The fox’s den wafted with warmth, while the crisp winter vegetables rivaled even the sweet pads of a bear’s foot.
With winter’s arrival, the alcohol at home had slightly increased from before, everything seemed destined for another toast...
Outside the house, rain came quickly and left just as fast.
Inside, the two heroic men refilled their wine urn as soon as it emptied.
For a moment, the room was filled with the fragrance of wine, dispelling any chill from the winter day.
A plate of cold spring vegetables and a plate of stinky tofu accompanied their drinks, which to these two kindred spirits tasted better than any exotic delicacy.
Azhu, always frail, succumbed to sleep soon after drinking a bowl of spicy wine.
Jiang Dali, however, joined Qiao Feng in finishing urn after urn.
From slightly tipsy to bleary-eyed drunk, their conversation moved from fist and foot skills to heroes of the world, and to grand ambitions.
Qiao Feng, who harbored great aspirations, was determined to lead the Beggar Gang to become a pillar in the Martial World and contribute to the nation’s future. However, his despicable origins and the unresolved vendetta forced him to abandon his ambitions and seek revenge instead.
Today, inspired by Jiang Dali, a confidant and benefactor, Qiao felt a surge of heroism. He spoke of joining forces with Black Wind Village to seek revenge if he could resolve his vendetta.
With this statement, Jiang Dali felt he had gained much.
Black Wind Village’s future influence would surely extend beyond just one or two provinces.
His own ambition and power, Jiang Dali believed, couldn’t be confined to just one or two provinces.
Thus, if his power were to grow stronger, he’d need extremely capable lieutenants to manage independently, facing the myriad heroes of Mixed Martial Arts alone would accomplish nothing.
Just like the Angry Flood Dragon Gang’s first leader, Spear Saint Shangguan Fei, who succeeded with the help of Lang Fan Yun and his oath brother, Ghost Rope Ling Zhantian, becoming the largest gang around Dongting Lake.
Jiang Dali, the Black Wind Village Chief, likewise needed one or two formidable individuals by his side. Figures like Shuanglong or Xuanming Two Elders still fell short by quite a margin.
Shuanglong was ultimately controlled by him, forcibly so, which would likely lead to future problems.
The Xuanming Two Elders, either in terms of strength, age, or disposition, were simply not up to the mark.
Only Qiao Feng met the criteria for this suitable candidate.
Regrettably, Qiao Feng was also a typical case of divine skills not overcoming fate; only time would tell if this chance encounter would alter his destiny.
"During your conversation on Martial Arts with Qiao Feng, your understanding of ’Mighty God Fist’ has ascended an additional level and has breached into the 7th Realm, the Peak."
"During your conversation on Martial Arts with Qiao Feng, your foundational knowledge has deepened, and your total Cultivation Points have increased by 4700, and your Potential Points by 6220."
"During your conversation on Martial Arts with Qiao Feng, your rapport with Qiao Feng has increased by 100, currently at 1100, reaching a level of deep respect."
In the panel, three notifications appeared.
Jiang Dali was neither joyous nor sorrowful.
The improvement in ’Mighty God Fist’ had long been a forged conclusion through the inspirational exchange during their conversation; he was well aware of this fortunate epiphany.
The notifications on the panel were merely a more detailed process.
As for the increase in Cultivation and Potential Points, for him, now a master of his own right, these were not significant, though they were much greater than what he used to acquire with Multi-Armed Bear and Dou Dajin.
"My ’Mighty God Fist’ had already advanced to the 6th Realm during my battle with Qiao Feng. This night’s exchange of skills has benefited me greatly, advancing another realm; indeed, interacting with a master of this art is most beneficial.
However, if I ever have a brilliant idea to integrate other powerful fist and foot skills into ’Mighty God Fist’, it will undoubtedly change the realm of ’Mighty God Fist’ again."
Jiang Dali, slightly inebriated, took a moment to rest, his mind sharply pondering every aspect of his Martial Arts.
Across from him, Qiao Feng continued to drink in sips by himself. Towards the end, he noticed the urn was empty. Accustomed to drinking from large urns and finding this one empty, he decided it was good to maintain the appearance and also rested briefly.
Dawn broke, and the morning chill encroached, stirring Duan Zhengchun and the others from their stupor.
The black sky slowly turned pale; the rolling clouds transformed into boundless steam and mist, merging the sky and earth in a vast expanse of desolation.
Jiang Dali opened his eyes and looked outside.
The clouds dispersed, clearing the sky, and a slant of sunlight seemed to shine through an invisible hole, gradually tearing more gaps in the clouds, like a veil being shredded, making one marvel.
"This world is but a fleeting lodging against the reversals, day and night merely gateways of time..."
Qiao Feng and Azhu also woke up, their drunkenness slightly worn off, chilled by the morning cold.
Jiang Dali stood up and stretched, his robust body cracking loudly. He felt his overnight stubble, somewhat prickly, and turned to Qiao Feng to initiate their parting.
"This night of profound discussion has been greatly enlightening. Since we each have our own matters to attend to, let’s part for today and look forward to another hearty drink when we meet again!"
Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng immediately rose and, with a hearty laugh, clasped his fists in salute, "I only regret not having met you earlier, my benefactor. This night of drinking and deep talk was not enough; next time we must drink to our heart’s content!"
Azhu, hearing this, also gracefully rose and smiled, "I couldn’t keep up with the drinking last night and missed out on sharing heartfelt words with you two brothers. Next time we meet, I surely will drink more."