Next Time for Sure

After his great vengeance was exacted, Yi Feng led the disciples of the New Sword Sect back to the Blazing Fire Kingdom.

Although he hailed from the South Li Kingdom, there was nothing left there for him to long for. All the past grievances and affections had turned into smoke and clouds, becoming mere memories with the conclusion of this great war that had shocked the nations.

Following this battle, the prestige of the New Sword Sect reached its zenith, and its expansion and growth became even more rapid.

In just a few short months, the New Sword Sect had become a behemoth dominating the entire western frontier. As the strongest sect in the Southern Continent, its name reverberated like thunder, and its disciples numbered in the tens of thousands!

Such a hegemony drew the admiration of countless people, and the world considered it an honor to even catch a glimpse of Yi Feng.

However.

The White-Clad Sword God, so deeply revered by the world, had grown increasingly low-key lately. He rarely made an appearance in the martial world, and even in the imperial capital, few had heard any news of his whereabouts.

Late at night.

A fragrant breeze wafted through the garden, and the moonlight poured down like liquid silver.

The four brothers sat facing each other in an elegant pavilion, drinking wine and chatting.

Even though their status and power were now overwhelming, they remained as close as they had been during their days in the guerrilla squad. There was no barrier between them, nor was there any of the smugness or dramatic sighing that the world might have imagined.

The entire time was spent on everyday chatter, completely free and casual.

It wasn't until the wine had flowed and the food had been enjoyed that Toad smiled and brought up the recent rumors.

"Big Brother Yi, many people are saying that you will unify the Southern Continent in the future, and others say you are going to establish an imperial dynasty. What are your actual thoughts on this?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the other two brothers also turned their gazes toward him.

Under the quiet, expectant gazes of his brothers.

Yi Feng set down his wine cup and smiled, shaking his head slightly.

"Hahaha..."

"Unify the Southern Continent, establish a dynasty."

"How are the outside rumors getting more and more outrageous?"

Saying this, Yi Feng looked at his three brothers and answered with a look of complete candor.

"We brothers share similar temperaments; none of us are the type to pursue hegemony. Founding the New Sword Sect back then was just a helpless move to exact vengeance. I never imagined it would come to this today."

"Actually, even if I don't say much, I'm sure you can guess."

"In my eyes, fame, wealth, and status are like floating clouds, and the various affairs of the mortal world are like smoke. To have you few as life-and-death friends in this lifetime, I have no more regrets."

Hearing this, the three brothers all revealed knowing smiles.

Toad was still a bit curious, showing a stubborn determination to get to the bottom of it.

"Big Brother Yi, but what if I really want to know—do you have any other pursuits?"

Hearing this, Yi Feng pondered for a moment, looking up at the bright moon in the sky before replying calmly.

"If I must have a pursuit..."

"The current me has already touched the threshold of the Sword Dao. If there is truly something I want to do, it would be to pursue the strongest Sword Dao and comprehend the Great Dao of the Sword!"

"I heard that in the Northern Cold Secret Realm, there is a Void Sword Tomb where countless famous swords of the world are sealed in ten-thousand-year profound ice. I am interested in going there to take a look and comprehend the Sword Dao!"

Hearing these words, Toad and Snail both nodded slightly.

The black-clad youth was not surprised in the slightest, but a sleepy smile appeared in his eyes. He seemed to find it a bit boring, unable to arouse his interest at all.

Yawning casually, with teary, drowsy eyes, he began to complain.

"Yawn..."

"I knew it. Your heart's desire is definitely even more boring than what the world guesses..."

Hearing this, Toad looked back with a face full of disdain and retorted.

"This is boring?"

"Becoming the strongest sword cultivator of our time—just thinking about it is exciting! If Big Brother Yi achieves his wish in the future, how much face will we brothers have?!"

"Isn't this a hundred times better than being a sect master or an emperor?"

"Why don't you tell us, what kind of wish could be more thrilling than comprehending the Great Dao of the Sword?"

Thrilling?!

Speaking of this topic, the black-clad youth instantly perked up.

He stood up with a swoosh!

Placing one foot on a jade stool, he began to speak with flying colors!

"In the future, I will definitely become the most awesome playboy!"

"What's the point of comprehending the Sword Dao? How can it be as interesting as meeting all kinds of beautiful ladies?"

"Back then, when I had nothing to my name, I always missed out on many beauties. Meeting a lady who made my heart flutter when I was powerless to protect anyone—just thinking about it now breaks my heart! There is nothing more heartbreaking in the world than this!"

"I don't know how many times my heart fluttered, only to be defeated by cruel reality. My heart has been broken over nine thousand times!"

"Now, I absolutely will not allow such things to happen again. In my lifetime, I must enjoy all the beautiful flowers of the world, leave behind a hundred and eight thousand legends, and become the most charming wanderer in the world, making countless ladies fall for me!"

As he finished speaking.

The black-clad youth casually plucked a fresh flower from nearby, held it in his mouth, and turned sideways to strike a charming, affectionate pose.

Then, he looked at the crowd with a smug expression.

