Free Henchman

Southern City Snow Lake.

The lakeshore was crowded with figures, all intently fishing for Dao Transformation Sturgeons. Exclamations of surprise erupted one after another, spreading waves of elation through the crowd.

In the past, if the island master Sa Donglai had learned of this, he would have been furious.

But now, he was feasting with Yi Feng in his lavish mansion, his eyes brimming with delight, paying no heed to such trivial matters. The other two sect leaders were equally overjoyed.

After several interactions, all three had gained numerous Dao Transformation Sturgeons and achieved successive breakthroughs. They had firmly latched onto Yi Feng’s mighty coattails, seizing every opportunity to flatter and compete for his favor, unwilling to leave his side for even a moment.

The banquet hall buzzed with laughter and merriment.

Seated at the head of the pavilion, Yi Feng also felt quite pleased.

This return banquet for Sa Donglai had cost him a staggering hundred Celestial Crystals. The price was steep, but the results were undeniably satisfying.

Money truly was wonderful.

In the past, the thought of spending a hundred coins on a single meal would have been unimaginable to Yi Feng.

Amid the cheerful chatter, Lu Xinlan seemed distracted, clutching her wine cup hesitantly, her demeanor out of place amidst the revelry.

Noticing her unusual expression, Yi Feng turned to her with curiosity.

"Miss Lu, is the food and wine not to your liking today?"

The entire room fell silent, all eyes turning to her.

Startled, Lu Xinlan quickly bowed in apology.

"You misunderstand, sir. The banquet is splendid. My distraction is due to… personal matters."

Seeing Yi Feng’s attentive gaze, she hurriedly rose to explain.

"Forgive my impropriety. This concerns a private matter of mine."

"To be frank, I hail from the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Due to a wager, I was sent to manage the branch on Sunlight Island as part of a trial. The outcome hinges on auction performance and the number of guest elders recruited."

"Alas, despite years of effort on Sunlight Island, my achievements remain modest. I’ve only managed to recruit one guest elder, the Ninefold Venerable One. With the trial’s deadline approaching and my return to Black Island imminent, my worries led to my distraction today. I beg your forgiveness."

Yi Feng nodded reassuringly.

"No need for apologies, Miss Lu. Please, take your seat."

So, this young lady was on the verge of losing a bet.

Trials and competitions were nothing new to Yi Feng, but the mention of Black Island piqued his interest.

Rumors said Black Island was the most formidable place in the East Sea.

Since his attempts to find death on Sunlight Island had failed, perhaps Black Island was worth a try?

A glint of anticipation flashed in Yi Feng’s eyes.

Lu Xinlan, sharp as she was, noticed the subtle shift.

Could it be that the esteemed sir is interested in this matter?

Seizing the opportunity, she mustered her courage and bowed nervously.

"Sir."

"Given my dire circumstances, I dare to make a bold request. I humbly ask you to become a guest elder of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. In return, I will offer generous rewards."

Worried Yi Feng might decline, she added hastily,

"You need only lend your name—no obligations or actions required. Name your price, and I will do everything in my power to meet it!"

This struck a chord with Yi Feng.

A chance to visit Black Island and earn extra money? Such luck was unheard of!

Even better, he could name his price!

This was like manna from heaven!

Tsk tsk.

Well then, no need to hold back!

Yi Feng steeled himself.

"Then… how about a million Celestial Crystals?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Lu Xinlan’s eyes widened in shock.

A figure of Yi Feng’s stature was beyond priceless. Any treasure would pale in comparison to his favor. She’d only dared to ask because she sensed his interest in Black Island.

She’d braced herself to sacrifice everything, fearing even that might fall short.

Yet, he asked for a mere million?

Just a million…

To someone like him, it was pocket change!

There could be no other explanation—he was doing this out of kindness.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Thank you, sir, for your boundless generosity!"

Bowing deeply, she added fervently,

"Your grace is beyond repayment. I offer three million Celestial Crystals as compensation. I hope you won’t find it lacking."

Yi Feng might disdain wealth, but she dared not presume.

Three million was still negligible to him, but it showed her utmost respect. Offering only a million would have been an insult to his status!

Coming from an illustrious background, Lu Xinlan knew better than to commit such a faux pas.

True enough, Yi Feng nodded in satisfaction.

"Very well. It’s settled."

This young lady was incredibly generous!

He’d asked for a million, expecting haggling, but she’d tripled it without hesitation. With a boss like this, he was bound to strike it rich!

Yi Feng felt invigorated, his blood boiling with the thrill of profit and the promise of Black Island.

Without delay, he waved a hand.

"Let me pack my things, and we can leave at any time!"

With that, he headed downstairs to gather his dried fish—hard-earned and paid for with fishing fees, not a scrap would go to waste!

Watching him depart so decisively, Lu Xinlan was overjoyed.

Resuming her seat, her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Beside her, the Ninefold Venerable One was equally thrilled, basking in the glory of having latched onto a mighty patron. He could already envision Lu Xinlan’s triumphant return to Black Island.

In contrast, the others were dumbfounded.

The towering figure they’d painstakingly clung to was leaving for Black Island?

Was this the end of their good fortune?

Luo Pengfei and Xu Baichuan exchanged uneasy glances, their faces twisted in dismay.

Should they try to dissuade him?

But who’d dare oppose Yi Feng’s decision?

Bid him farewell with forced smiles?

The thought left them hollow and resentful!

As they squirmed in their seats, Sa Donglai’s eyes hardened. He slammed the table and stood abruptly.

"If the esteemed sir is inclined, this old man would also join the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion as a guest elder and accompany you to Black Island. Does Miss Lu find this acceptable?"

The others were stunned.

Before Lu Xinlan could respond, the two island masters had an epiphany.

Right!

If Yi Feng was going, why not follow him?

Sect leadership?

Island influence?

Compared to the boundless opportunities at Yi Feng’s side, these were worthless!

Sa Donglai’s decisiveness was admirable—even willing to abandon his island master position. Missing this chance would haunt them forever!

Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei gritted their teeth and rose in unison.

"We, too, offer our services as guest elders—without compensation!"

"Miss Lu, would you allow us to join you?"

Faced with such requests from three sect leaders, Lu Xinlan was too shocked to remain seated.

Among them, Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei were fifth-tier experts, while Sa Donglai had recently broken through to the sixth tier. Under normal circumstances, who could recruit such figures as guest elders?

Let alone for free!

Gaining three top-tier fighters for nothing was a windfall, but Lu Xinlan knew they were here for Yi Feng. She dared not overstep.

"Thank you for your generosity. I am deeply honored!"

The group exchanged hearty laughs, their boisterous mirth filling the pavilion.