Chapter 1558: Still The Same Old Market

Shadow Island.

After a period of reconstruction, the island has regained its former prosperity and tranquility.

Rows of high-rise buildings have sprung up, their massive glass windows reflecting the azure sky and the bustling traffic below.

The noisy flow of vehicles converges into a river, weaving through the intricate network of elevated highways.

Evergreen trees line both sides of the roads in orderly rows, injecting fresh oxygen into this thriving metropolis and adding a vibrant touch to its landscape.

A babbling river winds through the bustling city, reflecting the colorful lights hanging from the towering buildings.

The scene before one's eyes resembles a fantastical crystal forest.

A gentle breeze sweeps across the lush city park.

The green grass by the lake sways like graceful dancers, creating ripples on the water's surface.

It feels as if countless melodies have been stirred, forming a captivating scenic line for the city.

The occasional melodious chirping of birds adds endless vitality to this new city.

People of all kinds are busy working and creating.

They are like diligent bees, contributing to this new city in their own ways.

Thanks to their efforts, the city is constantly evolving, radiating a vigorous energy.

Steam rises from the roadside eateries, carrying with it the tantalizing aroma of food, adding a touch of liveliness to the new city.

Compared to the dark ruins of the past, the residents of Shadow Island now live in peace and prosperity.

In a neatly planned and clean postmodern market, Pork Rong, clad in a butcher's black apron and rain boots, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, is loudly hawking his meat.

An electronic price tag hangs above his stall, clearly displaying the day's meat prices.

Yet, he still insists on shouting out his prices, defying market regulations.

This is a long-standing professional habit of his, as well as a personal hobby. He feels restless if he doesn't shout for a day.

Perhaps due to the market's many loyal customers or some unknown reason, Auntie Li, the market manager, doesn't strictly enforce the market regulations.

This humane management style has infused the otherwise clean, tidy, and slightly cold market with a warm, human touch.

The environment has changed, but it's still the same old market.

It's the familiar street from Pingjiang City.

Pork Rong chews on betel nut, exchanging flirtatious glances with the old lady selling tofu across the way.

In her youth, this old lady was a top-notch beauty.

Even in her old age, one can still see a hint of pride in her eyes.

"Xiao Li, how about I chop some minced meat for you, and you make me some mapo tofu?" Pork Rong suggests.

The vendor at the braised meat stall nearby chuckles, "Pork Rong, Sister Xiao Li's tofu isn't something you can just eat whenever you want."

"Bah, I wasn't talking to you. Mind your own business," Pork Rong retorts.

The old lady smiles calmly, "Sure, Pork Rong. It's been a while since I've cooked. Cut me some tenderloin, and I'll make you some sweet and sour pork to go with your drink."

Pork Rong is overjoyed and immediately starts chopping the meat.

In a corner of the market, Lu Dasheng, wearing blue rubber boots, leans against the wall, leisurely munching on sunflower seeds while watching three people play a game of cards.

"Pair of twos, I beat you. Two cards left."

"Damn, you've got the kings, haven't you?!"

"Hahaha, yes!"

"Slap!"

"Double kings, double the bet!"

One of the players slams the king cards onto the wooden table, looking quite pleased.

"Are you cheating? How do you always have the kings?"

"It's just luck. Who cheats at cards? Pay up, don't whine when you lose."

"Damn, this is so unlucky!"

The man curses, his face gloomy as he counts out some bills. He then looks at Lu Dasheng, who has been watching the game.

"I can't win. I'm done. You've been watching for a while, why don't you take over?" he says.

"Fine, I'll play. You're just bad at this," Lu Dasheng scoffs.

Just as he's about to sit down and show them what he's got, a voice interrupts him.

"You guys aren't up to it. Let me take over."

Yi Feng approaches with a gentle smile.

He is dressed as usual, in a plain white robe, simple and unadorned.

Seeing him, everyone's eyes light up.

They all stand up and greet him enthusiastically, "Master, welcome back."

"It's Master, he's returned."

"We greet you, Master."

"Sit, sit, no need for formalities," Yi Feng waves his hand with a smile. "Let's play a few rounds. A little gambling is fun, but let's make it interesting."

