I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1447: Peach Blossom Wine

The subordinate remained frozen, a look of disbelief crossing his features.

"Holy King..."

It seemed to him that, given Yi Feng's current standing and renown, the visitor was completely beneath his notice. The assertion of an old friendship sounded so preposterous that he could barely accept it.

Yi Feng, unconcerned with external judgments, simply issued a relaxed command.

"Arrange for him to be brought in shortly, and then procure several dozen jugs of Peach Blossom Wine. Ensure no one is permitted to enter the garden and disturb our conversation."

Upon hearing this, the subordinate's eyes widened perceptibly.

"This..."

"Holy King, with your esteemed position and status, how can you indulge in Peach Blossom Wine? That is merely a commoner's brew, a cheap liquor that costs no more than five taels of silver per jug. It is utterly beneath you!"

Yi Feng, hearing this worldly bias, offered a gentle smile and turned back.

"Inferior liquor?"

"I do not believe so."

"As the ancient saying goes, what is one man's trash is another man's treasure. Some things cannot be assessed merely by their outward appearance. Perhaps you fail to grasp it, but the very wine that ordinary folk deem low-grade is, to others, an immortal nectar, unobtainable even with a king's ransom. Its true essence is a mystery to those unfamiliar with it."

"Proceed with my order, and remember, no one is to intrude upon us."

The subordinate stood completely dumbfounded, his expression one of utter bewilderment.

Nevertheless, Yi Feng's word was law, so he could only comply and withdraw.

Not long thereafter.

The individual garbed in black was escorted into the garden. A jade table had been laid out, laden with numerous jugs of Peach Blossom Wine. The wine itself possessed the same rich, mellow aroma as always, and the man exuded the same air of unburdened ease.

Observing the man in black seated opposite him, Yi Feng personally poured the wine, casting aside all considerations of rank or status.

The wine cascaded into the cups, its fragrance immediately filling the air.

The black-clad youth's face lit up with pure joy, and he eagerly lifted his cup, proposing a toast!

As the clear liquid flowed down their throats, both men experienced a wave of invigorating satisfaction wash over them.

After several consecutive cups, the youth in black suddenly seemed to recall something, scratching his head with a trace of embarrassment.

"Speaking of which..."

"I still owe you one tael of silver for the wine from our last meeting. I departed in haste and neglected to bring it. I shall settle the debt the next time we have the chance to meet—truly, the very next time!"

Yi Feng smiled faintly upon hearing this, shaking his head.

At this juncture, did that single tael of silver truly hold any significance?

Perhaps it did, perhaps it did not.

Without the peculiar turn of events set in motion by that very tael of silver, the two might not be sharing a table and liquor today. Yet, from a practical standpoint, given his current standing and assets, a mere tael was utterly negligible.

Yi Feng did not press the matter. Noticing the man's vibrant demeanor, he remarked casually,

"You appear considerably more robust this time compared to our previous two encounters."

"I recall that on each prior occasion we met, you were invariably nursing some form of injury."

At these words, the youth in black set down his cup and erupted into hearty laughter.

"Hahaha..."

"I did encounter some minor predicaments not long ago, but all have been resolved!"

Yi Feng offered a slight nod, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

"What sort of predicaments did you face?"

Whether it was the influence of the wine or the convivial atmosphere, the black-clad youth's eyes suddenly sparkled. He became notably more talkative, regaling Yi Feng with vivid accounts of his past daring escapades.

"Ha..."

"It was nothing substantial, really. It's just that last year, your esteemed grandfather here happened upon the Holy Maiden of Lihua Palace, finding her rather attractive. So, I took her away to dance for me. After a few days of enjoyment, the Lihua Palace began to hound me relentlessly, like persistent phantoms. They even deployed the formidable Moon-Chasing Jade Bow. It took me several months to finally elude their pursuit."

"Then there were certain obtuse individuals who dared to interrupt my drinking. I taught them a lesson and, as a bonus, eliminated a few ruffians who displeased me. The consequence was that I found myself pursued by the combined forces of the Ten Great Sects..."

