But in the next moment, $2he let out a cold laugh.
Did he feel mocked by her and deliberately respond with such sarcasm?
Still a bit tsundere...
Truly creatures obsessed with pride.
So she didn’t expose Yi Feng outright but instead asked in another way, "Can you tell me what your purpose is in seeking the Death Inheritance?"
"Longevity—immortality!" Yi Feng answered bluntly.
"Ah, the earliest cultivators were born for their own pursuits—to seek longevity, to achieve immortality," Mei Xian'er sighed. "But as time passed, most lost their original intent, turning instead to power, women, status..."
Her words were full of praise.
In truth, this was deliberate.
First, she belittled him, then lifted him up.
This was how the art of controlling minds began—leading the other person to follow her rhythm.
Yi Feng rubbed his nose, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"Still, having a goal is good, but the path you’re taking is too perilous, and the chances of success are far too slim." At this point, Mei Xian'er paused, pouring tea into Yi Feng’s cup before continuing, "But now, I can guide you onto another path."
"This path is far less treacherous, allowing you to leap forward in great strides."
"In fact, even if you succeed in obtaining the Death Inheritance, the achievements awaiting you there may not surpass what I can offer you now."
Having said this, $2he gave Yi Feng a meaningful look.
A person with ambition was a good thing.
No matter what they sought, as long as they desired something, there was a way to sway them.
She was confident she had already hooked Yi Feng’s interest.
Sure enough, Yi Feng voiced his curiosity.
"Join the Linglong Pavilion."
Mei Xian'er extended the olive branch.
Her desire to recruit Yi Feng stemmed from several reasons.
First, Yi Feng knew how to play mahjong—just the person the Grand Steward needed.
Second, judging by the kick he’d given her, his strength was no joke.
Most importantly, Yi Feng was interesting.
An interesting person naturally had to be drawn in, so she could have her fun...
She believed Yi Feng was already tempted. Understanding the principle of striking while the iron was hot, she pressed further, "Join the Linglong Pavilion, and the finest techniques and skills will be yours to choose from. Your strength will undergo a qualitative leap, and soon, you’ll be able to stride unhindered across the entire Heavenly Domain. Nothing in this realm will pose a threat to your life."
She raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with temptation.
Yet, Yi Feng’s expression darkened as he snapped, "Are you out of your mind?"
He nearly flipped the table in anger.
His quest for death was already hard enough—now she wanted him to join the Linglong Pavilion?
Yi Feng refused without a second thought.
He believed he had made it abundantly clear to Mei Xian'er that his goal was to die.
Yet this foolish woman still couldn’t grasp it.
Ah well, those who walked different paths could not conspire together.
Yi Feng stood up to leave.
His outright refusal caught Mei Xian'er completely off guard.
She had been certain she had hooked his interest.
That he was following her lead.
Yet at the critical moment, he hadn’t hesitated in the slightest—as if slapping her across the face.
This sudden turn of events defied all logic.
"Won’t you at least consider it?"
Her expression turned grim as she asked in a low voice.
"No need. I won’t agree," Yi Feng stated flatly, leaving no room for negotiation. "Because you don’t understand what I truly want."
Mei Xian'er’s voice grew solemn. "Yes, longevity and immortality are just ideals—far too distant. Joining the Linglong Pavilion won’t guarantee you achieve them, but it will bring you closer."
"And do you really believe that seeking the Death Inheritance—or even succeeding in obtaining it—will grant you immortality?"
Her words carried mockery.
But Yi Feng’s expression grew even more derisive.
"I told you, you don’t understand what I want," Yi Feng said impassively. "Miss Mei Xian'er, whatever your reasons for wanting me in the Linglong Pavilion, my answer remains no."
"We are not the same. It’s best we keep our distance. Our relationship begins and ends with me boarding your ship to reach my destination. At most, we’ve played a round of mahjong."
With that, $2e turned to leave.
There was no need to explain further to Mei Xian'er.
They were merely strangers who happened to cross paths.
Yet just as Yi Feng reached the stairway, the steward beside Mei Xian'er blocked his path.
"If Young Master Yi won’t agree willingly, then I’ll have to take you by force," Mei Xian'er declared, tilting her chin up with a triumphant smile.
"You won’t be able to take me," Yi Feng said coldly.
"That remains to be seen."
Mei Xian'er smirked. "The No. 8 Line is already heading straight for the Linglong Pavilion’s headquarters in the Heavenly Domain."
"Don’t joke around. This is a public ferry—there are other passengers aboard. Are you taking all of them too?" Yi Feng shook his head.
"Young Master Yi may not know, but all other passengers have already been removed. Right now, aside from my people, you’re the only one left on this ship," Mei Xian'er said, her lips curling.
Hearing this, $2i Feng’s brow furrowed.
"So, Young Master Yi, you’re coming whether you like it or not." Mei Xian'er spoke leisurely, as if anticipating his next thought, she added, "Unless, of course, you leave the No. 8 Line and jump into the sea."
"But I must warn you."
"The risks of jumping are no less than those of the Death Inheritance on Fengyue Island."
"In these dark waters lurk countless sea demons. And if you attempt to fly, the moment you rise slightly above the sea, you’ll encounter miasma that clouds the mind."
"This is what makes the Heavenly Domain unique—why all cultivators travel by ship and never fly over the sea."
"Because flying here is nothing short of suicide. Certain death!"
Yi Feng raised his gaze, staring intently at Mei Xian'er as he asked.
"Ten out of ten—no survivors."
Mei Xian'er smiled smugly, confident she had sealed off all his escape routes.
After all, no sane person would abandon a ship in the middle of such a vast, distant sea.
Unfortunately, $2i Feng was far from sane.
The moment she confirmed it, $2e plunged straight into the sea with a splash.
Mei Xian'er’s triumphant expression froze in shock.