Black Island.
At the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion, towering halls and pavilions vanished amidst the clouds. In the most opulent chamber deep within, two figures sat sipping tea, their conversation exuding an air of refined leisure.
A woman in an embroidered long skirt gently pushed a teacup forward with her jade-like hand.
"The trial period is about to end, and everything will soon be settled."
Her soft voice carried an unshakable confidence, her flawless beauty radiating an innate nobility in every movent.
As the eldest daughter of the Treasure Pavilion, Lu Shuyao had been born into supre privilege, her status nearly unmatched. Despite her youth, she already commanded the awe-inspiring presence of a ruler.
Across from her, Pei Songhe—despite his Sixth Grade cultivation—could only offer an ingratiating smile as he accepted the teacup.
"The outco of this trial has long been decided. The Treasure Pavilion will undoubtedly fall under your control, Young Mistress. Allow to offer my congratulations in advance."
Lu Shuyao gave a slight nod.
"Your kind words are appreciated, Elder Pei."
"Though it’s a pity my younger sister refuses to accept defeat. Even after being sent to Sunlight Island, she still harbors ambitions of competing. Now that she’s returning, I doubt she’ll let things go quietly."
The implication in her words was clear. Pei Songhe quickly clasped his hands and chuckled.
"You are too modest, Young Mistress."
"Lu Xinlan’s performance in Sunlight Island’s auctions could never compare to yours. As for her connections with guest elders? Even less worth ntioning."
"Could a remote island like that possibly recruit anyone of significance?"
"If you’re concerned, I’d be happy to go and advise her personally. I’m sure she’ll co to understand the situation."
Lu Shuyao smiled faintly, feigning hesitation.
"Elder Pei, you would truly go to such lengths for ?"
"With your cultivation at the Sixth Grade of the Heavenly Tier, sending you on such an errand seems… beneath you. I’d feel guilty imposing such a trivial task."
Pei Songhe waved his hand, his grin widening.
"Hah!"
"You flatter , Young Mistress. For soone of my ager strength, the honor of serving you is reward enough."
His flattery flowed effortlessly.
Finally, Lu Shuyao nodded in approval.
"Then I’ll trouble you with this, Elder Pei. If my sister proves… unpersuadable, a little ‘reminder’ wouldn’t be out of place."
As she spoke, her delicate finger tapped lightly on the table.
A stream of light coalesced before them, revealing an intricately carved brocade box. Even unopened, an intoxicating fragrance filled the room, surpassing even the aroma of their tea.
"This is a five-thousand-year-old East Sea Enlightennt Tea. Please accept it, Elder Pei. Your loyalty over the years hasn’t gone unnoticed. With you handling this matter personally, I trust you won’t disappoint ?"
Whoosh!
Pei Songhe’s eyes lit up with delight as he rose and bowed deeply.
"Many thanks for your generous gift, Young Mistress! I swear not to fail you!"
By the ti he straightened, the peerless beauty across from him had already vanished.
Cradling the precious box with reverence, Pei Songhe’s excitent was palpable.
Five-thousand-year-old East Sea Enlightennt Tea—just a sip could grant profound insights into the Dao. Even in Black Island, only the most elite had the privilege of tasting such a treasure.
And here he was, receiving it for a re errand. If word got out, countless old monsters would burn with envy.
Choosing to align with the Young Mistress had been the right decision!
What did pride matter when rewards like this were at stake?
So what if he was being used to teach Lu Xinlan a lesson?
The dignity of a Sixth Grade cultivator? Worthless compared to tangible benefits.
If he handled this flawlessly, once Lu Shuyao took control of the Treasure Pavilion, even greater opportunities would co his way.
Dealing with a few backwater nobodies?
Child’s play.
He could crush them with two fingers!
The more he thought, the more his confidence swelled.
Tucking the box away, Pei Songhe soared into the sky with an air of arrogance, vanishing into the void.
……
A million miles away.
A flying vessel cut through the ocean winds, gliding past clouds and islands.
Beneath them, the sea stretched endlessly, dotted with landmasses flashing by in a blur of scenic beauty. Seated comfortably aboard the vessel, Yi Feng sipped tea and chatted with his companions, listening to their tales of distant islands with relaxed amusent.
As another pot of tea ran dry, Sa Donglai—ever attentive—promptly produced his personal stash.
"This humble elder has so tea to share. A light brew, but refreshing. Would you care to try, Sir?"
Yi Feng clasped his hands in polite acknowledgnt.
"My thanks, Island Master Sa. Later, I’ll cook a few fish to go with it."
Watching Sa Donglai banter so effortlessly with Yi Feng, Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei ground their teeth in frustration.
Damn it!
That old fox had beaten them to it again!
Fury aside, one whiff told them Sa Donglai’s offering was East Sea Enlightennt Tea—its rich aroma suggesting an age of at least ten thousand years…
They had nothing comparable.
No opportunity seized, no treasures to compete.
All they could do was sigh in resignation.
After exchanging a few pointed glances, they scrambled to brainstorm what they could contribute when the fish was served.
The three n’s silent rivalry was relentless—every glance packed with unspoken sches.
To outsiders, the dynamics were impenetrable.
Even Lu Xinlan felt sowhat outmatched.
Resigned, she settled for quietly assisting Yi Feng, ready to pour tea at a mont’s notice.
As for the once-renowned Chen Jiudao? The sheer intensity of the competition had left him numb. Seeing even the chance to serve water snatched away, he could only stand by, hands tucked in his sleeves, looking utterly dejected…
Just as the group busied themselves with tea, the sky ahead suddenly split apart!
BOOM!!!
A deafening explosion tore through the clouds, sending shockwaves rippling for thousands of miles—even the ocean below churned with towering waves!
Yi Feng and the others looked up.
From the rift erged a man with a three-foot-long beard and silver-streaked hair.
Hands clasped behind his back, he stood mid-air, exuding an aura of invincibility.
His cold eyes swept over them like a god surveying ants.
The crushing pressure of his presence forced everyone to their feet, faces pale.
Lu Xinlan swiftly ford hand seals, halting the flying vessel mid-air. An invisible barrier seed to form before them, making further advance impossible.
Observing the immobilized vessel, Pei Songhe’s gaze remained indifferent—until it landed on Lu Xinlan.
Then, he spoke, his voice resonating with authority.
"I am Pei Songhe, guest elder under Lady Lu!"
The declaration sent a chill down Lu Xinlan’s spine.
"So it’s my elder sister’s doing. She doesn’t want to return, which is why she sent soone of this caliber!"
Sa Donglai’s expression tightened.
"An agent of Lady Lu Shuyao?"
"No wonder his cultivation is so profound. Even I can’t gauge his depth—he must be at least late-stage Sixth Grade, possibly even Seventh!"
"Even if we joined forces, we’d stand no chance…"
The whispered realization froze the group in place.
For a guest elder to be a Sixth or Seventh Grade expert—just how terrifying were Black Island’s top factions?
Such legendary figures were rarely encountered. Though their own strength had grown, the gap was insurmountable. A single glance made them keenly aware of their inferiority.
The standoff was suffocating.
Yet Yi Feng’s eyes glead with interest.
Trouble?
And from a potential Sixth or Seventh Grade expert?
This level of opponent might not guarantee his death, but it was rare enough to be worth a try!
Studying the man’s domineering posture—the very picture of invincibility—Yi Feng’s anticipation grew.
Slowly, he rose to his feet.
"If there's an expert here, then I must see for myself."
The calm voice resonated, instantly drawing excited glances from the crowd!
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