"In any case, these were all minor inconveniences, and your granddaddy here has successfully dealt with each and every one!"

Witnessing his nonchalant recounting of these events, Yi Feng found himself unsure whether to laugh or sigh.

This individual was truly something else. To have instigated such widespread trouble—whether it involved the Lihua Palace or the ten great orthodox sects, none were to be taken lightly. For him to still exhibit such brazenness meant he possessed a considerable degree of genuine capability.

However, the calamities he orchestrated were far from trivial, and considering the reasons behind them, they scarcely seemed worth the effort.

With a helpless smile, Yi Feng turned his gaze towards the man and inquired,

"You've stirred up quite a significant amount of trouble. Was it truly worth all that?"

The moment Yi Feng finished speaking, the youth in black slammed his hand on the table, his reply immediate and emphatic!

"Worth it! It was absolutely, undeniably worth it!"

"Brother, you simply cannot comprehend. In this entire existence of mine, I harbor only two profound passions: the allure of women and the enjoyment of fine wine. Be it captivating beauties or exquisite spirits, these are the very pillars of my pursuit. Without these two elements, life itself would become unbearably dull and devoid of any flavor!"

"As long as I can live a life filled with exhilaration and thrill, let alone offending the Lihua Palace, even if I were to provoke the Heavenly King himself, I would still feel that I have gained more than I have lost!"

"We are granted but a single life, therefore, finding joy and happiness is the paramount objective! The world may be vast, but I stand as the greatest among all!"

Reaching the zenith of his passionate declaration, the youth clad in black raised his wine cup and consumed its contents in a single, swift gulp.

His utterly unrestrained and flamboyant demeanor exuded an indescribable sense of exhilaration!

We are granted but a single life, therefore, finding joy and happiness is the paramount objective.

Muttering these words to himself, Yi Feng found himself genuinely moved by the sentiment.

Indeed, it was a profound realization that every individual possessed their own unique set of aspirations. If one could remain steadfast to their original intentions and true self, perhaps that very path represented their own distinct Great Dao of cultivation. The masses often pursued the so-called Great Dao with blind fervor, but how many among them could truly maintain such clarity of mind?

This old friend of his was truly a character of remarkable fascination.

Amidst his contemplative sighs, Yi Feng too lifted his own cup and emptied it in one go, experiencing a remarkable sensation of liberation and unburdened freedom wash over his spirit.

However, as his thoughts turned to this fellow's characteristically reckless and unrestrained lifestyle, a nagging concern arose about the potential for dire consequences in the future. With a calm demeanor, he offered a piece of advice.

"It is perfectly understandable that you hold a deep affection for both fine wine and beautiful women."

"However, engaging in such reckless abandon on a consistent basis is not a sustainable long-term strategy. Every action in this world carries a consequence. It would perhaps be more prudent to exchange what you desire for tangible benefits. This way, everyone involved can attain satisfaction, and you can circumvent a significant amount of potential trouble. Would that not be a far more advantageous outcome?"

The instant Yi Feng concluded his counsel, the youth in black adopted an expression of profound gratitude.

"Brother, it is exceedingly rare for someone to offer me counsel with such genuine sincerity. You are truly a brother of exceptional caliber!"

Yet, in the very next moment, a shadow of distress flickered across his features.

"Alas, what a terrible pity..."

"I am merely a hired blade, a wandering swordsman who has spent years traversing the martial world. My usual modus operandi has always been to spend whatever coin I acquire as swiftly as possible, seeking nothing more than fleeting moments of enjoyment."

To summarize his predicament in a single, concise sentence: he was perpetually broke.

Yi Feng suddenly understood the situation with perfect clarity, leaving him utterly devoid of words.

So, this individual was essentially a transient martial artist who had embraced a life of perpetual freedom and ease. It was no wonder he struggled to even muster a single tael of silver to procure some wine.

Nodding in sudden illumination, Yi Feng realized he needed to adjust his approach.

"That is indeed a valid point."

"However, both exquisite wine and captivating women necessitate considerable financial expenditure, and you happen to be enamored with both. If this pattern persists, you will undoubtedly find yourself unable to meet your expenses, and perhaps even invite further complications. Might I suggest, instead, that you focus your affections on just one of the two?"

