This Is an Illusion

Wei Donghai's eyes widened in shock, freezing him in place.

Senior Yi Feng had clearly departed with the three extraterrestrial visitors days ago, likely traversing billions of miles by now—perhaps even crossing half of Cloud Star.

Yet here he was, appearing in the village?

How was this possible?!

Wei Donghai's disbelief was palpable, his eyes bulging like copper bells. He hastily rubbed them, then looked again.

Sure enough, Yi Feng stood calmly before the gate!

The sight left Wei Donghai utterly awestruck.

To return so effortlessly from billions of miles away, looking completely at ease—it meant he hadn’t even exerted his full power.

Such mastery of cultivation and movement defied all logic.

Not even the entirety of Cloud Star had ever witnessed such a being!

Could Senior Yi Feng’s realm truly be…

Gah!

The mere thought struck Wei Donghai dumb with terror.

If this were true…

To have crossed paths with Yi Feng wasn’t just a stroke of fortune—it was an unparalleled honor!

Overwhelmed by this staggering realization, Wei Donghai’s mind went blank. He sprinted back to the courtyard in a frenzy, shouting without a care for decorum.

"Senior Brother! Senior Brother!"

"Senior Yi Feng—he’s back! I saw him with my own eyes!"

Despite having advanced to the rank of a high-tier Saint, Wei Donghai abandoned all dignity, barging into the courtyard like a headless chicken, his words stumbling over themselves.

Fortunately, Zui Wuya had just emerged from seclusion and was meditating—otherwise, the sudden outburst might have triggered a qi deviation.

Hearing the commotion, Zui Wuya stepped outside to find his junior brother in a state of frantic disarray, devoid of any Saintly composure.

His disapproval grew with every glance, and he coldly reprimanded him.

"Enough of this nonsense!"

"How many times must I remind you? With greater cultivation comes the need for greater poise and perspective. This undignified behavior is unacceptable!"

Seeing his senior brother’s skepticism, Wei Donghai nearly wept in frustration.

"Senior Brother!"

"I—I really saw Senior Yi Feng! He was right outside Fu Nantian’s gate! If you don’t believe me, come and pay your respects with me!"

Zui Wuya’s expression darkened, but he grudgingly agreed.

"Fine. Let’s go see for ourselves."

The two elders hurried out, making a beeline for Fu Nantian’s courtyard.

Meanwhile, a streak of light "whooshed" past the village outskirts.

By the time the duo arrived, the scene was perfectly ordinary.

Not a soul in sight—even the gate was firmly shut.

Zui Wuya’s face turned stormier as he wheeled on his junior.

"Well? Where is he?"

"You claimed Senior Yi had returned, yet there’s no one here!"

Wei Donghai gaped, scanning the area repeatedly. No trace of anyone. It was as if no one had ever returned.

But the memory was vivid. He insisted,

"This…"

"But I truly saw him! He was standing right here!"

For emphasis, he pointed at the ground by the gate, his frustration and stubbornness making the claim seem almost believable.

Zui Wuya sighed at his junior’s desperate defense.

"Ah."

"Junior Brother, I know you’re earnest and wish to repay Senior Yi Feng. But with so many prying eyes and those extraterrestrials around, we couldn’t openly discuss his matters—only repay him discreetly."

"Lately, you’ve been so preoccupied that you’re seeing things. It’s just an illusion."

Though the words were kindly meant, Wei Donghai only grew more indignant.

He wasn’t a fool. He knew what to say and do—did his senior brother really think he needed guidance on gratitude? The "illusion" explanation made his face burn with humiliation.

Gritting his teeth, the old man snapped back.

"Senior Brother!"

"Enough! I’m a high-tier Saint now—do you still see me as some clueless novice? Saints don’t have damn illusions!"

Zui Wuya blinked, then chuckled wryly.

"Heh."

"You’re still too young."

"Being a Saint doesn’t change human nature. ‘Longing breeds visions in the day, dreams at night.’ Your fixation on Senior Yi is understandable, but it’s warping your perception."

Wei Donghai faltered, rubbing his eyes again.

"No way… I really saw Senior Yi Feng…"

Yet when he looked around, the village was empty.

Only he and his senior brother had returned early. The silence was undeniable.

Doubt crept in, leaving him adrift.

Seeing his junior’s lingering delusion, Zui Wuya frowned.

"You’ve been acting strange lately—first claiming to see Senior Yi, then sneaking around to leave him treasures. Are you possessed?"

"Or did the Dao energy you absorbed go awry? Are you suffering a qi deviation?"

Panicked at the near-exposure of their secret gift rivalry, Wei Donghai hastily deflected.

"Who—who’s deviating?!"

"You’re the one losing your mind! I’m just thinking of repaying Senior Yi Feng! And don’t act so high and mighty—you’ve been hoarding treasures too!"

"That precious box you’ve kept hidden for years—were you planning to outdo me when he returned?"

The blunt accusation made Zui Wuya bristle.

"Junior Brother! How dare you judge my integrity by your own pettiness!"

"As your senior, would I ever compete with you? Your words cut deeper than any blade!"

Within moments, the two rivals were locked in a heated squabble.

Soon, "Senior Brother" and "Junior Brother" devolved into "you old fool," turning the village upside down.

...

The Endless Black Domain.

The flying vessel pressed deeper into the murk, its speed slightly reduced.

A man opened his eyes, displeased.

"That brat sneaked off the ship. Reckless fool. To avoid delays, should I retrieve him?"

A woman meditating ahead replied without opening her eyes, her voice icy.

"Unnecessary."

"The fog here is too dense. With his cultivation, he won’t get far."

"If he has any sense—and doesn’t seek death—he’ll return soon enough."

The man bowed respectfully.

"Your wisdom prevails, my lady."

"We’re deep in the Black Domain now, surrounded by oppressive fog. Even I feel its weight."

"That half-Saint wouldn’t dare wander far."

Another added smugly,

"Indeed. Straying from us would be suicide. Weak as he is, he’s not that stupid."

After this brief exchange, the trio resumed their meditation.

True to their prediction, within moments, Yi Feng reappeared at the ship’s edge. The outcome was so expected that they dismissed him entirely.

To them, a mere half-Saint like Yi Feng wasn’t worth their attention. Everything was under control.