Playing Dumb to Outsmart the Tiger

Elder Liu struggled to push his way to the front of the crowd.

When he saw the two Dao Transformation Sturgeons swimming freely inside the crystal tank, his heart—which had remained unshaken for thousands of years—was abruptly stirred, rippling with waves of emotion.

He actually caught them…

And two in a row?

One might be luck, but two? That couldn’t possibly be coincidence!

The suspicion in Elder Liu’s eyes deepened as he realized something was amiss.

When he turned his gaze back to Yi Feng, who was still fishing, his expression grew serious. Witnessing yet another flawless cast, his pupils constricted in shock!

Damn it…

This guy actually knows how to fish—and he’s a master at it!

The moment the truth dawned on him, Elder Liu’s face darkened.

Around him, experts from various sects were already showering Yi Feng with enthusiastic praise.

"Master Yi’s fishing skills are truly extraordinary!"

"I’ve never seen such technique in all my years—utterly awe-inspiring!"

"Today has been an eye-opening experience!"

No matter how much flattery came his way, Yi Feng kept his eyes fixed on the lake.

This fishing trip was different from his usual outings—he’d been invited, and with so many spectators watching, he couldn’t afford to embarrass himself. While he doubted the two sect leaders had spent much money, breaking even wasn’t the priority. The real goal was ensuring they didn’t lose face.

A man had to have some pride!

Yi Feng focused entirely on fishing, his expression dead serious.

The crowd’s attempts at flattery fell flat, leaving them awkwardly standing by with forced smiles.

As they eagerly watched the Dao Transformation Sturgeons, the dozens of pairs of eyes grew increasingly feverish. When Yi Feng cast his line again, they immediately locked onto his every move, anticipation burning in their gazes. They studied him intently, as if hoping to uncover some secret.

It didn’t take long.

Another arc of water droplets cut across the lake’s surface!

When the sturgeon was reeled in yet again, not a single person could remain composed!

"Tsk…"

"What?!"

"Three casts, three catches—this is divine skill!"

"Never in my life have I heard of such fishing mastery! Sir, your talent leaves us in utter awe!"

Gasps of disbelief filled the air as the lakeside erupted in excitement!

By now, hundreds had gathered, each wave of newcomers adding to the stunned atmosphere.

Listening to the chaotic uproar behind him—like he was at some celebrity concert—Yi Feng finally relaxed a little. At least he’d managed to hold the crowd’s attention.

Thank goodness he hadn’t messed up. That would’ve been embarrassing.

Three for three.

Seems this genius hasn’t lost his touch.

Smirking inwardly, Yi Feng stole a glance over his shoulder.

What he saw shocked even him.

Holy crap.

Layers upon layers of people packed the shore, so dense you couldn’t see through them. If not for Xu Baichuan keeping order, they’d have stampeded right into the water.

Men and women, young and old—all wore expressions of worship, grinning from ear to ear as they stood a few yards back.

Talk about fanaticism…

These folks must’ve been skunked one too many times. Seeing an actual fishing prodigy was probably a first for them. No wonder they were so eager to learn.

Their admiration only fueled Yi Feng’s confidence.

At this rate, he’d probably break even soon.

Steadying himself, he resumed fishing.

The crystal tank was fancy, sure, but the biggest fish in it was barely over a foot long—slender and light, hardly worth the effort.

Three fish combined likely didn’t even weigh five pounds.

All that work for such meager results?

He’d been too focused earlier to notice just how pitiful his haul was.

Yi Feng was dumbfounded.

Just as the two sect leaders had said—the big ones must’ve gone to sleep.

If this kept up, how long would it take to recoup the costs?

Nobody mentioned any discounts earlier, so turning a profit would be tough. This whole setup was one scheme after another. That so-called island lord? What a damn swindler!

A con artist.

A straight-up con artist!

And such crooks deserved to be taught a lesson.

Fired up, Yi Feng readied himself again, baiting his hook with renewed determination before sending it flying with a swift flick!

"Whoosh!"

The line soared out, its whispery sound gripping every onlooker’s heart.

Just witnessing that perfect cast was a thing of beauty. Even before any results, the crowd buzzed with excitement.

Luo Pengfei and Xu Baichuan were especially thrilled.

Three casts, three catches!

And these were Dao Transformation Sturgeons!

In the entire ten-thousand-year history of Sunlight Island, who had ever achieved such a miracle?

Earlier, they’d felt a twinge of shame.

As prominent figures, brown-nosing wasn’t exactly dignified.

Now? Not a shred of embarrassment remained.

Forget cultivation—just this godly fishing skill alone put Yi Feng in a league of his own, far surpassing even the island lord!

With an expert like this, what was wrong with a little flattery?

Getting to witness such divine angling techniques, learning how to hook Dao Transformation Sturgeons—suddenly, Luo Pengfei felt that million Celestial Crystals were a bargain. He grinned like a fool.

Just as he stood there beaming, Yi Feng heaved a sigh.

"Ah…"

That soft exhalation sent the crowd surging forward.

Had he finally missed?!

Luo Pengfei snapped to attention.

Only then did he notice Yi Feng reeling in his line, unhooking a tiny fish and weighing it in his palm before shaking his head in disappointment.

He’d caught another sturgeon—four for four!

Anyone else would’ve bragged for centuries about such a feat.

So why was Master Yi so dissatisfied?

Luo Pengfei and Xu Baichuan exchanged puzzled glances before approaching with respectful smiles.

"Master Yi, what troubles you?"

"Could it be… your rod is damaged?"

Yi Feng looked up, sighing as he displayed the small fish.

"This thing’s barely worth the effort of casting…"

Silence fell over the shore.

Every face in the crowd twisted with complex emotions.

If they’d caught even one of these fish, they’d never stop boasting about it. Hell, most of them had never even seen a Dao Transformation Sturgeon up close.

And here Master Yi was, complaining it was too small?

This…

Was downright infuriating!

The assembled experts forced awkward smiles, equal parts humbled and resentful.

At the front of the crowd, Elder Liu could no longer maintain his composure, his aged face flushing red with anger.

This Yi fellow…

Had just caught another sturgeon—he must’ve been gloating inside.

And now he had the nerve to call it small?

What a show-off!

The sheer arrogance!

The more Elder Liu watched, the angrier he grew—and the more pressure he felt.

This man hadn’t missed a single catch and now flaunted his success so brazenly. No doubt he was a true fishing master. That earlier act of pretending not to know about Dao Transformation Sturgeons? Pure deception—playing the fool to humble others.

Damn it…

He’d underestimated him!

With four sturgeons already taken and Yi Feng’s cocky attitude on full display, Elder Liu gritted his teeth in frustration. The thought of facing the island lord’s wrath later only multiplied his anxiety.

Desperate for comfort, he stared at that tiny fish, clinging to hope.

It wasn’t even peak fishing season—very few sturgeons were active. This fourth catch being so small was a good sign. Surely the next cast would be empty. He wouldn’t land another one…

As Elder Liu prayed silently, Yi Feng sighed again, this time with clear disdain.

"This fish is practically worthless. Maybe I should just toss it back."

He raised his hand as if to throw it away!

Instantly—

The crowd convulsed in horror! Dozens of experts lunged forward simultaneously, faces pale, looking ready to dive into the lake to intercept it!

He was going to discard a Dao Transformation Sturgeon?!

Elder Liu’s mind reeled, his skull practically buzzing from the shock!