The True Villain

Everyone was utterly dumbfounded.

The entire hall of guests stood frozen in shock! The mighty Venerable Chen Jiudao had suddenly halted his imposing stance to bow to the newcomer—this alone was beyond expectations. But then, when the man openly declared his intent to rob the treasure, Chen Jiudao actually smiled and offered it willingly?

Was this not like offering the other cheek after being struck on the right?

For Chen Jiudao to humble himself to such an extent, this man’s cultivation must far surpass everyone’s imagination!

How could such a powerhouse appear in Sunlight Island?

It was simply unbelievable!

The shock rippled through the crowd. Even the sect leaders of the Three Great Heavenly Sects stood stiffly, staring from a distance. Despite being several zhang away, none dared take a single step, as if the entire venue had been locked down by an invisible pressure!

Those on the stage were even more terrified, their faces ashen.

In Liu Yuantai’s eyes, a hidden trace of reverence flickered uncontrollably. Even looking at the man’s back, his fear only grew thicker.

However.

The ruthless figure in their eyes was even more bewildered than they were!

Yi Feng was completely baffled.

He had clearly declared his intent to rob the treasure.

Logically, the owner of the treasure should have ordered his men to strike him down on the spot for such brazen theft.

Yet, the man hadn’t shown the slightest hint of anger—instead, he offered to hand over the treasure?

What happened to being beaten to death on the spot?

The rumors he’d heard hadn’t mentioned anything like this!

Had his act been too convincing, scaring the old man out of his wits?

Please, no…

This was Yi Feng’s first attempt at robbery, and he wasn’t exactly experienced. Sensing the odd tension in the air, he began to panic.

Clicking his tongue, he quickly spoke up.

“Did you not hear me clearly?”

Pointing behind him, Yi Feng tried to explain patiently.

“What I meant was, I’m robbing you—that Five-Grade Soul-Calming Grass on the stage, the one about to be auctioned!”

The more he spoke, the more urgent he became, and he couldn’t help but take a step forward.

“Do you understand now…?”

“Understood! Understood!”

The old man nodded hastily.

“If you understand, then why aren’t you doing anything?”

Yi Feng rolled his eyes, utterly exasperated. Was this old man slow on the uptake?

However.

Just as he thought the old man had finally reacted and was about to attack him, the man instead dashed toward the stage, snatched the Five-Grade Soul-Calming Grass, and leaped back down, presenting it with both hands.

His wrinkled face beamed with a foolishly eager smile!

“Please accept this humble offering, esteemed sir! If there has been any discourtesy, I beg your forgiveness!”

Damn it!

Yi Feng, who had been psyching himself up, nearly cursed aloud at this ridiculous turn of events!

And he claimed to understand?

Understand my foot!

He had repeatedly stated this was a robbery—a robbery!

Could they at least take this seriously?

Even if they weren’t going to mob him, the least they could do was show some respect and send a few men to fight! Just handing over the treasure like this—how was he supposed to proceed?

This was downright absurd!

Frustrated as he was, Yi Feng couldn’t help but start questioning things.

Something wasn’t right.

Weren’t Sunlight Island and the Eastern Sea supposed to be crawling with ruthless villains, where robbery would get you killed on sight?

Yi Feng was left speechless, a storm of confusion brewing in his mind.

What the hell was going on here?

The two men stared at each other, one baffled, the other terrified.

On the stage, Elder Liu and the guards had turned deathly pale.

The hundreds of guests were frozen in awe and dread!

It was clear now!

This ruthless man was undoubtedly far stronger than Chen Jiudao!

Otherwise, given Chen Jiudao’s status, he would never have groveled like this—discarding his dignity and reputation just to appease the man and offer up the treasure!

The truth dawned, and the entire hall trembled in fear!

A few who had whispered criticisms earlier felt warmth trickle down their legs. As the cold wind blew, their limbs grew numb, and tears of terror welled up in their eyes!

This expert had to be at least a Heaven Rank Four or higher!

The sect elites stood rooted, barely daring to breathe, their eyes locked on the Soul-Calming Grass being offered up, silently praying for mercy!

Even Lu Xinlan, the steward of the Treasure Pavilion, watched in stunned silence, her emotions in turmoil.

