Chapter 0045 – Lights on the beach
Chapter 0045 – Lights on the beach
Yue Feishan let out a cold laugh and said, "Good, you've got guts. I appreciate guys like you. Three days from now, at my Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy. Don't be late."
"That's settled then. If you're not planning to make a move today or have anything else to say, you can leave. I need to get home; my time is precious," Jiang Feng replied.
"Hahaha, you're quite arrogant. In three days, I'll make sure you won't be so cocky. You'll learn what it means to seek death," Yue Feishan laughed angrily.
"I'm looking forward to that moment," Jiang Feng said nonchalantly.
"Hmph, we'll see," Yue Feishan said, flicking his sleeve as he left, followed by his entourage.
With Yue Feishan gone, the crowd dispersed as well.
But they all remembered one thing: three days later, at Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy! A duel!
This news would likely spread throughout the city within a day.
After everyone had left, Cheng Shaoqing hurried over and said, "Jiang Feng, why are you so foolish? Why did you agree to this? It's like pushing yourself into a fire pit."
"I know you're worried about me, but you have to trust me. I know what I'm doing; I won't do anything to harm myself," Jiang Feng smiled. Cheng Shaoqing's concern for him was now out in the open, something even she might not have realized.
"I believe in you, Jiang Feng," Cheng Zhenjie said.
Having witnessed Jiang Feng's impressive skills twice today, Cheng Zhenjie was thoroughly convinced of his strength.
"You're the sensible one," Jiang Feng said, patting Cheng Zhenjie on the shoulder.
But Cheng Shaoqing was still very worried and said, "You might not fully understand Yue Feishan's strength. This is really reckless."
"Hehe, Shaoqing, you're too emotional. Don't worry, it's fine," Jiang Feng kept smiling, trying to put Cheng Shaoqing at ease.
Cheng Shaoqing was good in every way, except she worried too much and was overly cautious.
But you couldn't blame her; being thoughtful was also a good thing.
"Alright, but you must be very careful. We're at a critical moment, and it's better to be safe than sorry," Cheng Shaoqing said.
"Got it, let's go," Jiang Feng said.
While they were talking, they didn't realize that Yue Feishan hadn't left immediately. He was sitting in a luxurious car in the distance, glaring at Jiang Feng with intense hatred.
"Master, are you really going to duel with that kid in three days?" Wang Badan asked timidly.
"Of course, I said it in front of so many people. Naturally, we have to duel in three days," Yue Feishan said irritably.
Wang Badan knew that his master was blaming him.
If it weren't for his conflict with Jiang Feng, his master wouldn't have so many troubles.
And now, because of him, his master had to duel with Jiang Feng. This was the first time his master would duel with someone outside the martial arts world, which was beneath his status.
If he won, it would be seen as bullying the weak.
But if he lost, it would be a huge disgrace, ruining his reputation.
For this, Wang Badan fell into deep self-blame.
"I'm sorry, Master, for causing you so much trouble," Wang Badan said, lowering his head.
"Sigh, what's the use of saying this now? No matter who the opponent is, we'll face them. Are we afraid of him?" Yue Feishan sighed.
"You're right, Master. We're not afraid of him. When the time comes, you'll definitely beat him to a pulp," Wang Badan said, trying to flatter him.
"Enough with the flattery. Jiang Feng is no paper tiger; he's formidable. Don't underestimate him," Yue Feishan glared at Wang Badan.
"Yes, Master, you're right," Wang Badan immediately lowered his head like a Peke, not daring to say another word.
"Now, I have a task for you, and you must complete it," Yue Feishan said.
"Please instruct me, Master. I'll get it done," Wang Badan said, reinvigorated.
"Find a sponsor for the duel and invite everyone in Meilong City who has connections with me to come and watch the duel in three days," Yue Feishan said.
"Master, why are we doing this?" Wang Badan asked, puzzled.
"Hehe, I want to utterly humiliate Jiang Feng," Yue Feishan sneered. "I want everyone to see him defeated by me, making him a laughingstock with nowhere to hide. At the same time, it will promote our Qiangsheng Martial Arts Academy, showing everyone our strength. This way, more people will want to join our school."
"I understand, Master. This way, we'll gain both fame and fortune. It's a brilliant move," Wang Badan said excitedly.
"You're not as dumb as you look. Now go and get it done," Yue Feishan said with a smile.
"Yes, I'll go now," Wang Badan said, immediately getting out of the car with a few people.
Yue Feishan turned to glare coldly at Jiang Feng in the distance, then signaled the driver to start the car, which slowly drove away.
...