Upon hearing this suggestion, the youth in black faltered, his wine cup suspended mid-air, as if he had just been presented with the most insurmountable dilemma of his entire existence.

"Choose but one of the two?"

"Hiss..."

He remained in deep contemplation for a full ten breaths before finally articulating his response with solemn gravity.

"Both women and wine are objects of my utmost desire. To make such a choice is an impossibly arduous task!"

"If I am truly compelled to make a selection, then I shall unequivocally choose women. In this grand tapestry of existence, it is only women who represent the true essence of life; all other pursuits are mere heresy in comparison!"

Witnessing the profound seriousness with which the other man approached the decision, and understanding the immense difficulty he faced in making any choice at all, Yi Feng recognized this as the most favorable possible outcome. He surmised that the young man would likely encounter fewer calamitous events in the future.

Without hesitation, Yi Feng nodded in genuine affirmation.

"Indeed, women are the true essence of life."

The two exchanged glances and offered smiles, a silent understanding passing between them that transcended the need for further words.

"Hahaha! Well spoken, my dear brother! You have achieved a profound state of enlightenment!"

"Come, come, let us drain this cup together!"

As their drinking continued, their camaraderie deepened exponentially. Their exchange of words was remarkably uninhibited. Before they were fully aware of it, they had collectively consumed over a dozen large jugs of Peach Blossom Wine. The youth in black's face was visibly flushed, yet he continued to extol the virtues of the wine with unceasing praise.

"Ha..."

"This wine is truly exquisite and possesses a divine fragrance! Should the opportunity arise in the future, I will most certainly seek you out again!"

Upon hearing these words, Yi Feng paused his own drinking, a smile gracing his lips as he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Mhm."

"Partake a little more this time. Soon, I shall be embarking on a journey to the Snow Moon Sacred Land. It is even possible that I might ascend to the position of their Holy Son, thus it remains uncertain when our paths may cross again."

The instant these words were spoken, the youth in black's eyes widened in evident surprise. There was no hint of regret regarding their potential separation, only an expression brimming with unadulterated excitement and sheer joy.

"The Snow Moon Sacred Land?"

"Brother! That is simply magnificent news!"

"It has long been known that the foundations of that institution are profoundly deep, vastly surpassing anything our humble Nanli Kingdom could ever hope to match. You are like a carp successfully leaping the dragon gate; from this moment on, you shall majestically ascend to the heavens!"

"Your future truly shines brilliantly. My sincerest congratulations!"

Observing the young man cupping his fists and emitting a hearty laugh, Yi Feng offered a gentle smile and a nod, electing not to respond immediately.

A brilliant future?

Perhaps.

Throughout his entire life, he had steadfastly relied on his own arduous cultivation. He had never once harbored the thought of depending on any particular faction. As for his future prospects, he felt no need to bend to the will of others, nor did he require the patronage of any established power.

Whatever the future may bring, today they would not cease until they were thoroughly inebriated!

The so-called glory and status of the mundane world were merely transient clouds, fundamentally incomparable to the genuine warmth of true friendship. It was akin to how a fine wine costing a thousand gold could never rival the mellow, fragrant notes of the Peach Blossom Brew adorning their table.

With this realization dawning upon him, Yi Feng lifted his wine cup towards the youth seated opposite, his gaze brimming with profound gratitude.

"Thank you."

"Gathering here today, we absolutely must drink until our hearts are content!"

The youth, clad in black, also presented a visage alight with smiles, dashingly raising his cup in reciprocal acknowledgment!

"Until our hearts are content!"

A perfect, unspoken understanding passed between the two, rendering further conversation unnecessary. They immersed themselves wholeheartedly in the joyous act of drinking before them. Although no more words were exchanged, the atmosphere resonated with an undeniable sincerity of emotion.

It was a moment that was both a reunion and a farewell.

With this parting, who could possibly know when their paths might cross again.

Even amidst the tens of thousands of passing travelers within the vast martial world, finding a single true confidant with whom to share a table is a rare and precious occurrence...