as a mole, once Zhao Yunfei passed, the City Lord might still move against them.

With external threats eliminated, the city needs to resolve internal issues to develop better.

As they chatted, the Golden-eyed Fire Eagle had already flown out of Celestial Star City.

Black Mist City is located south of Celestial Star City. At the Golden-eyed Fire Eagle's flying speed, it would take at least two days to reach.

Black Mist City is a medium-sized city with a population of over a million. The surrounding forests are filled with numerous high-rank star beasts.

Of course, the city is also home to many experts, with no fewer than twenty Soul Master level masters. It's said that there's a Soul King level powerhouse in the city, making Celestial Star City pale in comparison.

Soon, everyone had completely left the boundaries of Celestial Star City.

The vast Forest Sea captured the attention of Chu Chen and his companion. This was Chu Chen's first time leaving Celestial Star City.

Lu Hongfei observed their curious looks and gently patted the back of the Golden-eyed Fire Eagle, saying, "Slow down a bit."

This thoughtful gesture allowed the two to take in the lush and verdant Forest Sea, evoking an indescribable feeling, almost as if they wanted to shout out loud to express their inner joy.

"It's safe here; feel free to shout." Lu Hongfei seemed to sense their mood and kindly reminded them.

Taking the hint, Chu Chen wasted no time in shouting loudly.

Watching this, Zhang Yuyan felt a bit embarrassed, turning her head to the side instead of shouting like Chu Chen.

"When I first saw a scene like this, I shouted for a long time, until my voice became hoarse, and only then did I stop. That feeling is unforgettable; the memory is sweet. The shock of seeing it for the first time is precious. Once this chance is missed, such feelings come rarely." Lu Hongfei nostalgia-filled reminder brought Zhang Yuyan to nod.

She softly called out, opening her mouth. However, her voice was too low, and the emotions in her heart remained repressed.

After this call, bashfully, Zhang Yuyan glanced at the two, but they weren't paying attention to her.

Lu Hongfei, whether intentionally or out of genuine fatigue, lay on the back of the Golden-eyed Fire Eagle, closing his eyes to rest, while Chu Chen continued to shout aloud, completely immersed in the breathtaking scenery.

Seeing this, Zhang Yuyan tried shouting aloud once more. Noticing the two didn't react, she finally felt relieved.

Taking a deep breath, she called out with all her strength.

Time passed without notice, and as Chu Chen found his throat dry, he stopped shouting. Having experienced all this, he felt much lighter as if a burden had been lifted, and he eagerly anticipated more of the beautiful scenery.

Zhang Yuyan continued to shout, her voice growing more resounding, until it became hoarse, and tears glistened in her eyes.

In her cries, Chu Chen detected loneliness and sadness.

It seemed as if she harbored many secrets that she was unwilling to mention, these secrets weighed her down. In this opportunity, she found a way to vent, expressing the years of pent-up frustration thoroughly.

After a long time, Zhang Yuyan opened her mouth but discovered she couldn't make any sound, her scorching tears had drenched her clothes.

Only then did she snap out of her gloominess. She quickly wiped away the still-wet tears from her eyes and tidied up her slightly messy attire before turning her gaze toward Chu Chen and Lu Hongfei.

At this moment, Lu Hongfei remained in his prior posture, apparently asleep or pretending.

While Chu Chen sat with his back turned, seemingly in a state of meditation.

Their actions moved Zhang Yuyan deeply, as no one wants to show their vulnerable side to others.

Eventually, Zhang Yuyan calmed her emotions. After taking an elixir pill to heal her throat, she solemnly said, "Thank you."

Chu Chen and the other remained unresponsive, as if they hadn't heard her.

Feeling touched, Zhang Yuyan acted as though nothing had happened; after taking a Star Power Pill, she entered meditation.

Hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Chu Chen emerged from meditation, noticing Lu Hongfei had long since sat up, gazing into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.

Zhang Yuyan remained in meditation; the tear marks around her eyes had vanished as if the recent events had all been a mere dream.

From his Space Belt, Chu Chen took out three portions of lunch. Upon opening the lid, he found the meal still steaming hot, demonstrating the preciousness of Space Equipment with its excellent preservation capabilities.

"Lunchtime," Chu Chen announced loudly.

The other two turned their gaze toward him.

Zhang Yuyan seemingly wanted to say something but was interrupted by Lu Hongfei.

"Put it away quickly."

Startled, Chu Chen didn't understand why Lu Hongfei reacted so anxiously.

Instinctively, he put the food away.

"Why do we need to put the food away?" Chu Chen questioned, puzzled.

Lu Hongfei replied with a serious expression, "Let's leave this place. I'll explain later." With that, the Golden-eyed Fire Eagle flapped its wings rapidly, increasing its speed more than double.

Mere moments later, Chu Chen heard a buzzing sound of wings flapping.

Looking toward the source of the sound, he saw a massive swarm of insect star beasts emerging from the Forest Sea beneath. With just a quick glance, he was astonished; there were tens of thousands of flying insects, and this was only the first wave.

"What is that?" Chu Chen asked, somewhat fearfully.

With a solemn expression, Lu Hongfei replied, "Those are Bursting Flying Locusts."

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