Chapter 1146: The Grandest Gathering

"Damn!"

As soon as he pushed the door open, Yi Feng was startled to see someone hanging from a noose.

The man's eyes were rolled back, and his legs were kicking wildly. Seeing that the situation was about to turn dire, Yi Feng quickly drew his sword and swung it!

"Snap!"

"Thud!"

The rope was severed, and the man fell to the ground.

Yi Feng hurried over to help him up, calling out a few times.

"Brother? Brother?"

The middle-aged man, who had a plump and wealthy appearance, slowly opened his eyes, tears welling up as he coughed.

"Cough, cough, cough... Why did you have to save me..."

Hearing that the man had been trying to commit suicide, Yi Feng suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

Deep down, he even felt a hint of inexplicable envy.

Given the circumstances, as a model young man, Yi Feng could only offer some words of encouragement. After a round of motivational pep talk, the plainly dressed fat man finally sat up, sighing helplessly and bowing in gratitude.

"Thank you for your guidance, sir. But if there were any way to survive, I wouldn't have resorted to this."

Hearing this, Yi Feng looked puzzled.

"What kind of trouble are you in that you feel the need to end your life?"

The fat man sighed again, struggling to his feet and bowing once more.

"Thank you, kind sir, for your advice."

The two sat down at a shabby wooden table. As the fat man poured tea, he began to speak with sorrow.

"Kind sir, my name is Bao Congxin. This is a long story..."

As Bao Congxin recounted his tale, Yi Feng gradually became engrossed.

It turned out that this fat brother hailed from the Nanli Heavenly Domain Continent. He had once been a handsome senior disciple, beloved by his juniors.

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last.

His second junior brother conspired with a certain elder to kill their sect master and seize everything that rightfully belonged to him. They even framed him for the murder, and even his childhood sweetheart, his junior sister, came to see him as her father's killer.

Overnight, Bao Congxin found himself betrayed by all, despised by everyone.

He was hunted down with no way out, forcing him to flee to the Eastern Sea, where he endured humiliation and hardship, gritting his teeth and training hard, waiting for a chance to seek revenge.

To make matters worse, Bao Congxin recently learned that his junior sister had married the treacherous junior brother, severing his last hope. After decades of wandering and suffering, he finally succumbed to despair...

Hearing such a tragic story, Yi Feng's eyes filled with sympathy.

No wonder a cultivator like him had resorted to sealing his own cultivation and hanging himself.

"Brother Bao, you've truly suffered greatly. After so many years of hard training, you must have made significant progress in your cultivation. Didn't you ever think of going back to seek revenge earlier?"

Bao Congxin sighed softly.

"Ah..."

"Brother, I'm not afraid to admit this, but I never dared to venture out to hunt spirit beasts or gather treasures. My cultivation progress has been limited. I've been working as a cook in the city, enduring daily humiliation. Just surviving has been a struggle."

Yi Feng was taken aback.

"Is it really that dangerous outside the city? The city seems quite peaceful to me. It doesn't seem that difficult."

Bao Congxin forced a bitter smile and shook his head helplessly.

"Kind sir, you must be joking. You must be quite powerful in your cultivation, so naturally, no one would trouble you. But for someone like me, at the Dao Comprehension Realm, just surviving in the city is already an immense challenge."

Yi Feng grew more and more puzzled.

He had only seen some of the so-called "sunny" people boasting, but he hadn't witnessed any actual bullying. Even in this shady little shop, despite the outrageous prices, they were still open to negotiation.

Could it be that he was treated differently because he was too strong?

Yi Feng scratched his head awkwardly and tried to probe further.

"Brother Bao, is life in the city really that hard?"

Hearing this, Bao Congxin looked surprised.

"Kind sir, are you also from outside the island?"

Seeing Yi Feng nod, he finally understood, his eyes showing a bit more warmth.

"No wonder..."

"Kind sir, you may not know this."

"This city may seem nameless, but it's a den of snakes and dragons. All the major forces of Sunshine Island are entrenched here. Besides the Cangsha Heavenly Sect, led by the island's ruler, Sa Donglai, there are three other major Heavenly Sects and over a hundred smaller factions. Everyone here is fierce and combative. It's extremely difficult for outsiders like us to establish ourselves."

As he spoke, Bao Congxin looked at Yi Feng curiously.

"May I ask what realm you're in, kind sir? You must be at least above the Dao Comprehension Realm, right? If you want to establish yourself here long-term, it's best to join a faction as soon as possible!"

Yi Feng nodded.

"I see."

