Chapter 109: Three Joys at Once
Under the peach tree,
“Fang Xiong, I truly regret my past choices…”
Feng Manlou, now middle-aged with slight frost at his temples, eschewed his usual favorite Peach Blossom Wine. Instead, he poured himself a large bowl of Scarlet Blood Wine and downed it before lamenting dejectedly.
“Why dwell on such matters? Mu Wen’s brief fame was earned through risky ventures back then. You chose stability, gaining a loving wife and cherished children, enjoying years of tranquility - that’s no loss…” Fang Xi spoke calmly, clad in a jade-green robe.
As Feng Manlou gazed at Fang Xi, he couldn’t help but feel the stark contrast between Fang Xi’s youthful vitality and his own aging appearance, which deepened his sorrow. “Come… let’s drink!”
Fang Xi opted for Peach Blossom Wine instead of Scarlet Blood Wine.
This wine had a clear green hue, emitting a subtle fragrance of peach blossoms. With its smooth taste, it was highly favored among cultivators. Occasionally, Widow Wang or Lu Guo would sell some at local barter markets on Peach Blossom Island, finding it even more popular than Scarlet Blood Wine and yielding various essential items in exchange.
Observing the radiant youth under the peach tree, sensing the ethereal aura around him - serene yet vibrant, free from worldly desires - Feng Manlou genuinely believed that this was a true ascetic who had transcended fame and strife, disliking conflict. Moved, he sincerely said, “Fang Xiong… thank you for your wisdom!”
“If the world cheats me, betrays me, or humiliates me, what should I do?” Fang Xi plucked a peach blossom branch and replied mildly, “Endure it, yield to it, avoid it… Wait for a hundred years, then revisit the situation!”