CHAPTER 1014: CHAPTER 995: LIMITED EDITION

In the evening, after having dinner, Niu Ben strolled into Yue Feng’s room carrying two large sea rod bags and an extra bucket bag.

"What’s up, Manager Niu?"

Niu Ben casually placed the rod bag and the bucket bag to one side, saying, "Isn’t there two rounds of casting tomorrow in the competition? Aren’t you and Zhao Ran going to check the reels, fishing lines, and fishing rigs or whatnot?"

With Niu Ben’s reminder, Yue Feng slapped his forehead, "Almost forgot about that! I’ve been focusing on the Taiwan Fishing gear, thinking we have everything! Isn’t it three rods per person? Wait a moment, I’ll call Zhao Ran over too!"

A few minutes later, Zhao Ran also strolled into the room wearing large shorts and a tank top.

"We forgot to sort out the casting reels and line rigs. Luckily, Manager Niu thought of it and brought them over. Lend a hand, mainly the reels, most of them haven’t been used for over half a year!"

"Oh, are we using these you brought?"

"In domestic freshwater fishing competitions, apart from reservoir fishing competitions, casting rods are rarely used, why bother distinguishing yours from mine. Let’s temporarily use them for the competition, returning them afterward is fine! Don’t look down on them, these reels are top-notch, not something you can buy even with money!!"

"Come on, you need to quit bragging! What kind of reels are not available for purchase with money? I at least have a few from international first-line brands!" Zhao Ran was somewhat dismissive of Yue Feng’s statement, thinking he was joking.

Yue Feng didn’t argue, casually opened the bucket bag and emptied a pile of individually packaged small bags onto the bed.

"Take a look, all gifts from friends!"

"Look, I’ll look!" Zhao Ran next casually opened a 5000-distance casting reel.

"Damn, this is from Shimano’s Stella series? But why haven’t I seen this rainbow color variant, not even in exhibitions!"

Zhao Ran recognized it as Shimano’s flagship series spinning reel but slightly frowned.

Seeming to realize something, Zhao Ran quickly unpacked the rest of the reels.

Rainbow, gold, co-branded editions, most extravagantly, in a never-used reel’s packaging box, there was a limited edition collector’s certificate, a bunch of English words that he couldn’t understand, but on the limited edition, it stated a total quantity of 9, and the one in Yue Feng’s hand was numbered 06.

"Holy crap! What in the world are these things? A reel limited to nine globally, and you have one? This stuff isn’t even listed in Shimano’s product catalog! Where did you get them?"

At this moment, Zhao Ran’s eyes went wide, like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden, completely overturning his previous impression of Yue Feng. Zhao Ran knew Yue Feng could get his hands on top-level Taiwan Fishing rods, floats, etc., but really had no concept regarding spinning reels.

Yue Feng grinned and calmly said, "Didn’t I say, a friend gave them! During a fishing trip abroad, I was using some relatively cost-effective common gear, but in Palau, a brother there who liked me couldn’t stand it and gave me a few of his reels, and these are part of what I brought back to China. I think there are two boxes in the warehouse, plenty of rods and reels or such, I haven’t gone fishing lately, might maintain them when I have time!"

"Damn it, you’re just wasting treasures, if those fanatic enthusiasts saw it, they’d probably commit murder!" Zhao Ran was left speechless by Yue Feng’s explanation.

Yue Feng shrugged, "Alright, they’re just tools, treat them with a normal mindset! Rarity and preciousness exist to satisfy vanity, but in our hands, the main thing is practicality, I don’t pursue this!

The lines on the main reel have been there for quite a while, change the worn-out fine lines, lend a hand so that tomorrow’s competition doesn’t end up with a big fish escaping."

"Okay! Damn it, I’ll have to take photos and act cool! These things you have, many are collectible-grade stuff that can’t be bought even with money!"

Yue Feng shook his head helplessly, "Cut the crap, let’s get to work!"

The two of them helped each other, checking over the reels and casting rods one by one, staying busy until after nine in the evening before heading back to rest in their rooms.

Early the next day, not yet six o’clock, just at dawn, Yue Feng opened his eyes feeling refreshed, got up as usual and washed his face, then went downstairs for morning exercise.

After breakfast, Yue Feng and Zhao Ran each carried their competition gear on their backs and strolled to the waiting area before entering the venue.

The opening ceremony had already been held yesterday afternoon, today the competition starts directly, with less than forty minutes remaining until the 7:30 AM start, currently, a large crowd had gathered at the waiting area waiting for the draw to determine their competition slots and fishing spot numbers.

At this time, from the diverse crowd, one could indirectly see some situations within the domestic competitive fishing circle.

For instance, the Hua Clan, Tianyuan, Zhongsheng and other first-line prestigious groups. Brothers, even disciples and grand-disciples, all gather together, ranging from a dozen to several dozen in number.

Among these various so-called "sects," Tianyuan stands out, with dozens of anglers carrying Tianyuan logo fishing boxes.

In contrast, Yue Feng and Zhao Ran, just the two of them, seemed somewhat isolated, yet despite that, the fame of the Great Demon King preceded them, everyone remained very respectful toward Yue Feng. Wherever he went, people would proactively greet him, even striking up conversations or inviting him for meals, to which Yue Feng could only respond vaguely.

The anglers invited to participate in this King of Kings Master Invitational were all active or soon-to-be active competitors. Aside from the latest thirty rookies who made it to Third Level, there were also 77 Third Level Competitive Fishing Masters, 55 Second Level Competitive Fishing Masters, 21 First Level Competitive Fishing Masters, and two Special Levels, making a total of 185 participants.

With nearly two hundred people, as there were less than twenty minutes remaining until the draw, the scene was essentially complete.

At this time, Yue Feng also for the first time from a distance in the waiting area saw Deng Gang.

Deng Gang, the executive director and general manager of Tianyuan Fishing Tackle, compared to Elder Hua and others, was somewhat younger, probably in his forties but under fifty. Of average height, in very good shape management, together with a group of young anglers, apart from a few strands of grey hair and crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes that revealed his age, he was in remarkable condition, especially his eyes, particularly calm and full of spirit, every glance seemed significant. In terms of martial arts novel descriptions, he had an air of restrained brilliance.

Zhao Ran gently nudged Yue Feng and whispered, "See him, the one next to Leng Xiaojun is Deng Gang!"

Yue Feng nodded, "I see him, first time seeing him in person, he’s younger than I expected!"

"This guy is a fishing genius, be really careful if we get the chance to encounter him this time! Winning 14 consecutive fishing championships isn’t something easy to achieve! In the circle, you’re the only one who dares to tease the tiger’s whiskers!"

This is Zhao Ran’s redeeming quality; he scornfully distances himself from opponents strategically, yet tactically never considers himself inferior. When there are many team members, he rarely voices his opinion, but when the opportunity arises, he tries his best to remind Yue Feng, lest he suffers losses.

Yue Feng nodded, "Then let’s give it a try! I’m curious to see how divine he really is!"

...

After a few more minutes, the loudspeaker called out the judge’s voice, alerting all anglers to prepare, the draw was starting!