Hongmen Banquet

"Sir! Island Master Sa has suddenly emerged from seclusion to host a banquet—this is surely a trap!"

"Sir, you must reconsider! This banquet is too dangerous to attend!"

Listening to their urgent whispers, Yi Feng smiled reassuringly.

"It's fine. I’ll go and see for myself."

Though he didn’t voice it, his mind was sharp as a blade.

He had already swindled so many fish from the man’s pond, even bringing dozens of people to join in the plunder. The once-profitable "black-hearted fishery" was nearly drained dry—how could Island Master Sa possibly invite him for a friendly meal?

This was undeniably a setup!

After waiting for days, the mastermind had finally shown himself. Yi Feng couldn’t wait to rush over at lightning speed!

As the group exchanged tense whispers, Elder Liu sneered with an air of superiority.

"Gentlemen, there’s no need for such agitation."

"The Island Master’s decree is clear—both sect leaders must attend. There’s no room for debate."

His tone dripped with mockery, his face the very picture of a petty man drunk on borrowed power.

It was as if the words "revenge" were written plainly across his smug expression.

Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei froze at his words.

Bound by the Island Master’s command, they lacked the authority to refuse, leaving them trapped in an impossible dilemma.

But Yi Feng only grew more delighted.

Seeing Elder Liu flaunt his master’s authority only proved how formidable Island Master Sa must be—making Yi Feng all the more eager to meet him.

Then, noticing the two sect leaders’ hesitation, he snapped back to reality.

He was courting death, but he couldn’t drag others into his grave with him!

A man must uphold loyalty!

With that thought, Yi Feng stepped forward.

"Can Xu and Luo stay behind? I’ll represent them alone!"

His noble words moved the two men deeply.

But Elder Liu, emboldened by his master’s power, refused to yield.

"Impossible!"

"This is the Island Master’s order—all three of you must attend. The immortal beast carriage is ready. Let’s depart!"

Before he could finish, a sharp slap struck his face!

SMACK!

The resounding blow left Elder Liu dizzy, stars dancing before his eyes.

"I said I’m going alone—shut your damn mouth!"

Yi Feng refused to let others suffer for his sake.

Slapping this fool would also draw more hatred his way—perfect for his plans.

The tactic worked. Elder Liu scrambled up from the ground, too cowed to speak another word, his face twisted in humiliation. The classic behavior of a bully who only preys on the weak.

The two sect leaders were stunned by Yi Feng’s boldness, their admiration swelling.

They knew Yi Feng was stepping forward to shield them—no words were needed to convey his righteousness.

Before they could react, Yi Feng had already boarded the immortal beast carriage and departed, with Elder Liu trailing behind, clutching his cheek in silent resentment.

First, Yi Feng had swindled over a hundred Dao-Transforming Sturgeons. Now, he had publicly slapped Elder Liu.

Given Island Master Sa’s notorious vindictiveness…

This banquet would surely be a death trap!

The more they thought about it, the more their hearts pounded with dread.

Luo Pengfei gritted his teeth and turned to Xu Baichuan.

"Brother Xu!"

"Sir Yi Feng has shown us immense kindness—how can we stand by and watch him walk into danger alone? Even if it means death, we must go with him!"

"Otherwise, how could we ever face the Eastern Sea again?"

Xu Baichuan’s expression darkened with resolve, his voice uncharacteristically solemn.

"You’re right."

"Island Master Sa’s intentions are clearly malicious. We can’t let Sir Yi Feng face this alone. Our cultivation has improved—even if we can’t defeat that old bastard Sa Donglai, we can at least lend our support!"

With a firm nod, the two prepared to tear through space.

But just then—

Ripples of spatial energy shimmered before them as two figures emerged.

"Miss Lu? The Ninefold Venerable?"

"What brings you here?"

The sudden appearance of the two from the Treasure Pavilion, their faces grave and urgent, left the sect leaders puzzled.

Lu Xinlan cut straight to the point.

"Greetings, Sect Leaders. Where is Sir Yi Feng?"

Luo Pengfei frowned and clasped his hands.

"Sir has already been summoned to Island Master Sa’s banquet. If you wish to meet him, perhaps another time would—"

Before he could finish, Lu Xinlan paled.

"No!"

"If Island Master Sa has invited him, it’s certain to be a trap!"

The sect leaders exchanged startled glances.

"You’re not here to visit, but to warn him?"

The Ninefold Venerable nodded grimly.

"Correct. Miss Lu feared for Sir Yi Feng’s safety and rushed here—but we’re too late!"

As tension thickened among the three, Lu Xinlan clenched her jaw.

"Then there’s only one option—we go to the Island Master’s mansion!"

Her decisive words stunned the sect leaders.

Despite her youth, Miss Lu’s courage was remarkable. Facing unknown dangers without hesitation—such resolve promised a bright future.

United in purpose, the four set off without delay.

When they stepped out of the spatial rift again—

The grand gates of the Island Master’s mansion loomed before them.

A staircase of top-grade immortal jade stretched magnificently toward the entrance, as resplendent as a path to the heavens. The gilded plaque above the gates radiated an oppressive aura, every stroke exuding dominance.

Standing before the City Lord's Mansion once more, the four—despite their differing backgrounds—wore identical expressions of solemnity.

Then, spotting a familiar figure in white robes about to enter, they cried out in relief—

"Sir!"

Yi Feng turned at the sound.

The two sect leaders strode toward him, while Lu Xinlan and the Ninefold Venerable hurried up the jade steps, their faces etched with worry.

Without a word, he understood their intentions.

Watching the four approach with determined bows, Yi Feng sighed.

"Ah…"

"Why must you all do this?"

He sought death—but never at the cost of others. Yet here they were, throwing themselves into peril after he’d tried to leave them behind.

Were they determined to die with him?

The sect leaders grinned and clasped their fists.

"Sir, since you’re attending a banquet with fine wine and delicacies, we’ve come to shamelessly mooch. Hope you don’t mind!"

Lu Xinlan smiled in agreement.

"Exactly."

"What’s shared is doubled. Since the Island Master invited you, why not bring us along?"

Though they feigned calm, a flicker of tension lurked in their eyes.

Yi Feng saw it all.

At this point, he couldn’t blame them—only warmth filled his heart.

They spoke lightly, but everyone knew the risks ahead. Yet they still chose to stand with him. Such camaraderie was priceless.

After all this time together, meeting such sincere friends made every moment worthwhile.

What more could a man ask for in life?

If danger arose, he would bear it alone—whether traps or poison, he’d shield them all.

That way, he could protect them and achieve his death-seeking goal.

A perfect two-for-one. Truly, youth returned.

Steeling his resolve, Yi Feng clasped his hands in genuine gratitude.

"Your kindness is etched in my heart."

"Since you’re all so eager, as the saying goes—‘no time like the present.’ Let’s go together!"

With that—

Elder Liu, still nursing his swollen face, led the way in resentful silence, not daring another word. Yi Feng and his loyal companions strode forward, stepping boldly into the Island Master’s mansion!