The Big Shot Arrives

Half a month had passed in the blink of an eye.

Dark Shadow Island.

The outskirts of the city.

The bustling construction site was slightly understaffed compared to usual. A few injured workers lounged in the shade of a tree, chatting and laughing. During lunch break, the sudden absence of the usually diligent Xiong Fen and his son became the target of good-natured teasing.

"Big Roll, Little Roll, has the sun risen from the west? You two actually stopped grinding?"

"No kidding, what’s gotten into you?"

"Wow, am I seeing things?"

"Hahaha…"

Faced with the laughter of his coworkers, Xiong Fen’s face flushed red with embarrassment.

"Everyone," he began, "my son and I may have been a bit too diligent in the past, but with the Squad Leader still recovering from his injuries, who has the heart to work?"

A sigh escaped him.

At his words, the smiles faded from the group, replaced by a somber atmosphere that hung heavily in the air.

It had been over half a month since their return from the Water Cold Star. While most of the injuries had already healed, and the rest were nearly recovered, the Squad Leader had yet to reappear after days of rest.

The thought of their Squad Leader suffering from soul damage weighed heavily on the minds of the dozens present.

"Ah, I wonder how the Squad Leader is doing."

"He’ll be fine! Dark Shadow Island is full of treasures, and he took the elixir Lord Xiao gave him. He’ll definitely recover!"

"Soul damage is no small matter…"

"The Squad Leader may seem harsh, but he’s got a good heart!"

"What do you mean ‘harsh but good’? If you can’t speak properly, keep quiet! The Squad Leader is all bark and no bite!"

"Exactly. Fearless in the face of death, loyal and righteous—he’s a true role model for all of us!"

As the group spoke with heartfelt emotion, a light chuckle came from the distance.

"Oh? Quite the poetic words. Didn’t expect you roughnecks to have such eloquence. Truly impressive—like farting under the covers, both audible and containable."

Xiong Fen and the others flushed with embarrassment at the teasing.

But when they realized whose voice it was—

Every single one of them froze, then sprang to their feet and turned around.

There stood the Squad Leader, hands clasped behind his back, strolling leisurely toward them with an uncharacteristic smile. His demeanor was even more striking than before!

Instantly, the group rushed forward in excitement, their voices erupting in joyous greetings.

After a lively exchange, the Squad Leader’s eyes softened with emotion.

"Though we suffered injuries this time, we didn’t disgrace Dark Shadow Island. Everyone performed admirably. Brigade Leader and Lord Xiao have praised us—consider this a blessing in disguise!"

The group grew even more animated, pride and gratitude shining on their faces.

Then, the Squad Leader turned to Xiong Fen and his son.

Seeing their lingering guilt, he reassured them.

"You two have no reason to blame yourselves!"

"You risked your lives to track down the demonic corpses for the sake of Dark Shadow Island’s cause. Even in dire straits, you never wavered. Your loyalty and courage are undeniable!"

"Now that you’ve recovered, continue your search for the demonic corpses. Given your performance, the Brigade Leader has taken note of your wish to bring your relatives here. He holds high expectations for you."

"Do not disappoint him!"

By the time he finished speaking, Xiong Fen and his son were brimming with emotion.

Before they could bow in gratitude, the Squad Leader addressed the entire group again.

"All injured personnel will receive a pair of enchanted canvas shoes as compensation. From now on, any further achievements will earn you a direct recommendation from me as candidates for deputy squad leader!"

Deputy squad leader?!

The announcement sent a surge of excitement through the crowd, electrifying them with renewed vigor.

Xiong Fen and his son repeatedly bowed in thanks, overjoyed. They immediately sent word to the Moon God Pavilion, stressing the importance of selecting only the most outstanding candidates.

Watching the construction site burst into activity, the Squad Leader smiled in satisfaction.

……

Lan Star.

Moon God Pavilion, small courtyard.

The square outside the courtyard gate was packed with people, countless visitors drawn by fame. Despite the Moon God Pavilion’s decree forbidding unauthorized entry, the clamor from the crowd still reached the courtyard.

Yi Feng finally understood the saying, "Fame is a double-edged sword." The constant disturbance had become unbearable.

Even so, he remained seated patiently in the courtyard, chin resting on his hand as he held a communication jade slip.

