Limitless Evolution: I Have Infinite Potential.

A man in the crowd, middle-aged and visibly nervous, finally mustered the courage to speak. "But… I heard his mount is the ancient divine beast Kunpeng."

A younger cultivator scoffed, "You actually believe that? Kunpengs have been extinct in the Kunlun Realm for who knows how long. No way something like that would show up now—especially as someone's ride."

"Exactly. Ye Junlin might be powerful, but taming a Kunpeng? Sounds like a fairy tale."

"I'd suggest those doubting it shut up before they get us all killed. The White-Haired Elder isn't exactly known for his mercy."

"Damn, I should've asked an oracle before leaving home today…"

The chatter faded into a collective gloom. The crowd stood in place, shoulders slumped like withered plants in the frost.

Everyone had heard of the White-Haired Killer. His notoriety had taken on a life of its own—each retelling more exaggerated than the last, until he'd become less man, more legend. And not the friendly kind.

Faced with such a situation, even those who harbored doubts could only suppress their skepticism. No one wanted to be the first to find out whether the rumors were true.

Because if they were wrong—if Ye Junlin really was here—it wouldn't just be embarrassing. It'd be fatal.

Across the deck, the old man gave a knowing smile, cleared his throat dramatically, and called out, "Li Wujie."

"I'm here, Master!" the Hat Man responded quickly, his tone full of mock reverence.

The old man raised a brow. "Why haven't you accepted the generous offerings from these fine people yet?"

"Yes, Master!"

Li Wujie grinned like a bandit on payday. He spun his long knife once for flair, then marched up the ramp of the treasure ship. "Alright, you lot. Hand over everything nice and shiny, or I'll start slicing—your choice!"

Not a soul dared to object. Reluctantly, one by one, the cultivators produced their storage rings, casting sidelong glances but staying silent. Their expressions ranged from bitter to resigned.

Li Wujie moved confidently among them, knife in hand and arrogance in his step. It was said this so-called "Blade Demon" had once chased the Xue family's young master across a banquet hall just because he felt like it.

Now, seeing the same lunatic storming through the deck, no one doubted the rumors anymore.

When he reached the private suites, he didn't bother knocking. Kicking at a luxurious door, he barked, "What, did everyone inside die already? Get your asses out!"

From behind the doors, several Transformation Stage cultivators emerged, followed by a dozen at Unity Stage. None dared protest. They obediently handed over their possessions, grim-faced.

Li Wujie worked fast. When he reached the most extravagant suite on the ship, he lifted his leg for another kick—only for the ship's owner to rush forward, panic on his face.

"Master Li, please! There are two esteemed guests from Gongzhou inside. Very influential people. I... I wouldn't recommend offending them."

Li Wujie gave him a cold stare. "Don't care where they're from. If they're so important, they'll know how to behave. If not, my Master will deal with them himself, and no one here will be left standing."

The ship owner's face turned sheet white.

Just then, the suite door swung open.

A man stepped out—middle-aged, dressed in black and white robes, with a scholar's bun and a pointed beard. His expression was like thunderclouds, and the pressure of his Great Ascension Stage cultivation hit the room like a wave.

Next to him, a young woman in yellow robes rose, her wide almond eyes burning with fury. Her pretty face twisted in barely contained rage.

Li Wujie froze.

Damn. That guy's the real deal.

But after a beat of hesitation, he got his game face back, raising his knife and flashing a cocky smirk. "You look like you wanna fight. Think my Master won't drop you where you stand?"

Bang!

The woman slammed her hand down on the antique table, splintering it. She glared daggers at him, and behind her, faint silhouettes of stars shimmered in the air, filling the suite with divine pressure.

She was at Unity Stage—and judging by that starlight constitution, not an ordinary cultivator.

Li Wujie's heart nearly jumped out of his chest. For a second, he wanted to flee. But he forced himself to maintain the cocky persona. "Little girl, you trying to scare your Grandpa Li with some sparkles?"

