Opportunity to Turn Defeat into Victory

Standing alone in silence, Yi Feng shone brilliantly.

Yet he felt no joy from stealing the spotlight, remaining frozen in place, unable to process what had just happened.

What the hell…

He had only thrown a single punch, and that guy had been obliterated in one hit. The others had all fled too. Weren’t they supposed to be seventh or eighth-tier experts? Were they all just trash?

Could it be…

That this grand competition was already over?

No sooner had the ominous thought crossed his mind than an elder stepped into the arena, his face filled with awe. He clasped his fists and bowed to the surroundings.

"Honored guests, bear witness!"

"Miss Shu Yao has no more champions to send forth. The outcome of this competition is decided—the victor is Miss Xin Lan!"

The five Pavilion Elders exchanged wary glances before rising in unison.

"From this day forth, Lu Xinlan shall be the current master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, presiding over all seventy-two branches in the Eastern Sea and overseeing all affairs of the pavilion!"

The declaration was resolute, leaving Yi Feng utterly unprepared.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the venue erupted. Cheers soared to the heavens.

Lu Xinlan and her entourage were swarmed by a sea of guests offering congratulations and gifts, while Yi Feng found himself surrounded by countless admirers, as if mobbed by a legion of devoted fans.

Amid the deafening cries of reverence, he was completely bewildered…

The surrounding congratulations and cheers only felt like noise to him.

Night soon fell.

The Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion headquarters was adorned with lanterns and banners, its gates crowded with an endless stream of guests.

The banquet in the grand hall lasted for hours, showing no signs of winding down. The newly appointed master, Lu Xinlan, maintained her dignified seat at the head table, flanked by the pavilion’s top champions.

Despite her youth and lack of deep roots in Black Island, her succession to the position of pavilion master had gone smoothly after Yi Feng’s terrifying display of power. Her status now stood at the pinnacle of Black Island, her authority surpassing even that of past masters.

The old monsters were shrewd—they knew full well that pleasing Lu Xinlan was tantamount to pleasing Yi Feng!

Thus, the competition to offer gifts grew fiercer, with shameless flatterers coming in droves.

After countless toasts, one old monster could no longer contain his reverence. With a respectful smile, he bowed to Lu Xinlan.

"Master Lu."

"This old man is honored to witness your ascension. It is truly a privilege, and my admiration for that esteemed gentleman knows no bounds. Might there be a chance for me to pay my respects to him once more?"

The cautious inquiry hung in the air.

The joyous banquet fell silent, all eyes brimming with anticipation.

Lu Xinlan was no fool.

She understood their intentions at a glance and declined with a gentle smile.

"Elder Xu, forgive me."

"Master Yi dislikes worldly clamor. He is currently meditating in quiet seclusion, and I dare not disturb him."

Hearing this, no one dared press further.

Even this polite refusal only deepened their reverence, prompting solemn nods of admiration.

The guests could easily imagine it—Master Yi, seated serenely in his quiet chamber, listening indifferently to the revelry of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, his eyes untouched by the slightest ripple.

Unmoved by worldly glory or disgrace, he remained as detached as drifting clouds.

Such a state of mind!

Truly befitting of Master Yi.

To someone like him, the change of leadership in the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion was likely nothing more than a trivial matter, far beneath his notice.

As they reflected on this, the assembled magnates grew even more awestruck, their reverence for Master Yi’s reputation soaring. Even the way they raised their cups became more measured.

In reality…

Far within the depths of the pavilion, in an elegant courtyard…

The "peerless expert" Yi Feng was pacing back and forth, muttering curses under his breath, his face twisted in frustration.

"Damn it all!"

"What a joke! A seventh-tier expert couldn’t even take one punch! Peerless my ass!"

Had anyone witnessed this scene, they would never have associated it with the demeanor of a true master. Even if the old monsters of Black Island had been present, they would have struggled to find an angle to flatter him.

After several laps, Yi Feng slumped into a chair by the table.

The distant laughter and music from the banquet only grated on his nerves.

Propping his cheek on one hand, he wore an expression of utter despair.

