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Chapter Sixty: Drunken Thoughts of Longing
"You... what are you?" Lin Feng looked at Tang Jiner in disbelief.
Tang Jiner's feminine charm was more pronounced, her eyes glancing shyly. Noticing Lin Feng's unwavering gaze, she couldn't help but steal a glance at him before turning her head away and saying, "How can you look at me like that? It's improper. Alright, let me tell you the truth. Our family has a long-standing friendship with the Sima Family. You see, Sima Shangshan is determined to marry me. He even gave up his position as the commander of the Imperial Forest Army just to work at the less prestigious Imperial Guard Headquarters. This way, he can stay by my side and protect me while I travel to the border."
"You know how dangerous it is out there; he really doesn't trust anyone else."
"But Sima Shangshan is rather dull and awkward; he's not fun at all. By the way, no one in the Border Troops knows about this; you're the only one I've told. You must keep it a secret, okay? Now that I've shared so much, what do you think?"
"Um..." Lin Feng felt suddenly enlightened but didn't know how to respond.
Tang Jiner gazed quietly at Lin Feng, her cheeks still flushed, adding to her beauty. She said, "Lin, I'm asking you."
Lin Feng forced a smile and replied, "Sima is a great person in terms of looks and talent. If he were to be my husband... that would be wonderful... congratulations to General."
Hearing Lin Feng's confident assessment, Tang Jiner's eyes lit up, but her tone was dismissive as she said, "Hmph, you men can't be trusted. You always flatter each other and deceive us real girls."
"Ah? Um, yes! This..." Lin Feng's mind was in a jumble.
"What’s so great about Sima Shangshan? Why does everyone praise him? Even my father speaks highly of him. My father rarely praises anyone! I think it's just luck on that fool's part."
"Yeah, maybe," Lin Feng agreed.
"Let me tell you something; we were childhood friends. Don't be fooled by his cold demeanor; deep down, he’s very kind. I remember when he had a spirit beast that was incredibly cute. When it died, he cried for a long time while looking at it. In the end, he buried it himself in his backyard garden. Lin, isn't it embarrassing for a boy to cry over a spirit beast? I still remember how heartbroken he looked with tears streaming down his face; it was truly pitiful..."
"Yeah, pitiful..."
"And there was another time—oh boy, he embarrassed himself! We were out on the street and saw an old man performing who looked very pitiful. He actually gave all his silver to him and then sat beside the old beggar listening to him play the erhu for three hours! When he got home that night and his family found out, they laughed at him endlessly..."
"Huh? Haha, that's really funny! Hahaha..." Lin Feng laughed, though it was more of a grimace than genuine amusement.
"By the way, he is the Senior Brother of the Flowing Cloud Sect. Do you know about the Flowing Cloud Sect? It's one of the three major Cultivation Sects in Yang Prefecture. I've heard that his name is even on the stele of the Flowing Cloud Sect, ranked sixth. The sect has been established for thousands of years, and this is the best ranking among all their disciples throughout history. Aren't you quite impressive yourself?"
"Sixth on the Stele?" Lin Feng was secretly shocked, not expecting Sima Shangshan to be so formidable.
"Everyone says I'm lucky to have such a great man pursuing me. Oh dear, I think that silly boy is the lucky one for running into me. Lin, should I accept him?"
"Lin, Lin... are you listening to me?"
Lin Feng's expression was somewhat strange. He hurriedly stood up and said, "General, I’m feeling a bit unwell and request to take my leave to rest."
"Huh?" Just as she was getting into the mood, Tang Jiner was displeased by the interruption. When she looked at Lin Feng and saw his pale face, she asked, "You seem a bit unwell; what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, just need to rest a bit. I... I’ll take my leave."
Without waiting for Tang Jiner's consent, Lin Feng clumsily exited, his steps unsteady. As he walked down the stairs, he bumped into Tang Jiner's personal guard captain, Ke Kuo.
Ke Kuo noticed Lin Feng's ashen face and lack of spirit. He grabbed Lin Feng's shoulder and said, "Lin, what's wrong with you?"
Being grabbed by Ke Kuo brought Lin Feng back to his senses. "Ah? Oh, it's you, Brother Ke. What's up?"
"I'm fine; I just saw that something seemed off with you. Are you okay? Oh, I see—did the General scold you? Don't worry; she often speaks highly of you in front of me. In a few days, she'll cool down, and I'll help plead your case. What exactly happened?"
"Thanks for your concern, Brother Ke. I'm just feeling unwell today. I'll come see you in a few days."
In the afternoon, the sky was overcast and gray. Heavy snow fell in flurries as a biting cold wind blew through. Lin Feng suddenly felt a chill.
"What’s wrong with me today? Could it be that I've developed feelings for that girl? No way; my heart only belongs to my Miaomiao."
