Unlike the other three levels, this place was lavishly decorated, exuding an air of grandeur.
A long-legged woman dressed in light clothing leaned barefoot against the window, holding a cup of exquisite nectar in her hand as she gazed into the distance.
After a long silence, $2er slender, jade-like fingers finally set the cup down, and she spoke indifferently, "Come in."
The steward kneeling outside the door pushed it open and entered. Though the woman's attire was thin, revealing her fair legs—a sight that would be lethal to any man—the steward dared not even glance at her. He immediately knelt before her.
The woman's eyes remained fixed on the distant view, her expression tinged with impatience. Clearly, the steward's arrival had disturbed her.
The steward lowered his head and recounted everything that had happened on the second floor in detail.
After listening, $2he woman raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into an intrigued smile.
"Since I'm bored anyway, go and bring him up. Also, call two others from the second floor. I’ll see for myself."
She waved her hand dismissively.
The steward hastily retreated.
Before long, Yi Feng and two others were escorted to the fourth floor.
The other two were young men of noble bearing, clearly scions of prestigious families.
For them, being invited to the fourth floor was an exhilarating honor.
They never expected that, upon boarding the ship and entering the second floor, they would be chosen by the steward to come up here for a game of mahjong. Such privilege was not granted to just anyone.
After all, the captain of the Eighth Route was known as Fairy Mei, a name renowned throughout the entire Heavenly Domain.
However, given her position as captain and her affiliation with the Linglong Pavilion, most had only heard of her but never seen her in person. Few ever laid eyes on her true form.
The two young nobles had long yearned for Fairy Mei. As they climbed the stairs, they nervously adjusted their attire and smoothed their hair.
In their hearts, they couldn’t help but wonder—had Fairy Mei taken notice of them?
Otherwise, why would she pick them out of all the cultivators on the second floor?
"My feat of slaying the sea demon barehanded must have spread far and wide, reaching even Fairy Mei’s ears."
"And that time I single-handedly wiped out an entire pirate crew—such a legendary deed surely made waves across the nearby islands. Fairy Mei must have heard of it and holds me in high regard."
The two nobles thought along the same lines.
Standing before the fourth-floor door, they were both nervous and excited, repeatedly adjusting their appearance.
At the same time, they sized each other up.
Exchanging glances, they recognized each other’s reputations. If someone like him was also invited to the fourth floor, then he must be worthy.
Their gazes shifted to Yi Feng, their brows furrowing slightly.
An unknown nobody. Aside from having a decent aura, even his clothes looked cheap. What right did he have to stand alongside them on the fourth floor?
Yet Yi Feng paid them no mind.
Far from being nervous or excited about coming here, his face was set in a scowl.
What the hell did this so-called captain want with him? They weren’t even acquainted. He’d been on a winning streak on the second floor, raking in profits left and right.
Now he was supposed to play mahjong with her? What a waste of time. If not for the fact that he was on her ship and needed to reach his destination, he wouldn’t have bothered.
And these two idiots beside him—why were they staring at him so much?
Yi Feng yawned lazarily, his disinterest standing in stark contrast to the two eager nobles.
"My lady, they have been brought as requested," the steward announced respectfully at the door.
Inside the room, the woman flicked her wrist, and a red veil floated through the air, draping over her bare shoulders.
At the same time, the door swung open on its own.
The moment it did, the two nobles rushed in eagerly.
When they laid eyes on Fairy Mei’s true form, their eyes widened, and they nearly drooled.
Fairy Mei truly lived up to her name.
"I am Gu Duyun of Gufeng Island, at your service, Fairy Mei."
"I am Feng Wuzong of Wuxing Island, at your service, Fairy Mei."
They spoke in unison, bowing with clasped fists before straightening up, their smiles exuding grace and confidence.
Clearly, they were doing their best to hide their nervousness, striving to present their best selves before her.
"Greetings. Please, take a seat."
Fairy Mei smiled faintly, gesturing toward the redwood table where a mahjong set had already been prepared.
"Many thanks, Fairy Mei."
They bowed again before seating themselves with practiced elegance.
Then, Fairy Mei turned her gaze to Yi Feng, who had just entered. Her expression shifted slightly.
Though Yi Feng’s attire lacked the opulence of the other two, there was something about him that felt more… comfortable.
What surprised her even more was that this young man seemed entirely unenthused about being on the fourth floor—and, apparently, uninterested in her as well.
Having met countless people, she found Yi Feng’s demeanor rare.
If her guess was correct, this was the very man her steward suspected of cheating.
Her red lips curled into a playful smile.
Her interest in Yi Feng grew.
Meanwhile, Yi Feng also looked at her.
And his heart was full of disdain.
Damn, it’s a woman. That’s even more troublesome.
Sure, she’s good-looking, but that’s no excuse to cut into my profits.
"May I ask for the young master’s name?"
After a long pause, seeing that Yi Feng remained silent, Fairy Mei took the initiative, smiling as she spoke.
His reply was indifferent.
Perhaps it was his nature, but Yi Feng’s aloofness only stoked Fairy Mei’s competitive spirit.
She glided closer to him, rising slightly on her toes until she stood at his side. Then, after a moment, her slender fingers trailed down from the collar near his ear, coming to rest lightly on his chest.
"Young Master Yi must be weary from travel. As your host, it’s only right that I ensure your comfort. Allow me to help you change into fresh attire."
Her voice, sweet and laced with a hint of seduction, drifted into Yi Feng’s ears, while a faint fragrance teased his senses. For a moment, even he felt his resolve waver.
The sight of this made the two nobles at the table stiffen.
Their eyes bulged, and they nearly ground their teeth in envy.
Why didn’t they get this treatment?
"What the hell is this woman doing?"
"Absolutely ridiculous."
Yi Feng’s eyes darted around.
"Is she trying to pull some kind of scam because I won too much?"
With that thought, he took a deliberate step back.
"No need. These clothes suit me just fine."
His refusal was blunt.
Yi Feng’s straightforward rejection left Fairy Mei’s hand hanging in the air, her face briefly frozen in embarrassment.
But in the next instant, she laughed softly, effortlessly smoothing over the awkwardness.
"If Young Master Yi Feng finds it troublesome, then let it be. Please have a seat."
Though the words were polite, the gaze directed at Yi Feng grew even more intrigued.
Such an interesting person was truly rare to come by.