Photographing a Horse's Hoof

Bastards!

What absolute bastards!

The esteemed sect masters of the Heavenly Sects were actually mistaken for impostors and even had the audacity to slander them in front of Yi Feng through voice transmission?

Such insignificant ants truly had no regard for their own lives!

The two sect masters nearly erupted in fury on the spot!

But their purpose in coming here was to win Yi Feng's favor. Since Bao Congxin was able to live alongside the esteemed gentleman, there must be some connection between them. They couldn’t afford to lose their temper over such trivial matters and risk ruining their greater goal.

Even if it was humiliating, they forced themselves to maintain polite smiles, not daring to show any sign of displeasure.

Seeing Bao Congxin’s excessive wariness, Yi Feng waved his hand with a chuckle.

"Brother Bao, there’s no need to be so tense."

"These two are sect masters I’ve met at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. They’re genuinely good people. We’re all friends here, so let’s not be so formal."

The straightforward words sent a jolt through Bao Congxin’s heart.

Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?

Good heavens!

These two had actually managed to infiltrate the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion to pull off their scam? They must have invested a fortune in their scheme.

Truly masterful con artists!

Such ruthless characters had to be handled with extreme caution.

No matter what, he couldn’t let his benefactor be fooled!

Bao Congxin grew even more fearful, yet at the same time, he steeled himself, locking his gaze firmly on the two men. If not for his fear of Yi Feng being deceived, he would never have mustered such courage in his life!

But when the two sect masters heard Yi Feng’s words, their hearts tightened in shock.

Brother Bao?

Brother?!

What the hell?!

A lofty figure like Yi Feng actually addressed this man as "brother"?

What right did he have?!

In the world of cultivation, strength commanded respect.

Unless there was an exceptionally deep bond, no superior figure would ever lower themselves to befriend someone beneath them. In all their years of experience, they had never witnessed such a thing!

Could it be that the two of them truly shared an unbreakable friendship?

If that were the case, then this man could not be underestimated.

The two shrewd sect masters were deeply unsettled by this revelation, a sense of foreboding creeping into their minds.

As they reeled from the shock, they noticed Bao Congxin glaring at them with unflinching intensity, further confirming their fears.

A man known to all as a coward actually dared to stare down two great sect masters—such audacity was almost unbelievable!

Unless… he had Yi Feng’s backing!

The more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.

Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei quickly discarded their previous dismissive attitudes.

Even if they were being glared at by an insignificant ant, they swallowed their pride for the sake of their greater objective.

The atmosphere grew awkward.

Yi Feng quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

Gesturing for them to sit, he spoke warmly.

"Please, have a seat."

"What brings you two here today?"

Guests were guests, after all. Since they had come to visit, basic courtesy was necessary. Besides, they were sect masters—letting Bao Congxin stare them down like this wasn’t proper.

With the main topic broached, all three men focused.

Luo Pengfei, visibly excited, immediately clasped his hands and replied.

"You honor us with your words, sir."

"Since you’ve just arrived at Sunlight Island and are urgently seeking treasures, you must be facing difficulties. Brother Xu and I, as hosts, would be remiss if we didn’t offer our assistance."

"We came today, firstly, to pay our respects and see if there’s any way we can help. Secondly, I’ve prepared a humble gift as a token of our hospitality."

Hearing this, Yi Feng’s impression of them improved even more.

To show such concern despite being mere acquaintances spoke volumes about the warm and sincere nature of Sunlight Island’s people. Meeting such noble and refined individuals was truly a joy in life.

The gift itself didn’t matter—what mattered was the thought behind it.

Yi Feng quickly expressed his gratitude.

"You’re too kind. Your visit alone is more than enough. I absolutely cannot accept any gifts."

Luo Pengfei’s face fell at this.

He had painstakingly prepared his sect’s most treasured artifact for this very occasion. If he failed to present it now, Xu Baichuan might gain the upper hand in winning Yi Feng’s favor first—an outcome he couldn’t bear!

In his urgency, Luo Pengfei hastily argued.

"Sir, this gift is merely a small token of our regard. You must accept it! Otherwise, if word gets out that Sunlight Island lacks hospitality, we’d become a laughingstock!"

Seeing his insistence and hearing it was just a modest gift, Yi Feng reluctantly nodded.

"Very well, then."

Gritting his teeth, he took out a few immortal crystals and handed them to Bao Congxin.

"Brother Bao, could you trouble yourself to fetch some wine?"

Though it pained him to spend, since they were bringing gifts, he couldn’t be stingy. Reciprocation was the way of a true gentleman—offering them a drink was the least he could do.

Bao Congxin hesitated, wanting to say more.

But seeing Yi Feng’s resolute expression, he could only comply and leave.

"Understood, Benefactor."

No matter what schemes these two swindlers had in mind, he would first scout the surroundings to see if they had accomplices lurking nearby. That way, he could prepare accordingly.

If they were outnumbered, he could always seek the innkeeper’s help later.