Suddenly, the slip emitted a faint glow.

Yi Feng quickly channeled his spiritual sense into it, and a gentle voice echoed in his mind.

"Young Master Yi, Elder Xiong will return within two days!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng’s eyes lit up with excitement.

After only half a month of waiting, the legendary Elder Xiong had finally sent word. In two days, he would have the chance to enter that transcendent faction!

The progress was even smoother than he’d anticipated!

His anticipation grew, and he immediately sent a message of thanks.

"Thank you, Miss Qianyun!"

"In two days, I’ll need your assistance. I’m endlessly grateful!"

Putting away the jade slip, Yi Feng paced around the courtyard, too excited to sit still. His mind buzzed with thoughts of meeting seventh- and eighth-tier experts, his excitement mounting by the second.

In his exhilarated state, every minute felt like an eternity.

Two short days stretched on like centuries…

Finally, on the dawn of the third day—

The Moon God Pavilion bustled with activity, filled with an air of celebration.

Even from within the courtyard, Yi Feng could hear the joyous commotion outside, stirring his excitement further. If not for the horde of admirers blocking the gate, he would’ve rushed out immediately!

As ceremonial drums and bells resounded, Yi Feng’s heart raced.

Pacing back and forth, he pulled out the jade slip and sent a message to Hu Weifang.

"Has Elder Xiong really arrived?"

Within moments, the quick-witted Hu Weifang replied.

"He’s here! He’s here!"

"The sect master and all the elders have gone to welcome him. Elder Xiong and his son arrived as promised, their presence even more profound than before! Elder Yi, it’s a shame you’re resting—you’re missing quite the spectacle!"

Reading the message, Yi Feng’s heart itched with impatience.

Resting?

Resting, his foot!

If not for the crowd outside his door, he wouldn’t be holed up in the courtyard. He’d have charged straight to the front to catch a glimpse of the legendary Elder Xiong!

Despite his current strength, Yi Feng was far from arrogant.

He knew full well that behind Elder Xiong likely stood a faction teeming with experts. Compared to them, his measly fifth-tier Heaven-grade cultivation was nothing.

His dreams hinged entirely on this formidable elder!

The more he listened to the excitement outside, the harder it became to contain himself.

Peeking through the door crack, he nearly gave in to the urge to dash out and witness the scene.

But one glance outside told him all he needed to know—

A sea of people still crowded the entrance, steadfast in their vigil. The moment he stepped out, he’d be swarmed beyond escape…

Yi Feng’s lips twitched in exasperation.

Unbelievable.

A true heavyweight had arrived, yet these people ignored him to camp outside Yi Feng’s door. Talk about missing the forest for the trees!

Let’s be real—

At best, he was just a minor fifth-tier Heaven-grade cultivator. How could he possibly compare to Elder Xiong, let alone the transcendent faction behind him?

These people really had no vision!

Grumbling aside, Yi Feng also understood the situation.

Elder Xiong’s existence was a well-kept secret of the Moon God Pavilion. Without Hu Weifang and Miss Qianyun’s insider knowledge, he wouldn’t have known either.

The guests outside were simply unaware—hence their stubborn persistence.

With no hope of leaving, Yi Feng’s impatience only grew.

As the sound of drums and music gradually faded, it seemed Elder Xiong had already been welcomed into the Moon God Pavilion. Unable to hold back any longer, Yi Feng hurriedly sent a message to Qing Yin Qianyun.

"Miss Qianyun, how is it going?!"

After waiting anxiously for several breaths with the jade slip in hand, Yi Feng finally received a reply.

"Yi Feng, Elder Xiong and his son have been escorted into the main hall. I will seize the opportunity to approach them shortly and recommend you without fail. Please wait a little longer."

Reading the message, Yi Feng felt his heart pound like a drum.

Clutching the jade slip tightly, he paced back and forth in the courtyard, anticipation coursing through him. Every now and then, he adjusted his attire, ensuring his demeanor and bearing were impeccable—far more meticulous than even the most nerve-wracking job interview in his past life!

Outside the main hall, Qing Yin Qianyun tucked away the jade slip, her clear eyes sweeping over the elders waiting silently in the courtyard.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and bowed respectfully at the entrance of the hall.

"Master, Elder Xiong, Qianyun pays her respects!"