The Only Chance

What's going on?

Wasn't this supposed to be the trash-talking phase? Why are they suddenly talking about joining forces?

Yi Feng felt utterly bewildered.

All the classic lines he had prepared were stuck in his throat.

Staring at the island lord, who was now cupping his fists in respect, he blinked in confusion.

"Join forces for what?"

Shi Tianchuan glanced at the other powerhouses from the corner of his eye, gritted his teeth, and responded as if steeling himself for a monumental decision.

"Master Yi."

"As an outsider, you have stepped forward for this righteous cause. How could I, as the island lord, allow you to face the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk alone? If word got out, wouldn’t the world laugh at us?"

"Today, I vow to stand with you, Master Yi, and face the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk together!"

Yi Feng’s eyes widened in shock.

No way…

This old island lord used to be their loyal lapdog! How could he flip sides so suddenly? What kind of play is this, siding with me at such a critical moment?

After tens of thousands of years of submission, why is he suddenly feeling so heroic?

Yi Feng was completely dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, the surrounding powerhouses trembled inwardly.

None of them were pushovers.

From Yi Feng’s earlier actions, their shock had only grown, and their understanding of his cultivation and intentions kept evolving.

They had already pieced most of it together.

Now, seeing the island lord take such a decisive stance, their suspicions were confirmed!

This man must have the confidence to oppose the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk. His deliberate provocations were likely a prelude to battle—a fight to free the East Sea cultivators from oppression!

Who dares say humanity has no true powerhouses?

In the past, they were no match for the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk and had no choice but to endure humiliation.

But now, with Master Yi’s support, they had to seize this chance!

Every person here was a hardened veteran.

At their level of cultivation and status, who would willingly remain slaves to fishmen? Outwardly obedient, they had long cursed the merfolk’s ancestors a billion times in their hearts.

For tens of thousands of years, the rare geniuses among them had been exploited by the merfolk, leaving many powerhouses without even a suitable cultivation partner. The resentment and shame ran deep!

Following Shi Tianchuan’s lead—this old fox—the other powerhouses exchanged glances before clenching their fists and stepping forward one after another.

"The island lord speaks wisely! We, too, stand with Master Yi!"

"Damn it! I’ve had enough of the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk—today, we rebel!"

"We pledge our strength to Master Yi’s cause!"

"Let’s crush those bastards!"

"Screw the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk! May their ancestors rot in hell!"

In mere moments, dozens had declared their allegiance, their words growing fiercer as years of pent-up rage erupted. The atmosphere turned electric with fury.

Seeing even the venerable elders spewing curses, the female cultivators present didn’t find it crude. Instead, their hearts swelled with pride—finally, they were witnessing the unyielding spirit cultivators should possess. Fists clenched, they joined the chorus.

"We stand with Master Yi to oppose the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk!"

Everyone knew:

A figure like Master Yi was the stuff of legends. To encounter such a supreme expert in person was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For tens of thousands of years, Black Island had produced its share of prodigies, but none could compare to this man in cultivation or bearing.

If they missed this chance, they would regret it for eternity!

This was their only hope of resisting the Heavenly Dragon Merfolk!

The hall erupted with fervent cries.

From white-haired elders to younger female cultivators, all were consumed by righteous fury. Years of humiliation, like dry tinder, had been ignited by Shi Tianchuan’s spark!

Even Lu Caiwei, once an outsider, was swept up in the emotion. Stealing glances at Master Yi, her eyes shimmered with admiration.

Amid the roaring crowd, Yi Feng stood dumbstruck in the center.

What the hell…

He just wanted to die!

Couldn’t these people stick to the script of brainless novels?

First, they were supposed to talk tough, then snitch to the merfolk, leading to an eventual battle—that’s what lackeys were for!

Instead, they had to go all heroic at the worst possible time.

This was just sabotage!

He wanted to die—who asked for their help?!

Yi Feng nearly cursed aloud in frustration.

But seeing their long-suppressed defiance finally surface, he felt a flicker of relief. If they had no spine left, they’d truly be walking corpses.

Though he had no personal stake in this, he was still human. Compared to fishmen, he’d side with humanity any day.

The situation was unexpected, but not entirely bad.

As fellow humans, Yi Feng hoped they’d reclaim their dignity.

Under the weight of countless expectant gazes, vengeance had become the collective will.

He had no choice but to nod.

"Fine."

After all, the merfolk were absurdly strong. These people wouldn’t make much difference anyway. A little unexpected courage wouldn’t derail his plans.

His casual agreement sent tremors through the crowd.

Dozens of powerhouses exchanged thrilled looks, battle lust burning in their eyes.

Shi Tianchuan strode forward, cupping his fists with a smile of camaraderie.

"Thank you, Master Yi!"

"We will spare no effort to aid you in this fight and wash away millennia of shame!"

As he spoke, the island lord introduced the elder beside him.

"Master Yi, this is my sworn brother, Feng Rudao, Black Island’s chief alchemist and master of the Heavenly Flame Sect. Whatever you need, he will provide!"

"This is Zhao Rumo, sect master of the Hundred Refinements Divine Armory, a master of forging peerless weapons!"

"And this is…"

One by one, the island’s top figures paid their respects, pledging full support. From the Five Elders of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion to other elite factions, Black Island had never been more united.

Only Yi Feng remained unmoved.

Watching their awakening, he felt only mild satisfaction. Playing along with this rally was fine—death was still the endgame. A slight detour wouldn’t change the outcome.

Once he died, everything would be resolved. If it made these old-timers happy, so be it.

After meeting the key figures, Yi Feng was ceremoniously invited by Shi Tianchuan to Black Island’s grand hall to strategize.

Apart from the Lu sisters, the room was packed with the East Sea’s most formidable leaders, all waiting in reverent silence.

Such a gathering would’ve been unthinkable for Lu Xinlan before.

Seated at the head of the hall alongside Shi Tianchuan, Yi Feng was the undisputed center of attention—even the island lord seemed overshadowed.

Yet Shi Tianchuan showed no resentment, bowing respectfully.

"Master Yi."

"I humbly propose that you be named the East Sea’s Supreme Guest Elder, leading this campaign. All resources of the islands are yours to command. We await your strategy!"

His words prompted the entire assembly to rise and salute.

The female cultivators’ eyes shone with reverence.

"We await your orders, Master Yi!"

Yi Feng had never faced such a scene before.

Sure, he’d founded a sect—technically, he was a sect master. But his disciples were either hopeless blockheads or troublemakers, and meetings felt more like village gossip than grand strategy.

This? This was on another level entirely.

Suddenly finding himself as the backbone of the East Sea, Yi Feng had no idea how to begin.

What grand plan could he possibly have? He couldn’t very well blurt out that his only goal was to seek death.

After a long, awkward silence,

he finally uttered a single word:

"Wait."

Hearing this, all the assembled powerhouses nodded in admiration!