Isn't this just bringing along a burden

Two days had passed in the blink of an eye.

Yi Feng had originally planned to share the dragon whiskers with Old Man Fu, since they lived in the same courtyard—sharing blessings, no matter how small, was only right. Besides, the taste was quite delightful.

But who would’ve thought the old man would become utterly obsessed?

For two whole days, he neither ate nor drank, solely focused on planting some mysterious peonies!

Left with no choice, Yi Feng had to enjoy the delicacy alone.

In the evening, he prepared a cold dish with the dragon whiskers, paired with a light stir-fry—two dishes from one ingredient, delightfully chewy and satisfying!

A couple of sips of wine to go with it, and life couldn’t be sweeter.

All that was missing was a couple more people to play a few rounds of Landlord!

Alas.

Good times never last—after just two meals, the dragon whiskers were gone…

Morning arrived.

As usual, Yi Feng rose early, brimming with energy.

He sat comfortably in the courtyard, sipping tea, watching the old man in the corner huffing and puffing as he shoveled dirt and tilled the land, utterly absorbed in his flower-planting. It was like watching the morning sports news—somehow, it filled him with vigor.

But after a while, the repetitive motions lost their charm, far less entertaining than the flashy techniques of stir-frying.

Yi Feng soon lost interest.

Leisurely, he headed out, as was his habit, to chat with the village elders at the entrance.

Over the past few days, he’d successfully infiltrated the village’s inner circle. A few words from the old folks, and he’d know every family’s secrets.

Not long after stepping out, just as Yi Feng was about to reach the village’s most prestigious gossip spot—the great willow tree—Wei Donghai approached, his face a mix of excitement and nervousness.

His little axe gleamed at his waist, and his wine gourd hung silently, seemingly filled to the brim.

“Yi—Yi Feng, good morning!”

Seeing the old man so worked up and fully geared, Yi Feng suddenly remembered.

Ah, today was the day they’d agreed to go on that expedition. Blame it on the wine—he’d nearly forgotten the promise he’d made!

Truly, liquor clouds the mind!

Snapping back to reality, Yi Feng smiled and responded.

“Brother Wei, you must’ve been waiting impatiently. Let’s head out right away!”

Even though the Ancient Corridor wasn’t particularly thrilling, Yi Feng was still enthusiastic. After all, he owed Wei Donghai—the old man had shared half the dragon whiskers with him. That kindness wasn’t something to forget.

Besides, he’d already agreed. Might as well treat it like a spring outing for the elderly!

Wei Donghai grew even happier, though he restrained himself as he bowed slightly in gratitude.

“Yi Feng, you flatter me. I’ve only just arrived.”

Then, with a hint of hesitation, he added with an awkward smile,

“I have an elder brother who’d like to join us. Yi Feng, would you mind…?”

Yi Feng nodded without a second thought.

“If he wants to come, let him. The more, the merrier. We’ll wait for him before setting off.”

Seeing the streaks of white at Wei Donghai’s temples, Yi Feng felt a pang of emotion—and envy.

Even saints meet their end one day.

Yet this old man still had a brother. To wander the world together after all these years, bound by brotherly love—now that was something to envy.

A trip like this would make for fine memories.

Too bad there were no cameras for a group photo.

At that thought, he couldn’t help but miss his disciples and old friends. Even that annoying, shameless Lu Benwei seemed oddly nostalgic now.

For a moment, Yi Feng stood silently, gazing into the distance with profound eyes.

Wei Donghai, observing that deep, contemplative look, grew even more awed. Truly, this senior was unfathomable!

Of course.

With Yi Feng’s status and cultivation, bringing one more person wouldn’t matter at all. This trip to the Ancient Corridor would surely be smooth sailing.

Even retrieving something from its depths would be child’s play for him.

The more Wei Donghai thought about it, the brighter his eyes shone with anticipation.

Suddenly—

Thud!

A deliberate cough, loud as thunder, jolted Wei Donghai out of his thoughts!

Whirling around in shock, his eyes widened.

Sure enough, it was his senior brother, Zui Wuya. Wei Donghai’s face tensed.

It wasn’t fear of his brother—he was terrified Zui Wuya’s rudeness might offend Yi Feng!

If Yi Feng took offense over such a trivial matter…

That would be a disaster!

Wei Donghai frantically blinked and gestured, trying to signal his brother.

But Zui Wuya, oblivious to the hints, only scowled harder when he noticed Yi Feng standing nearby. He immediately sent a stern voice transmission:

“What the hell are you doing?”

“We’re heading deep into the Ancient Corridor—why bring this kid along?”

“Even if you’re thinking of taking him as a disciple, now isn’t the time! This trip is perilous. Bringing him isn’t just useless for training—it’ll make us all vulnerable!”

“He’s nothing but dead weight!”

The scolding was relentless, leaving Wei Donghai speechless.

His senior brother hadn’t changed—still stern on the outside, soft on the inside.

Wei Donghai desperately wanted to explain, but he didn’t dare reveal Yi Feng’s true cultivation level. Even Fu Nantian didn’t know about it! He could only keep transmitting reassurances, eyes darting anxiously, on the verge of tears.

Watching the two old men, Yi Feng felt a pang of sentimentality.

This was clearly a pair of brothers who rarely met—one too proud to ask, the other stubbornly insistent.

Perhaps this was just how old brothers interacted.

The path of cultivation was lonely and endless. By this stage, most friends and family were long gone. Yet these two could still wander together…

Ah, what a thing to envy.

With a sigh, Yi Feng nodded understandingly and spoke up.

“Since he’s here, let’s all go together.”

Wei Donghai nearly wept with relief at those words. He quickly nodded, tore open a spatial rift, and respectfully gestured for Yi Feng to enter first before dragging Zui Wuya in after him.

In an instant, the three vanished into the starry void.