Chapter 1152: Rumors Are Not To Be Believed

"Of course, of course!"

"Sunshine Island has always been like one big family, especially friendly to outsiders!"

Seeing Yi Feng's gaze upon him, Luo Pengfei quickly responded.

Among the three sect leaders, his cultivation was the lowest, and his sect had always been at a disadvantage. Over the years, he had developed exceptional insight and emotional intelligence. In such a situation, he knew exactly what to say.

The other sect leader, Xu Baichuan, was already white-haired and even more shrewd in his thinking. He followed up with a smile and a polite gesture, his expression calm.

"Elder Luo is right. Sunshine Island has always been known for its generosity and willingness to help others. Since you, sir, need this item, it's only natural to offer it to you. This avoids unnecessary conflict and allows us to make a new friend. Why wouldn't we do that?"

As he spoke, Elder Xu glanced meaningfully to the side.

"I just wonder what Sect Leader Lu thinks about this."

His words carried a deeper implication.

Lu Renkuang was seething inwardly!

This old fox!

Knowing full well that the Soul-Calming Grass had already been taken, he still had the nerve to rub salt in the wound and even shift the blame. How despicable!

Having dominated Sunshine Island for tens of thousands of years, Lu Renkuang had never felt such humiliation. But he was no fool and knew exactly how to respond.

He forced a smile and replied, "Of course, Sunshine Island is as harmonious and friendly as the others have said."

Hearing the three sect leaders speak in such a manner, Yi Feng pinched the corner of his sleeve, feeling somewhat trapped.

What the hell is this?

He had come expecting to be beaten to death for trying to steal something, but instead, they were offering the treasure to him willingly. He had come to a place known for chaos, only to find it was a land of friendship and goodwill?

What was he supposed to do now?

But upon further thought, it didn't make sense.

No matter how harmonious and friendly a place might be, it was unheard of to simply hand over a treasure that had been auctioned to someone who tried to steal it.

"Such a valuable treasure, and you're really just giving it to me?" Yi Feng narrowed his eyes and asked again.

"Ah, sir, it's just a small plant. Since you're new here and clearly in need, it's only natural to offer it to you," Elder Chen said with a smile. "This is the fine tradition of Sunshine Island."

"But I didn't just need it—I came to steal it," Yi Feng said, narrowing his eyes further.

Something was off.

Very off.

He needed to get to the bottom of this.

"Sir, if you came to steal it, doesn't that mean you need it?" Luo Pengfei chimed in.

"Exactly! If you're trying to steal it, it must mean you're in urgent need. Otherwise, why would anyone go through the trouble of stealing something, right?"

"Helping those in need is a virtuous act. We are more than happy to assist!"

For a moment, the three of them were tripping over themselves to express their willingness to help.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly, more heartwarming than a variety show from his past life.

Yi Feng was suddenly at a loss for words.

Damn...

He felt a little touched and even a bit embarrassed.

So, there really were people in the world who would repay malice with kindness and win others over with virtue.

At the same time, Yi Feng felt incredibly awkward, to the point where he could have dug a garden villa with his toes.

Recalling the rumors he had heard earlier, he felt a herd of alpacas stampeding through his mind.

Who the hell spread the rumor that the Treasure Pavilion could kill people? What kind of bastard would say such a thing?

Just as he was about to speak up and clarify, Chen Jiudao quickly raised his hand to stop him.

"Sir, there's no need to refuse!"

"I understand your predicament. Please accept this item quickly, so as not to waste our goodwill!"

His voice echoed through the hall, and everyone chimed in.

"Sir, please accept it!"

"If you don't take it, we won't be able to rest easy."

Their urgent tones were filled with concern, and their expectant gazes were full of genuine kindness.

Some even had tears in their eyes!

It seemed that if he didn't accept the treasure, they would continue to persuade him, like simple villagers whose every word and action was filled with sincerity and goodwill, giving gifts without expecting anything in return.

