C16 Chu Yan's Words

Having devoured an entire roasted leg, Chu Yan's eyes remained intently fixed on the remaining meat, a faint green glimmer in his gaze that left Zhao Ji and Feng Ru inwardly startled.

"It's all yours. Go ahead and eat. Once you're done, we need to talk," Zhao Ji said, pausing briefly before speaking.

"Thanks!" Chu Yan rasped, nodding at them before lunging at the meat.

His hunger was overwhelming, a level of starvation beyond words.

Clutching a chunk of meat larger than himself, Chu Yan took a ferocious bite. As the hot fat burst into rich aromas on his tongue, a line of text flashed through his mind: The Great Art of Whale-Swallowing Spirit!

Instantly, Chu Yan felt his stomach's movements and digestive power surge, increasing tenfold. His belly made noises like leather being rubbed together, with a thunderous rumbling from within.

"That's it! While I was unconscious, I must have inadvertently entered the fourth level of the Return to the Ruins Tower and learned the Great Art of Whale-Swallowing Spirit Hunting. My body is now in the exact state described in the technique, with every function pushed to its limits—this is the perfect time for nourishment!"

With this realization, Chu Yan hesitated no more. His mouth opened wide, revealing a row of sharp white teeth, and he crunched down on the succulent, charred beast, bones and all.

As he swallowed the flesh, Chu Yan could distinctly feel his stomach's thunderous rumbling and vigorous churning. In a flash, the meat and bones were completely digested.

Simultaneously, a warm surge flowed from his stomach, radiating out to his organs and spreading to every muscle, tendon, and bone in his body.

In that moment, Chu Yan felt a wave of heat envelop him, filling him with strength, as every bit of flesh and blood in his body erupted in jubilant cheers.

The deficits and fatigue from his previous severe injuries were replenished and swept away in an instant.

Watching Chu Yan voraciously consume the roast meat, Zhao Ji and Feng Ru exchanged a glance, both seeing the same mix of shock and awe in each other's eyes.

Could this young man actually be the reincarnation of a ravenous spirit?

Zhao Ji had intended for the wild beast to serve as a week's worth of provisions, yet in mere moments, Chu Yan had devoured more than half of it.

And it seemed he was far from full; his stomach appeared to be an insatiable abyss.

Watching Chu Yan swiftly crunch the remaining bones and swallow them, Zhao Ji couldn't help but gulp, tossing his bag of rations to Chu Yan while dryly instructing Feng Ru, "Go find some more food for him."

Feng Ru paused, then snapped back to reality and hurried off into the distance.

Luckily, both men were seasoned in wilderness survival. They had chosen a spot near a lake and mountains, making hunting a breeze.

Before long, Feng Ru was back, hauling a fish as big as a door and clutching an unidentified wild animal in his other hand.

Chu Yan was busily devouring the rations Zhao Ji had thrown to him, seemingly relishing every bite, too engrossed to notice his surroundings. But in truth, after his initial bout of extreme hunger, his voracious eating was more of a ruse.

In fact, he was discreetly studying Zhao Ji and Feng Ru.

Chu Yan had discerned from Feng Ru's earlier actions that his level was likely the fourth stage of the Genuine Force realm. As for Zhao Ji, who had yet to act but commanded Feng Ru, his level was undoubtedly higher.

Chu Yan, having been unconscious, was unaware of the events following Xiao Pei's abduction. However, he was now certain that these two men had rescued him.

Given their formidable abilities, they must have had a reason for saving him; they wouldn't be so accommodating otherwise.

Yet, Chu Yan was still in the dark about their true intentions.

As he continued to eat ravenously, Chu Yan's mind raced, piecing together fragmented memories.

Despite his semi-conscious state from the injuries, his efforts were paying off, and images were slowly clarifying in his mind.

"The two women who claimed to be from Sunset Valley seemed to have thoroughly cleaned the scene, leaving nothing behind that could help us identify them," Chu Yan pondered, quickly formulating a plan.

With a strategy in mind, Chu Yan refocused on his meal. The wild beast he had previously consumed had hardly satisfied his hunger. Now, as he practiced the Art of Swallowing Whale's Spirit, he felt a surge in vitality. Given the continuous supply of food from his companions, Chu Yan indulged without restraint, welcoming each morsel with an open mouth and a voracious appetite.

In the presence of Zhao Ji and Feng Ru's astonished stares, Chu Yan proceeded to devour an amount of food four to five times greater than before. It was only after several trips by Feng Ru to fetch more that Chu Yan finally paused, contented.

Chu Yan could now sense the vigorous digestion of his meal, transforming into a warm energy that infused his limbs and bones. His strength was fully restored, his body more refined, his blood richer, and his breaths deeper.

Despite remaining at the Third Stage of Genuine Force, Chu Yan was confident that if he were to face an adversary at the Fourth Stage of Soul Stealing again, he wouldn't allow them the slightest chance to use a True Essence Talisman.

Taking a deep breath, Chu Yan leapt to his feet and bowed respectfully to Zhao Ji and Feng Ru. "Thank you both for your timely rescue. I am deeply grateful and will never forget this kindness."

He deliberately refrained from mentioning any repayment, hoping they would reveal their intentions first.

Zhao Ji's gaze flickered but he remained silent. Feng Ru, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Young man, we have yet to learn your name. What brought you to such a state?"

"Seniors, my name is Chu Yan," he responded.

"Chu Yan?" As soon as Chu Yan revealed his name, Zhao Ji and Feng Ru's expressions shifted dramatically.

"Which Yan? The 'serious' Yan?" Zhao Ji's eyes narrowed as he demanded with intensity.

Sensing the other party's murderous aura, Chu Yan felt a chill in his heart. He tensed his body covertly, maintaining his composure as he clarified, "No, it's Yan as in speech."

"Ah, that Yan," Zhao Ji said, his tension dissipating in an instant. His body relaxed, and he shared a knowing look with Feng Ru, a wry smile creeping onto his face. He realized he might have been a bit too on edge.

Chu Yan's eyes flickered subtly, and with an air of casual inquiry, he asked, "Esteemed seniors, if I may, what is my connection to the Chu Yan you speak of?"