I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1445: Encounter by Chance

Two months elapsed in the blink of an eye. As Yi Feng immersed himself deeper into the game world, the reality of it all became increasingly profound.

He paid a long-awaited visit to his Sect. While his fellow disciples rejoiced at his return, a subtle chasm of separation and reverence emerged due to their vastly different cultivation levels. Yi Feng remained the same Senior Martial Brother he always was, yet the easy camaraderie of the past had been replaced by formal restraint in their interactions and words. This noticeable shift in their demeanor, while understandable from his peers' perspective, evoked a sense of emotional detachment within Yi Feng.

News of his exploits had spread, drawing individuals from neighboring Sects who sought to forge connections. This further amplified Yi Feng's internal reflections. He recognized that with immense success and renown came altered perceptions and the inevitable appearance of those with ulterior motives. Such was the nature of the world, echoing the proverb: the impoverished are overlooked even in bustling marketplaces, while the wealthy find relatives in the remotest mountains.

The common truths of existence largely followed this pattern. Yi Feng had to concede the game's uncanny realism, its meticulous portrayal of human nature leaving him questioning the very fabric of reality. At moments, he found it difficult to discern between the virtual and the actual; were it not for the occasional influx of game parameters in his mind, he might have believed he had genuinely undergone a reincarnation. After this brief sojourn, Yi Feng understood the growing disparity between himself and his martial siblings. Their paths would only diverge further, making the previous warmth of their interactions impossible to recapture. When cherished things can no longer be held, the only recourse is to treasure the beautiful memories and keep them safe within one's heart. Life is often marked by such helplessness. For the majority, subsequent encounters transform them into strangers.

Unbeknownst to himself, Yi Feng's state of mind grew increasingly tranquil, and his Cultivation base ascended once more. By the time he descended the mountain to explore the world anew, he had become an undisputed master within a ten-thousand-mile radius, his fame echoing through more than a dozen adjacent prefectures. Following the decisive vanquishing of several formidable demonic entities, Yi Feng's reputation soared to unprecedented heights. Even children whispered the name of the Divine Sword in White, and tales of his valor permeated the entire martial landscape.

At this juncture, Yi Feng experienced the poignant solitude of reaching the pinnacle. He found it arduous to locate a truly challenging adversary, let alone a genuine confidant. The surrounding prefectures held nothing that captivated his interest, and the fawning attention from cultivators across various factions compelled him to seek solitude. It was only within the humble confines of the small courtyard at the base of the verdant mountain that Yi Feng could find a semblance of peace and liberation.

One serene afternoon, bathed in the gentle spring sunlight, Yi Feng sat at a stone table in his courtyard. The aroma of fine wine and savory dishes graced the air. Gazing upon the picturesque distant mountains, he felt akin to a wild crane or a drifting cloud, unbound by worldly concerns and experiencing an ineffable sense of contentment and inner peace. A cup of clear wine flowed down his throat, dissolving the ephemeral glory and legends into wisps of smoke, leaving only a comforting warmth that suffused his being, bringing delight to both body and soul.

Who concerns themselves with the martial world's conflicts? I alone roam free and unburdened.

Amidst this tranquil and leisurely afternoon, faint footsteps approached from nearby.

"Swish, swish..."

With his now formidable Cultivation, Yi Feng instantly detected the newcomer's presence. He turned his gaze discreetly, observing a figure entirely cloaked in black, revealing nothing but their face. The individual appeared to be around Yi Feng's age, carrying a longsword from which dark red blood steadily dripped. Bloodstains adorned their entire person, suggesting considerable exhaustion. Upon clearly perceiving the stranger, Yi Feng felt no surprise; he simply watched, contemplating whether this visitor was an ally, an adversary, or merely a passerby.

Before he could scrutinize further, the figure reached the entrance of the fenced courtyard and called out with disarming casualness, "Brother! Could you spare a couple of cups of that wine for me?"

This individual, fresh from a bloody encounter, was still concerned with acquiring wine—a true testament to their passionate spirit. It was a rare occasion to find a fellow enthusiast of wine, and the newcomer radiated no hostility. What did it matter who they were or where they came from? Their meeting in these secluded mountains today felt like fate; sharing a drink seemed a harmless gesture. Yi Feng offered a faint smile and extended a welcoming gesture without hesitation.

