Wang Yi ?

Luo Feng, searching from a high altitude over Kirishima for any trace of Li Yao, suddenly turned his head as a blood-red afterimage appeared in the distance.

In a blink of an eye, the figure closed the distance, accompanied by a powerful gust of wind.

Seeing this blood-red triangular fighter, which resembled a predatory bird from his memory, Luo Feng was momentarily stunned.

The hatch opened with a soft hiss, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out. His long hair, stern face, and black coat were unmistakable—it was Hong, the master of the Extreme Martial Arts Center. Walking behind him was a bald young man in a white robe, with a bright and friendly smile.

Three silent men and women dressed in black robes with golden masks followed behind, each emanating a distinct aura.

"The Master!" Luo Feng bowed slightly in respect, feeling a surge of tension.

He hadn't expected Hong to arrive with his entourage so quickly after he had reported the news to the Extreme Martial Arts Club. The speed of their response was far beyond his expectations.

Li Yao, who was hiding in a distant corner, also noticed the blood-colored fighter reflecting the moonlight. His heart sank as cold fear gripped him.

"Hong!? The master of the Extreme Martial Arts Club came here personally?" he thought, panicking. "And Thor is here too! Along with the three major guards!"

Despair set in. If Luo Feng alone had been formidable, Hong, Thor, and the elite guards were utterly overwhelming. Each of them could kill him effortlessly. If the Extreme Martial Arts Club backed Luo Feng, there was no hope for Li Yao's survival.

"I have to get out of here, fast."

Meanwhile, in the sky, Hong spoke calmly with Luo Feng. Though he respected Luo Feng's growth as a peak-level Spiritual Warrior, his interest was piqued more because of Wang Yi's involvement, giving Luo Feng more importance in his eyes.

After listening to Luo Feng's account of events, Hong praised, "Luo Feng, you've done well. Discovering these numerous Millennium Willow Heart on the island is a great contribution to the Extreme Martial Arts Club. As a reward, I'll increase your share of the discovered spirits from 10% to 20%."

The three guards behind Hong were visibly surprised. They knew Hong was not one to change the rules lightly. That he had increased Luo Feng's reward spoke volumes about his recognition.

"Thank you, Master!" Luo Feng's heart swelled with joy.

Now aware of the immense value of the Millennium Willow Heart, Luo Feng understood just how generous Hong's gesture was. A single Spirit was priceless, and the island held many of them. Doubling his share would bring him unimaginable rewards.

After dealing with Luo Feng's report, Hong turned to one of his guards and said, "Bing shan."

"Master," responded a cold man wearing a black robe and a golden mask as he bowed slightly.

"Go and investigate the spirits on the island," Hong instructed.

"Yes, Master," replied Bingshan, and with a swift movement, he flew towards the mist-covered island.

While this was happening, a black streak sped across the night sky towards the Australian mainland. Inside the aircraft, a young man with black hair, dressed in a black and red combat suit, shook his head.

"Li Yao has gone so far as to spread news of the Millennium Willow Heart' existence in Kirishima to the whole world. He's truly desperate, trying to take everyone down with him," Wang Yi murmured.

With his global surveillance, Wang Yi could see powerful individuals from around the world heading towards Kirishima. Clearly, the news of the discovery had drawn in forces from all corners of the world, eager to claim a piece of the prize.

Major powers, the HR Alliance, city-based strongmen—almost all were in route.

"It's about to get lively," Wang Yi chuckled.

However, the extreme Martial Arts Club had arrived first and held the upper hand. With Hong alone present, few would dare act recklessly, let alone with Thor there as well.

As the battle on Kirishima intensified, Hong, Thor, and the others remained in the sky, watching. Thor struck up a light conversation with Luo Feng.

Suddenly, all of them turned their heads to look in one direction.

Boom!

The air vibrated as a black streak shot across the sky, coming to a sudden halt right above the group. A sleek black triangular fighter hovered in the air—it was strikingly similar to the one Hong rode, except for its color.

"Wow!" The hatch opened automatically.

A young man with black hair, wearing a black and red combat suit, carrying two swords on his back, and riding a silver-gray shuttle, emerged from the fighter.

"Wang Yi!"

Hong and Thor exchanged glances, both slightly surprised, though not entirely shocked by his arrival.

Luo Feng, recognizing his friend, was even more astonished.

"Wang Yi?"

Wang Yi smiled at Luo Feng and nodded towards Hong and Thor. "Master Hong, Thor."

His greeting was calm and familiar, as if addressing old acquaintances.

Knowing Wang Yi's true identity and strength, Hong's guards remained calm, aware of Hong's prior warning not to provoke him.

Luo Feng, however, was confused. He felt that his friend's casual attitude towards the two strongest figures in the world was slightly presumptuous.

"Wang Yi, what are you doing here?" Luo Feng asked, bewildered.

Without missing a beat, Wang Yi replied, "Luo Feng, I'm a senior member of the Extreme Martial Arts Club. When I heard you were being chased by Li Yao, I rushed here immediately, but it looks like you're fine now."

Luo Feng, unaware that Wang Yi had long been watching his progress from behind the scenes, felt moved by his friend's concern.

Meanwhile, Hong and Thor, who knew the truth, exchanged glances, silently amused by Wang Yi's little deception, but choosing not to expose him.

As Wang Yi and Luo Feng spoke, the situation on the island grew increasingly intense. Suddenly…

"Huh?" Hong and Thor furrowed their brows and looked down at Kirishima.

Wang Yi, too, smiled knowingly.

The next moment, a figure shot out from the island, moving at lightning speed, followed by a massive black and purple vine, 20 centimeters thick, that pierced the air.

Cloud Vine had appeared!