Master's Important Matter

Upon hearing Dogzi step forward to volunteer first, the others quickly caught on and bowed in turn.

"Brother, let me go instead!"

"Brother, I’m the better choice—I’ve got more legs, so I’ll get things done faster!"

This was a rare opportunity to curry favor, and none of the brothers wanted to miss it. Dealing with a bunch of small fry to please Lu Benwei? Normally, they’d never get such an easy task.

After all, finding beautiful women was no simple matter!

Their elder brother’s preferences weren’t so easily satisfied.

As the brothers continued to volunteer eagerly, Lu Benwei merely waved his hand dismissively, seemingly uninterested.

"No need to bother with these insignificant pests."

As he spoke, his gaze turned toward the Black Island, his expression growing solemn.

"Our master’s progress has been swift lately. Soon, everything will be exposed."

"There are still many places we haven’t prepared properly…"

"It seems we must accelerate our own pace as well."

His words carried deep meaning, and the usually jovial Lu Benwei suddenly became stern, his entire being radiating an awe-inspiring aura that commanded reverence.

The brothers exchanged silent glances before clasping their fists in unison.

"Brother, whatever you need us to do, just give the order!"

This concerned their master.

The intricacies of the matter were beyond their understanding, and some questions were better left unasked. But fulfilling their duties to the best of their abilities was only natural.

Seeing the sincerity in their eyes, Lu Benwei nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile appearing.

"Good."

"You are all worthy brothers."

"Next, you must split up and travel to different realms to carry out crucial missions. These tasks are tied to our master—there must be not a single misstep!"

Dogzi and Centipede exchanged grave looks, feeling the immense weight of responsibility.

Once again, they clasped their fists, their eyes filled with determination.

"For our master, we would gladly die a thousand deaths!"

"Just give the command, Brother! No matter the hardship or danger, we will complete our mission even if it costs us our lives!"

……

Black Island.

The grand hall was filled with guests, all wearing expressions of doubt.

Two full days had passed.

The messenger from the mermaid tribe should have returned to the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan by now, yet there was no sign of retaliation. The situation was eerily quiet, and the unnatural calm bred unease.

Shi Tianchuan frowned deeply, unable to remain seated any longer.

As hesitation gnawed at him, he noticed the expectant gazes of the island’s powerhouses. As the island master, he had no choice but to steel himself and speak up.

"Sir…"

"Forgive this old man’s boldness, but with no movement from the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan, what should we do now?"

Hearing this, Yi Feng slowly raised his eyes, his own mind equally blank.

Scanning the room, he saw nothing but expectant stares—every unanswered question seemed to rest on his shoulders.

Now, Yi Feng was truly stumped.

Everyone was asking him, but who was he supposed to ask?

He had done everything to provoke their enemies. By all rights, that Third Prince should have come charging in with his forces by now, demanding blood and vengeance—if not outright annihilation!

That was how things were supposed to go.

Who knew why those mermaids were taking so long?

His thoughts were a tangled mess. Something felt off, but then again, his plan had gone smoothly so far, and the earlier mermaid envoy had been plenty arrogant.

There shouldn’t be any problems.

Those mermaids would definitely come!

Right now, they were probably just rallying their troops!

Steadying his mind, Yi Feng reassured the crowd with full confidence.

"Wait. Wait like your lives depend on it."

"Everything is ready—we just need them to come seeking revenge!"

At these words, Shi Tianchuan and the others froze for a moment.

For the esteemed sir to speak so fearlessly, daring to wait for the mermaids’ retaliation, his cultivation must be far beyond their wildest imaginations!

That was why he remained so unshaken!

If so…

The invincible demeanor he had shown earlier might not even have been his full strength!

Hiss—

Realizing this, the old monsters couldn’t help but suck in sharp breaths once more.

Instantly, the hall brimmed with even greater reverence for Yi Feng, and praises erupted from all sides.

"The sir speaks the absolute truth!"

"Exactly! We’ll hold our ground and see what tricks the Heavenly Dragon Mermaid Clan has up their sleeves!"

"Victory through unwavering patience—such a masterful strategy!"

"Hearing the sir’s wisdom today is worth more than ten thousand years of empty cultivation!"

Their spirits lifted, the powerhouses exchanged excited glances, their confidence renewed.

Even with no sign of the mermaids, their minds had already settled. Following Yi Feng’s profound example, they sat calmly, waiting with poise.

In their minds, they could already envision the glorious scene of their coming triumph.

Meanwhile…

In the boundless expanse of the heavens.

Planet Yun.

The mundane lands of Pingjiang City.

As peaceful as ever, living up to its name in quiet tranquility.

Outside the city.

The lake shimmered under the sunlight, its waters teeming with life as they encircled a small, vibrant island. Despite the passage of years, nothing had changed—time flowed like an eternal river, unceasing and unchanging.

Whether fish in the river or once-renowned prodigies, all were swept away by the currents, leaving not even a ripple behind—mere fleeting glimpses in the grand scheme of things.

Under the pale moonlight, the chirping of insects filled the air.

The empty courtyard stood silent, devoid of life save for the rustling leaves of the old locust tree, whispering in harmony with nature’s song. It seemed to hint at past inhabitants, yet also spoke of endless solitude.

"Swish…"

Though it was summer, another withered leaf drifted to the ground.

Such a strange phenomenon, if witnessed by ordinary folk, would likely become fodder for tavern tales, recounted by storytellers as a bizarre anecdote—nothing more than a whimsical anecdote to pass the time.

No one could tell how many withered leaves had fallen.

At last, a frog emerged near the ancient well.

It stood beneath the tree, gazing upward.

Stroking its plump chin with one hand, it spoke in a human voice, its eyes cast downward.

"Old friend, you’ve truly grown old."

The ancient locust tree slowly opened its eyes and replied with a chuckle.

"Time is merciless."

"Of all who followed our master, how few have attained eternal life?"

"How fares the Eldest Young Master?"

Frog Benwei rolled its eyes, staring into the endless starry sky.

"The Eldest Young Master... seems to have fought his way to the edge of the world."

At the thought of Zhong Qing’s monstrous prowess, a glimmer of admiration flashed in Frog Benwei’s eyes.

The old locust tree also lifted its gaze, choosing not to inquire further about that existence.

After a few moments of silence,

it recalled another and quietly asked again, eyes lowered.

"And the Second Young Master?"

Hearing this, Frog Benwei’s expression turned solemn.

"The Second Young Master... I’m afraid he still needs more time."

"After all, it’s a different world. The laws of that realm are incomparable, so his challenges are naturally greater."

The old locust tree nodded slightly, its crown swaying gently as it closed its eyes.

"Indeed, that’s true."

"The Second Young Master’s mission is of utmost importance. You must spare no effort in keeping watch—not the slightest misstep can be allowed."

Frog Benwei nodded firmly.

"Understood. Leave it to me."

Just as it was about to leave,

it patted its round belly, a teasing grin curling at the corners of its mouth.

"Old friend."

"You’ve got it made, haven’t you? Sitting here day after day, motionless, doing nothing but freeloading off our master."

The old locust tree didn’t argue, merely rolling its eyes in response.

With a final downward glance, the ancient tree shut its eyes once more. Its trunk gave a slight tremble, and its branches and leaves fell still, indistinguishable from any ordinary tree save for the rustling in the wind.

Seeing this,

Frog Benwei sighed helplessly and yawned.

It smoothed its face with its front paws, then hopped away, vanishing into the boundless night.