"She is beautiful and graceful, always caring for me; she's a rare good superior. Maybe I've started seeing her as a goddess? Suddenly hearing that my goddess has found someone and seems to be getting married soon makes it hard to accept all at once."
"That must be it. No wonder those big stars hide their relationships."
Lin Feng walked forward while lost in thought, passing by a Tavern. He lifted the curtain at the entrance, and a wave of mixed scents—tobacco, liquor, and charcoal—hit him.
Looking around, Lin Feng noticed that the Tavern was small, with only a counter and fewer than ten tables. However, it was quite lively, with only one table left occupied by a single patron.
The people drinking were dressed like common folk—merchants, itinerant craftsmen, and others. They were laughing, drinking, and boasting, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lin Feng felt a sudden urge to drink.
A Waiter quickly approached and asked, “Sir, are you here to find someone or to warm up with some drinks?”
“To drink.”
The Waiter respectfully led Lin Feng to a table in the corner and asked, “What would you like to order?”
“Liquor, the best you have.”
“Certainly. What kind of snacks would you like with your drink?”
“None. Just bring the liquor quickly.”
The Waiter silently sighed, thinking that Lin Feng must be dealing with some sorrow today and had come to drown his troubles in drink. He dreaded such customers; if they got drunk and unruly, it would be him who suffered.
“Sir, perhaps you should have something to eat as well. Drinking on an empty stomach is not good for your health. Our stir-fried dishes are quite delicious; how about I recommend…”
“Enough with the nonsense. Bring the liquor. Do you think I’m short on money?” Lin Feng said as he pulled out a gold ingot and placed it on the table.
“Sir, you don’t need to spend so much. Just have a drink first; we can keep the remaining balance for you,” the Waiter said cautiously, not daring to offend an officer.
“Stop talking and bring the liquor.”
After downing a bowl of liquor, Lin Feng felt a burning sensation in his throat. Soon, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He had completely suppressed his cultivation and drank like an ordinary person. After a few bowls, tears streamed from his eyes due to the spiciness, and he began to sweat profusely as he gradually felt the effects of intoxication.
“Miaomiao, where are you? I miss you so much…” Lin Feng said drunkenly.
Seated next to him was a young man dressed in black, looking to be about the same age as Lin Feng. The young man was strikingly handsome and slowly spoke, “Brother, since ancient times, beautiful faces have brought disaster. Why must you wade into the waters of women? That’s just asking for trouble.”
Lin Feng looked up at the speaker, and as soon as he saw the other’s face, he sobered up a bit. It was none other than Meng Han, the First Demon Disciple, ranked third on the Stele.
Meng Han picked up a wine jug and said, “Meeting is fate; why not share a drink?”
Then, Meng Han poured a bowl of wine for Lin Feng before filling one for himself.
Meng Han raised his bowl and asked, “Shall we drink?”
“Why not?”
Lin Feng drank another bowl, feeling even more intoxicated. He said, “You’re still in Yang Prefecture; aren’t you afraid of being caught?”
“If it weren’t for someone from the Liu Family tipping me off last time, would I have been discovered?” Meng Han replied casually, but there was always an air of confidence about him. His face radiated a faintly beautiful smile that could make any woman feel shy.
Lin Feng remarked, “With your fair complexion and no disguise while walking around, it’s quite remarkable that you haven’t been found out.”
Meng Han didn’t respond but poured more wine and said, “If it weren’t for your help last time, I wouldn’t have survived. I won’t speak of gratitude; I toast to you, brother.”
Meng Han downed his drink in one go, and Lin Feng accepted it calmly.
“I’ve heard that you Cultists have infiltrated Yang Prefecture. One reason is to scheme something big; the other is to attend the Jiuzhou Gathering Conference?” Lin Feng asked softly.
“That’s indeed true. However, there’s a slight discrepancy. I don’t plan to attend the Jiuzhou Gathering Conference; I’m just going to accompany the disciples of various sects from Yang Prefecture to Zhongzhou and meet that person called He Rongsheng.”
“Who is he? Is he really the best among the younger generation?” Lin Feng asked as he drank more wine and began to speak more freely.
“Oh? Is there someone who surpasses him? Please enlighten me.”
"The Saintess of the Yunlu Xian Sect may be ranked second, but that doesn't mean she's weaker than him."
Meng Han nodded at this remark and said, "The Saintess is indeed a remarkable woman, a true heroine. However, she is still a woman, not my target."
"Actually, there is a dark horse at this Jiuzhou Gathering Conference who has been unstoppable all the way and is aiming for the top spot," Lin Feng said mysteriously, his words slightly slurred.
"Oh? Is there such a person? What name is inscribed on the monument?" Meng Han asked with interest.
"His name isn't on the monument," Lin Feng replied, secretly thinking to himself: You're foolish; although it's subtle, isn't this obviously me?
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