The night's heated discussions had passed.
By morning, most disciples were aware of Yi Feng, the new elder, and whispers could be heard among them. Some even waited quietly outside the courtyard gate, hoping to pay their respects.
In the courtyard, $2i Feng had risen early, stretching lazily by his doorstep.
"Haah..."
A carefree yawn escaped him as he basked in the comfort of his body.
Strolling through the meticulously arranged courtyard, he felt his spirits lift at the sight of its refined beauty.
The courtyard wasn't overly large—just a few square zhang—but its north-south orientation and bamboo-walled side rooms exuded an air of delicate elegance.
The residence was immaculate, and the courtyard's layout was thoughtfully designed.
A mist-shrouded rockery pond, an antique fishbowl with koi swimming lazily, unfamiliar yet vibrant flowers and plants, and a complete set of chessboards, qin, and furniture—all contributed to an atmosphere of refined grace. Glancing beyond the courtyard, one could see rolling clouds, evoking the transcendent serenity of an immortal's retreat.
As Yi Feng leisurely wandered the smooth stone paths, admiration welled up in his eyes.Who would've thought? In the blink of an eye, he'd acquired a celestial villa with a courtyard and even established himself on this alien world.
Back when he was just an ordinary mortal, such things were beyond his wildest dreams.
And now? Thriving in an alien world.
At such a young age, he'd already secured the title of "elder," practically living a retired life of comfort—free from worries, well-dressed, and basking in prestige. It was downright delightful.
Pulling out his elder's token for a closer look, he marveled at its exquisite craftsmanship, adorned with cloud motifs and elegant inscriptions that radiated an immortal aura. It was undeniably impressive.
He reckoned this token would carry significant weight.
From now on, flashing this badge would be far more convenient than resorting to fists.
If not for the looming catastrophe decades away, Yi Feng might have been tempted to settle into this cushy elder's life, idling away his days.
Tucking the token away, he sauntered a few steps, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Seems like Moon God Pavilion is a fairly powerful sect. There must be some formidable experts here—this suicide mission should be a sure thing."
"First order of business: gather intel and find out who the strongest are."
Just as Yi Feng was deep in thought, a commotion erupted outside the gate.
Then, just as abruptly, silence fell.
Only a steady knock remained.
"Thud, thud."
Yi Feng strode over and opened the door to find Qing Yin Xianyun and Hu Weifang standing before him, one behind the other.
"Master Yi, did you rest well last night?"
Yi Feng greeted them cordially, stepping aside to usher them in.
"Very well. Miss Qing Yin, Brother Hu, please come in."
Once the two entered, $2i Feng noticed a crowd lingering outside, dressed in all manner of attire—clearly here to see him. He mused to himself: seems this Moon God Pavilion elder title carries quite some weight...
But as a newcomer with guests to attend to, he had no time to spare for them. He casually shut the courtyard gate.
Seated at the stone table in the yard, $2efore Yi Feng could speak, Qing Yin Xianyun took a food box from Hu Weifang and laid out an assortment of unfamiliar fruits, pastries, and fine wine.
The fragrant aroma whetted Yi Feng's appetite.
"Right, right."
"Elder—no, Master Yi is absolutely correct. We're family now—no need for formalities."
Though well-intentioned, the term "family" made Qing Yin Xianyun avert her gaze, flustered as she hastily changed the subject.
"That's true..."
"Master Yi, your aid on Cloud Star was a great kindness to us. Should you ever face difficulties or have questions, you may seek me out anytime. If I'm not at the pavilion, you can approach Elder Feng or Hu Weifang."
Her sincere words warmed Yi Feng's heart.
Pouring tea, he smiled in response.
"Good."
"Though, I'm not quite used to being called 'Elder Yi' yet. Let's stick to how it was before."
His words bridged the distance between them once more.
She had always regarded Yi Feng as a benefactor. Now, as fellow sect members, Yi Feng would gain access to greater resources and opportunities—a form of repayment.
Yet, the inherent hierarchy of elder and saintess had created an invisible divide.
Yi Feng's suggestion aligned perfectly with her own wishes.
"Very well. In private, I shall still call you Master Yi, and you may address me by name..."
Even Hu Weifang brightened at this.
"Master Yi it is! That sounds much friendlier!"
Seeing his guests' cheerful expressions, Yi Feng felt more at ease.
But the murmurs outside and his grand scheme nagged at him, prompting him to seize the moment for some reconnaissance.
"Miss Qing Yin."
"As a newcomer to Moon God Pavilion, there's much I don't know. Could you give me a brief overview? It'd help me avoid future embarrassments when venturing out."
At this shift to serious matters, Qing Yin Xianyun composed herself.
"Master Yi, our Moon God Pavilion has a ten-thousand-year legacy. Within the Southern Li Heavenly Domain, we hold considerable renown—not quite earth-shaking, but a major sect in our own right."
"As an elder, you need not defer to anyone save the Pavilion Master and a select few Heavenly Sect leaders. You stand equal to all other elders within the pavilion."
Yi Feng's eyes widened slightly.
Moon God Pavilion was truly impressive! Even as an elder, he could practically swagger around without a care.
This was beyond his expectations.
Still, a few terms left him scratching his head, his expression a mix of confusion and awe.
"Uh..."
"What's a Heavenly Domain? And what's a Heavenly Sect?"
Qian Yin Xianyun blinked, then smiled apologetically.
"My apologies..."
"I forgot for a moment that you hail from Cloud Star."
"Our world, Mist Star, is divided into countless territories called Heavenly Domains. Sects with cultivators at the Heavenly rank—those beyond the Saint realm, akin to the Heavenly Soldiers I once mentioned—are elevated to Heavenly Sects."
Yi Feng nodded slowly.
"I see."
He now grasped the gist: as an elder, he was essentially a top-tier figure in this region's hierarchy. Accidentally, he'd nearly reached the pinnacle—this title was no joke.
With such status, finding a few experts in the future would be far easier.
This woman had done him a huge favor!
Listening to her explanation, Yi Feng felt a twinge of emotion.
"So, becoming an elder is an opportunity many would envy. Thank you."
Hearing her benefactor's gratitude, Qing Yin Xianyun bowed modestly.
"You flatter me, Master Yi. To repay even a fraction of your kindness brings me immense joy. Such a trivial matter is hardly worth mentioning."
After a brief exchange, Qing Yin Xianyun's eyes brimmed with satisfaction before she excused herself to attend to pressing matters.
Once she had departed, only Yi Feng and Hu Weifang remained in the courtyard.
Hu Weifang grew even more enthusiastic, answering various questions while offering his congratulations to Yi Feng.
"Congratulations, Young Master Yi!"
Leaning in conspiratorially to emphasize the Holy Maiden's gratitude, Hu Weifang added in a hushed tone,
"To be frank, your appointment as an elder of our Moon God Pavilion isn’t just something many will envy—it’s also an extraordinary stroke of destiny!"