Whom Are They Paying Homage To

Yi Feng hurriedly found a patch of grass.

As his body found relief, his mood eased slightly.

Just as he was about to stand up, Yi Feng instinctively reached into his robes, only to find nothing there.

In an instant.

His expression froze, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.

He checked both sleeves thoroughly but found nothing. The look of relief on his face stiffened.

"Damn it..."

"I forgot to bring paper!"

He truly hadn’t expected this—right after wishing misfortune on someone else, he’d ended up in the same predicament.

What the hell.

He’d never heard that well-wishes came with a "Seven Injuries Fist" debuff.

Talk about awkward timing.

Still, Yi Feng wasn’t too panicked. With his extensive wilderness survival experience, this was nothing.

Without a second thought, he pulled out a novel from his storage ring. Unfortunately, the pages were small, barely larger than his palm, and he had to tear out several before it was sufficient.

Truly, you never appreciate books until you’re in dire need.

Once finished, Yi Feng stood up, his spirits noticeably lifted.

Feeling much better, he returned with a clearer mind.

"That old sly expert beat me to it this time, and all my effort went to waste. But it’s not all bad. If there’s someone who can one-shot that Butcher Whatever, it means this place isn’t short on experts. That Butcher guy isn’t exactly a rare find."

"Lanxing is truly impressive—there are plenty of top-tier experts here, and opportunities abound!"

"I should figure out a way to gather intel on that mysterious master..."

Muttering to himself as he walked, Yi Feng felt a little more at ease.

Just then, several disciples came running toward him, their faces bright with smiles as they bowed respectfully.

"Elder Yi Feng is here!"

"Elder Yi Feng, where have you been? The other two elders have been searching everywhere for you!"

"Ah, I was just scouting the area to make sure no remnants of the Scarlet Sky Sect were lurking," Yi Feng lied smoothly, then followed the two back.

The disciples didn’t question it, their faces filled with reverence.

When Yi Feng returned,

the two elders and the disciples gathered around him, bowing and seeking his guidance, treating him as their leader with even greater respect than before.

"Elder Yi Feng, now that the Scarlet Sky Sect has been destroyed, should we return?"

"Elder Yi Feng, that expert’s cultivation was extraordinary. This matter is of great importance—we should report it to the sect leader immediately. What are your thoughts?"

Watching the two old men bow, Yi Feng nodded.

His prepared response flowed effortlessly.

"Yes, that expert was indeed formidable. Reporting to the sect leader is urgent!"

"However, since the matter is settled and we’ve accomplished our mission, with no further threat from the Scarlet Sky Sect, there’s no need to rush. Everyone has worked hard these past few days. Why not find a nearby city to drink and relax? Consider it a small celebration for our team."

The moment he said this, the disciples’ eyes lit up with joy.

After spending days together, they had grown to admire Yi Feng deeply. This new elder was not only brave and devoted to the sect but also knew how to reward his subordinates. Who wouldn’t like such a leader?

Instantly, the surrounding disciples buzzed with excitement, their enthusiasm palpable.

The two elders weren’t far behind.

After several twists and turns, their opinion of Yi Feng had improved significantly. Though the idea of celebrating with drinks seemed a bit carefree, the major task was done, and there was no harm in it.

The plump and lean elders led the bowing, and the disciples erupted in cheers.

"We obey Elder Yi Feng’s command!"

"We obey Elder Yi Feng’s command!"

"We obey Elder Yi Feng’s command!"

In the blink of an eye,

Yi Feng, along with the two elders, led the disciples into the clouds. The group radiated joy, and Yi Feng, at the forefront, felt quite pleased with himself.

Soon, he’d let these people go drinking while he slipped away to gather intel on that mysterious expert. If he could find their trail...

Then, he’d just pretend to be a Scarlet Sky Sect disciple.

Heh.

Everything would fall perfectly into place!

A minor setback had instantly sparked a brilliant plan. Everything was going smoothly, and success seemed within reach.

Yi Feng, oh Yi Feng, you’re truly a genius!

The more he thought about it, the more pleased he became, a faint smirk curling his lips.

Beside him, the two elders caught his mood, their eyes brimming with satisfaction at a mission well done.

When they spotted a city below, their spirits soared even higher.

They bowed deeply, their respect multiplying.

"Elder Yi Feng!"

"There’s a city below—it looks prosperous, likely with fine taverns. What do you think?"

Yi Feng waved a hand grandly.

"Good, let’s go there!"

To him, it didn’t matter which city they chose. Whether the taverns were good or not was irrelevant—he wasn’t actually going there to drink.

Seeing Yi Feng so easygoing, the group’s admiration grew.

As Yi Feng descended and landed outside the city, everyone’s faces brightened with anticipation, the celebratory mood setting in.

Just as they were about to enter, Yi Feng pretended to have urgent business and excused himself.

"Everyone, please go ahead and start the celebration. I have something to attend to and will join you shortly!"

The two elders looked puzzled.

Before they could ask, Yi Feng was already soaring into the distance.

Watching his hurried figure vanish into the clouds, they assumed it must be important. Since the major task was complete and Yi Feng had given the order, they didn’t press further.

"If Elder Yi Feng has urgent matters, we’ll proceed into the city first."

Exchanging a glance, the two elders led the disciples toward the gates.

The city gates weren’t as grand as Moon God Pavilion’s mountain entrance, but they were still impressive.

Standing about seven zhang tall, adorned with intricate carvings, they exuded an air of majesty from afar. Guards flanked the entrance, and a steady stream of people flowed in and out, a testament to the city’s prosperity.

After days of hardship, the elders and disciples were exhausted, and the sight brought them instant relief.

The group stepped into the city, their eyes drinking in the sights with delight.

But shortly after entering, a burly man suddenly widened his eyes in shock.

"Holy shit!"

"This! This, this, this!"

The man’s booming voice echoed through the streets!

He never imagined he’d encounter the very group that had haunted his thoughts these past few days.

"Greetings, esteemed seniors!"

"This junior, Fang Hai, had the fortune of witnessing your peerless prowess a few days ago—a sight I’ll never forget! To meet you again today is an immense honor!"

"Seniors, your righteousness knows no bounds! Please accept this humble bow!"

Fang Hai’s thunderous voice and deep bow sent shockwaves through the crowd!

Many cultivators recognized Fang Hai’s reputation and were well aware of recent rumors. Seeing this former disciple of the Ten Thousand Peaks Sect prostrating himself in the street sent their hearts racing!

Nearly everyone knew Fang Hai was one of the few eyewitnesses who had seen the legendary group of experts.

For him to be this excited, addressing them as "seniors" before hundreds—and having met them days ago...

There was only one possibility: the fabled mysterious squad!

Realization struck like lightning.

Hundreds of eyes locked onto the group of thirty-plus figures!

In an instant!

A tidal wave of bows and reverent cries erupted!

"We pay our respects to the esteemed seniors!!!"

"We pay our respects to the esteemed seniors!!!"

"We pay our respects to the esteemed seniors!!!"

In mere moments, a sea of people knelt, their voices shaking the heavens. The sight of countless figures bowing in unison, their collective roar like an army’s charge, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

It was a scene unlike any other.

Even a sect master would hardly receive such grand treatment, right?!

As soon as Elders Wang and Li entered the city gates, they were met with this overwhelming spectacle, leaving them utterly stunned. Behind them, the thirty elite disciples were equally bewildered, their eyes wide with confusion.

A discreet glance backward revealed yet another sea of prostrate figures!

The entire scene fell into silence.

The two elders exchanged suspicious glances, their eyes filled with nothing but sheer astonishment.

"Who are they paying respects to? Surely... it can't be us?"