"How about it?"

"Isn't my ambition much grander?"

Looking at that flamboyant posture.

Toad shook his head speechlessly and complained with disdain.

"How many girls have made your heart flutter already? Are your kidneys made of invincible iron? Flirting around everywhere, don't you find it exhausting?"

"In my opinion, it's not as interesting as eating and drinking."

"I'd rather stay in our New Sword Sect, eating and drinking well every day. This kind of life with free food and lodging is the perfect life!"

To the side, Snail had already fallen asleep, a snot bubble large enough to reflect the full moon expanding from his nose.

"Snore... snore..."

Although he didn't say a word, his actual actions had already shown that nothing pleased Snail more than sleeping.

Seeing this sight.

The black-clad youth looked speechless and couldn't be bothered to argue further.

After clinking cups once more.

He flashed into the clouds and disappeared without a trace, leaving only his carefree laughter echoing in the night sky.

"I'm going to find a few girls to have some fun!"

"You guys take your time drinking; let's gather again next time!"

Hearing the laughter in the sky, Yi Feng also revealed a faint smile.

This brother was still as carefree and uninhibited as ever. Even knowing they might soon part ways, there was no melodramatic farewell like those of worldly people.

Meeting by chance and becoming confidants.

Back then, it was just a passing encounter, but afterward, they experienced years of trials and tribulations together, becoming friends through adversity. This fate was truly wondrous beyond words.

Parting with laughter and promising to reunite.

Through great ups and downs, at the time of achieving success and fame, they could still maintain their original intentions, part ways gracefully, and pursue what they desired in their hearts. There was nothing more gratifying in life than this.

This separation felt as though it had played out countless times before, making one feel both familiar and emotional, as if past events were still vivid in their minds.

Everything was just like back then.

Yi Feng smiled and sighed with emotion, knowing deeply that this brotherhood had withstood numerous tests. Even if they were separated by vast distances and time passed, they would still be able to drink heartily upon reuniting.

As the last cup of wine entered his stomach.

Toad seemed to still want more, squinting his eyes with a laugh and looking over.

"Big Brother Yi, this Peach Blossom Brew is truly delicious."

"Next time we drink, let's prepare a few hundred more jugs. We must drink until we're thoroughly drunk!"

Hearing this, Yi Feng's smile deepened.

"Alright, definitely next time!"

In truth, he knew better than anyone that the Peach Blossom Brew was not some incredibly mellow fine wine. These brothers all loved this wine, but what they were actually drinking wasn't the wine, but their brotherhood.

Toad's stomach was like a bottomless pit. He always looked gluttonous and lazy, and even emptying several taverns wouldn't be enough for him to drink alone. It was a pity that this Peach Blossom Brew was simply too cheap; in a place like the imperial capital where land was worth its weight in gold, it was genuinely hard to find much of it.

Therefore, every time he drank, Toad exercised extreme self-control, only drinking one jar per gulp, slurping it down in an instant.

He simply wanted to share good wine with his brother.

Although Toad never said it, Yi Feng understood perfectly in his heart. Unfortunately, with the expansion of the sect, he was always bogged down by mundane affairs. Furthermore, this guy's stomach was simply too big. Yi Feng had ordered people to gather Peach Blossom Wine a few times, but it was never enough to let him drink to his heart's content.

If there was a next time.

He definitely had to prepare thoroughly for ten days to half a month. Even if he had to empty out all the Peach Blossom Wine in the entire Blazing Fire Kingdom, he had to let this brother get properly drunk!

Seeing the night grow late and the cups run dry of wine.

It was the perfect time for a quiet departure.

Yi Feng slowly stood up and walked out of the garden.

Just as he was about to step out of the main gate, Toad's voice rang out from behind!

Brother Yi, take care!

I will definitely guard our New Sword Sect well and wait for you to return so we can drink until we drop!

Hearing this, Yi Feng stopped and looked back.

He saw Toad waving with a squinted smile, though tears were slipping from the corners of his eyes. The grand Second Protector of the New Sword Sect, an existence that struck terror into the hearts of countless sects, actually looked a bit weak-willed at this moment.

The snail had also woken up at some unknown point. It stood silently beside Toad, its tears falling in a continuous string like pearls.

The world always said that demonic beasts were terrifying.

But the human hearts Yi Feng had seen were a thousand times more terrifying than any demonic beast.

These two guys could hardly be as free and easy as the black-clad youth. Right now, their eyes were filled with the most pure and honest reluctance to part. Such sincere friendship would be a rare blessing to find even if one searched through a vast sea of people.

At this moment, Yi Feng's vision couldn't help but blur...

He silently engraved this deep friendship in his heart and also waved goodbye with a smile. Although he knew it was a bit melodramatic and not as carefree as the black-clad youth, he felt a warm current spreading through his heart, bringing an indescribable joy.

Da Bai, Er Pang.

Take care!

After saying this.

To avoid alerting more people, Yi Feng did not linger any longer. He resolutely turned his head, lightly tapped his foot against the ground, and flew off into the northern night sky...