Sure enough, a Rookie

The Snow Lake Array had opened ahead of schedule—an unprecedented event in thousands of years. Such a breach of tradition naturally drew the attention of the entire island, even stirring the top-tier factions into action.

At the Mad Blade Heavenly Sect.

Lu Renkuang was still somewhat unsettled, wiping down his celestial blade in the backyard garden.

Suddenly!

A brilliant white light pierced the sky, forming an extraordinary phenomenon that made him narrow his eyes in suspicion.

He took out a jade slip to inquire and issue orders.

Within moments.

The Grand Elder arrived in haste.

Having received word from the Sixth Elder, he had already learned some details about the anomaly at Snow Lake and hurried to report.

"Reporting to the Sect Master!"

"This subordinate has confirmed that Yi Feng and..."

Before he could finish, Lu Renkuang indeed narrowed his eyes and looked up sharply!

"Elder Song."

"I have made it clear long ago that this man's affairs require no attention. Have you forgotten? From now on, I do not wish to hear his name again."

"I summoned you solely for the anomaly at Snow Lake!"

As oppressive energy surged forth, the Grand Elder clasped his fists and bowed low.

"Yes..."

"To report to the Sect Master, the early opening of Snow Lake was orchestrated by Sect Masters Xu and Luo in an attempt to curry favor with that man."

Hearing the tactful words, Lu Renkuang sneered disdainfully.

"So that's how it is."

"Hmph. I thought the Island Master had emerged from seclusion early, or that Snow Lake had undergone some change. To think it was just those two."

"To flatter a mere fifth-rank Heavenly-tier cultivator, they would go to such lengths, recklessly squandering a million Celestial Crystals—utterly disregarding both reputation and profit!"

"Such sycophants dare to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me?"

The Grand Elder dared not say more, only nodding in agreement.

Lu Renkuang's arrogance swelled further.

"This matter is now known to me. Henceforth, no attention shall be paid to that man—this is my decree!"

Elder Song bowed in acknowledgment.

"As you command."

Once he retreated from the garden.

A lingering unease settled over him.

Given the discernment of the two sect masters, their repeated efforts to please that man—even going so far as to break precedent by opening the Snow Lake Array today—must have a deeper reason. Perhaps there was more to this than met the eye?

Yet with the strict order issued, he had no choice but to recall the Sixth Elder.

......

By Snow Lake.

The mist had completely dissipated, replaced by sunlight bathing the landscape.

The lush, willow-lined shore stood in stark contrast to the shimmering, ice-cold lake reflecting the sun's rays—a surreal blend of spring and winter unfolding before their eyes, inspiring awe.

Along the lakeshore, several figures had appeared unnoticed.

All manner of onlookers stood quietly at a distance, clearly there for the spectacle.

Who would have thought there were so many anglers on Sunlight Island?

Yi Feng didn’t mind.

But the two beside him felt the pressure mounting.

As leaders of the island’s top sects, their attempts to ingratiate themselves with Yi Feng were justifiable—but to do so openly was still somewhat embarrassing.

After all, being a sycophant wasn’t exactly honorable.

If they succeeded in gaining favor, it might be worth it.

But if not...

Failing to catch anything after spending a million Celestial Crystals would surely earn them the reputation of being gullible fools, a joke for generations to come.

Had Yi Feng not demonstrated extraordinary insight by seeing through the array earlier and confidently declaring his intent to fish, they wouldn’t have come.

Noticing many familiar faces among the crowd.

The two sect masters exchanged solemn glances, steeling themselves to give it their all.

In the blink of an eye.

Xu Baichuan took out an incense burner and lit it, meticulously fumigating his exquisitely crafted celestial fishing rods while murmuring incantations. His reverent demeanor bordered on ceremonial—bowing to heaven and earth, as if only missing a grand offering.

Luo Pengfei wasn’t as extreme, but he busied himself mixing various baits, lining up colorful jars that resembled a street food stall from a past life.

Yi Feng was dumbfounded.

Was fishing really this complicated?

One was indulging in superstition, making it look like a coronation, while the other was showcasing culinary skills as if opening a restaurant.

Truly, a pair of prodigies.

Faced with such flamboyant displays.

The onlookers showed no surprise, as if this were perfectly normal.

Even the elderly steward nodded approvingly, stroking his beard as if this was exactly how things should be done.

Was there some hidden technique to this?

The bizarre methods shattered Yi Feng’s understanding of fishing, leaving him bewildered yet impressed!

Before long.

The two men finished their preparations, faces set with determination.

