Chapter 1190: The Opportunity To Turn Defeat Into V

Standing alone, Yi Feng was dazzlingly radiant.

Yet, he felt no joy in stealing the spotlight. He stood there in a daze, unable to process what had just happened.

What the hell...

I only threw one punch, and that guy was blown away. Everyone else ran off too. Weren't they supposed to be seventh or eighth-tier experts? Were they all just weaklings?

Could it be...

That this grand competition is already over?

As soon as this ominous thought crossed his mind, an elder entered the venue, visibly shaken. He clasped his fists and bowed to the crowd.

"Honored guests, bear witness."

"Miss Shuyao has no more retainers to fight. The outcome of this competition is decided. The winner is Miss Xinlan!"

The five elders exchanged wary glances and then rose to their feet in unison.

"From this day forward, Lu Xinlan is the current head of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, overseeing the seventy-two branches of the East Sea and presiding over all matters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion!"

The announcement was resolute and decisive, catching Yi Feng completely off guard.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the venue exploded, with cheers that reached the heavens.

Lu Xinlan and her entourage were surrounded by a sea of guests, all offering congratulations and gifts. Yi Feng, in particular, was swarmed, as if he had encountered a million adoring fans.

Amidst the deafening cheers and salutations, he was utterly bewildered...

The surrounding congratulations and cheers only felt like noise to him.

As night fell, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion headquarters was adorned with lanterns and decorations, with a steady stream of guests at its gates.

The grand banquet in the main hall had been going on for hours, showing no signs of winding down. The newly appointed head, Lu Xinlan, held her position at the head of the table, flanked by several of her retainers.

Despite her young age and lack of deep roots in Black Island, after Yi Feng's display of terrifying power, she smoothly ascended to the position of head. Her status was now at the pinnacle of Black Island, her authority surpassing that of any previous head.

The old monsters, being shrewd, naturally understood that pleasing Lu Xinlan was akin to pleasing Yi Feng!

Thus, the competition to offer gifts intensified, with countless sycophants vying for favor.

After countless toasts, one of the old monsters couldn't contain his admiration any longer and bowed to Lu Xinlan with a smile.

"Head Lu."

"This old man is honored to witness your ascension, a true glory. I also hold immense respect for that gentleman. Might there be a chance to pay my respects to him once more?"

The cautious inquiry caused the joyous banquet to fall silent, all eyes filled with anticipation.

Lu Xinlan was no ordinary person.

With a single glance, she understood what everyone was thinking and politely declined with a smile.

"Elder Xu, please forgive me."

"Mr. Yi dislikes the hustle and bustle of the secular world. He is currently in quiet cultivation in his chamber, and I dare not disturb him."

Hearing this, no one dared to press further.

Even though it was a polite refusal, it still elicited a wave of respectful nods.

The guests could easily imagine Mr. Yi sitting calmly in his chamber, serenely listening to the lively discussions and joy of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, his eyes never showing a hint of disturbance.

Unmoved by the world's honors and disgraces, he remained as detached as the drifting clouds.

What a state of mind!

Truly, Mr. Yi.

For someone like him, the change in leadership of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion was likely a trivial matter, far beneath his notice!

Reflecting on this, the gathered magnates felt even greater admiration and reverence for Mr. Yi. Even their toasts became more measured and solemn.

In reality, in a secluded courtyard deep within the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

The "expert" Yi Feng was pacing back and forth, muttering curses under his breath, his face full of frustration.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"

"What a bunch of weaklings! A seventh-tier expert couldn't even take one punch. What kind of expert is that?!"

If anyone had been present to witness this scene, they would have found it hard to reconcile with the image of a supreme expert. Even the old monsters of the island would have struggled to find an angle to flatter him at this moment.

After pacing for a while, Yi Feng plopped down at the table.

The distant sounds of laughter and merriment from the banquet only added to his irritation!

Propping his cheek on his hand, his face was a picture of utter despair.

"What the hell..."

