But in the blink of an eye, $2e felt something was off again.

Because back then, Night Owl had also slapped him with a burst of energy.

If she truly liked him so much, how could she bear to slap him?

That didn’t add up.

This left Zhang Zhishan feeling quite dejected.

Had he misinterpreted her feelings?

But then, he suddenly remembered something, and a smile reappeared on his face.

Because he recalled that Night Owl had only slapped him after he boasted about his countless romantic conquests.

What did that mean?

It clearly meant Night Owl was jealous!

And that heavy slap wasn’t just ordinary jealousy—it was extreme jealousy!

"It must be so!"

Zhang Zhishan’s lips curled smugly, his heart blooming with joy.

Judging by Night Owl’s vinegar-soaked reaction, it wasn’t just liking him—she loved him, even adored him to the bone!

"Zhang Zhishan, oh Zhang Zhishan, you truly possess peerless charm. Though your cultivation talent might not rank among the top of Yunxing’s younger generation, that must be the heavens envying your brilliance."

"Giving you such breathtaking beauty while withholding some cultivation talent—that’s only fair."

Zhang Zhishan clasped his hands behind his back and couldn’t help but hum a cheerful tune...

...

Three days passed in a flash.

And the poison masters of Sky Poison Island lived up to expectations, successfully developing a new spatial toxin.

In truth, while it seemed like only three days had passed, dozens of poison masters had actually spent three full years working together to refine this toxin.

To meet Yi Feng’s demands and expedite the process, they had invested heavily in activating a time-warping artifact, hence the three-year effort.

So early that morning, $2ver a hundred poison masters from Sky Poison Island gathered, each wearing confident smiles.

Three years of honing a single blade—

They had absolute faith in this experiment.

Naturally, the two test subjects, Fu Nantian and Yi Feng, also arrived.

Seeing the grand assembly of poison masters and observing their auras, Fu Nantian immediately realized they had used a time-warping artifact.

"Kid, are you ready?" Fu Nantian couldn’t help but warn. "This time, they’re serious. They’ve employed a time-warping artifact to refine this toxin."

"Oh, a time-warping artifact?"

Yi Feng’s eyes lit up.

He understood what that meant. Initially, he hadn’t expected much from the poison masters’ three-day effort and had kept a stern face, but hearing Fu Nantian’s words, excitement surged within him.

Noticing Yi Feng’s enthusiasm, Fu Nantian couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

Just how high were this kid’s ideals?

Could there really be someone so self-sacrificing in the world?

Did he not have even a shred of selfish concern for his own life?

"Two noble warriors, we must trouble you again today,"

An elder from Sky Poison Island approached and said, "This toxic mist space is the result of nearly a hundred poison masters improving upon the last version. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the two of you might..."

"No need to say more."

Yi Feng waved him off, lifting his chin proudly. "What is there to fear in death? To dedicate my life to this grand cause is my duty. If everything’s ready, I’ll enter now."

"Bravo!"

"Truly a hero!"

The poison masters were moved, showering him with praise.

"Since the two wish to proceed, then please!"

The leading elder gestured grandly.

At once, the crowd parted, bowing respectfully as Yi Feng and Fu Nantian walked forward.

Without hesitation, Yi Feng stepped into the space.

Fu Nantian followed closely behind.

It was the same familiar space, littered with scattered bones. The two casually found spots to sit, awaiting the arrival of the toxic mist.

Moments later, mist seeped into the space—the poison had arrived.

The moment Fu Nantian sensed it, he knew this toxin was no joke, far surpassing the last one.

He couldn’t help but smirk.

"Last time, this kid survived because the toxin was weak. But this time? He’s as good as dead."

"After waiting all these days, the moment has finally come."

"Once he’s on the brink, I’ll save him, and then he’ll be indebted to me—perfect for taking him as my disciple."

Under his bamboo hat, he schemed delightedly.

Outside the space, $2he hundred poison masters waited anxiously, their expressions a mix of anticipation and tension.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhishan stood in a corner, sneering inwardly, thinking that today marked the end of his tea-fetching days.

Just then, a woman in a white dress, barefoot like an ethereal fairy, gracefully approached.

Her presence seemed to draw the sunlight itself, focusing it upon her, as if all the beauty in the world paled in comparison.

Her arrival immediately captured everyone’s attention.

"Who is this?"

"Since when did our desolate island have such a stunning goddess?"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

All eyes were fixed on her.

However, $2hen they got a clear look at her face—

"Holy—!"

Several old men tugging their beards nearly yanked them off, while others clutched their chests, almost collapsing from shock. The rest simply gaped in disbelief.

Because the newcomer was none other than Sky Poison Island’s master—Night Owl.

"Am I seeing things? Is that really the island master?"

"This is beyond absurd!"

"Since when did the island master dress like this?"

In short, their shock knew no bounds.

Among them, the poison masters knew her best—she had always dressed in dark, eerie attire, the kind that sent chills down one’s spine.

But today? She looked like the girl next door!

Yet, unlike the others’ astonishment, Zhang Zhishan in the corner grinned smugly. "Night Owl’s really pulling out all the stops to win me over!"

Amid the whispers, Night Owl walked closer.

Though their minds reeled, none dared mistake her for some gentle soul.

They hastily greeted, "Greetings, Island Master."

"Has the space already opened?"

Facing them, Night Owl remained as expressionless as ever, her voice cold.

"Yes, at the two warriors’ request, we began earlier,"

An elder replied.

"I see..."

"Shouldn’t have spent so long on makeup..."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Night Owl’s face, but she quickly masked it, beckoning the lead elder with a finger.

"Island Master, what are your orders?"

The elder approached nervously.

"Remember my command—ensure Yi Feng’s safety at all costs," Night Owl whispered icily. "Or I’ll have your head."

The elder shuddered, forcing a bitter smile. "Island Master, I’ll do my best."

Remembering something, he added, "But Island Master, what about Hero Fu?"

"Although Young Master Yi is indeed more admirable, Hero Fu is also..."

"Uh..."

Night Owl paused, only then recalling that apart from Yi Feng, there was also Fu Nantian.

"Do as you see fit."

With a light, indifferent remark, Night Owl left directly.

...

No one is immune to gossip.

So after Night Owl departed, the murmurs rose once again.

"Have you noticed? The Island Master seems different lately."

"Yeah, something feels off."

"I just can’t figure out why she’s dressed like this."

"Right? It does look good, but it’s just so baffling."

"More than that—it’s downright eerie. It’s just too strange."

Nearby, $2hang Zhishan, listening to their chatter, smirked so widely his lips nearly touched his ears.

"Guess all you want, you old fools."

"No matter how hard you try, you’ll never figure out that the Island Master you fear so much changed her appearance like this—all to please me, out of love for me."

"The only reason she came here was to see me, using the excuse of inspecting the poison trials. Otherwise, why would she wait until everyone had already gone inside?"