With this plan in mind, Bao Congxin left the courtyard with the immortal crystals in hand.

Once he was gone, the two sect masters perked up.

Luo Pengfei retrieved a radiant treasure vial from his spatial ring, its surface adorned with intricate depictions of flora and fauna so lifelike they seemed ready to leap out!

Xu Baichuan’s eyes widened in recognition.

This was one of the Supreme Sun Sect’s legendary heirlooms—the Myriad Spirits Glazed Vial.

Rumors said that most living beings could be stored within this vial, its capacity surpassing even high-grade spatial rings. Though it had certain limitations, the vial could also condense spiritual energy and vitality, nourishing all things within it.

Just this miraculous property alone made it a treasure coveted by all.

What an extravagant gesture!

As Xu Baichuan's eyes widened in surprise, Luo Pengfei shot him a sidelong glance brimming with provocation.

That gaze carried a hidden triumph, thick with the satisfaction of victory.

Then, with both hands, he respectfully presented a precious vase, smiling humbly.

"Sir, this is but a small token of my esteem—hardly worthy of your regard."

Hearing this, Yi Feng inwardly sighed in relief.

Just a modest gift—nothing too extravagant, so it wouldn't burden his conscience.

After all, as cultivators of the Heavenly Rank, exchanging minor magical artifacts was commonplace. This elegant vase could even become a charming anecdote.

Accepting the vase and placing it on the table, Yi Feng clasped his hands in gratitude.

"In that case, my thanks."

Seeing Yi Feng's lukewarm reaction, Luo Pengfei's heart skipped a beat.

He chuckled apologetically, seizing the moment to explain further.

"Sir, this vase may be of little use to you—merely a humble offering. Still, it can somewhat aid in nurturing the Soul-Calming Grass..."

"When the time comes to use the herb, retrieving it from here will preserve its medicinal potency. Has that stalk of Soul-Calming Grass been consumed yet?"

So it had such a function—essentially a miniature greenhouse?

Not bad at all.

Pity he wasn't fond of tending plants, and Manman and the other troublemakers were hardly easy to manage. This thing would just gather dust...

Though inwardly resigned, Yi Feng maintained a polite facade.

"Many thanks for the gift."

Luo Pengfei's heart swelled with delight, ready to bask in the triumph of gaining the upper hand.

Before he could voice his practiced flattery, Yi Feng awkwardly scratched his nose and asked,

"However..."

"That Soul-Calming Grass was of no use to me, so I passed it on to Elder Bao. A fine steed deserves a fine saddle—if you don’t mind, perhaps this vase should go to him as well?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Luo Pengfei's eyes bulged, struck speechless.

His salute froze mid-air, his heart sinking as if he'd swallowed a fly—utterly mortified.

He'd schemed tirelessly for this private audience, sparing no expense to present the vase as a tribute, certain of his victory. Yet now, his efforts had backfired spectacularly?

Was this formidable man truly so hard to please?!

Indeed, no pushover.

Under Yi Feng's expectant gaze, he felt trapped between a rock and a hard place.

The dignity of the mighty Heavenly Sect was being ground into the dirt at this very moment—yet he dared not defy him. Never in his life had he faced such an agonizing predicament.

Pondering the question, he found it unbelievable!

How could a lowly ant like Bao Congxin warrant such regard?

Even for someone like Yi Feng, the Soul-Calming Grass should have been invaluable. Yet he'd handed it over to Bao Congxin—and now wanted the vase gifted to him as well!

These were treasures capable of shaking Sunlight Island to its core!

Surely, they couldn’t be utterly useless to the esteemed sir?

Bao Congxin's importance far exceeded all expectations!

Then again...

If pleasing Bao Congxin could indirectly win Yi Feng's favor, perhaps it wasn’t entirely unacceptable...

As the saying went: all roads lead to the same destination.

So long as the goal was achieved, did it matter who received the treasures?

Repeatedly consoling himself, Luo Pengfei gradually eased his frustration.

Gritting his teeth, he forced a smile and clasped his hands.

"Then... let it be gifted to Brother Bao!"

Yi Feng had initially felt somewhat embarrassed, but upon hearing such magnanimity, he was thoroughly moved by the other’s goodwill, his eyes brimming with approval.

Delighted, he returned the gesture with even deeper gratitude.

Luo Pengfei, too, was startled into humble deference. His earlier displeasure vanished like smoke, replaced by the sense that this was worth every penny. Laughter soon filled the courtyard, harmony restored.

Meanwhile, in the inn’s front yard...

Bao Congxin clutched a few immortal crystals, preparing to cross the courtyard toward the main hall—under the pretense of buying wine, but really to scout the situation.

Yet the moment he passed through the gate, the innkeeper stood trembling in wait, pale as a ghost.

Before Bao could speak, the man bowed shakily, his voice quivering.

"G-Greetings, Lord Bao!"

Instantly, Bao Congxin nearly jumped out of his skin, hastily returning the salute!