The expressions of the three sect leaders were even more telling.

Lu Renkuang’s face had drained of color.

Knowing he stood no chance against someone who could overpower Chen Jiudao, he clenched his teeth as the treasure was surrendered. Proud as he was, he didn’t dare utter a word!

This fear left him seething with humiliation.

The other two, however, were overjoyed, silently urging the expert to accept the offering!

Under the weight of hundreds of expectant gazes…

Yi Feng narrowed his eyes suspiciously, studying the old man before him.

“This doesn’t add up.”

“Why aren’t you sending anyone to attack me? I heard Sunlight Island is full of villains, and that people have been beaten to death at auctions before. So why are you just handing over the treasure when I rob you?”

If not for his utter confusion, Yi Feng wouldn’t have laid his cards on the table like this.

He just wanted the truth.

If there was some mistake in his approach, he could at least learn from it and try again.

But to Chen Jiudao, these words were like daggers to the heart!

Send men to attack?

Hah!

Damn it all!

Was this guy for real?

If he could win, he would’ve struck long ago—why would he be here, grinning like a fool and playing the humble servant?!

Not only had the man publicly humiliated him by demanding the treasure, but now he was rubbing salt in the wound with these taunts?

They said killing a man was kinder than toying with his dignity.

This kind of ruthless, overbearing behavior was the epitome of tyranny, arrogance incarnate!

Outrageous!

Absolutely outrageous!

Though rage burned in his chest, Chen Jiudao didn’t dare show it.

His lips twitched as he forced another smile and scrambled for an excuse.

“You jest, esteemed sir…”

“Our Treasure Pavilion has always been civilized and reasonable! If you’re in urgent need of the treasure, we are happy to assist. Helping those in distress is the noble tradition of Sunlight Island. If we can make a friend in the process, what’s a mere material possession?”

Even as his heart bled, his words flowed with practiced ease.

His speech was so righteous, so full of heroic flair, that even Yi Feng was momentarily stunned. The surrounding island experts, too, were left dumbfounded.

This level of smooth-talking was truly unmatched.

Clutching the spirit herb, Chen Jiudao seized the chance to probe further.

“You seem unfamiliar, sir. Might I ask your esteemed name? You must be a visitor to our island?”

Still bewildered, Yi Feng nodded.

“Yeah, I’m Yi Feng. This is my first time here…”

Chen Jiudao smiled knowingly, his voice growing louder.

“Just as I thought!”

“Since this is your first visit to Sunlight Island, you must have been misled by rumors. While there are indeed some villains here, we are all upstanding folk—we would never resort to violence without cause!”

“As for those auction house stories, they’re pure slander! The idea that this place is overrun with villains is a complete fabrication!”

“Please, accept this offering without hesitation, sir. And if you’d ever grace our Treasure Pavilion with your presence, this old man would be honored to welcome you!”

His words grew smoother, his tone more confident.

The guests exchanged bewildered glances, almost convinced by the act.

Eyes wide, jaws slack—utter disbelief reigned!

Only Lu Xinlan’s eyes suddenly gleamed with realization.

If they could use this treasure to earn his favor…

First, they’d avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Second, they might forge ties with such a powerhouse. The potential benefits far outweighed the value of the treasure!

With this in mind, Lu Xinlan also stepped forward, offering a graceful bow.

“We sincerely hope you’ll accept, sir. Please do not refuse!”

Hearing their earnest pleas, Yi Feng’s heart sank.

Damn it…

Had he been fooled by baseless rumors?

That couldn’t be.

Before coming, he’d heard countless tales of the Eastern Sea’s lawlessness. Even Bao Congxin, whom he’d rescued, had confirmed it—why would he lie?

After a moment of contemplation, Yi Feng remained half-convinced.

He studied the scene for a few more seconds.

The beautiful woman who spoke stood at the forefront, accompanied by three others who seemed to hold distinguished positions—likely representatives of the Three Great Heavenly Sects.

Given their status, they wouldn’t lie, would they?

Yi Feng took a step forward, furrowing his brow as he probed skeptically,

"Is all of this true? Is your Sunlight Island really this generous?"

"You’re just giving these things away?"

In an instant,

the three sect masters of the Great Heavenly Sects felt their hair stand on end in shock.