The Art of Gift-Giving

After waiting a few moments, wine was indeed delivered—free of charge, no less. Bao Congxin was utterly baffled. Only after repeatedly confirming that no payment was required did he dare return.

Could those two sect masters actually be genuine?

The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed, yet he still couldn’t bring himself to fully believe it. Lost in muttered confusion, Bao Congxin trudged back, his mind a tangled mess.

Just as he stepped into the courtyard—

The three men chatting inside turned at the sound.

Luo Pengfei, with a practiced smile, greeted him smoothly.

"Many thanks, Brother Bao!"

(⊙_⊙)？？

Bao Congxin’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest, and he almost dropped the wine in shock.

Hastily setting the bottles on the table, he clasped his trembling hands in salute.

Then, as if possessed, he blurted out, "Y-You’re too kind, Brother Luo."

The moment the words left his mouth, he wanted to kick himself.

His heart shot straight into his throat.

This is it… I’m done for…

If this man really is a sect master, calling him "brother" is practically suicide!

In the past, Luo Pengfei would indeed have been seething with murderous intent.

Damn it.

A mere nobody dares address me, a Heaven-rank sect master, as "brother"? You’ve got some nerve!

But now, knowing Bao Congxin’s connection to Yi Feng, Luo Pengfei couldn’t care less.

In fact, the casual address pleased him—it was proof that he’d gained an edge. A smug sense of triumph swelled in his chest.

When Bao Congxin fearfully glanced up—

He saw "Sect Master Luo" nodding with a warm, approving smile, as if thoroughly delighted.

Bao Congxin’s mind went blank.

He stood there dumbly, questioning everything he knew about life.

As the wine was uncorked, laughter filled the courtyard.

Seeing Yi Feng in high spirits, Luo Pengfei inwardly preened at his own cleverness.

Flushed with pride, he shot Xu Baichuan a sidelong glance.

"Brother Xu, surely you didn’t come empty-handed? That’s hardly hospitable."

This gift-giving contest wouldn’t end in mutual satisfaction—only a winner and a loser. From the moment they’d stepped into the inn and met Yi Feng, the battle had begun.

Xu Baichuan stroked his beard with a chuckle.

"Ah…"

"This old man has little to offer. How could I possibly embarrass myself before Brother Luo?"

Luo Pengfei smirked in satisfaction.

So the old fox knew his limits today.

With scant intel on Yi Feng’s preferences, Xu Baichuan had wisely chosen not to compete.

Even the craftiest fox has its off days.

From now on, among the great sects, Luo Pengfei would reign supreme!

Just as he was basking in his victory—

Xu Baichuan’s tone shifted.

"However… I am not one to neglect courtesy."

"Seeing this courtyard’s humble state, and considering the inconvenience for Master Yi and Brother Bao, I happen to own a modest vacant residence. If Master Yi would deign to stay there for a few days, it would serve as my humble tribute."

Luo Pengfei’s eyes widened.

You sly old bastard!

A house?!

Sure, it wasn’t the most extravagant gift, but what if Yi Feng actually needed it?

Panicked, Luo Pengfei shot Yi Feng a glance.

Seeing no immediate interest, he relaxed slightly.

A man of Yi Feng’s stature, choosing to stay in this inn, clearly valued discretion over luxury. The old fox’s scheme was doomed to fail!

As expected, Yi Feng politely declined.

"You’re too generous, but we’re quite comfortable here."

Truthfully, Yi Feng wouldn’t mind better lodgings.

But accepting such an offer from near-strangers felt presumptuous, no matter how gracious the host.

Xu Baichuan nodded, his gaze lingering on Bao Congxin.

"That little house has stood empty for nearly a century. For you and Brother Bao to stay there would be no trouble at all. I’ve always enjoyed helping others and making friends."

"Surely it’s better than this rowdy inn. You’d even be doing me a favor by keeping the place maintained—a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"Even if you refuse, Brother Bao could stay alone!"

"Master Yi, there’s no need for modesty."

Yi Feng wavered.

Xu Baichuan had a point—it was a win-win.

Even after Yi Feng left, Bao Congxin would have a decent place to live, far better than scraping by as a kitchen hand.

Such thoughtful generosity was rare.