"This is just…"

"I thought I’d finally met a real expert, but it was just another weakling. Went through all that trouble for nothing. What kind of nonsense is this?"

After sitting in dejected silence for a long while, Yi Feng finally came to terms with his own overwhelming strength. As things stood, even an eighth-tier expert might not be a match for him.

Gazing at the starry sky outside the window, he let out a helpless sigh.

"Ah…"

All I want is to die—why is it so damn hard?

At this thought, his eyes filled with bitterness.

Such a mindset was beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

While the world desperately sought greater power, Yi Feng was tormented by it. If others knew the truth, they would likely be struck with even greater awe.

The jubilant celebrations echoed across Black Island, but Yi Feng stood apart from it all.

Tonight…

Perhaps the only one who shared a similar sentiment was Lu Shuyao, who had been ousted from the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

In a quiet courtyard…

Lu Shuyao sat alone in a pavilion, surrounded by few attendants and devoid of her once-loyal champions. The scene was desolate, a far cry from her former grandeur.

Even her flowing gown had been replaced with plain robes, exuding an air of solitude.

A cold breeze swept through.

Yet the shadow over Lu Shuyao’s expression refused to lift. Her grip on her wine cup remained tight.

Until…

The memory of that devastating punch flashed through her mind once more.

Only then did her delicate fingers slowly relax, as if she had finally accepted defeat.

"Indeed… I lost."

Nearby…

A young maidservant with delicate features approached, carrying a tray of exquisite spirit fruits.

"Young Mistress, you must take care of yourself."

Lu Shuyao gave a slight nod, appearing to have recovered from the sting of defeat.

"Mm."

"This competition was truly won by Lu Xinlan. I concede with no resentment."

Hearing this, the maidservant’s eyes filled with admiration for her mistress’s noble bearing. As she arranged the fruits, she offered comforting words.

"It’s good that Young Mistress has come to terms with it."

"With your status and position, even if you leave the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, your future will not pale in comparison to others. This servant was shortsighted—I feared you might still harbor resentment…"

Lu Shuyao lifted her gaze with a faint smile, her eyes now reflecting newfound maturity.

"Would I be so petty as to refuse defeat?"

"But let me be clear—I did not lose to Lu Xinlan. I lost to that gentleman! I am a direct descendant of the Lu family. Even in my first defeat, I will not wallow in despair!"

The maidservant listened with even greater reverence, quickly bowing in respect.

"Young Mistress is wise!"

"Yu’er would go through fire and water for you. I eagerly await your triumphant return!"

Moved by the young maid’s loyalty, Lu Shuyao’s eyes softened.

After a quiet moment of contemplation, she gently waved her hand, dismissing her.

Once alone…

The young mistress, experiencing her first major setback, felt a mist gather in her eyes.

"In the end, only those truly loyal will stand by you. Outsiders can never be relied upon. Loyalty is priceless—yet in this world, all hustle and bustle is driven by profit. Such is human nature."

Her gaze drifted toward the brilliantly lit hall of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, shining like a jewel in the night sky. The envy and resentment in Lu Shuyao’s eyes remained, but they were now tempered by a deeper understanding.

As she pondered, new realizations dawned upon her.

"Lu Xinlan only won because she paid an extraordinary price to recruit outsiders. Such relationships, built on mere interests, are inherently unstable…"

"If she could offer enough, then I can surely offer double!"

"Once Lu Xinlan is stripped of her backing, how can she possibly remain secure as pavilion master? What is rightfully mine, I will reclaim a hundredfold!"

At this thought, a glimmer of ambition flickered in her eyes.

Wasn’t this the turning point to reverse her defeat?

The more she considered it, the more possibilities emerged. Unable to contain her excitement, she swiftly retrieved a jade slip to send a message.

"From today onward, investigate the movements of Lu Xinlan's guest advisors, especially that mysterious gentleman. If you discover that he has stepped out, you must notify this young lady immediately!"

Once the message was delivered, Lu Shuyao's mind was already painting scenes of a chance encounter. She raised her cup of immortal wine and drank it all in one go, her crimson lips curling into a smile of anticipation...