"My realm is probably a bit stronger than the Heavenly Rank."

Hearing this, Bao Congxin was so shocked that he nearly jumped out of his seat!

"Heavenly Rank?!"

His chubby face instantly turned pale. He no longer dared to sit at the same table, instinctively lowering his head and standing stiffly. Seeing that the sect's treasured weapon on the ground had been severed, his eyes widened in fear.

He stood obediently to the side, like a schoolboy.

He was a good man, just a bit too timid.

Yi Feng sighed and offered a few comforting words before continuing his inquiries.

"Brother Bao, since we're sharing a room, we're friends. No need to be so formal. Do you know about the auction? Are the city's sects stronger, or is the force behind the auction more powerful?"

Bao Congxin was flustered, his eyes filled with awe.

"Kind sir."

"I've heard a bit about this."

"The auction is hosted by the Wanbao Pavilion, which has branches across the Eastern Sea islands. Their influence naturally surpasses that of the Sunshine Island sects. It's said that in two days, a rare treasure will appear at the auction. Could it be that you're also interested in seeing it for yourself?"

The auction hosted by the most powerful force, with a rare treasure appearing—it was bound to be a grand gathering of heroes, with many elite guards present.

This was the perfect opportunity to find death!

Yi Feng's eyes finally lit up with a smile.

"Yes, I want to see it for myself!"

Hearing this, Bao Congxin trembled in fear.

This man was truly formidable—not only was he at the Heavenly Rank, but he also dared to attend the auction to broaden his horizons. Such demeanor marked him as a true figure of significance, with limitless potential in the future!

Bao Congxin's expression grew even more reverent.

Though he was terrified, thinking of the life-saving grace he had just received and the sense of dignity he hadn't felt in years, he struggled for a moment before finally bowing with determination.

"Kind sir!"

"If you don't mind, this humble one is willing... willing to guide you. In the future, I will serve you faithfully, repaying your life-saving grace!"

Hearing that someone was willing to guide him, Yi Feng also broke into a smile.

"Brother Bao, no need to be so formal. Serving me isn't necessary. What I did earlier was just a small favor. If you're willing to guide me, that's more than enough."

Under Yi Feng's lead, the two raised their cups, using tea in place of wine, both beaming with smiles.

Two days later.

Under Bao Congxin's trembling guidance, Yi Feng walked through several long streets, arriving at a magnificent high-rise building. Before them was a sea of people!

Guards were lined up at the entrance, and the manager personally welcomed various distinguished guests. Well-dressed powerhouses entered one after another, making it seem like a grand event.

No matter how important the figures were, they were all overshadowed by the golden characters on the grand plaque above the entrance.

Wanbao Pavilion!

The plaque, with its bold and flowing calligraphy, exuded an extraordinary aura, leaving passersby in awe.

Among the crowd.

Yi Feng gazed at the grand scene for a long time, feeling a bit excited. He turned back with anticipation.

"This must be the auction venue, right?"

Beside him, Bao Congxin repeatedly bowed, stammering nervously.

"Y-yes!"

"K-kind sir, if you enter through this door, you'll be inside the auction venue!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng's eyes shone with even greater anticipation.

Glancing back, he noticed Bao Congxin's legs trembling.

Dressed in old clothes, Bao Congxin stood out like a sore thumb amidst the sea of well-dressed people, his face filled with自卑 and怯懦.

Over the past two days, Yi Feng had learned a lot about the city's situation. Thinking of his impending quest for death and not wanting to involve innocent people, he smiled and offered some comforting words.

"Brother Bao, if you're feeling nervous, you can wait nearby. I'll go in by myself."

Bao Congxin let out a long sigh of relief, wiping his sweat and bowing, his old face slightly red.

"Thank you for your understanding, kind sir."

"To be honest, I've been in this city for years, but I've never seen such a grand event. Even members of the major Heavenly Sects are here. I... I'm really nervous. I'll just wait outside."

"Please forgive me, kind sir."

"It's fine, thank you for guiding me." Yi Feng waved his hand with a smile and strode forward!

From Bao Congxin's explanation, to establish oneself in the city, one either had to be a fierce individual or join a major faction. That was the way of survival, and it was even more crucial at the auction.

Yi Feng didn't consider himself a fierce person, but he could certainly act the part.

To ensure a smooth path to death, he decisively strode forward, putting on a fierce expression and transforming into a villain. As expected, he was welcomed into the Wanbao Pavilion without any hindrance!

Once he passed the welcoming screen.

The hall was already filled with guests, buzzing with excitement!