Chapter 1486: Next Time, For Sure

After avenging his great enmity, Yi Feng led the disciples of the New Sword Sect back to the Blazing Fire Kingdom. Though he was originally from the Southern Li Kingdom, there was nothing left there to hold his attachment. All past grievances, love, and hatred had dissipated like smoke, becoming mere memories after the war that shook the nations.

Following this battle, the New Sword Sect's reputation soared to its zenith, and its expansion became even more rapid. In just a few months, the sect had grown into a colossal force dominating the entire western region, becoming the strongest sect in the southern continent. Its name thundered across the land, and its disciples numbered in the tens of thousands.

Such a grand achievement drew countless admirers, and people considered it an honor to catch a glimpse of Yi Feng. However, the white-clad Sword God, revered by all, had become increasingly low-key in recent times. He rarely appeared in the martial world, and even in the imperial capital, few had heard of his whereabouts.

Late at night, the garden was filled with a delicate fragrance, and the moonlight poured down like liquid silver. The four brothers sat facing each other in an elegant pavilion, drinking and chatting. Despite their immense status and power, they remained as close as they had been during their days as a guerrilla squad, without any barriers. There was none of the pride or self-satisfaction that people might imagine.

The conversation was casual and relaxed, filled with everyday banter. It wasn't until they had finished several rounds of drinks and dishes that Toad finally brought up the recent rumors with a smile.

"Brother Yi, many people say that you plan to unify the southern continent in the future. Some even say you're going to establish a dynasty. What do you think about that?"

As soon as he spoke, the other two brothers turned their attention to Yi Feng.

Under their expectant gazes, Yi Feng set down his wine cup and shook his head with a smile.

"Hahaha... Unify the southern continent? Establish a dynasty? The rumors outside are getting more and more outrageous."

He looked at his three brothers and answered with complete sincerity.

"We brothers share similar temperaments. None of us are the type to chase after grand ambitions. Back then, when we founded the New Sword Sect, it was out of necessity for revenge. We never imagined it would come to this."

"Actually, even if I don't say it, I'm sure you can guess. In my eyes, fame and fortune are like passing clouds, and the mundane world is but a wisp of smoke. In this life, having you all as my sworn brothers, I have no regrets."

Hearing this, the three brothers exchanged knowing smiles.

Toad, however, was still curious and pressed on with a determined look.

"Brother Yi, if I really want to hear it, what else do you aspire to?"

Yi Feng pondered for a moment, then looked up at the bright moon in the sky and replied calmly.

"If I must have a pursuit... Now that I've touched the threshold of the sword path, if there's anything I truly want to do, it's to pursue the ultimate sword path and comprehend the Great Dao of the sword!"

"I've heard that in the Northern Cold Secret Realm, there's a Void Sword Tomb, where countless legendary swords are sealed within ten-thousand-year-old profound ice. I'm interested in going there to see it and gain insights into the sword path!"

Hearing this, Toad and Snail nodded slightly. The black-clad young man, however, showed no surprise, though a hint of boredom flickered in his eyes. He yawned and rubbed his teary eyes, muttering lazily.

"Ha... I knew it. Your aspirations are even more boring than what people imagine..."

Toad shot him a disdainful look and retorted.

"Boring? Becoming the strongest swordsman in the world—doesn't that excite you? If Brother Yi achieves his goal, think of how much face we brothers will have! Isn't that a hundred times better than becoming some emperor?"

"Come on, tell us, what kind of aspiration could be more thrilling than comprehending the Great Dao of the sword?"

"Thrilling?!"

At this, the black-clad young man suddenly perked up. He sprang to his feet, one foot on the jade stool, and began to speak with animated enthusiasm.

"In the future, I'm going to be the most legendary playboy! What's so interesting about comprehending the sword path? It's nothing compared to meeting all kinds of beautiful ladies!"

"Back in the day, when I had nothing to my name, I missed out on so many beauties. Whenever I met a girl I liked, I couldn't protect her, and now, looking back, it still breaks my heart! There's nothing more painful in this world than that!"

"I've had my heart broken over nine thousand times because of that damn reality! But now, I won't let that happen again. In my lifetime, I'm going to experience all the beauties of the world and leave behind ten thousand eight hundred legendary tales. I'll become the most charming rogue in the world, making countless ladies fall for me!"

