Forsaking Darkness for Light

Just as they were about to eat the fish, someone actually came seeking an audience?

What impeccable timing.

The faces of the two sect leaders darkened instantly, having already guessed the truth.

It must be those people by the lakeside.

Having witnessed Yi Feng's divine fishing skills, they now sought to flatter and curry favor—what a shameless bunch!

Even though Yi Feng had some conflict with the island lord, the temptation of nearly a hundred Dao-Transcending Sturgeons was too much for these people to resist. They’d cast aside all dignity just to pay their respects.

How envious they must be!

Yi Feng also surmised that the visitors were the onlookers from earlier.

He didn’t overthink it, though, and out of courtesy, he turned to Xu Baichuan, the owner of the residence.

"Brother Xu, what do you think?"

Xu Baichuan smiled and nodded, then glanced at Luo Pengfei.

"This matter should be left to Brother Luo to decide."

Xu Baichuan was an old fox. The visitors were here for the Dao-Transcending Sturgeons and Yi Feng. Since he hadn’t fished nor contributed any money, he naturally felt it inappropriate to make the decision.

With both men deferring, the authority fell to Luo Pengfei.

Luo Pengfei clasped his fists with a smile and excused himself.

"Master Yi, Brother Xu, please wait a moment. I’ll return shortly!"

Before leaving, he couldn’t help but glance longingly at the grilled fish.

Xu Baichuan stroked his beard and nodded.

"Take your time, Brother Luo. Master Yi and I will await your return to enjoy this delicacy together!"

Reassured, Luo Pengfei strode away confidently.

Upon reaching the gate, the doors swung open.

A sea of familiar faces from Snow Lake greeted him—sect leaders, family patriarchs, even a few reclusive old monsters.

Dozens of people bowed with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Greetings, Sect Leader Luo!"

The same people who had once carried themselves with aloof dignity were now fawning shamelessly.

Luo Pengfei stood with his hands behind his back, returning a perfunctory salute.

"You honor me with your presence. To what do I owe this visit?"

His deliberately oblivious tone made the crowd shift uncomfortably. Luo Pengfei was clearly making things difficult, reveling in his newfound leverage.

After an awkward silence, an elderly man stepped forward with a forced smile.

"Sect Leader Luo."

"We were unaware of Master Yi’s unparalleled fishing skills earlier. If we seemed disrespectful, we beg your forgiveness. We’ve all come to pay our respects out of admiration."

"Given our long-standing camaraderie on the island, we hope you’ll grant us this favor."

The old man presented a cyan crystal card—100,000 Celestial Crystals offered with both hands, a masterstroke of worldly wisdom that earned him admiring glances from the crowd.

Luo Pengfei didn’t even blink.

Only after slowly accepting the card did a faint smile appear.

"So it’s Senior He. Since you’ve spoken, how could this junior refuse?"

This elder was a reclusive powerhouse who hadn’t shown his face in nearly a millennium. Earlier, he had watched the fishing with cold detachment, the very picture of righteousness.

Luo Pengfei remembered his aloofness vividly.

And now he had the audacity to invoke camaraderie?

What gall.

Seeing Luo Pengfei accept the bribe, others hurried to flatter and plead.

Luo Pengfei nodded amiably.

"Senior He makes a fair point. I’m a reasonable man."

"However, Master Yi is Brother Xu’s honored guest, staying here for peace and quiet. With so many of you wanting an audience, I’m afraid it’s inappropriate to agree."

The unspoken demand was clear, freezing the smiles on their faces.

Damn you, Luo Pengfei!

Now that you’ve latched onto a powerful patron, you’re openly extorting us?

The old man’s smile turned strained, but he pressed on.

"Sect Leader Luo, my sincerity is beyond question. Surely you can—"

Luo Pengfei cut him off with a grin.

"Senior He may enter, of course!"

