Unexpected Delight

In less than half a day.

The news of Yi Feng's death spread far and wide, reaching almost everyone's ears.

This briefly emerged mortal-star genius had fallen just as suddenly, like a shooting star streaking across the sky. The commotion it caused far surpassed the earlier announcement of the Heavenly Rankings, giving rise to endless sighs of regret.

The once awe-inspiring genius became a thing of the past. Cultivators on Blizzard Island discussed it incessantly, while the admirers who had flocked to him dispersed. The once glorious Sunset Sky Mansion became deserted and quiet.

Chasing fame and fortune is the nature of most people; such is the fickleness of the world.

Before the cave dwelling that was once full of visitors, now only a few mortal-star cultivators remained. Holding fine wine, their faces etched with regret, their leader Xu Qingyuan stood in a daze, gazing at the silent courtyard before letting out a long sigh.

"Ah..."

"Who would have thought that Brother Yi, having just ascended the Heavenly Rankings and winning a breath of pride for us mortal-star cultivators, would perish in the blink of an eye? Truly, heaven envies the talented!"

"With you gone, who can we share drinks and joy with anymore?"

As the words touched their sorrow, the others behind him gritted their teeth and lowered their heads.

Although they too were visitors who came out of admiration, they harbored no ulterior motives. Their feelings towards Yi Feng, a fellow mortal-star genius, were solely of boundless aspiration and respect.

It was no exaggeration to say that the gentle and open-minded Yi Feng was the hope in their eyes, the backbone they relied upon. They had only wished for this genius to spread his wings and soar, making his name renowned across the Elemental Stars!

While the crowd of opportunists scattered, they still came to mourn. Their sincere friendship needed no further explanation. They grieved not only for Yi Feng but also for the loss of a pillar of support for all mortal-star cultivators.

Joy and glory were far too fleeting, separated by a single day from eternal farewell.

They stood desolate and stiff for a long time.

Xu Qingyuan poured the precious wine onto the ground before the cave dwelling, took a deep breath, and clenched his teeth in unwilling resolve, nodding his head.

"Brother Yi, rest in peace."

"I will forever remember your brilliance. I will never waver or be cowardly again. From now on, I will drive myself to win a breath of pride for us mortal-star cultivators!"

His companions also nodded in salute, their expressions firm.

Their act of mourning was naturally seen by many. Some watched with sighs in their eyes, others with disdain on their faces, but as Yi Feng had fallen, it all ended with a dismissive laugh.

The thousands of cave dwellings on Blizzard Island bustled with activity as usual. Everything seemed to have returned to how it was before. Elemental-star cultivators still held themselves high above, and the noble An Shixuan was still surrounded by flatterers...

As for Yi Feng, who was almost no longer mentioned, he was currently in a daze within a dim, yellowish world.

The surroundings were gray and misty, cold and desolate.

Staring at the unfamiliar environment, Yi Feng wore a thoroughly puzzled expression.

"Crunch!"

With one sword stroke, he cleaved a flying monster in two.

He couldn't help but grumble aloud.

"What kind of lousy place is this..."

"Wasn't there supposed to be a gift left in the treasury? Why is it like some escape room? The atmosphere is really off. Blizzard Island's treasury is too shabby."

He explored for a long time, growing more suspicious with each step. He felt the entire world exuded a thick sense of desolation.

This environment was a world apart from what he had imagined.

He hurriedly looked back, only to find even the path he came from had vanished without a trace...

Only then did Yi Feng realize. He gripped his greatsword tightly!

"Dammit!"

"This hellish place is no treasury. It seems I've been duped!"

At this moment.

Yi Feng fully understood. Where he had come was no treasury at all, but a very dangerous place. That old woman from earlier was truly sinister. Her words sounded pleasant, but her real intention was to get him killed?

The more he looked, the more suspicions arose. Yi Feng scanned the desolate surroundings.

Finally, he discovered a zhang-high stone stele. Brushing away the dark dust, the engraved inscriptions were already somewhat blurred, untold years having passed.