Intrigued, Chen Feng paused, realizing whatever could make a Prince beg so humbly must be something significant. "Tell me about it!"

The words were intentionally vague. If the matter proved too difficult, he could simply decline, having made no prior commitment. If it were manageable, agreeing wouldn't hurt; his current objective was self-improvement and gaining experience.

Austin hesitated before speaking, instead retrieving a fingernail-sized piece of yellow crystal from his cloak. It was translucent, glittering like a diamond, and Chen Feng was instantly captivated.

But its beauty wasn't the main draw; what truly held his attention was the profound surge of magical energy emanating from the yellow stone.

"A Citrine Mana Crystal?" The term flashed immediately in Chen Feng's mind.

Citrine Mana Crystals were among the world's most precious repositories of magic, high-grade ones storing magical power far surpassing that of advanced Demon Cores. Chen Feng couldn't gauge if this was low, mid, or high grade, but he knew it was undeniably valuable.

"This is a mid-grade Citrine Mana Crystal, a small gift from your junior to you, Senior!" Austin said, quickly offering it while stealing glances at Chen Feng's reaction.

Citrine Mana Crystals, hailed as the most potent and rarest of magic-storing stones, held immeasurable worth. Austin knew Chen Feng hailed from "that place"—a place renowned for its wealth, yet finding even one such crystal there would be impossible!

Despite this, when faced with the offering, Chen Feng's expression remained utterly unmoved, as if examining a common pebble.

A wave of defeat washed over Austin, and his resolve wavered.

He had never encountered such steadfast composure as that displayed by this Kusagi. Austin prided himself on his own calmness under pressure, yet when he first saw the crystal, he’d nearly lost control, marveling and shouting for long moments. But this Kusagi showed nothing—such serenity could only be described as terrifying.

If Austin knew that Chen Feng’s composure stemmed from sheer ignorance of the crystal's true value, the Prince would likely collapse on the spot.

Behind Chen Feng, the little tiger instinctively recognized the stone's worth and thought wildly, Boss, take it! That’s a treasure! Incredibly rare!

Chen Feng silently projected into the tiger’s mind: How rare?

The little tiger quickly replied, If I could trade that Citrine Mana Crystal for the Heavenly Dragon Solar Fruit, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Hearing this, Chen Feng instantly grasped the full significance of the stone in Austin’s hand. The rarity of the Heavenly Dragon Solar Fruit needed no further explanation; for this crystal to be considered its equal proved its immense worth.

Having understood, Chen Feng started to reach out, but then paused, realizing that such generosity implied the request would be anything but simple. He asked, "Tell me what this is about."

Austin urged, "Please, Senior, accept it first!"

Chen Feng knew accepting the crystal meant he’d be cornered later. With a cold snort, he commanded, "Speak."

Austin shivered slightly, as if steeling himself for a painful confession. "Does Senior know why I, Prince Austin of the Finlay Empire, would risk coming to Dragon’s Map Mountain with only a few guards whose cultivation barely scrapes the Dou Shi level?"

Austin continued, "According to the intelligence I gathered, anyone residing here who originates from 'that place' would be qualified enough to make me kneel."

Chen Feng, naturally unaware of Austin’s internal machinations, processed the full situation. After a moment’s consideration, he decided to go along. He had nowhere else pressing to be, and accompanying them to the Qilin’s dwelling might prove an interesting experience anyway.

ps: It seems the New Book Chart ranking has slipped again. Brothers and sisters, please cast your recommendation votes for Old Ya... More excitement in tomorrow’s chapter... Please be patient... Hehe!