When Jiang Feng and Cheng Shaoqing returned to their place, the sky was already getting dark, but a cool breeze was blowing, making the hot day feel refreshing.
"What a rare cool day," Jiang Feng said, stretching his arms and shouting.
"Yes," Cheng Shaoqing agreed. "Such good weather is hard to come by."
Jiang Feng took a deep breath, enjoying the rare cool breeze.
"Why don't we go to Panlong Beach?" Cheng Shaoqing suddenly suggested. "We haven't had dinner yet. We could eat there instead of cooking at home."
Panlong Beach is the only beach in Meilong City, located on the eastern edge of the city by the sea, making it a unique leisure spot.
Especially on hot summer nights, citizens love to go there to cool off, drink, and enjoy barbecues.
Given today's weather, it was likely to be even more crowded, making it a perfect place for a stroll.
"Good idea. I've been staying with you for a few days and haven't properly treated you to a meal. Let's go to Panlong Beach for dinner. Consider it my thanks for your hospitality," Jiang Feng said.
"Don't make it sound like I made you do it and then asked you to treat me. I don't want to leave that impression," Cheng Shaoqing said, pouting, which was rare for her.
She was usually very proper and never did anything attention-seeking like acting cute or pouting. Today was an exception, and she slightly pouted her lips.
But it was quite charming.
Jiang Feng found himself momentarily dazed.
"Hey, what are you spacing out for?" Cheng Shaoqing waved her hand in front of Jiang Feng's eyes.
"Uh, nothing. I just thought you were overthinking it. I don't see it that way at all. I just happened to think of it suddenly, not to make you feel bad," Jiang Feng quickly said.
"That's good, hehe," Cheng Shaoqing laughed.
"Let's go. Dinner's on me today," Jiang Feng said.
"Alright, I won't be polite then," Cheng Shaoqing said.
After deciding, they immediately drove to Panlong Beach.
When they arrived, it was indeed bustling. People were coming and going, chatting and laughing, creating a lively scene.
On the beach, colorful umbrellas were set up, looking like vibrant mushrooms. People in various outfits moved around, like elves under the colorful mushrooms.
There were handsome guys and beautiful girls, beer and barbecue on the tables, and amidst the cheers, clinking glasses, and crashing waves, everything seemed perfect.
"Let's take a walk by the sea first," Cheng Shaoqing said.
Jiang Feng nodded and walked with Cheng Shaoqing to the shore.
The sea breeze blew, lifting Cheng Shaoqing's hair and scattering Jiang Feng's gaze.
"I heard there's an immortal island across the sea, where immortals live. I wonder if it's true. I'd love to see it," Cheng Shaoqing said softly, pointing to the sea.
Jiang Feng was surprised. He didn't expect Cheng Shaoqing to be interested in such things.
"Maybe it's true. If you want to see it, I'll take you there someday," Jiang Feng said.
"Really?" Cheng Shaoqing said excitedly, but her enthusiasm quickly faded. "I know you're just comforting me, but I appreciate it. At least I can have a dream."
"Do you really want to see immortals and that immortal island?" Jiang Feng asked.
"Yes," Cheng Shaoqing nodded. "Since I was little, my grandfather used to tell me stories about fairies, immortals, Journey to the West, and The Investiture of the Gods. He said they were all true and that he had dreamt of them."
"I was young then, half-understanding. Later, as I grew older, my grandfather aged too, and he rarely told those stories anymore."
"And then..."
Cheng Shaoqing paused, her expression turning sad.
"And then my grandfather passed away, and I never heard those stories again. I've always tried to recapture that feeling, but I never could."
"It seems that magical and mysterious feeling left with my grandfather and never came back."
"So sometimes I think, if what my grandfather said was true, maybe he became an immortal and is waiting for me on the other side, waiting for me to join him."
"Once that thought took hold, I've always wanted to find a place where immortals live."
"But there's no chance because such places don't exist."
Cheng Shaoqing looked up at the sky. The night was filled with twinkling stars, adding to its beauty.
"No, if you want to go, just keep moving towards that goal. One day, you'll find it. I believe such a magical place exists," Jiang Feng said.
"Maybe one day, your wish will come true."
Jiang Feng looked at Cheng Shaoqing and said seriously.
"Thank you, Jiang Feng," Cheng Shaoqing said with a smile.
Jiang Feng smiled too, saying nothing more.
Because he could tell that Cheng Shaoqing took his words as mere comfort and didn't take them to heart.
And rightly so, who would easily believe in the existence of immortals?
Cheng Shaoqing's interest in this matter was nothing more than her deep longing for her grandfather. Deep down, she didn't believe in such absurd things as immortals.
But little did she know, a former immortal was standing right in front of her...
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