Chapter 1481: A Hundred Sects Bow In Respect

At the foot of Cang Mountain.

The major sects had been waiting for a long time, their eyes burning with jealousy.

Watching Yi Feng enter the secret realm alone, many people gritted their teeth in frustration. Seeing the three protectors of the New Sword Sect drinking carelessly without a hint of concern, the Crown Prince of the Blazing Fire Kingdom grew increasingly furious, his face darkening.

He couldn't understand why his earlier attempts to sow discord had failed. But since things had come to this, he could only start plotting his next move in secret.

The crowd waited outside the secret realm, their expressions a mix of emotions.

As the sun set, Yi Feng finally emerged from the secret realm.

Instantly, all eyes turned to him, and the atmosphere became tense. Many had already begun to harbor murderous intentions. The black-clad youth, the toad, and the snail stepped forward to shield Yi Feng, and the situation seemed ready to explode into violence.

Seeing the jealousy in everyone's eyes and sensing the tension in the air, the Crown Prince of the Blazing Fire Kingdom hatched a plan. He stepped forward with a smile.

"Elder Yi," he said, "you've taken so long to come out of the treasure vault secret realm. You must have gained quite a lot, haven't you?"

His question, laden with hidden meaning, immediately drew everyone's attention to Yi Feng.

The Crown Prince's eyes gleamed with a faint smile. He was playing a dangerous game, trying to incite the crowd. Whether Yi Feng admitted it or not, he would have a hard time leaving Cang Mountain today. Even with the three protectors of the New Sword Sect present, they couldn't withstand the combined forces of the Blazing Fire Kingdom's sects. The New Sword Sect was bound to fall.

Once the sects fought each other over the treasures, the royal family would emerge as the sole victor.

The Crown Prince was a master of intrigue, well-versed in human nature. He had calculated everything perfectly. All he needed to do was wait patiently, and he would become the ultimate winner.

However, in the next moment, Yi Feng looked around and spoke without hesitation.

"That's right," he said. "I did gain quite a lot in the treasure vault secret realm. There are enough heavenly treasures and spiritual items to last our sect for a hundred years!"

His words only fueled the jealousy in the crowd.

The Crown Prince was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha..." he laughed. He couldn't believe that Yi Feng, the recently renowned leader of the New Sword Sect, could be so foolish. Knowing that the sects were plotting to kill him for his wealth, he still openly admitted to possessing such riches. This was practically asking for death!

As the Crown Prince laughed, Yi Feng remained unfazed. He calmly glanced around and then addressed the crowd with a cupped fist.

"Everyone," he said, "today, I was fortunate enough to win and obtain this immense wealth. I'm sure some of you harbor ill intentions, and that's only natural. I don't blame you."

"However, the New Sword Sect is not a group to be trifled with. Even if it's just the four of us here, the outcome of a fight is far from certain."

"I see that all of you are heroes in your own right, people who understand reason. You don't need me to remind you to weigh the situation carefully. Don't let yourselves be used as pawns by others for their own gain."

"If anyone refuses to listen and is willing to risk their life, feel free to step forward and try!"

His words were bold and confident, and combined with his earlier display of extraordinary strength, the leaders of the major sects began to exchange uneasy glances. Despite the presence of over a hundred sect leaders, no one dared to make the first move.

Human nature is inherently selfish. Everyone knew Yi Feng possessed great treasures, but no one wanted to be the first to fall and become a stepping stone for others.

Seeing the situation grow tense, the Crown Prince's laughter gradually faded. His eyes darted around as he considered how to fan the flames and break the stalemate.

But before he could act, Yi Feng spoke again.

"Everyone," he said, "since you're all reasonable people, I won't be stingy. I'm willing to share half of the treasures I obtained from the secret realm with all of you!"

His words left the crowd in shock.

Whether it was the sect leaders with their own agendas or the Crown Prince plotting his schemes, no one could believe what they had just heard.

"What?!" they exclaimed. "You're really willing to share such an immense fortune?"

"Elder Yi, are you joking with us?"

Before the leaders of the seven major sects could respond, Yi Feng tossed out seven storage rings.

"Esteemed sect leaders," he said, "these mid-grade storage rings are filled with various rare treasures and spiritual items. I ask you to serve as witnesses and distribute them among the sects. How you divide them is up to you."

The seven sect leaders took the rings, their eyes wide with astonishment. After scanning them with their spiritual senses, they gasped in amazement.

"Good heavens!" one exclaimed. "There are thousands of high-grade spiritual herbs in here!"

"My ring is filled with rare materials and precious spiritual ores!"

"I've never seen so many treasures in my life!"

Their exclamations shocked the hundred or so people behind them. Everyone was stunned, exchanging glances in disbelief. They couldn't believe that Yi Feng was truly so generous. His magnanimity made them feel deeply ashamed.

Whether it was his earlier bold declaration or his current act of generosity, Yi Feng had completely won them over.

As they reflected on Yi Feng's words, their minds, previously clouded by greed, began to clear. They suddenly realized how close they had come to being used as pawns. Their gazes toward the Crown Prince of the Blazing Fire Kingdom grew wary.

After a moment of silent communication, the seven sect leaders cupped their fists and bowed to Yi Feng.

"Elder Yi, your noble character puts us to shame," they said. "We will remember your generosity and will surely repay you in the future."

The leaders of the other sects also bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Elder Yi, for your generosity. Your magnanimity is truly admirable."

"Elder Yi, if there's ever anything we can do for you, we will not hesitate, even if it costs us our lives!"

In just a few moments, the situation had completely reversed. All the sects were now thoroughly impressed by Yi Feng. The dramatic shift left the Crown Prince of the Blazing Fire Kingdom pale-faced. He stared at Yi Feng for a long time, never expecting such a move.

Seeing that the situation was now beyond his control, the Crown Prince dared not stay any longer. Despite his unwillingness, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and leave in defeat.

That night, the New Sword Sect held a grand celebration. Leaders from all the major sects came to offer their congratulations, and the sect's gates were bustling with activity. The entire capital was abuzz with talk of the event.

The main hall of the New Sword Sect was packed, with endless supplies of fine wine and delicacies. The once-divided factions now sat together in harmony, laughing and chatting.

As the banquet grew livelier, many smaller sects even requested to join the New Sword Sect as subordinate sects.

The joyous atmosphere only grew, and Yi Feng's influence and charisma reached their peak. The sect leaders and the black-clad youth drank and celebrated until they were completely drunk and had to be carried away.

The festivities lasted for three full days.

Throughout the Blazing Fire Kingdom, the name of the New Sword Sect spread far and wide. In the capital, few spoke of the royal family's prestige anymore. Instead, tales of the great protector's romantic escapades became the talk of the town, spreading through the wine houses and becoming the stuff of legend...