Xu Baichuan approached with his incense burner.

"Master Yi, would you care to try my secret method? It might prove effective!"

Luo Pengfei offered a jar of green bait.

"Master, my exclusive formula is guaranteed to work!"

Yi Feng waved them off.

"No need, I’m not used to these things."

When it came to fishing, he had confidence in his own skills.

The failed attempts at flattery left the two men awkward.

The old man on the shore sighed inwardly.

This novice didn’t even understand the ways of the Dao-Transforming Sturgeon.

For an amateur to attempt fishing here was nothing but a waste of Luo Pengfei’s Celestial Crystals. Wouldn’t it have been better to just gift Yi Feng the million outright rather than throw it away?

Elder Liu grew increasingly exasperated.

To preserve the dignity of the two sect masters, he forced a smile and spoke up.

"The Dao-Transforming Sturgeon is inherently wary, dwelling in the depths of the thousand-zhang Snow Lake. The slightest trace of living energy can scare them away. Thus, one must mask their presence with rare herbs or lure them with exotic baits."

"The two sect masters are indeed experts in this art. Whether they succeed today depends entirely on fate."

His words were tactful—preserving the sect masters’ dignity while setting up an excuse for potential failure. Before the fishing even began, the outcome seemed all but decided.

Feeling the old man’s pitying gaze.

Yi Feng began to doubt himself.

From the sound of it.

This fish was incredibly difficult to catch, with many intricacies involved.

Was he about to embarrass himself?

With the crowd growing larger by the minute.

Failing to catch anything would be humiliating.

The old steward’s steady gaze fell upon him.

"Honored guests, are you prepared?"

Under that gaze, Yi Feng grew even more nervous.

"Let them demonstrate first. I’ll watch before starting."

His hesitation confirmed his inexperience, marking him as a clear amateur.

Elder Liu lost interest, waving his sleeve to summon two golden lights that coalesced into hourglasses on the shore.

The two sect masters took their positions and cast their lines!

As the hooks hit the water.

The hourglasses began to flow.

All eyes along the shore fixed on the lake’s surface!

Witnessing the early fishing of Dao-Transforming Sturgeon would provide valuable insight into the conditions three years hence—a risk-free opportunity to test the waters.

Who wouldn’t want such a chance?

Most of the spectators were high-ranking figures who had seen Yi Feng at the Treasure Pavilion. While observing Snow Lake, they also hoped to gauge the depths of this formidable man.

Under such scrutiny.

The two sect masters felt the pressure mount, diligently casting and reeling in their lines.

Yet.

The Dao-Transforming Sturgeon was far too rare, and this wasn’t even the official fishing season. Unsurprisingly, their efforts yielded nothing but empty hooks.

In less than half an hour.

The lake remained eerily still, and the fire in their eyes dimmed, replaced by resignation. It seemed their million Celestial Crystals had truly vanished into the depths...

Luo Pengfei, who had footed the bill, felt the sting twice as keenly.

Under the crowd’s varied gazes, their faces burned with embarrassment.

Only Yi Feng watched on, gradually realizing something.

But with all eyes on the lake, no one noticed the shift in his expression.

Seeing everything unfold as expected.

Elder Liu on the shore smiled faintly.

Earning two million Celestial Crystals had been effortless, most of it already in his pocket. Another half-hour, and it would be another merit to his name.

What a cushy job—reaping rewards without lifting a finger.

Choosing to oversee Snow Lake had been the wisest decision of his life.

As he silently congratulated himself.

Elder Liu turned to Yi Feng with a polite smile.

"Honored guest, will you still be attempting to fish?"

The question was merely a formality.

Seeing the rod cast without a single bite, most would have backed down. He was merely saving Sect Leader Luo some Celestial Crystals as a gesture of goodwill. No matter what choice Yi Feng made, the moment he spoke up, the debt of gratitude was established.

The Eastern Sea might seem overrun with scoundrels, but in truth, it operated on the unspoken rules of favors and connections.

After years of navigating these waters, how could he not understand such a basic principle?

As the question hung in the air, most had already anticipated the outcome. Several figures vanished into the void, leaving only a desolate gust of wind in their wake. The two sect leaders stood frozen on the shore, their aged faces flushing with embarrassment.

Yet Yi Feng's eyes gleamed with resolve as he nodded with a smile.

"Of course I'll cast the line."

At his words, the surrounding figures halted mid-movement.

Even Elder Liu's smirk stiffened, his face twisting in bewilderment.

"Eh—? What?!"