A Day of Giving Away Money

The two sect leaders stared at each other in stunned silence.

Master Yi actually wanted to go fishing? This wasn’t something one could just do on a whim!

Yet, they didn’t dare refuse outright.

Exchanging frantic glances, they quickly began explaining with patience.

"Master, the Dao-Transforming Sturgeon awakens only once every hundred years. Most of the time, it slumbers at the bottom of the lake. Right now, we’re still three years short of the centennial cycle..."

"Indeed, indeed! If Master wishes to indulge in the refined pleasure of fishing, we would naturally accompany you. But this is hardly the opportune moment!"

"How about we fish in the courtyard pond today instead?"

So, it couldn’t be caught before the hundred years were up?

That was just great.

Since when was fishing so troublesome? Back in the day, it was just a matter of casting the line and reeling it in whenever one pleased.

Yi Feng wore a skeptical expression.

"Is it really that hard to catch?"

Luo Pengfei nodded with an awkward chuckle.

"You jest, Master."

"Even on the most auspicious days, we’ve returned empty-handed. On ordinary days, there’s no chance at all. This Snow Lake belongs to the island’s master, and every hour spent fishing costs a fortune in Celestial Crystals..."

Only then did Yi Feng understand.

This place was essentially a high-end fishing resort—a money-making venture for the owner. The fees were undoubtedly steep.

For novice anglers, it was pure exploitation, a surefire way to lose money.

But he was no amateur. Things would be different for him.

When it came to fighting and killing, Yi Feng might not be brimming with confidence.

But fishing? That was another story. Over the years, he’d traveled far and wide, never once returning empty-handed. He’d caught all kinds of fish.

Unless, of course, there really were no fish to catch.

Adopting a cautious approach, Yi Feng pressed further.

"Are there still fish around during ordinary times?"

Luo Pengfei nodded.

"There are, but they’re exceedingly rare—perhaps less than one percent of what’s available during the awakening period."

Hearing this, Yi Feng’s confidence grew.

"Well, if there are some, then let’s give it a try."

Seeing Yi Feng’s insistence, Xu Baichuan’s eyes gleamed with realization.

"If Master is in the mood, this old man will make the necessary arrangements. We’ll—"

Before he could finish, Luo Pengfei suddenly snapped to attention.

Right!

If Master Yi wanted to fish, they should just go along with it!

Regardless of the outcome, as long as he curried favor, their bond would deepen. And if he could one day invite Master Yi to become their sect’s honored guest, what did a few Celestial Crystals matter?

Damn it…

He’d almost let that old fox take the lead again!

Belatedly realizing this, Luo Pengfei hastily bowed and cut in.

"Master, please wait a moment. I’ll prepare everything at once!"

With a quick salute, he dashed off.

Watching him sprint away, the elderly Xu Baichuan was taken aback and immediately gave chase. The two sect leaders raced downstairs, vanishing in the blink of an eye!

Down in the courtyard, Bao Congxin watched the two sect leaders hurry past, then saw Yi Feng step out as well. His face paled with alarm.

"Benefactor, what’s the emergency?"

Yi Feng smiled as he walked toward the gate.

"Fishing."

Bao Congxin’s eyes widened.

What kind of fishing could get people this worked up?

Big shots from the city must have their own extravagant ways. He had to see this for himself!

Brimming with curiosity, Bao Congxin followed Yi Feng out the gate.

Soon, the two arrived at the willow-lined shore.

A mist hung in the air.

Under a distant willow tree, the two sect leaders held jade slips, seemingly waiting for someone.

Before long, ripples disturbed the void.

The extraordinary sight startled Bao Congxin, who quickly retreated to a safe distance.

An elder in long robes stepped forth, exuding an immortal’s grace with a solemn demeanor.

Spotting the two sect leaders, the elder clasped his hands in greeting.

"Sect Leaders Luo and Xu, what urgent matter brings you here?"

Luo Pengfei nodded in acknowledgment.

"We’ve summoned Elder Liu to open the formation for fishing."

Elder Liu was taken aback.

Appointed by the island’s master to oversee the Snow Lake, he only made an appearance once every hundred years. His visitors were always familiar faces—esteemed guests who knew the rules. Never had anyone broken precedent.

Luo Pengfei and Xu Baichuan couldn’t possibly be unaware of this.

Out of courtesy, Elder Liu offered a gentle reminder.

"Sect Leader Luo, the centennial cycle has yet to arrive. Fishing now would likely be a wasted effort."

Though it pained him, Luo Pengfei waved it off with forced cheer.

"No matter!"

With that, he produced a violet crystal card and handed it over.

"Two fishing spots, one hour each."

Seeing his determination, Elder Liu had no choice but to accept the card. A sweep of his divine sense later, two million Celestial Crystals were transferred.

Out of politeness, he added a few words of praise.

"Sect Leader Luo, what refined taste you have. Since the payment is settled, please enjoy yourselves. I’ll take my leave now."

Two million Celestial Crystals, gone in an instant.

Even for a sect leader, money didn’t grow on trees. Luo Pengfei winced inwardly but quickly raised a hand to stop him.

"Hold on!"

"Sect Leader Xu’s fee is his own to pay!"

So, the other million wasn’t for Xu Baichuan?

Who else could Luo Pengfei be treating so generously?

Sect Leader Lu, perhaps?

Elder Liu was puzzled, but before he could ask, a voice chimed in from behind.

"Can we start fishing now?"

Turning, he saw a young stranger gazing at him with relaxed ease.

Elder Liu’s heart skipped a beat.

So, Luo Pengfei was inviting this youth to fish?

An expert angler from another island?

He studied Yi Feng with mild curiosity.

The casual stance, the ordinary bamboo rod—everything about him screamed amateur.

Elder Liu quickly pieced it together.

For Luo Pengfei to splurge a million Celestial Crystals on an outsider, this young man must have significant backing. Probably a distinguished guest from another island. Fleecing him too hard might backfire.

With a polite smile, Elder Liu nodded.

"Esteemed guest."

"The Snow Lake is no ordinary place, and the Dao-Transforming Fish are not for casual anglers. Though an hour is brief, a modest attempt should suffice."

Yi Feng caught the underlying meaning and glanced at Luo Pengfei.

"Is fishing here really that expensive?"

Luo Pengfei forced a grin and waved it off.

"Not at all! Not at all! Master, please enjoy yourself to the fullest. Let’s begin right away!"

Xu Baichuan chimed in with a smile, already unpacking an array of fishing gear.

Seeing this, Elder Liu said no more.

Another case of powerful figures trading favors. A day of easy money. If they wanted to throw away Celestial Crystals for a whim, so be it. He’d done his part by warning them.

With a resigned shake of his head, Elder Liu turned toward the shore. He produced a jade slip, formed a hand seal, and a radiant light shot from the slip into the sky!

The mist parted, and a white dragon soared through the clouds!

The Snow Lake’s barrier—sealed for centuries outside the centennial cycle—had been opened!

Such an anomaly was unheard of in millennia.

Had something changed? Was there a chance to catch the Dao-Transforming Sturgeon?

The phenomenon drew the attention of the island’s elite. Those with the privilege to enter the Snow Lake felt their hearts stir with excitement, rushing over from all directions!

Before they could arrive, the elder of the Mad Blade Sect, who had been secretly observing from the lakeside forest, widened his eyes in shock.