Chapter 1539: The Most Delicious Memory
Yi Feng stepped forward, patted Cang Sheng on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "You look like you're longing for something so deeply, it's as if you're trying to see through the autumn waters."
In an instant, Cang Sheng's face turned red all the way to his ears. He felt a burning sensation on his face.
"Brother Yi Feng, don't talk nonsense," Cang Sheng said, flustered.
After regaining his composure, Cang Sheng asked, "Brother Yi Feng, where are you planning to go next?"
"I want to stay in Hua City for a while, but I'm not familiar with the place. Do you have a spare room where I could stay for a few days?"
Cang Sheng was delighted. "Of course! There's an empty room at my place. You're welcome to stay as long as you like, Brother Yi Feng."
"But you'll have to wait for me. I need to move these goods into the house first, and then I'll take you to my place."
"No rush. I'm free, so take your time. I'll wait here for you."
"Alright."
Cang Sheng was overjoyed. He had taken a liking to Yi Feng. After all, apart from the Third Young Lady, he hadn't met anyone who would listen to him boast without showing any disdain. Moreover, Brother Yi Feng had been encouraging him throughout their journey, helping him regain his confidence.
Cang Sheng's residence was inherited from his parents. After they passed away one after another, their room had remained empty. Although it was unused, Cang Sheng still cleaned it regularly, treating it as a way to remember them. So, when Yi Feng brought it up, he immediately agreed.
By the time the sun was setting, Cang Sheng had finally finished his work. He walked briskly toward Yi Feng, only to be surprised to find that Yi Feng was carrying a lot of vegetables and meat.
"Brother Yi Feng, what's all this?"
"I'm quite good at cooking. I'll make some dishes for you. I can't just stay at your place for free, can I?"
Cang Sheng laughed. "Brother Yi Feng, you're a guest. How can I let you buy groceries and cook? I..."
Yi Feng cut him off. "Let's go. We'll talk more at home."
In the western part of the city stood a small house with a courtyard, a small kitchen, and two rooms. Next to the artificial hill in the yard was a stone table. The yard was also filled with flowers and plants, making the entire space clean, tidy, and well-organized.
Cang Sheng took the groceries Yi Feng had bought to the kitchen and then led Yi Feng to his parents' room. The room was simply furnished—a tea table, a dressing table, and a bed. Though modest, it was clean and cozy, giving off a homely vibe.
"Brother Yi Feng, I live alone here. This room used to belong to my parents. You can stay here as long as you like."
Yi Feng smiled and patted Cang Sheng's head. "Thanks, kid. Go rest for a bit. I'll handle the cooking."
"Brother Yi Feng, let me help you. I'm not bad at cooking either!"
"No need. Go tend to your wounds and wait for dinner."
"But..."
"Go on, it's fine."
Cang Sheng nodded and went back to his room.
Yi Feng started the fire, prepared the vegetables, and chopped the meat. It felt like he had returned to the simple, peaceful life of daily chores. As memories of the past flooded his mind, he couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy. After a sigh, he began to showcase his culinary skills.
Hearing the sounds from the kitchen, Cang Sheng felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The last time he had waited in his room for a meal was when his mother was still alive...
Lost in this comforting memory, Cang Sheng unknowingly fell asleep.
After a while, Yi Feng's voice called out from the yard.
"Kid, come out and eat!"
"Coming!"
Cang Sheng smiled and ran over to the stone table. Although cultivators could survive without food, the sight of the delicious, aromatic dishes still made his mouth water.
"I'm digging in!"
Cang Sheng served Yi Feng a bowl of rice and then began eating heartily.
With his mouth full, Cang Sheng exclaimed, "This is amazing, Brother Yi Feng! Your cooking is even better than my mom's. No, it's better than the best restaurant in Hua City—Drunken Immortal Pavilion!"
"Take your time. No need to rush," Yi Feng said with a smile, eating alongside him.
"After my father passed away, my mother also left unexpectedly. Since then, I haven't had a proper meal, let alone one this delicious. The last time I ate at Drunken Immortal Pavilion was when my dad took me there. That was the best meal I remember!"
Though Cang Sheng spoke casually, his words struck a chord with Yi Feng, who felt a pang of sadness.
"If you like it, I'll cook for you every day during my stay."
Cang Sheng's eyes lit up with joy.
"Really, Brother Yi Feng? But if it's too much trouble, don't worry. I can survive without eating."
"It's no trouble. You're still a bit thin. Relying solely on fasting isn't good for your cultivation."
"Alright, thank you, Brother Yi Feng."
Under the moonlight, Yi Feng couldn't help but reflect on the passage of time. The moon that shone today had also illuminated people of the past.
Yi Feng kept reminding Cang Sheng to eat slowly, but Cang Sheng only ate more enthusiastically, finishing all the rice and dishes. He let out a satisfied burp, still craving more.
"You have a good appetite. I'll buy more ingredients tomorrow."
"It really was delicious, Brother Yi Feng."
Cang Sheng scratched his head, slightly embarrassed.
...
That night, Yi Feng lay on the wooden bed, using his arm as a pillow. A faint smile appeared on his face as he drifted off to sleep.
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
The crow of a rooster broke the silence of the night.
The lazy sun slowly rose, peeking over the horizon.
Cang Sheng sat up in bed. Every morning at the rooster's call, he would get up to practice his swordsmanship—a habit ingrained in him as a cultivator.
Creak.
Cang Sheng pushed open the door, holding a longsword, only to find Yi Feng already sitting on the stone bench in his white robes.
"Brother Yi Feng, you're up so early! Or did you not sleep at all?"
Cang Sheng knew that high-level cultivators didn't need to sleep.
Yi Feng smiled. "I rested for a bit. Are you going to practice your sword techniques?"
"Yes."
"Then show me a few moves."
"Alright!"
Cang Sheng was confident in his swordsmanship. After all, it was something his father had taught him. His style was light, agile, and graceful.
As Cang Sheng swung his sword, it moved like a flying phoenix, his body light and nimble. He demonstrated various techniques—thrusts, slashes, parries, and more. Then, he leaped into the air, executing a series of moves. The sword hummed and whistled as it cut through the air.
After finishing his routine, Cang Sheng asked with a hint of pride, "Brother Yi Feng, how's my swordsmanship?"
Yi Feng nodded slightly. "Your foundation is solid, but your fluidity could use some work."
Cang Sheng's interest was piqued. "Brother Yi Feng, do you know swordsmanship too?"
"A little. When you swing your sword, don't grip the hilt too tightly. It affects the agility of your strikes. When thrusting, focus your energy, starting from your feet and channeling it through your joints to the tip of the sword. Try it again."
Cang Sheng pondered for a moment, carefully considering Yi Feng's advice. Then, as if enlightened, he followed the instructions and found his movements significantly improved.