What a Pity, He's Just a Rookie

Witnessing a streak of light darting across the starry sky, Zhong Limeng and the others frowned in astonishment.

They had to fully extend their divine senses to barely catch a glimpse.

That streak of light—was actually a person?

And he was riding a damn snail!

"This!"

"Am I seeing things? How can a snail be so terrifyingly fast?"

"You're not alone..."

"Whoever this exalted being is, it’s truly eye-opening!"

"Tsk!"

Gasps of amazement erupted.

The people aboard the flying vessel widened their eyes, their faces filled with shock and reverence.

Even if it was just a fleeting encounter, they could guess that anyone capable of riding a bizarre snail through the cosmos must possess terrifying cultivation.

Most likely, a Heaven-tier expert!

While most could speculate, Zhong Limeng’s clear eyes shimmered with admiration.

She immediately stepped forward and bowed toward the streak of light.

Her voice carried across the distance, brimming with respect.

"Greetings, esteemed one."

This gesture instantly drew everyone’s attention.

While marveling at Zhong Limeng’s discernment, they followed suit and bowed in unison.

Ahead to the left in the starry expanse.

Yi Feng was leisurely riding Manman when he suddenly heard a few greetings.

Following the sound, he glanced into the distance.

Only then did he notice the figures at the bow of the flying vessel—what appeared to be a group of extraterrestrials.

This was the perfect opportunity to gather some information, maybe even ask for directions.

Yi Feng’s interest piqued, and he steered Manman closer.

Boarding the vessel, Yi Feng recalled Manman and clasped his fists in polite greeting.

"Greetings, everyone."

Dressed in plain robes with refined features, his demeanor was cultured yet approachable.

At first glance, coupled with the extraordinary snail, Zhong Limeng and the others couldn’t help but feel anticipation, as if they had encountered an unassuming master whose every move exuded profound mystery.

Zhong Limeng stepped forward, her tone deferential.

"Greetings, esteemed one."

"This humble one is Zhong Limeng, of the Cangyun Heavenly Palace."

"Might I inquire as to your origins?"

The question sounded ordinary, but it carried weight.

Those who traversed the stars had to have reached a certain level of cultivation, and even if they had never met, their home planets were often well-known.

In this star system, powerful planets were few.

Knowing one’s origin could almost determine their approximate cultivation level—or at least provide a reasonable guess.

The Cangyun Heavenly Palace was a renowned faction, and anyone who heard of it would immediately recognize its connection to Lanxing.

Yi Feng nodded slightly.

Being new to the cosmos, he lacked much knowledge and didn’t overthink it.

Seeing her introduce herself, he responded candidly.

"Greetings, Miss Zhong Limeng. I am Yi Feng, from Yunxing."

Yunxing?

The moment the words left his mouth, the crowd was stunned.

Even Zhong Limeng’s eyes flickered with surprise.

Yunxing wasn’t well-known, and she had only heard of it due to its proximity to Lanxing—one of the few isolated planets, backward to an extreme degree.

In the entire star system, such a desolate planet, sealed off for a hundred thousand years, was exceedingly rare.

Never had they imagined Yi Feng hailed from Yunxing.

Yet, this also left them somewhat disappointed, their enthusiasm waning.

Given Yunxing’s limitations, Yi Feng’s strength likely wouldn’t bring any pleasant surprises.

Though the anticipation in Zhong Limeng’s eyes dimmed, she didn’t look down on him. Instead, she probed further.

"So it’s Young Master Yi. Might I ask where you’re headed?"

Being new to the cosmos, Yi Feng wasn’t naive.

He knew that traveling to Lanxing required formalities, and sneaking in could spell trouble.

If he were mistaken for a stowaway, his plans would be ruined.

With a shrug, he fabricated an answer.

"I’m not sure yet. Just wandering around for now."

His smile and movements were slightly awkward, his eyes tinged with helplessness.

He looked every bit the rookie, lost and curious about everything.

Seeing this expression, Zhong Limeng was reminded of her younger self.

Back then, when she first ventured into the cosmos under the guidance of her elders, she had been just as lost—naive, full of goodwill, and brimming with youthful energy.