As he finished, he plucked a flower from nearby, stuck it in his mouth, and struck a charming pose, looking smugly at the others.

"So? Isn't my ambition much grander?"

Seeing his flamboyant display, Toad shook his head in exasperation and muttered disdainfully.

"How many girls have you fallen for already? Don't you get tired of flirting around everywhere? Honestly, I think eating and drinking is way more fun."

"I'd rather just stay in our New Sword Sect, enjoying good food and drink every day. A life where everything's taken care of—that's the perfect life!"

Beside him, Snail had already fallen asleep, a bubble of snot growing large enough to reflect the full moon.

"Zzz... Zzz..."

Though he didn't say anything, his actions made it clear that nothing appealed to him more than sleep.

Seeing this, the black-clad young man rolled his eyes and decided not to argue further. After clinking cups with the others, he vanished into the clouds, leaving only his carefree laughter echoing in the night sky.

"I'm off to have some fun with a few ladies! You guys keep drinking. We'll meet again next time!"

Listening to his laughter, Yi Feng also smiled faintly. This brother of his was as free-spirited as ever. Even though they all knew they might soon part ways, there was none of the melodramatic farewells that ordinary people might indulge in.

Their friendship had begun with a chance encounter, but through years of trials and tribulations, they had become sworn brothers. This bond was truly something extraordinary.

Laughing as they parted, they promised to meet again. Despite their rise to fame and success, they remained true to themselves, each pursuing their own dreams. There was nothing more satisfying in life than this.

This parting felt like one they had experienced many times before, familiar yet poignant, as if the past was still vividly before their eyes.

Everything was just like back then.

Yi Feng smiled with a touch of nostalgia, knowing that their brotherhood had withstood numerous tests. Even if they were separated by vast distances and the passage of time, they would always reunite and drink together as freely as before.

As he finished the last cup of wine, Toad seemed reluctant to end the night. He squinted and chuckled.

"Brother Yi, this peach blossom wine is really something. Next time we drink, let's prepare a few hundred jars and get completely wasted!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng's smile deepened.

"Alright, next time, for sure!"

In truth, he knew better than anyone that the peach blossom wine wasn't some exquisite brew. What his brothers cherished wasn't the wine itself, but the bond they shared.

Toad's appetite seemed bottomless, and no matter how much they drank, it was never enough for him. The peach blossom wine, being so cheap, was hard to come by in the imperial capital, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. So every time they drank, Toad had to restrain himself, taking only one jar at a time, which he would finish in a single gulp.

He just wanted to share the joy of drinking with his brothers.

Though Toad never said it out loud, Yi Feng understood. But with the sect's expansion, there were always worldly affairs to attend to, and Toad's appetite was simply too vast. Yi Feng had tried to gather more peach blossom wine a few times, but it was never enough to satisfy him.

If there was a next time, Yi Feng decided, he would prepare for ten or fifteen days, even if it meant emptying the entire Blazing Fire Kingdom of its peach blossom wine, just to let his brother drink to his heart's content.

As the night deepened and the cups ran dry, it was the perfect time for a quiet farewell.

Yi Feng slowly stood up and walked toward the garden gate. Just as he was about to step out, Toad's voice called out from behind.

"Brother Yi, take care! I'll protect our New Sword Sect well. When you return, we'll drink until we drop!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng paused and turned back. Toad was smiling and waving, but tears were streaming down his cheeks. The mighty Second Protector of the New Sword Sect, a figure who struck fear into countless sects, now looked almost pitiful.

Snail, who had somehow woken up, stood silently beside Toad, tears falling like pearls.

People often said that demons were terrifying, but Yi Feng had seen human hearts that were far more frightening. These two brothers, unlike the carefree black-clad youth, couldn't hide their simple, heartfelt sorrow at parting. Such genuine friendship was rare, even in a world teeming with people.

At this moment, Yi Feng's vision also blurred...

He silently etched this deep bond into his heart, smiling as he waved goodbye. Though he knew it might seem melodramatic, unlike the black-clad youth's carefree departure, he felt a warm current spreading through his chest, filling him with indescribable joy.

"Big White, Fatty. Take care!"

With those words, to avoid disturbing anyone else, Yi Feng turned and, with a light step, soared into the northern night sky, disappearing into the distance...