"I thought I'd finally met some real experts, but they turned out to be just more weaklings. After all that effort, it was all for nothing. What kind of nonsense is this?"

After sitting in despondent silence for a long time, Yi Feng finally came to terms with his own strength. As he was now, even an eighth-tier expert might not be a match for him.

Gazing out at the starry sky through the window, he let out a long, helpless sigh.

"Sigh..."

All I want is to die. Why is it so hard?

At this thought, Yi Feng's eyes filled with bitterness.

This state of mind was something ordinary people could never understand.

While the world tirelessly sought greater power, Yi Feng was troubled by it. If others knew the truth, they would likely be filled with awe and admiration once more.

The joyous celebrations echoed across Black Island, but Yi Feng stood apart.

On this night, perhaps only Lu Shuyao, who had been ousted from the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, shared a similar sentiment.

In a quiet courtyard, Lu Shuyao sat alone in a pavilion. There were few servants around, and none of her once-loyal retainers. The scene was one of stark loneliness, a far cry from her former grandeur.

Even her dress had been changed to a plain color, exuding an air of infinite solitude.

A cool breeze swept through.

Lu Shuyao's gloomy expression remained hard to dispel, her hand tightly gripping a wine cup.

Until...

The memory of that terrifying punch resurfaced in her mind.

Only then did she slowly release her grip, as if somewhat relieved.

"Indeed, I lost..."

Not far away, a delicate maid with a clear and pretty face approached, carrying a tray with several plates of exquisite spirit fruits.

"Miss, you must take care of yourself."

Lu Shuyao nodded slightly, seemingly having recovered from the despondency of her defeat.

"Yes."

"This competition was indeed won by Lu Xinlan. I lost, and I accept that."

Hearing this, the maid's eyes showed admiration, moved by such extraordinary composure. As she set down the fruit plates, she offered some loyal words of comfort.

"It's good that you've come to terms with it, miss."

"With your status and position, even if you leave the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, you won't be inferior to anyone in the future. I was being shallow, thinking you might still be holding onto this matter..."

Lu Shuyao looked up with a light smile, her beautiful eyes now showing a touch of steadiness.

"How could I, your miss, be a sore loser?"

"But I didn't lose to Lu Xinlan. I lost to that gentleman! I am the legitimate daughter of the Lu family. Even if this is my first defeat, I will never be crushed by it!"

The maid listened with even greater respect, quickly bowing in acknowledgment.

"Miss, you are truly wise!"

"Yu'er is willing to go through fire and water for you, and looks forward to your triumphant return!"

Watching the little maid's loyal bow, Lu Shuyao's eyes showed a flicker of emotion.

After quietly observing for a moment, she gently waved her hand, dismissing her.

Once alone, the young lady who had just experienced her first major defeat felt a mist rise in her eyes.

"In the end, only those truly loyal will stay by your side. Outsiders can never be relied upon. Loyalty is priceless. The world is bustling, but it's all driven by self-interest—such is human nature."

Gazing at the brightly lit main hall of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, shining like a jewel in the night sky, Lu Shuyao's eyes still held a trace of envy, but also a newfound understanding of life's truths.

Reflecting on this, she suddenly gained many insights.

"Lu Xinlan only won because she paid an extraordinary price to recruit outsiders. Such relationships built on利益 are not stable..."

"If she can pay a high price, I can surely pay double!"

"As long as Lu Xinlan loses her support, how can she remain secure as the head? What is rightfully mine, I will reclaim a hundredfold!"

At this thought, a spark of brilliance lit up Lu Shuyao's eyes.

Wasn't this the turning point to turn defeat into victory?

The more she thought about it, the more she saw the opportunity. She couldn't wait and immediately took out a jade slip to send a message.

"From this day forward, investigate the movements of Lu Xinlan's retainers, especially that mysterious gentleman. If you find that he has left, notify me immediately!"

After sending the message, Lu Shuyao's mind was already painting a picture of a chance encounter. She raised her cup of immortal wine and drank it in one gulp, her red lips curving into a smile of anticipation...