Now, she stood on her own.

From a green girl, she had become the renowned senior disciple of the Heavenly Palace.

Meeting this inexperienced traveler from Yunxing, she felt a surge of kindness.

"In that case, since Young Master Yi has no set destination, why not travel with us for a while?"

Yi Feng nodded.

"Sure."

Riding a snail alone was both boring and unreliable. Even with speed, gathering intel was crucial to finding powerful beings.

Everything had to serve his main goal—he couldn’t just wander aimlessly.

After some small talk, the group settled in a cabin aboard the vessel.

Zhong Limeng personally poured tea, her courtesy impeccable.

Even after learning of Yi Feng’s origins, she didn’t treat him coldly.

A few cups later, they grew more familiar.

Zhong Limeng smiled, a trace of hopeful expectation in her eyes.

"Young Master Yi, might I ask what realm your cultivation has reached?"

Again with the cultivation question?

Even Yi Feng himself was unclear.

Scratching his head awkwardly, he gave a rough estimate.

"Well, I’m probably a Sage—a pretty advanced one. So far, I haven’t met anyone stronger than me!"

He spoke honestly, doing his best to convey what he knew.

Hearing this, though they had already guessed Yi Feng’s limitations due to Yunxing, Zhong Limeng couldn’t help but feel another pang of disappointment.

She had hoped to meet an expert, but it turned out he really was a novice.

If only he were a Heaven-tier expert.

If he were, she could have enlisted his help for their mission to Shuihanxing. Even in a confrontation with Fu Haotian, they’d have more confidence.

Alas, reality was rarely so accommodating.

Heaven-tier experts were one in a million—how could they be stumbled upon so easily?

Though disheartened, Zhong Limeng didn’t let it show.

She continued serving tea, fulfilling her role as host with grace and dignity.

With tea and fruits, the journey passed pleasantly.

After traveling for some time, the vessel descended upon Shuihanxing.

Zhong Limeng turned to Yi Feng with a polite smile.

"Young Master Yi, we have urgent matters to attend to and can no longer accompany you. Please forgive us."

Seeing her sudden seriousness, Yi Feng was puzzled.

Before he could ask, the others also stood, their expressions solemn as they followed Zhong Limeng outside, as if bracing for something significant.

Yi Feng considered leaving—after all, they had already bid farewell.

But having enjoyed their hospitality, he felt obliged.

Noticing the tense atmosphere, he curiously followed.

What he saw was a planet frozen for thousands of miles.

As far as the eye could see, there was only endless ice.

The sudden expanse of white stung his eyes.

A world of silver sculptures covered the land, leaving no other color but bitter cold. It was breathtakingly beautiful, yet the chill was palpable.

Exhaling visible breaths, the group gazed solemnly into the distance.

Seeing their demeanor, Yi Feng couldn’t help but approach.

"What is this place? Are you facing some difficulty? If you need help, just say the word."

Hearing this, they turned to him, their eyes filled with appreciation.

This young man, though not highly skilled in cultivation, was quite righteous.

Zhong Limeng smiled and nodded in gratitude, offering a gentle warning.

"Yi Feng, we have urgent matters to attend to. You may leave first or wait on the airship. When we return, we can travel together again."

Her tone carried a serious weight, making Yi Feng frown.

"What exactly are you planning to do? It doesn’t sound very promising."

After his repeated enthusiastic inquiries, Zhong Limeng finally relented.

"Demon slaying."

"This journey is perilous, so we wouldn’t want to trouble you with such risks."

Yi Feng’s eyes suddenly lit up!

His earlier tension was instantly replaced by excitement.

Well, well.

Just when he was searching high and low, the answer fell right into his lap!

He had been contemplating a trip to Lanxing to witness the prowess of experts, and now he stumbled upon a group preparing to slay demons—and with such solemnity, it had to be exceptionally dangerous.

With an opportunity like this, why bother heading to unfamiliar lands like Lanxing?

Yi Feng clapped his hands in exhilaration.

"Hah!"

"Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’ve been hunting demons all over the place myself. Let’s go together!"