After Su Yu'er gathered the entire sect's resources to deliver the Celestial Crystals used to purchase the demon cores, Yi Feng shouldered his pack and embarked on his journey to seek death.
Standing atop a high mountain, Yi Feng gazed into the distance.
A long sigh escaped his lips.
"Ah, in this vast world, where shall my bones find rest?"
Yi Feng was troubled.
Many days had passed since he set out, and he had tried every possible method—yet death continued to elude him.
Not far away, a convoy of carriages raced past.
At the lead, mounted on a bull-headed beast, was a massive banner.
Anyone with even a passing knowledge of the current factions would recognize this banner—the convoy belonged to the Hong Sect, one of the powerful plundering sects.
Further back, an extravagant long barge was being pulled by eight colossal demonic beasts. Its interior was exquisitely decorated, bright and immaculate, with strings of pearls hanging at the entrance.
Beyond the pearls, red silk drapes adorned the ceiling, and the air carried a faint, refreshing fragrance.
Clearly, this barge was the private chamber of a young noblewoman.
On the bed at the rear sat a slender, breathtakingly beautiful woman.
Clad in sheer gauze, her fair arms faintly visible, her long raven hair cascaded down her back. Her lazy posture exuded an indescribable allure.
On the table beside her rested a rose-red longsword.
The sword shimmered with a flowing radiance, as if alive.
Anyone with a discerning eye could tell—this sword was no ordinary treasure, far beyond what even a plundering sect could possess.
Even among the great Daoist sects, such a priceless artifact was rarely seen.
Beside her, a maid was reporting the latest news.
"The Three Lives Sect disbanded abruptly without warning. The reason behind it remains a mystery..."
The maid spoke respectfully.
The woman waved her hand dismissively, as if the matter held little importance.
"Does the young mistress not wish to investigate?"
The maid couldn't help but ask.
"There's no need. The reincarnation of the Saint has already stirred deep waters."
"Whether it's the Three Lives Sect or the so-called Three Great Daoist Sects, they're nothing more than small fish swimming in plain sight. Beneath the surface, countless undercurrents swirl unseen."
"So if these small fish offend someone they shouldn't or meddle in affairs beyond their reach, being erased is only natural."
The woman spoke lightly, her tone indifferent.
The maid was visibly shocked, realizing she had underestimated the gravity of the Saint's reincarnation.
"Young mistress, is the Saint truly so formidable?"
The maid couldn't resist asking.
The woman answered without hesitation, tilting her chin slightly as she continued, "The one who came closest in history was the Literary Saint."
"His mere presence could shift the fate of an entire world."
"A single word from him could alter the destiny of all existence."
"As the saying goes, 'He who wins the Saint's heart wins the world.'"
The maid covered her lips in astonishment, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Thus, do you really think the struggle for the Saint involves only the so-called Three Great Daoist Sects?" The woman scoffed. "It's simply that the true players have yet to reveal themselves."
"Young mistress is truly wise."
The maid spoke admiringly. "That must be why we've chosen to conceal ourselves within a minor faction like the Hong Gate."
The maid beamed with delight.
However, at that moment, the moving barge suddenly came to a halt.
The gauze-clad woman frowned, her gaze turning toward the red silk drapes.
"Reporting to the young mistress, a man in white has blocked our path."
Outside, a deep-voiced leader respectfully relayed the message.
The woman waved her hand, then added sternly, "Remember—avoid conflict at all costs. We must proceed with utmost discretion. I will not tolerate even the slightest risk of exposure. Do you understand?"
The leader departed, striding toward the front of the convoy.
At the head of the procession stood a man in white, blocking the entire convoy's path.
The man was none other than Yi Feng.
Having no idea how to find death, he had spotted this grand convoy racing down the road—its imposing banners and majestic presence signaling the importance of its passengers.
So he decided to test his luck.
If fortune favored him, perhaps he would provoke an expert who would strike him down with a single blow.
The leader coldly assessed the man in white before speaking indifferently, "Why do you block our path?"
"I'm here to rob you!"
Yi Feng lifted his chin arrogantly and declared, "This road is mine, these trees I planted! To pass through here, you must pay the toll!"
The leader remained expressionless. "How much do you want?"
He had no intention of actually robbing anyone—he just wanted to die.
Under normal circumstances, shouldn't this man have roared, "You're asking for death!" before charging at him with a blade?
Yet instead, he was asking how much he wanted?
Clearly, they wanted to avoid trouble by paying him off.
Well, he wouldn't let them have their way.
"Ten thousand—no, a million Celestial Crystals!"
Yi Feng sneered, his voice dripping with provocation. "Not a single coin less! Otherwise, you're not taking another step forward—unless you kill me first!"
With that, Yi Feng stared eagerly at the leader, waiting for his reaction.
Such an outrageous demand—surely this man would be furious now.
Surely he would draw his blade and attack.
The leader waved his hand, and a storage ring flew into Yi Feng's palm.
"Here's two million Celestial Crystals. Now step aside."
Yi Feng stared blankly at the storage ring in his hand.
What... what just happened?
Why wasn't this guy following the script?
Two million, just handed over like that?
No haggling, no anger?
Since when was robbery this easy?
Now Yi Feng was stuck in an awkward position, unsure what to do next.