Could evil people really show such genuine emotion?

Yi Feng couldn't help but be moved, feeling a mix of emotions.

Good people.

They were all good people.

Although he had made a huge mistake and felt both disappointed and awkward, he was also deeply moved to have met so many good people.

There really were more good people in the world than he had thought.

Even in the legendary Sea of Sin, there were places untouched by corruption.

Rumors truly couldn't be trusted. Seeing was believing!

Filled with emotion, Yi Feng bowed sincerely.

"Thank you all."

He looked especially grateful at the old man who had offered him the treasure. Whether the man cared or not, and whether Yi Feng could ever repay him, he would remember this kindness.

"Thank you for your generosity."

"If I ever have the chance, I will repay you."

Hearing this, Chen Jiudao beamed with joy.

Behind him, Lu Xinlan's eyes also sparkled with delight!

Amid their thanks, Yi Feng was respectfully escorted out, with the crowd following closely behind, bidding him farewell.

"Sir, take care!!!"

The onlookers were so frightened by the scene that they kept their distance, watching in awe.

At the entrance of the Treasure Pavilion.

Yi Feng turned back, cupped his hands in a gesture of farewell, and smiled.

As he turned to leave, his smile faded, and he suddenly felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness, holding the Soul-Calming Grass and looking around.

Where was Bao Congxin?

After walking through the crowd for a while, he finally spotted the guy.

His chubby figure was peeking out from an alley, staring blankly, his face tense, like a frightened hamster.

Seeing his timid demeanor, Yi Feng waved helplessly.

After calling out a few times.

Bao Congxin's eyes lit up, and after looking around several times, he finally mustered the courage to approach, bowing and stammering.

"Y-y-young master!"

This guy was really timid...

Yi Feng looked at him with a complicated expression, finally understanding the saying "a person's name reflects their nature."

As they walked, Yi Feng tentatively asked again.

"Brother Bao, about the incident at the Treasure Pavilion you mentioned earlier, did you hear about it or see it yourself? Did you exaggerate it at all?"

Bao Congxin was startled and quickly bowed.

"Young master, you know my cultivation is low. I wouldn't dare go to the Treasure Pavilion. I only heard about it. But I didn't exaggerate it!"

Under Yi Feng's skeptical gaze, Bao Congxin scratched his head, his face red.

"Just a little, just a tiny bit..."

"That day, I heard someone was thrown out of the Treasure Pavilion, and I accidentally said they were killed there. I swear to heaven, that's the only exaggeration!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng stopped and sighed.

Ah.

So it was just a rumor.

Rumors tend to get more exaggerated as they spread. By the time it reached Bao Congxin, who knows how much it had been blown out of proportion. Maybe it was just a verbal spat in the Treasure Pavilion...

With the truth revealed, Yi Feng didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Bao Congxin, however, was still nervous and cautiously asked.

"Young master, why do you ask? There were a lot of people gathered at the Treasure Pavilion earlier, so much that you couldn't even see the entrance. Did something big happen today?"

Yi Feng waved the Soul-Calming Grass in his hand and casually replied.

"Nothing big. I just went and robbed the place."

Hearing this, Bao Congxin's face turned pale.

"R-r-robbery?!"

He stood frozen for several moments, watching Yi Feng's carefree retreating figure, before finally snapping out of it and chasing after him with a laugh.

"Young master, you're such a joker..."

The two figures, one in front and one behind, gradually disappeared into the distance.

Outside the Treasure Pavilion.

The gathered leaders let out a collective sigh of relief, as if they had been granted a reprieve.

As the various sect experts were still recovering from the shock.

Chen Jiudao gave a meaningful look, and the surrounding onlookers were quickly cleared away by guards. Then, an extraordinary pressure erupted, forcing everyone back into the Treasure Pavilion.

"Everyone."

"What happened today concerns the reputation of the Treasure Pavilion. I hope you will not spread word of it, or else don't blame me for being ruthless!"