Chapter 1445: A Chance Encounter

In the blink of an eye, another two months had passed.

As Yi Feng spent more and more time in the game world, he increasingly felt that everything was becoming more real.

He returned to his sect for a rare visit, and the entire sect was thrilled to see him. However, due to the growing gap in their strength, an invisible barrier of awe and distance had formed between them.

Yi Feng was still the same senior brother he had always been, unchanged in every way. Yet, his fellow disciples no longer treated him with the same familiarity as before. Their words and actions were now tinged with restraint and formality.

Sensing this subtle shift in attitude, Yi Feng could understand his fellow disciples' feelings, but the growing distance still left him with a sense of melancholy.

Word of his return had spread, and nearby sects came to visit and seek his friendship, which only deepened Yi Feng's reflections.

When a person achieves fame and success, the attitudes of those around them inevitably change, and many people with ulterior motives begin to appear.

Such is the nature of reality.

As the saying goes, "When you're poor, no one asks about you in the bustling city; when you're rich, distant relatives come knocking even in the remote mountains."

This is often the way of the world.

It had to be said, this game was too realistic. It even captured the intricacies of human nature with such precision.

For a moment, Yi Feng found it hard to distinguish between what was real and what was not.

If not for the occasional reminders of the game's mechanics that popped into his mind, he might have thought he had been reborn into a new life.

After his brief visit to the sect, Yi Feng realized that the gap between him and his fellow disciples was only growing wider. From now on, they would inevitably drift apart, and the close bonds they once shared would be impossible to restore.

When one can no longer hold onto something beautiful, the only thing left to do is to cherish the memories of those beautiful times and keep them close to heart.

Life is often filled with such helplessness.

Most people, once parted, become strangers.

Unconsciously, Yi Feng's state of mind grew more composed, and his cultivation level rose once again.

By the time he descended the mountain to train once more, he was unrivaled within a radius of ten thousand miles, and his fame had spread across more than a dozen nearby provinces.

After vanquishing several great evils in succession, Yi Feng's reputation reached its peak. Even young children in the common folk knew of the "White-Clad Divine Sword," and legends of his deeds were spread far and wide across the martial world.

At this moment, Yi Feng also felt the loneliness that comes with standing at the pinnacle.

He could no longer find worthy opponents, nor could he find true friends. The small provinces held nothing of interest to him anymore, and the enthusiasm of the various cultivators only made him want to retreat further.

Only when he returned to the small courtyard at the foot of the green mountains did Yi Feng feel a sense of peace and freedom.

One day, as the spring sunlight bathed the land, Yi Feng sat at the stone table in his courtyard. The aroma of fine wine and simple dishes filled the air, and the distant view of the majestic mountains made him feel like a carefree hermit, detached from the mundane world. His heart was filled with an indescribable sense of ease and tranquility.

As he sipped the clear wine, all the glory and legends surrounding him dissipated like smoke, leaving only a warm sensation that spread through his body, bringing comfort to both his mind and spirit.

Let the martial world be filled with strife; he would remain free and unfettered.

Just as he was enjoying this peaceful afternoon, faint footsteps suddenly approached from nearby.

"Shua, shua..."

With his extraordinary cultivation, Yi Feng instantly sensed the presence of the newcomer.

He glanced over quietly.

The figure was cloaked in black robes, revealing nothing but their face. From their appearance, they seemed to be around the same age as Yi Feng. They held a long sword in their hand, from which dark red blood dripped continuously. Their body was also stained with blood, and they looked somewhat weary.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Yi Feng showed no surprise. He simply observed the person calmly, wondering if they were friend or foe—or perhaps just passing by.

Before he could take a closer look, the figure had already reached the fence gate of the courtyard.

They called out in a casual tone.

"Brother!"

"Mind if I have a couple of drinks with you?"

This person had just been through a bloody battle, yet they were still thinking about drinking. Truly a person of strong character.

Rarely did Yi Feng meet someone who shared his love for wine, and since the person showed no hostility, he thought, "Why not? Meeting in such a remote place must be fate. Sharing a drink wouldn't hurt."

Yi Feng smiled and extended a welcoming hand.

"Since you're in the mood for a drink, come in and join me."

At these words, the figure at the gate paused.

"Really?"

"Aren't you afraid of me?"

At this point, they were still concerned about whether others would fear them. This person not only had a strong personality but also seemed considerate of others.

Yi Feng couldn't help but laugh and quickly poured another cup of wine.

"Haha."

"If I were afraid, I wouldn't have invited you in. Meeting like this is fate. If you don't mind, come in and have a drink."

Seeing that Yi Feng had already filled another cup and was sitting there with a warm smile, the black-clad figure decisively stepped into the courtyard and took a seat at the stone table.

"Cheers!"

The two raised their cups and drank in one go.

As the clear wine warmed their bodies, the black-clad figure let out a long sigh and couldn't stop praising the drink.

"Ha..."

"Good wine! Truly good wine!"

"I've traveled far and wide, but I've never tasted wine this good! Another cup, please!"

Their straightforward words brought a smile to Yi Feng's face.

It wasn't that he particularly enjoyed being praised, but the person's candid speech, free of any hidden motives, made him feel at ease.

At the very least, this person was a thousand times better than those sycophants in the secular world.

They were clear about their likes and dislikes, spoke their mind, and even the simplest wine, if good, deserved another cup!

Though their words were a bit cheeky, they were also genuine and honest. Truly a person of integrity.

A true man should live like this.

Yi Feng nodded with a smile and continued to pour wine for the other.

The two clinked their cups again, their eyes filled with joy.

"Refreshing! Truly refreshing!"

The black-clad figure kept praising the wine, their spirits rising with each cup.

Yi Feng, too, was infected by their enthusiasm, and his own desire to drink grew.

The two continued to clink cups and drink heartily, exchanging few words. Yi Feng didn't bother asking about the other's identity or what they had been through. He simply immersed himself in the joy of this chance encounter.

"Life's pleasures should be enjoyed to the fullest; don't let the wine cup sit empty under the moon."

It was rare to find someone who could drink with such abandon. As long as they were enjoying themselves and savoring the moment, nothing else mattered.

The two drank with increasing fervor, and it wasn't until dusk that they finally stopped.

The stone table was surrounded by empty wine jars, and the air was still filled with the aroma of wine. After finishing the last cup, the black-clad figure stood up and walked away.

Happy times are always fleeting. Yi Feng watched the figure leave without saying a word, simply seeing them off with his gaze.

In the martial world, battles and killings were commonplace. The sentimental farewells described by scholars were too melodramatic. Since this was a chance encounter, it was only fitting to part quietly. Having experienced the harsh realities of the world, Yi Feng no longer cared for such superficial courtesies.

In contrast, the black-clad figure seemed somewhat reluctant to leave.

Just as they were about to step out of the gate, they suddenly stopped and spoke.

"If there's a next time, I'll come back for more of your wine."

With those hurried words, the figure disappeared into the sunset, vanishing completely.

Yi Feng still didn't respond, his expression calm.

Only when he recalled the cheeky words of the black-clad figure did he allow himself a slight smile, thinking to himself, "This guy really knows how to make himself at home, even planning to come back for more wine. What a character."

It wasn't that Yi Feng was stingy, but meeting someone by chance and having them freeload like this wasn't exactly ideal. After all, his money didn't grow on trees...

"If there's a next time, I'll definitely charge him for the wine."

After muttering to himself, Yi Feng closed the courtyard gate, cleaned up the wine jars, and went inside to sleep as night fell.

That night, the lingering taste of wine on his lips brought him endless satisfaction, and he slept more soundly than ever.