If nothing else, he could repay the kindness with a meal—a fair exchange.

After some deliberation, Yi Feng yielded.

"In that case, I’ll graciously accept. Thank you, Elder Xu."

Xu Baichuan bowed humbly.

"The honor is mine, Master Yi."

Luo Pengfei’s jaw nearly dropped.

It worked?!

Yi Feng actually agreed? That cunning fox now had an opening! And knowing him, that "modest residence" was anything but ordinary.

Dread pooling in his gut, Luo Pengfei forced a smile.

"Brother Xu, where exactly is this residence?"

Xu Baichuan stroked his beard.

"In the southern district—peaceful and secluded. If Master Yi and Brother Bao are free, we could visit now."

Luo Pengfei’s heart sank.

The southern district?!

No…

It couldn’t be—

Was the old man really going all out?!

As Luo Pengfei reeled, Yi Feng turned to Bao Congxin.

"Brother Bao, shall we take a look?"

Bao Congxin snapped out of his daze, utterly out of his depth.

"Wh-Whatever you say, Benefactor…"

Years of life experience had deserted him. Faced with men who might be sect masters, he didn’t dare utter another word.

Seeing the plan proceed, Luo Pengfei’s unease grew.

He hastily bowed to Yi Feng.

"Master Yi, please take your time packing. We’ll wait outside."

Grabbing Xu Baichuan’s arm, he marched out of the courtyard.

"Brother Xu!"

"That ‘modest residence’—don’t tell me it’s the Snow Lake Pavilion?!"

Xu Baichuan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. "Indeed."

"Brother Xu, you’re really challenging me? But Yi Feng’s tastes are unpredictable. Even if you splurge, there’s no guarantee he’ll be impressed!" Luo Pengfei hissed through gritted teeth.

Jealousy burning, he added coldly,

"Mark my words—if your groveling backfires and ruins my chances with Yi Feng, I’ll hold you accountable!"

Xu Baichuan merely chuckled.

"Now, now."

"No need for anger, dear brother. I have everything under control."

"Master Yi clearly values Bao Congxin. By gifting the residence in his name, I’ve already secured my advantage. This move is foolproof."

With calm steps, Xu Baichuan glanced back, smiling.

"Actually, I owe you thanks for paving the way."

"Without your earlier gift, I’d never have grasped their bond. Gift-giving is an art—value means nothing if it doesn’t strike the right chord."

"Young Luo, watch and learn."

"Heh…"

As the old man strolled ahead, Luo Pengfei clenched his fists.

"You scheming fox!"

"Using me as a stepping stone?!"

Humiliation and fury boiled in his chest. With a furious flick of his sleeve, Luo Pengfei stormed through the inn’s main hall—

Leaving every patron frozen in terror.

By the time Yi Feng and Bao Congxin emerged—

The hall was dead silent. Not a soul dared speak. Even the innkeeper and waiters stood rigid behind the counter, faces plastered with strained smiles.

The humble inn, surprisingly, exuded the refined ambiance of an elegant banquet.

Bao Congxin’s palms were sweating from shock.

In all his years working at the inn, he had never witnessed such a scene.

The identities of those two were most likely genuine!

The more Bao Congxin thought about it, the more terrified he became, his face turning pale.

Seeing the man frozen in nervous tension, Yi Feng didn’t dwell on it.

"Let’s go, we’ll take a look first."

This old-timer must have never ventured beyond this place—fear had clearly taken hold of him.

A thousand words couldn’t compare to seeing with one’s own eyes. Only by introducing him to more good-hearted people could his warped worldview, shaped by years of hardship, be changed—allowing him to stand tall with confidence.

By the time they stepped out of the small inn,

the two sect masters had already been waiting for some time. An ordinary spirit-beast-drawn carriage stood ready, and the group departed in utmost secrecy, vanishing into the bustling streets like common cultivators.

The innkeeper didn’t dare make a sound—he didn’t even show his face.

No one would have guessed that among the departing carriage’s passengers were some of the island’s most prominent figures.

But at the mouth of an alley,

the disguised Sixth Elder of the Mad Blade Heavenly Sect, his aura concealed, witnessed the entire boarding process—his eyes gleaming with sharp insight!