"Perhaps this time is precisely the chance for our clan to escape our imprisonment.
We have been trapped in this Small World for such an exceedingly long time. Very few living beings have ever broken into that underground palace, and none have ever been able to dismantle the Formations within so swiftly.
I believe this is a clear sign. The opportunity for our clan to leave this Small World has arrived. We must attempt it; otherwise, who knows when the next chance will come."
Another elderly man spoke.
"It is true we have been trapped in this Small World for far too long. It is time we seek an opportunity to leave this place.
I agree to activating the altar."
After a moment's silence, yet another elder voiced his agreement.
"Alright then. The majority rules. Let us activate the altar and see what is happening out there!"
Finally, one elder made the decisive call.
The other four elders all nodded.
The five elderly men sat cross-legged before an altar inside the temple. They began chanting an ancient incantation in unison while their hands moved like butterflies threading through flowers, weaving one strange hand seal after another. Finally, they all pointed forward simultaneously.
Boom...
The ancient altar trembled violently, erupting with a dazzling radiance. An aura, seemingly from the primordial chaos of antiquity, was unleashed from the altar.
Simultaneously, as this altar was activated, within the underground palace where Ye Yunfei was located, another ancient altar in a corner also resonated and was activated at the same moment.
"What's happening?"
At that moment, Ye Yunfei was continuously breaking apart the Formations blocking his path, step by step approaching the coffin containing Cai Feng's original body when he noticed the altar in the corner.
"It appears to be a Teleportation Altar, and it's still functional."
Ye Yunfei studied the altar for a moment.
"Ignore it. Focus on retrieving Senior Cai Feng's original body and leaving this place."
Ye Yunfei thought to himself.
Thus, Ye Yunfei resumed his work on dismantling the Formations.
"I sense it now. Indeed, there is a young creature who has broken into that underground palace. It appears to be a young human!"
Soon, one of the elders detected Ye Yunfei within the palace.
"I sense him too!"
The other four elders also nodded.
"Such exquisite skill in Formations! The Formations passed down by our clan are of an extremely high grade and formidable power. Yet, he is dismantling them one after another!"
All five elders exclaimed in amazement.
"Esteemed elders, what do you think? Does this young human have the capability to help our clan escape?"
One of them asked.
"No matter what, we must make an attempt. If we don't grasp this opportunity, who knows when the next one will be.
Moreover, judging by appearances, this young man should have no ties to our enemies. We can safely ask for his help."
Another elder replied.
"Agreed!
Establish contact with this young man. Request his aid in freeing our clan!"
After deliberation, the five elders reached a decision.
By this point, Ye Yunfei was getting closer and closer to the coffin containing Cai Feng's original body.
"Young human, greetings."
Suddenly, a voice sounded.
Ye Yunfei started, his gaze immediately snapping to the Teleportation Altar, as that was precisely where the voice originated.
"May I ask who I am addressing?"
Ye Yunfei asked warily, preparing himself to attack at any moment.
After all, no one knew where this Teleportation Altar connected to, nor what might exist there.
This underground palace was steeped in strangeness from every corner; Ye Yunfei had to be cautious.
"Young man, rest assured, I harbor no ill intentions.
I wish to ask for your help with a matter."
The voice sounded again from within the altar.
"Ask for my help?"
Ye Yunfei found it odd but did not express an opinion.
"Young man, hear me out. This is the situation.
Within this Teleportation Altar, there is a very well-hidden, special sealing mechanism. To undo this special seal, two conditions must be met. First, locate the exact position of the seal. Second, a master-level Formation expert must personally intervene.
Young man, I can tell your skill in Formations is exceptionally high. Therefore, I would ask you to personally assist in dismantling this special seal."
The voice continued.
"Dismantle a special seal within this altar?"
Ye Yunfei's gaze remained fixed on the Teleportation Altar.
"Yes, young man. I believe with your level of mastery in Formations, you can certainly dismantle the special seal within this altar."
The voice affirmed.
"Without reason or cause, why should I help you?"
After a moment's thought, Ye Yunfei asked.
"You..."
The voice faltered momentarily.
"Apologies, but I have no interest."
Ye Yunfei replied coldly and resumed his work on breaking the Formations.
At this point, Ye Yunfei was very close to the coffin containing Cai Feng's original body. He estimated it wouldn't be long before he could retrieve it.
Ye Yunfei had no idea of the speaker's identity nor their strength. How could he possibly help without any reason?
What if some powerful, malevolent entity emerged as a result? That would be nothing but inviting trouble.
At the same time, within the Small World connected to the Teleportation Altar.
In the ancestral temple, the five elders sat cross-legged before the Teleportation Altar. The altar before them emanated waves of golden light.
"This young man seems deeply wary of us."
One of them remarked.
"That is only natural. He does not know who we are, nor does he understand the full situation. Without reason, of course he wouldn't help."
Another elder responded.
"Naturally, he won't help for free. But if we offer a price tempting enough, perhaps we can persuade him."
Yet another elder suggested.
In the underground palace.
"Seniors, good news. There is only one Formation left before I can reach the coffin containing Senior Cai Feng's original body!"
Ye Yunfei relayed the update to Xuanlong Daozhang and Cai Feng.
"Excellent!
Cai Feng, once you recover your original body, you will be revived!
Afterwards, the two of us can be together again, just like in the old days!"
Xuanlong Daozhang was thrilled.
"Pah!
Shameless old codger, who said I would 'be together' with you!"
Cai Feng's face flushed instantly as she retorted angrily.
"Hehe..."
Xuanlong Daozhang didn't dare respond, merely grinning foolishly.
Boom...
Ye Yunfei began dismantling the final Formation.
Drawing on the experience gained from breaking the previous Formations, Ye Yunfei managed to successfully dismantle this last one in approximately half an hour.
In fact, after this extended period of working on the Formations, Ye Yunfei had become rather familiar with the Formations within this underground palace.
"Finally, all those damnable Formations have been broken!"
Both Xuanlong Daozhang and Cai Feng were extremely excited. They simultaneously rushed out from within the Phantom Tower and stood before the golden coffin containing Cai Feng's original body.
Cai Feng flicked her sleeve, opening the lid of the golden coffin. Inside lay a middle-aged woman in palace attire, her complexion rosy as if merely sleeping.
The coffin was also piled high with Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures used to maintain the physical body's energy.
"Young Master Ye, my deepest thanks. Were it not for your assistance, I fear I would never have had the chance to recover this original body."
Cai Feng bowed deeply to Ye Yunfei, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Senior, you honor me beyond my worth."
Ye Yunfei promptly replied.
Cai Feng's figure flickered as she shot into the coffin, merging with her original body.