"Yi Feng? That young man you intend to take as a disciple?" Luo Hongfei furrowed his aged brows, hesitation flickering in his eyes.

Fu Nantian responded, "Exactly. Though Yi Feng is only a Half-Saint, he is a rare talent and the most suitable guide for this task."

Luo Hongfei fell into contemplation, not immediately agreeing.

Before Fu Nantian could continue, a cold, mocking chuckle came from the visitors of Lanxing.

"A mere Half-Saint counts as talent? Has Yunxing fallen so low?"

Their tone dripped with disdain, eyes flashing with impatience.

The two old men flushed with embarrassment, lacking the confidence to retort.

Fortunately, the leading woman spoke coolly, "Regardless of cultivation level, as long as he can guide us, that suffices. The situation is urgent—summon him at once."

Relieved, Fu Nantian bowed slightly and explained, "Esteemed Senior, please forgive this junior's presumption. My disciple is still inexperienced, and this task is of grave importance. Allow me a moment to brief him."

When the woman nodded indifferently, Fu Nantian hastily excused himself.

Given the stakes, Luo Hongfei followed closely.

The two old men hurried through the village, arriving at a small cottage at its edge.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, they found Yi Feng lounging lazily in the sun, seemingly asleep, with a jug of wine resting on the stone table.

His leisurely life rivaled—even surpassed—their own retiree-like ease.

Exchanging glances, the two elders wore mixed expressions.

Fu Nantian offered a reassuring smile, as if to say, "Trust me."

He stepped forward, clearing his throat with authority.

The sound roused Yi Feng, who drowsily cracked open an eye.

Before him stood the flamboyant Old Fu, hands clasped behind his back, his expression uncharacteristically solemn.

"Yi Feng, I am burdened with urgent matters. Three Seniors require a guide to investigate certain affairs across the land. If you accompany them well, I will grant you any reward you desire."

The matter concerned the safety of all Yunxing and involved experts from beyond their star—far too weighty to disclose fully.

Still, Fu Nantian phrased it carefully, offering generous incentives, leaving no room for refusal.

Luo Hongfei nodded in approval, adding for good measure, "Young man, if you assist these three Seniors flawlessly, you will have our gratitude and a favor owed."

Their hopeful gazes fixed on Yi Feng.

Half-asleep, Yi Feng initially wanted to refuse. But seeing their grave demeanor, he reconsidered and agreed.

"Fine. I’ll take them around for you."

Gifts and favors meant little to him, but he had been idle lately—a change of scenery wouldn’t hurt. Besides, it was a chance to humor the two old men.

Pleased by his swift agreement, the elders exchanged knowing smiles.

Youths were so easily swayed. Yet this one was sensible enough to contribute to Yunxing’s survival. They’d reward him with an opportunity later.

With their minds made up, they escorted Yi Feng to the village’s rear.

Within moments, eight Saints had gathered, ripples distorting the void as they prepared to depart.

Tensions ran high as they readied to enter the Ancient Corridor to enhance their cultivation.

Fu Nantian cast a deep look at Yi Feng.

This future disciple’s fate was inscrutable even to him—perhaps he truly was fit for the role of guide.

Out of concern, Fu Nantian leaned in for a final whisper.

"Yi Feng, these three are our Seniors, their strength unfathomable. Just guide them. Do not pry, and above all, do not offend them. Remember this."

Yi Feng, however, only saw this as a chance to sightsee.

"Mm."

His indifferent response did not escape the Lanxing trio’s notice.

A youth with not a trace of Dao energy—likely barely a Half-Saint.

Weak in cultivation, lacking even basic humility.

That such a person was entrusted with this task spoke volumes about Yunxing’s decline.

No matter.

A guide was just a tool. No need for high standards.

After a cursory glance, the three dismissed Yi Feng entirely.

The eight Saints vanished into the void.

Without delay, the Lanxing trio summoned a massive airship. Boarding with Yi Feng, they soared into the horizon.

Though merely a conveyance, it traversed thousands of miles in an instant, rivaling a Saint’s speed.

First-time rider Yi Feng felt a thrill.

Gazing down at the land from the clouds, he finally tasted the exhilaration of immortal cultivation, settling into the journey’s rhythm.

Unfortunately, his so-called Seniors remained statuesque in meditation.

The woman, though breathtakingly beautiful, was as cold as ice—like Guanyin herself.

Silent and aloof, she radiated an aura of untouchable nobility.

Seeing this, Yi Feng gave up on conversation.

If they wanted to play lofty guests, so be it. Fu Nantian’s warning fresh in mind, he wouldn’t invite disdain.

Leaning against the airship’s edge, he savored the panoramic views, chin propped on his hand, mind adrift…

These past days had brought rare tranquility.

Yet his quest for death had failed repeatedly, leaving him unsettled.

What exactly was his cultivation level?

Bai Piaopiao, a true Saint, couldn’t harm him. Su Jie, the famed Sword Saint, had also proven powerless.

Even the village elders—Old Fu, Old Wei—seemed unimpressive.

Saints were useless against him.

Reflecting on his experiences, Yi Feng accepted that reckless suicide attempts were futile. His damned system’s death mission would have to wait for the right opportunity.

At peace, he sprawled on the airship, staring at the boundless sky until sleep took him.

Days passed in idle comfort—scenery, meals, and naps.

His provisions included plenty of local eggs and past stock.

Yi Feng reveled in this free vacation.

Then, as the airship neared a shroud of black mist, murmurs woke him.

The three "Seniors" were speaking.

"The source of Yunxing’s spatial rift anomalies must lie within this Dark Domain."

"Likely these demonic creatures tore through space, allowing Void Beasts from the chaotic streams to invade."

"Agreed. We must proceed with caution."

After their hushed exchange, the ethereal woman in gossamer robes rose gracefully.

A single step brought her to the airship’s edge—right beside Yi Feng—so swiftly it left him blinking.

This woman had skills.

Not only was she celestial in beauty, but her movements were peerless. Even Yi Feng, no stranger to experts, was impressed.

Majestic aura, transcendent presence.

As Yi Feng marveled inwardly, the woman ignored him, her clear eyes fixed ahead with unwavering focus.

Following her gaze…

Yi Feng saw only a mass of dark, swirling mist hovering over the distant horizon, completely enveloping that stretch of land. It looked like a sandstorm gathering strength, or like a drop of ink dispersing in a lake, spreading and churning endlessly.

Upon closer inspection, shadowy figures could be seen darting across the gray, barren earth from time to time. There were familiar creatures like the Mondo Beasts, bizarre beings with grotesque hooked faces, and rolling monstrosities that resembled giant, grotesque dumplings—utterly repulsive, far from the appeal of wild pheasants or hares.

Yi Feng’s interest waned as he sat listlessly on the flying vessel, his lackadaisical demeanor catching the attention of the leading woman from the corner of her eye. To her, he seemed both ignorant and cowardly, as if shrinking from what lay ahead.

With a fleeting glance, she turned away and remarked offhandedly,

"We’ll be entering the black mist soon."

"No matter what happens, stay close to the three of us. If you lose your life, it’s no great loss—but having to find another guide would be troublesome."

Was that even human speech?

Yi Feng’s lips twitched at her callous words, but as he pondered further, a whiff of danger in the air distracted him from her attitude. His gaze fixed intently on the black mist ahead.

If there was real danger waiting, well… that would be just perfect.

As she spoke, the woman flicked her sleeve, and the flying vessel shot forward like a streak of light, plunging straight into the black mist.

Yi Feng slowly rose to his feet, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.