"How about we have a big drink tonight? The loser pays. What do you all think?"

"Great! I'm in," Lu Dasheng agrees eagerly.

"Whatever Master says."

"I'm fine with it."

"I'll place a bet."

In no time, the vendors in the market stop their business.

Everyone gathers around.

Seeing this, Yi Feng shakes his head and laughs, "You still need to run your stalls. Take turns playing, and those who aren't playing can watch the stalls. Don't let it affect the customers."

"Understood, Master."

"As you wish, Master."

After a fierce round of play, Lu Dasheng's face turns dark with frustration.

He had hoped to dominate, but instead, he kept losing.

"Looks like you're buying tonight, dung collector!"

"You're so unlucky. You've been losing every round."

Lu Dasheng's face grows darker. He retorts, "You guys have no vision. I'm losing on purpose. I'm happy that Master is back, so I want to treat him to a big drink. What's wrong with that?"

Yi Feng is amused by their banter. He laughs heartily and stands up, saying, "You guys keep playing. I'm going to check on those two fishermen and see if they've caught any big fish. We'll need a couple of big ones for dinner tonight."

Everyone stands up to see him off.

In the outskirts of Shadow Island, by Tai Lake.

The shimmering surface of the lake is dotted with a few small boats gently rocking on the water.

The lakeside is lush with green grass and blooming flowers, and the trees are full and leafy.

The fresh air, carried by a gentle breeze, makes one feel immersed in the beauty of nature.

Three old men are fishing on a platform by the shallow waters.

They are Qing Huanxiang, Lu Qingshan, and Wu Yonghong.

Seeing Yi Feng approach, they quickly stand up and bow respectfully, saying in unison, "Master, you're back!"

Yi Feng smiles faintly and walks over.

"How's the fishing today? Is this the spot you told me about?"

Yi Feng checks each of their fish baskets and looks unimpressed.

"You guys aren't doing so well. You've only caught this much? Give me a rod, and let's see who can catch more."

The three old men feel a bit embarrassed by Yi Feng's criticism.

But hearing that he wants to join them, their spirits lift immediately.

They bring out their best fishing rods, bait, and other gear for Yi Feng to choose from.

Yi Feng picks the most ordinary bamboo rod, sets up a fishing platform near them, and starts fishing alongside them.

As they fish, Yi Feng's catches keep coming in.

He doesn't even need to bait his hook, yet his spot seems to attract all the big fish in the lake.

He effortlessly reels in several fish weighing thirty to forty pounds, including flower carp and bighead carp, and even a few hundred-pound grass carp.

Meanwhile, Qing Huanxiang and the other two have no luck, their faces turning green with envy.

In just over an hour, Yi Feng's catches alone fill all four fish baskets to the brim.

The three old men exchange glances.

They can't help but think that Yi Feng must be cheating.

"I didn't use any special powers to cheat. These fish came on their own, willing to bite," Yi Feng says with a smile.

"Of course, Master. We believe you."

"No need to explain, Master. We understand."

"Master's fishing skills are unmatched. We concede."

Yi Feng laughs awkwardly, feeling a bit helpless but also very pleased.

Meanwhile, in the sky above Shadow Island.

Streaks of light are descending toward the planet.

A loud hum reverberates as the incoming objects, trailing long tails of flame, resemble meteors.

However, when these "meteors" land, they cause no damage to Shadow Island.

The first to arrive are five brothers carrying golden coffins on their shoulders.

They have gleaming white teeth, dreadlocks, and are dressed in white shirts and black suits, with matching gold-rimmed sunglasses and thick gold chains around their necks.

Their appearance is both unique and flamboyant.

One might call them elegant, yet they wear gold chains that resemble dog collars.

One might call them tacky, yet they wear gold chains that resemble dog collars.

They are a mix of elegance and vulgarity, an oddly mismatched combination.

But the five brothers are brimming with confidence.

The leader suddenly pulls out an old-fashioned cassette player and slings it over his shoulder.

Without a word, he presses play.

Music blares, and the five brothers start swaying wildly to the beat.

At that moment, a mechanical hum fills the air.

The five brothers look up to the sky.