"As for the rest… let’s follow Senior He’s example. One million Celestial Crystals per person for entry—proof of sincerity and a filter for opportunists."

One million?!

The crowd’s faces darkened, shooting venomous glares at the old man.

The elder was stunned.

His attempt to win favor had backfired spectacularly—Luo Pengfei had pinned the blame for this extortion squarely on him.

A lifetime of scheming, only to be outmaneuvered in a ditch!

Gritting his teeth, the old man forced another smile.

"Sect Leader Luo, one million is rather steep. Even the Snow Lake fishing fee wasn’t this high..."

Luo Pengfei remained unmoved, utterly unrepentant.

"Then make it two million."

The elder’s beard quivered with rage.

"Sect Leader Luo!"

A single glance from Luo Pengfei silenced him. Defeated, the old man spat through clenched teeth, "Fine… fine…"

Watching the crowd’s resentment, Luo Pengfei felt immense satisfaction.

"Friends, were it not for Master Yi’s generosity, I wouldn’t dare bring you in. As they say, no pain, no gain. A mere two million for an audience is a bargain!"

"Consider this an investment. In the future, unless you’re from our two sects, such opportunities won’t exist!"

His extortion dressed in noble rhetoric made the experts seethe.

Two million!

Just for a meeting with no guaranteed benefits, and no future chances? This was even more ruthless than the island lord!

Yet with no alternatives, they had no choice.

As a few reluctantly paid up, a man suddenly pushed through the crowd.

"Sect Leader Luo!"

"If I join the Supreme Yang Celestial Sect, will I have more opportunities to meet Master Yi?"

The question stunned everyone.

Two million for sturgeons was already a gamble—likely a losing one. But someone was willing to abandon their sect just to get closer to Yi Feng?

This was an all-in bet.

A true madman!

When they recognized the speaker, the shock deepened.

Even Luo Pengfei was taken aback.

"Elder Zhao, you’re from the Raging Blade Celestial Sect. These aren’t words to jest with."

Zhao Fucheng’s heart ached at the reminder.

He had faithfully reported everything, only for the grand elder to forbid further interest in Yi Feng. In desperation, he’d contacted his sect leader directly.

Yet the moment he mentioned Yi Feng’s name, Lu Renkuang had berated him mercilessly, dismissing his centuries of loyal service as worthless.

With a leader so arrogant and stubborn, the Raging Blade Celestial Sect would remain second-rate for eternity.

Why stay?

Disillusioned, Zhao Fucheng clenched his fists.

"Sect Leader Luo, I mean no disrespect."

"Lu Renkuang is no true leader. I wish to defect and join the Supreme Yang Celestial Sect!"

His resolve sent murmurs through the crowd.

Unaware of the backstory, Luo Pengfei hadn’t expected a casual remark to recruit talent. That million-Celestial-Crystal fishing trip was paying dividends beyond imagination.

After scrutinizing Zhao Fucheng, he narrowed his eyes.

"Very well. If you open your consciousness and let me place a Soul-Devouring Curse, I’ll grant your request—and ensure frequent meetings with Master Yi."

He was no pushover; trust required guarantees.

To everyone’s shock, Zhao Fucheng barely hesitated before agreeing.

Under stunned gazes, the former Raging Blade elder publicly accepted the curse. Suddenly, those who’d paid two million felt they’d gotten off easy, their resentment fading.

Moments later, Luo Pengfei led the group inside, only to catch an intoxicating aroma.

Following the scent to the backyard, they found fish bones scattered everywhere.

Instantly, everyone froze in place.

Seeing the crowd approaching as if a gathering was about to begin, Yi Feng waved enthusiastically and called out warmly.

"Patriarch Luo, come and try the fish!"

"This Dao-Transforming Sturgeon is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—truly lives up to its reputation!"

No way...

Did he actually grill the Dao-Transforming Sturgeon?

Watching the skewered fish swaying in his hand, dozens of people felt their heads buzzing in disbelief!