Jian Feng shook his head, "God Catchers? I've heard tales of your deeds. While you may not be outright wicked, you're no different from them. Your reputation is too poor to expect me to associate with you. Don't even think about it!"
Cui Bai still wanted to say something, but Jian Feng directly ordered, "Get out."
Ming Zhi Tian now saw clearly that Jian Feng was at the ninth level of the Great Perfect Great Wheel King realm. With his cultivation, he could easily deal with those in the second level of the Floating Void realm, let alone the two insignificant ants before them.
This also made them understand why the God Catcher had entrusted such an important mission to them. Firstly, Shocking Swan Sword was an exceptionally rare talent, and secondly, it was of pivotal importance for their experience.
Cui Bai shook his head helplessly, "Since Senior has asked us to leave, there's no point in pestering him further. Let's go back and report."
"Wait." Ming Zhi Tian didn't want to leave. "The God Catcher has shown me kindness. This is the first time he has entrusted me with a heavy responsibility; I cannot fail him."
Cui Bai said, "Are you crazy? If he wanted to kill us, we wouldn't be able to withstand it. If you want to die, don't drag me down."
Ming Zhi Tian replied, "Why do you think that way? Can't you consider how we might recruit him into our God Catcher clan?"
Cui Bai said, "Easier said than done, that requires sacrificing lives. You go, I won't."
Ming Zhi Tian ignored him and turned to Jian Feng, "Senior Jian Feng, we desperately need your help. The God Catchers are only what you see on the surface. Don't mistake our constant pursuit of gods for anything sinister; each of us wishes to cease war and yearn for peace and development!"
Jian Feng said, "Spare me these grand pronouncements. Whether the gods you capture in secret are for so-called justice or for unspeakable deeds, no one knows. Resentment has festered, and you still have the gall to speak of peace? Truly, words spoken in vain."
Cui Bai felt a pang of guilt, "Let's go, let's go. Are we not embarrassed enough?"
Ming Zhi Tian, however, showed no intention of leaving. "Since I've come, I intend to stay. Until he joins us, I will continue to implore him, until he joins."
Jian Feng snorted, "You want to play a war of attrition with me? Do you think I'll give you this opportunity?"
Ming Zhi Tian said, "No, I think you've retired here because you fear the world's conflicts outside."
"Hmm?" Jian Feng seemed to have been struck at his core. "What did you say?"
Seeing his words had hit home, Ming Zhi Tian continued, "I said, ten years to forge a sword. You haven't reappeared for so long, and the world has likely forgotten someone like you. It seems you truly fear it, that your title as the Shocking Swan Sword is merely a false reputation."
"Zhi Tian!" Cui Bai wanted to stop him, but Jian Feng was already enraged.
"Little fellow, say that again?"
Ming Zhi Tian said, "What? Did I hit a nerve? Enraged, are you going to attack me, a junior?"
Jian Feng said, "No one has ever dared to challenge my authority in front of me. You are the first, and you will be the last."
Ming Zhi Tian said, "So, does this mean you are coming out of retirement?"
Jian Feng said, "To avoid gossip, I must come out of retirement, but only if you can withstand my three strikes."
Seeing a way to de-escalate, Cui Bai volunteered, "I'll take your three strikes."
Jian Feng waved his hand, "You're not capable. Your words require six strikes; he, three."
Cui Bai was at the first level of the Lesser Accomplishment Great Wheel King realm, so withstanding six strikes was plausible. However, Cui Bai chickened out. He knew all too well the power of the Shocking Swan Sword; six strikes would surely be his end.