"Who are you calling little girl?!" she roared, fists blazing with starlight.

Li Wujie nearly choked on his bravado.

Just then, a strong hand caught her wrist.

The robed man—Fan Dezhen—spoke in a low voice. "Miss, don't be reckless. Leave it to me."

"Uncle Fan!" she protested.

Fan Dezhen shook his head and stepped forward. He cupped his fists. "Friend, we're from Wendaozong in Gongzhou. Please, show a little courtesy. We'll pay a formal visit to Xuantian Sect another day."

Li Wujie twitched.

Wendaozong. One of the Eastern Domain's top ten sects—rumored to have produced multiple Immortals in ancient times.

For a split second, cold sweat broke out down his spine.

But then he remembered: I'm the Blade Demon's disciple. Ye Junlin's personal student. So what if they're from Wendaozong?

He forced a crooked grin. "You can save the formalities for later. Hand over the goods first."

Fan Dezhen narrowed his eyes.

So even the name Wendaozong didn't faze this lunatic. As expected of Ye Junlin's disciple—brazen and reckless.

This isn't just some random robbery, Fan Dezhen realized. This is Ye Junlin sending a message.

Even the Yuhua Sect had clashed with Ye Junlin—and lost.

Now, Wendaozong?

Fan Dezhen let out a long breath. Reluctantly, he reached into his robe and pulled out his storage ring.

"This ring contains five hundred thousand high-grade spirit crystals, and a few modest spiritual tools. A gift from Wendaozong to Master Ye."

He tossed the glowing ring through the air. Li Wujie caught it, eyes wide. His pulse raced.

Jackpot.

"Uncle Fan!" An Miaoyi cried out in fury. "We're just giving in like this?"

Fan Dezhen gave her a stern look. "It's not about pride. It's survival. If we push back, Ye Junlin won't hesitate. None of us would leave here alive."

He added, "And you saw it yourself—his disciple doesn't take our sect seriously at all. If anything happened to you, I'd be held responsible before the entire sect."

She bit her lip, fists clenched in frustration.

Li Wujie, meanwhile, forced himself to play it cool, slipping the ring into his sleeve. "Smart move. I'll be sure to let my Master know you've shown proper respect."

He turned and sauntered out, knife swinging lazily over his shoulder. As soon as he was out of sight, he nearly tripped over his own feet—his legs weak from the adrenaline.

Damn, that was close. But it felt so good to act tough and walk away!

Back on the deck, whispers echoed through the crowd.

"Did you see that? Even a Venerable from Wendaozong paid up!"

"Hah, I told you! There were a few idiots earlier who didn't believe this was real. Lucky none of us tried anything dumb."

"Let's just be grateful we made it out alive."

Li Wujie strutted back to the old man, bowed with dramatic flair, and said, "Master, I've graciously accepted the generosity of these kind souls."

The old man's expression remained calm, though his black robe fluttered with an invisible force. His eyes glinted sharply. "Good. At least some still remember Ye Junlin's name."

He turned. "We're done here."

"Yes, Master!"

Whoosh—

Their figures vanished into the swirling mist.

Only silence remained on the ship. A collective exhale rippled through the crowd, while the ship owner collapsed onto a chair, overwhelmed with relief.

In the upper suite, An Miaoyi stood with her hands on her hips, fuming.

"Uncle Fan, that was pathetic!"

Fan Dezhen rubbed his temples. "Miss, it's not about pride or saving face. I made that decision to protect you. Ye Junlin doesn't operate by normal rules. If we'd resisted, he'd have slaughtered everyone without blinking."

He paused, looking at her sternly. "You saw it yourself. That man doesn't care who we are. And if you got hurt, Wendaozong would never forgive me."

An Miaoyi huffed. "Tch, like master, like disciple. That Ye Junlin is too arrogant! Why does he get to act like he owns the Eastern Domain?"