Farewell Gift

Hearing Yi Feng's bold claim, Gui Wanhai looked up with a smile.

"Oh?"

"Brother Yi, with such confidence, it seems your capacity for drink is extraordinary."

When it came to drinking, he had never feared anyone.

To put it bluntly, having roamed free for tens of thousands of years, Gui Wanhai had lost count of the banquets he had attended. Just the fine wine that had slipped past his lips alone could have inebriated countless cultivators.

Seeing Yi Feng's exceptional confidence today, he observed him with keen interest.

Yi Feng rubbed the bridge of his nose and responded with a smile.

"Not bad, I can drink a little."

Hearing this, Gui Wanhai's smile widened.

Although he couldn't compare to the Sea Lord, his ability to read people was still quite formidable. Hearing Yi Feng's steady voice and seeing his natural expression, he could tell at a glance that this man was not just making empty boasts.

It seemed he really did have some capacity for drink?

Excellent, this made things even more interesting.

For countless years, this was the first time he had encountered someone so confident.

This human named Yi Feng was indeed different from the rest. It wouldn't be a bad idea to properly teach him a lesson first, and take this opportunity to observe his character when drunk as well.

Gui Wanhai immediately raised his cup, looking at Yi Feng calmly.

"Good."

"Then let us drink heartily, and not part until we are drunk."

As their cups clinked, their conversation and laughter grew more intimate. In the blink of an eye, they emptied a whole gourd of wine, and more side dishes kept arriving. It truly seemed like they were well-matched opponents, capable of a joyous drinking bout.

But before two hours had passed.

Gui Wanhai suddenly slumped under the table, muttering incessantly.

"Drink... keep drinking..."

"Brother Yi... I'm not drunk..."

Under the table was the picture of a drunken mess, while on the table lay cups, plates, and dishes in utter disorder. Yi Feng, holding his wine cup, was caught off guard, left in disarray by the gentle breeze blowing from the window.

Well, this...

He was supposed to be treating, how could he get drunk so suddenly?

How much would this whole table of dishes cost?

Finally managing to haul Brother Turtle up, he was already completely unconscious, unresponsive to any calls. Yi Feng's face was a picture of utter despair.

Getting this guy to pay was definitely hopeless now.

Since he had gathered so much information, the drinking session had been quite enjoyable, and he had even made a friend in the process, he might as well pay himself. He could barely accept that...

As he was gritting his teeth and pondering, a waiter respectfully approached.

"Sir, Young Master Gui has passed out. Do you require any assistance?"

Yi Feng slowly waved his hand, then solemnly pointed at the table.

"No need for help, I'll take care of him."

"First, calculate how many Celestial Crystals all these dishes come to."

The waiter was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and bowed.

"Sir, you need not concern yourself with this matter."

"Young Master Gui is a top-tier honored guest of our establishment. All food and lodging expenses are settled once every hundred years. On the seventh floor, we have several long-term reserved rooms for Young Master Gui. Perhaps you and Young Master Gui would like to rest there for now."

Hearing this, Yi Feng was secretly astonished.

Good heavens...

A true rich second-generation!

Such an expensive place, and he actually has top-tier membership treatment? His wealth is on a completely different level!

People really can't be compared.

Well, what can you do? He has a good father.

Amidst his envy.

Yi Feng and the waiter helped Brother Turtle up and soon settled into the luxurious rooms on the top floor. After getting this guy settled, he returned to the adjacent room to stay, experiencing a taste of the rich man's happiness, sleeping incredibly soundly.

...

Early the next morning.

A ray of sunlight passed through the beaded curtain, spilling onto the nine-colored immortal crane down brocade quilt, also illuminating the opulent furnishings with a dazzling radiance. An aura of extravagance continuously drifted about.

The shimmering lights of various treasures intermingled, causing the sleeper's brow to furrow slightly.

After several struggles, his bleary eyes finally slowly opened.

In his blurred vision.

Everything was filled with dazzling, luxurious splendor, pleasing to the heart, yet it couldn't merge with his memories, always feeling abrupt.

This sudden scene left Gui Wanhai utterly bewildered.

Sitting up slowly, his emerald-green hair, smooth as brocade, fell past his temples. Gui Wanhai still wore a look of utter confusion.

Who am I?

Where am I?

What is this situation...?

After the three soul-searching questions, Gui Wanhai suddenly felt his head throbbing terribly, as if he had bumped into an ancient reef on the seabed in his childhood. Fragments of memory kept surfacing in his mind.

After surveying his surroundings for a long time, he finally recalled some fragmented memories, startling him so much his eyes widened.

"This..."

"Wasn't I drinking with Brother Yi? How did I end up here in the blink of an eye?"

Springing up in shock, Gui Wanhai's eyes flashed with astonishment.

Trying hard to recall for a long time.

He only remembered clinking cups with Yi Feng several times, conversing very pleasantly.

And then... nothing.

Feeling the long-lost dryness in his mouth and the nostalgic headache.

Clearly, he had gotten drunk.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Gui Wanhai's face.

