A Clever Plan

The next day at noon.

Yi Feng lazily got out of bed and strolled around the carved railings of the pavilion.

That drinking session yesterday...

It was truly a wild and hazy affair.

Bao Congxin was knocked out after just a few rounds, and even the two sect masters couldn’t hold their liquor.

By the end, they were stumbling around, nearly making a spectacle of themselves. Those three would probably swear off alcohol for a while.

The two sect masters were genuinely warm and hospitable, willing to go all out for their guests. Meeting such kindred spirits in a foreign land was truly a delight.

Leisurely sitting by the small table near the railings, Yi Feng couldn’t help but smile.

Just then.

A shrill cry echoed from the corridor behind him!

"Benefactor! Benefactor!"

Turning around, he saw Bao Congxin sprinting toward him.

Disheveled as if he’d just woken up, clutching a vase with a terrified expression, his face no longer showing any signs of drunkenness. When he reached Yi Feng, he still looked utterly bewildered.

"B-Benefactor!"

"Was yesterday real? Did we really... really meet two sect masters?"

Yi Feng chuckled helplessly.

"Of course."

Only then did Bao Congxin nod dazedly, though doubt still lingered in his eyes.

Yi Feng had finally seen the truth.

From now on, he’d better not rely on this old fellow for information—most of it would likely be rumors. For matters on the island, it’d be wiser to ask someone else.

After staring blankly for a while, Bao Congxin carefully placed the vase on the table, then tremblingly pulled out a few Celestial Crystals.

"B-Benefactor, I dare not keep this treasure. This is the money for yesterday’s drinks... The innkeeper didn’t even charge us..."

Yi Feng accepted the Celestial Crystals, both surprised and embarrassed.

He’d intended to treat them to drinks, yet thanks to their influence, he’d saved the expense. What a strange turn of events.

Tucking away the crystals, Yi Feng patiently explained,

"Brother Bao, seeing is believing. The two sect masters are good people—surely you believe that now?"

Bao Congxin nervously raised his eyes, forcing a smile.

"I believe, I believe..."

As they spoke, hearty laughter rose from downstairs.

"Good morning, Master Yi."

"Did you rest well last night?"

Glancing down, Yi Feng saw the two sect masters standing below, smiling up at him with clasped fists.

They then strode up the stairs.

In mere moments, they were right in front of him.

Since they’d come to visit so early, Yi Feng quickly stood to greet them warmly.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Please, have a seat."

Bao Congxin didn’t dare act familiar with such esteemed figures. Just standing nearby was overwhelming, and not trembling was already a sign of progress.

But seeing the sect masters’ humble smiles, he gradually relaxed, finally accepting the reality before him.

As the three chatted, his worldview was utterly transformed—filled with excitement, pride, and the surreal joy of waking from a dream...

The trio sat together, laughter flowing freely.

After a few warm exchanges, Xu Baichuan produced a canister of tea, smiling.

"Master Yi, this tea helps with hangovers. We apologize for any inadequacies in our hospitality yesterday."

Not to be outdone, Luo Pengfei swiftly brought out a box of pastries, pushing it across the table with both hands!

"Master Yi, drinking tea on an empty stomach is dull. These pastries are light and fragrant, perfect to enjoy before tea!"

Before Yi Feng could respond, Xu Baichuan pulled out an incense burner, his crow’s feet crinkling with delight.

"Master, this incense is also excellent for hangovers and has calming effects. It’s far more refined than mere food and drink."

Their eyes locked in a silent battle, neither willing to yield.

It almost looked like a competition over dowries for a son-in-law.

Faced with such enthusiasm, Yi Feng couldn’t refuse and accepted everything graciously.

Pleased, the two sect masters beamed, and soon the group was immersed in lively conversation.

Amid the chatter, Yi Feng gazed beyond the railings.

The mansion’s courtyard below was a breathtaking sight.

Following the layout, his eyes wandered to the lush willows outside the estate.

There, amid the greenery, mist seemed to rise—a strange blend of winter and spring, as if a snowstorm loomed.

Squinting, he realized the mist concealed a shimmering lake.

Captivated by the discovery, Yi Feng couldn’t help but ask,

"Gentlemen, why is that lake shrouded in mist?"

The two, still locked in their rivalry, paused in surprise.

Turning to follow his gaze, their eyes widened.

"Master... you can see the Snow Lake?"

Yi Feng blinked.

"Of course. The lake’s surface glimmers, with melting ice—quite a unique view. Pity the mist obscures so much."

Their hearts skipped a beat.

The Snow Lake lay beyond the estate, in a distant area owned by the island’s lord.

To keep intruders away, the lord had set up an illusionary formation—so profound even they rarely glimpsed its true form.

Yet Master Yi saw through it at a glance?

Such terrifying insight!

Before him, no secret could remain hidden.

Stunned, they hurriedly explained.

"Master, your vision is peerless! We’re in awe!"

"That lake is called the Snow Lake. It’s home to a fish known as the Dao-Enlightening Sturgeon. Eating it may grant enlightenment into new Daos. But these fish are incredibly elusive, hibernating deep in the lake’s abyss. Only once every century, on the day of utmost Yang, do they awaken and become catchable!"

"To our shame, we’ve gone nearly a millennium without a single catch. The fish seem to have grown wary of our presence."

"This is a closely guarded secret of the island—very few know of it!"

Yi Feng nodded thoughtfully.

"I see."

Who knew fish could sleep for a century?

The world truly was full of wonders.

He’d learned something new.

Noticing their growing excitement—and the hint of regret in their eyes—Yi Feng felt a spark of inspiration.

After all, he was quite the skilled angler.

Catching a few fish would be a fine way to repay their hospitality... and pass the time.

"How about we go fishing?"

The two sect masters froze.