The Awareness of an Expert

Pei Songhe stood by Yi Feng's side with an ingratiating smile, clasping his hands in salute.

"Your discernment is unparalleled, sir."

"This tea is born from the essence of heaven and earth, its fragrance exquisite beyond words. Though it may be insignificant to you, it represents my utmost sincerity. I humbly hope you and Miss Lu Xinlan will grace me by tasting it."

His words were masterfully crafted—elevating Yi Feng's status to show absolute reverence, subtly showcasing his own sincerity, and aptly emphasizing the tea's rarity.

Three layers of meaning in a single phrase—this was the work of a seasoned smooth-talker.

Truly a master of his craft.

Sa Donglai and the others watched nervously, feeling the pressure intensify from this newcomer's finesse.

Seeing Yi Feng nod in response, Pei Songhe immediately beamed and bowed eagerly.

"Wonderful! Please allow me a moment to prepare it, sir!"

As he spoke, he didn’t forget to acknowledge Lu Xinlan with a courteous gesture.

"Miss Lu, might there be a set of Meteor Sand tea utensils aboard the skyship? I rushed here in haste and didn’t bring my finest set. My apologies."

Lu Xinlan gave a slight nod. "Naturally. There’s a set in the skyship’s elegant chamber."

Pei Songhe hurriedly saluted again and scurried toward the cabin, his steps almost comically eager.

His smooth flattery, paired with his evident mastery of tea ceremony, only deepened the others’ unease. They silently admitted this old fox was formidable.

The competition grew fiercer, leaving Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei struggling to find a way in.

But Sa Donglai rose with a bold laugh, stroking his beard.

"Hmph."

"While Meteor Sand tea utensils are indeed top-tier, the finest tea requires the purest immortal spring water to reach its full potential."

"Fortunately, I happen to have some ice-cold water from the depths of Snow Lake. Sir and Miss Lu, please wait a moment—I shall assist Pei Songhe in preparing the tea!"

Watching Sa Donglai stride away, Yi Feng grew even more intrigued.

The others, however, felt increasingly outmatched.

Xu Baichuan and Luo Pengfei exchanged helpless glances, their expressions awkward.

Who could have imagined?

In just a few days, the competition had escalated to such extremes?

Wealth alone wasn’t enough—now one needed expertise in tea ceremony. At this rate, their limited knowledge might soon leave them without even a chance to speak.

These days, even currying favor had become an esoteric art!

As the group waited in varied states of mind, the skyship resumed its journey.

Inside the cabin, the two titans faced off—smiling on the surface, seething beneath.

"Oh? What brings you here, brother?"

"I am Sa Donglai, ever at the sir’s side. Since I, too, am versed in tea ceremony, I’ve come to assist."

"Ha! This tea is my offering to the sir. Naturally, I should be the one to brew it!"

The cold glint hidden in their eyes could have frozen the blood of ordinary men. Had a commoner stood between them, the sheer pressure alone would have shattered their spirit.

Amid this terrifying standoff, the tea remained unbrewed even after half an incense stick’s time.

Just as the stalemate seemed unbreakable—

Pei Songhe’s jade slip suddenly vibrated violently.

A quick scan of his divine sense revealed it was Lu Shuyao summoning him.

Of all times!

With the sir’s attendants so close, this reckless young mistress had to choose now to pester him?

Was she trying to get him killed?

Pei Songhe’s throat tightened imperceptibly—but nothing escaped Sa Donglai’s sharpened perception.

In an instant, Sa Donglai smirked and prodded.

"My, my, Brother Pei. Why ignore the summons?"

"Could it be… you’re hiding something?"

As Sa Donglai leaned in, Pei Songhe swiftly erased the transmission with his divine sense and put on a stern face.

"Preposterous!"

"I came here with pure devotion, offering a treasure of heaven and earth! My loyalty is beyond reproach—what secrets could I possibly have?"

Before he could finish—

The jade slip buzzed again.

The slap of irony came swift and merciless.

Damn that Lu Shuyao! She was determined to ruin him!

Pei Songhe’s face darkened as he frantically silenced the slip again.

This repeated several times—each vibration instantly snuffed out, leaving Pei Songhe barely restraining his curses.

Hurry, hurry, hurry—

Hurry your damn ancestors!

Lu Shuyao, this walking disaster! All smiles in person, yet behind the scenes, she nagged like a reaper chasing souls! What a wretched creature!

As Pei Songhe’s expression soured further, Sa Donglai’s amusement only grew.

"Tsk, tsk."

"Brother Pei, you’re quite popular today. Shall I take a look for you?"

Pei Songhe’s blood ran cold. Forcing a smile, he deflected.

"No, no!"

"Brother Sa, if you wish to brew the tea, by all means, proceed! No need to fuss over trivial messages. Let’s focus on the task at hand!"

With a shared laugh, the two finally began cooperating.

Meanwhile—

At the Black Island headquarters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

Lu Shuyao gripped her jade slip, her brow furrowing deeper with each passing moment.

Again and again—

Her personal summons were being dismissed by Pei Songhe?

This insolence was unforgivable.

How dare this old fool disrespect her so brazenly? Did he forget his place?

Her face twisted between rage and disbelief.

As the young mistress of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, she had never endured such humiliation. Within moments, her delicate frame trembled with fury, her fingers clenching around the slip as she hissed into it—

No longer caring what Pei Songhe was doing, she sent a direct voice transmission:

"Pei Songhe!"

"You dare ignore my summons? Do not mistake my favor for permission to overstep! The consequences of angering me are beyond your ability to bear!"

The shrill reprimand burst from the jade slip—

Just as Pei Songhe was mid-pour.

His smile froze.

Sa Donglai’s knowing gaze locked onto him.

His heart plummeted.

Damn it all!

After maneuvering so skillfully to secure Yi Feng’s goodwill—a feat few in the world could match—this brainless mistress was determined to sabotage him at every turn!

What kind of idiotic master was this?

Enough!

It was time to sever ties.

Gritting his teeth, Pei Songhe snatched the slip and roared back:

"Lu Shuyao!"

"Who the hell do you think you are?!"

"Centuries of your condescending orders end today! If you think you can still boss me around, you’re delusional! From now on, we’re done—never contact me again!"

With that, he crushed the jade slip in his palm.

"Haah…"

A long exhale of pent-up fury left him lighter than air.

Composing himself, he returned to brewing tea as if nothing had happened—as though the teapot before him was now his sole purpose.

Sa Donglai observed it all without comment.

A ruthless man himself, he had pieced together most of the truth.

For Pei Songhe—a cultivator of his stature—to so decisively burn bridges showed remarkable resolve. Such a man was worthy of standing beside him in serving the sir.

With a faint smile, Sa Donglai produced his treasured Snow Lake ice water.

The two worked in seamless harmony, their tea ceremony skills blending like those of lifelong companions.

Soon, the skyship filled with the tea’s soothing aroma, laughter resuming as if the earlier tension had never existed.

Ahead, the shadowy outline of a mist-shrouded island came into view.