"I was careless..."

"I never thought I would get drunk to this extent."

Remembering the fragments of yesterday's hearty drinking, however, he revealed a broad, understanding smile.

"When drinking with a close friend, a thousand cups are too few..."

"Such thorough drunkenness is rare in a lifetime. That cultivator is truly interesting."

Lying back flat on the soft couch.

Young Master Gui smiled with relief. He dismissed the minor indiscretion of getting drunk with a laugh. Only this thoroughly enjoyable drunken bout made him feel incredibly carefree and happy.

He didn't know how long it had been since he had felt so relaxed and at ease.

Never thought he could also experience the leisurely ease of an ordinary cultivator.

This really was a special experience.

Gui Wanhai reminisced for a long time, the expression on his face growing more and more relaxed. All shackles were temporarily put aside by him, as if he truly felt as carefree as an ordinary cultivator.

Until he took out the jade slip to send a message again.

The restaurant waiter arrived, and he once again put on a dignified and imposing demeanor.

After several inquiries, he learned that Yi Feng had magnanimously been prepared to pay and had also taken good care of him.

Instantly.

Gui Wanhai felt even more moved in his heart.

This Yi Feng, he is truly a decent fellow.

As an ordinary, unremarkable human cultivator from outside, finding every step difficult in the Land of Fallen Gods, without much family wealth to speak of, yet he was willing to pay for me, even taking care of me out of camaraderie.

This man's character needs no further words.

Recalling Yi Feng's conversation again, especially his comments about his father, Gui Wanhai still remembered them vividly, secretly thinking that he indeed had not misjudged the man.

This person truly deserves to be called a friend.

For countless years.

He had roamed the mortal world in the guise of an ordinary cultivator.

Partly to seek all kinds of fine wine and live a carefree life, and partly to seek kindred spirits and close friends!

He had once enjoyed countless honors and admiration, deeply aware that under such a terrifying halo, finding a true friend was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

There was a time.

He had also wished to live an ordinary life like Yi Feng, but unfortunately, some things are destined from birth.

Now, unexpectedly, his wish had been fulfilled.

Gui Wanhai felt immense delight.

The peak breeds hypocritical followers, only in decline does one encounter understanding friends.

To meet such a friend during the decline of the Primordial Sea Clan was truly gratifying. If there is a chance to return to the peak in the future, I must take Brother Yi to taste all the immortal brews of the world!

Summoning several immortal maidens to tidy his appearance, Gui Wanhai, radiating heroic bearing once more, stepped out of the room.

By the time he reached the rooftop garden, Yi Feng was already there, quietly waiting while sipping tea.

"Brother Gui, you're awake?"

"Having some light tea after drinking is the best."

Seeing the already prepared tea set, even if Yi Feng wasn't the one personally pouring the tea, Gui Wanhai nodded with a smile, finally experiencing what true, sincere friendship felt like.

They sat facing each other, conversing for a long time.

Watching Yi Feng's relaxed and natural discourse, he secretly made a decision.

Meeting is fate.

Since we are friends, why not give him an opportunity, as a way to thank him for yesterday's carefree and joyous time and hearty drinking.

Thinking of this.

Gui Wanhai took out a piece of shell from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Brother Yi, this little trinket shall serve as a token of the friendship between us two."

Suddenly receiving a gift, Yi Feng was somewhat taken aback.

Before he could even open his mouth to politely refuse, Gui Wanhai spoke up again to persuade him.

"Brother Yi Feng."

"The friendship of gentlemen is as indifferent as water. Please, just accept this item. I have important matters to attend to and must depart. Consider this my parting gift. I beg you, do not refuse."

His words made it sound simple, but in truth, this object was extremely precious.

It was the soft carapace Gui Wanhai had shed in his youth.

Imbued with his terrifying innate bloodline and further empowered by the Sea Lord's Daoist talisman seals, this item was sufficient to preserve Yi Feng's life within the Godfall Lands.

He did not explain the full truth, and this was also for Yi Feng's own good.

The object was simply too valuable. If its true nature were revealed, Yi Feng would likely not accept it. And even if he did, should word ever get out in the future, it would inevitably attract countless covetous eyes.

Gui Wanhai was no ordinary person; his words and actions always carried profound meaning. For friends he valued, a silent gift represented the greatest goodwill.

If fate allowed them to meet again, revealing his true status in the future would likely never allow for the same carefree ease as now. This was the burden of being the Sea Lord's son, an exalted destiny he could not escape.

He much preferred to interact with Yi Feng as an equal, laughing and chatting like ordinary cultivators.

Unaware of all this, Yi Feng simply felt this person possessed the demeanor of a true gentleman.

With things having reached this point,

he no longer hesitated awkwardly, accepting the turtle shell with thanks.

Then, with great generosity, he took out the remaining gourd of wine and offered it with both hands.

Seeing the wine gourd being presented, Gui Wanhai's eyes shone with even greater delight. Though it was merely wine, he received it as if it were a priceless treasure. The two looked at each other and laughed heartily, their friendship conveyed without a word.