"If you wish to drink, my friend, why not step inside, have a seat, and quench your thirst to your heart's content."

Upon hearing these words, the dark figure standing at the doorway suddenly froze.

"You mean it?"

"Aren't you afraid of me?"

Even in his current state, a touch of apprehension lingered, wondering if others would recoil from him. Yet, this individual possessed not only a sturdy character but also remarkable consideration.

Yi Feng let out a hearty laugh at this, casually retrieving another wine cup and refilling it.

"Haha."

Observing that Yi Feng had already poured an empty cup and was patiently waiting with a welcoming smile, exuding an air of hospitality and openness, the man in black decisively stepped forward. He entered the courtyard and took a seat by the stone table.

"Please!"

Raising their cups, the two men downed the contents in a single gulp.

As the clear liquor flowed down, a wave of warmth surged through his body. The man in black released a long sigh, his voice filled with effusive praise.

"Hah..."

These unvarnished words brought a smile to Yi Feng's face.

It wasn't that he particularly reveled in compliments, but listening to the man's straightforward speech—utterly devoid of pretense or hidden agendas—innately put him at ease.

At the very least, it felt a million times more genuine than the oily flatterers of the world who sought only to gain favor.

Clear in his affections and aversions, speaking his mind directly. If he found the most ordinary clear wine to be good, then it was indeed good wine, and good wine certainly deserved another pour!

Though the man’s words occasionally bordered on shamelessness, he remained true to himself. One could describe him as forthright and honorable.

A true man ought to navigate the world with such integrity.

Yi Feng nodded with a grin, continuing to replenish the other man's cup.

Their cups met once more, their eyes sparkling with enjoyment.

"Refreshing! So very refreshing!"

Yi Feng found himself caught up in the jovial atmosphere, a strong urge to drink welling up within him.

They continued to toast and drink heartily, with no need for unnecessary conversation. Yi Feng paid no mind to the other man's background, nor did he inquire about his past experiences. He simply surrendered himself to the joy of this serendipitous drinking session.

Life is meant to be savored in moments of triumph, and the goblet should never remain empty beneath the moon.

It was a rare treat to share a drink with such a candid soul. As long as they drank with gusto and embraced the tranquility of the present, nothing else truly mattered.

Their drinking grew increasingly spirited, only ceasing as twilight descended.

The stone table was now ringed with empty wine jars, the lingering aroma of alcohol filling the air. After draining his final cup, the man in black turned and strode away.

Joyful moments are fleeting. Yi Feng watched the departing figure from a distance, remaining silent, simply observing his exit.

Within the martial world, conflict and bloodshed were commonplace occurrences. The sentimental partings described by scholars felt overly dramatic. Since their meeting was by chance, a quiet farewell was appropriate. Having witnessed the myriad realities of life, Yi Feng had long since shed such hollow formalities.

Conversely, the man in black seemed to harbor a hint of reluctance to depart.

Just as he neared the gate, he halted abruptly and spoke.

"Should another opportunity arise, I shall seek you out for more wine."

With that hasty declaration, the man's figure rapidly dissolved into the setting sun's afterglow, vanishing completely.

Yi Feng maintained his silence, his expression utterly serene.

Only when recalling the man in black's brazen words did a faint smile touch his lips. He mused internally that this fellow was remarkably forward; to openly seek to sponge more wine, he was truly one of a kind.

It wasn't that Yi Feng was particularly miserly, but their acquaintance was purely circumstantial. Allowing someone to freeload his wine in such a manner felt somewhat improper. After all, his earnings didn't simply materialize from thin air...

"If there's a next time, I'll certainly make him pay for the drinks."

After murmuring to himself, Yi Feng casually closed the courtyard gate. He gathered the empty wine jars scattered about the yard and, as night fully enveloped the surroundings, retreated indoors to rest.

That night.

With the lingering, intoxicating essence of the wine still gracing his senses, he slept with an unusual depth of peace.