I created an extraordinary era

Chapter 663 Old Friends Return in the Snow

Time slowly slips away in the ordinary yet pleasant life.

In the blink of an eye, it's already March.

"Snowing!"

Xia Yuan pushed open the door.

Snowflakes, as white as goose feathers, fluttered down, covering the courtyard, distant houses, and trees with a layer of scattered white.

In the distance, Hua Changfeng and Fu Hongkang were already cultivating!

Or perhaps the two of them didn't sleep at all last night.

At their level, not sleeping for several days has no effect whatsoever.

If one breaks through to the Unity Realm, then it's even more possible to go without sleep for extended periods without any problems.

All you need to do is ensure that your spirit and soul are adequately nourished and rested; sleep is not the only way to achieve this.

Or rather, sleep is actually the least efficient time.

At this moment, the two stood in the snow, their figures steady, their breath seemingly blending into the falling snowflakes.

Fu Hongkang's blood and qi surged slightly, quietly shaking off the snowflakes that fell on him, forming an invisible barrier.

He was practicing a set of boxing techniques repeatedly, his movements sometimes swift and sometimes hesitant, his brows furrowed.

Hua Changfeng stood quietly to the side, his eyes slightly closed.

The occasional mental fluctuations were clearly the result of practicing visualization techniques.

Xia Yuan did not disturb the two.

He simply stood quietly under the eaves, his gaze sweeping over the two people cultivating and the little fox running in the snow, before looking towards the distant world shrouded in snow.

"An old friend has come through the wind and snow."

Several miles away.

On a snow-covered country road, a figure walks slowly forward.

The man was wearing a dark-colored specially made top, and his posture remained upright.

Snowflakes fell all over his shoulders, but he seemed oblivious, continuing to walk forward step by step with unwavering determination.

Every step left a deep mark in the snow.

Finally, he stopped in front of a tombstone.

On the weathered stone tablet, a line of clear characters is engraved:

[The Tomb of Beloved Wife Zhou Menglan]

……

"It is said that time is the most ruthless thing in this world, able to smooth out the rough edges and dilute the joys and sorrows."

"But there are always some people, some thoughts, that seem to be etched into their very bones!"

"No matter how time washes away it, it only becomes clearer."

Xia Yuan murmured softly, his gaze distant.

More than 30 years have passed, and Huang Shang has transformed from an ordinary person into a top expert at the ninth level of the Transcendent Realm.

But every three years...

No matter where you are, no matter what you are doing.

He would return to this town as scheduled to pay his respects to his wife, who was buried there.

This was an unwavering habit and the most important ritual in his life.

Huang Shang is still the same Huang Shang after all!
For over thirty years, it has never changed.

"Has the divine soul already been formed?"

Looking at Huang Shang, who was sitting in front of the tombstone recounting his experiences over the years, a look of understanding flashed in Xia Yuan's eyes.

He was not surprised that Huang Shang was able to condense his divine soul.

Unlike Fu Hongkang.

Although both of them were unable to let go of the past, Fu Hongkang was always trapped in the regret of not being able to get what he wanted and in the self-made prison.

That obsession, filled with resentment and struggle, became a flaw in his mindset, preventing him from seeing his true self and illuminating his soul.

Huang Shang, however, was different.

His unwavering commitment was to protect and remember until death.

He transformed all his longing and love into the strength to move forward.

This unwavering conviction, pure and steadfast, has long been integrated with his own path of cultivation.

Longing did not become an obstacle for him; instead, it became a whetstone for him to temper his will and see his true self.

In the long process of remembrance, he gained a clearer understanding of himself and the meaning of his existence.

This is the purest, most innocent heart.

Therefore, he was able to concentrate his spirit and achieve success naturally.

Xia Yuan's gaze pierced through the wind and snow that stretched for miles.

Seeing Huang Shang gently brushing away the snow on the tombstone, his movements as tender as if he were stroking a lover's hair.

Seeing him muttering to himself, with even a gentle smile on his lips.

That was not wallowing in sadness, but rather another form of companionship and reunion.

"What is deeply cherished will only grow stronger with time. This reveals one's true nature and unites one's spirit!"

"This road suits his personality, doesn't it?"

Xia Yuan smiled.

Although Huang Shang has only just broken through to the ninth level of the Transcendent Realm, at his current cultivation speed, he will be able to completely open up all the meridians in his body in four or five years at most.

If his martial arts realm can break through to the Transformation Realm, it would probably only take two years.

However, judging from his current aura, he is still far from reaching the Transformation Realm!

The snow continued to fall silently, merging the world into a pure white expanse.

Huang Shang sat quietly in front of the tomb, as if he had become one with the world.

Only that low murmur drifted away with the snowflakes.
……

Half a day later.

The two who returned from their training were immediately surprised.

"Teacher, why did you cook today?"

In the past six months, Xia Yuan has only cooked once, at the very beginning.

Once Hua Changfeng had mastered the art of cooking, he almost never touched the stove again.

At that moment, an enticing aroma of food wafted from the kitchen in the courtyard.

And it was exceptionally plentiful.

Xia Yuanzheng stood in front of the stove, his movements fluid and graceful.

He didn't turn his head, his voice flat:

"When an old friend comes from afar, we should always treat him to a meal."

"Old friend?"

Hua Changfeng and Fu Hongkang exchanged a glance, both somewhat puzzled.

"Well, you'll find out soon enough!"

Xia Yuan smiled but didn't offer any further explanation.

"Come on, lend a hand!"

Hua Changfeng quickly stepped forward, took the prepared ingredients from Xia Yuan, and skillfully began the subsequent cooking.

Fu Hongkang also rolled up his sleeves and helped set out the bowls and chopsticks and wipe the table.

The courtyard suddenly became bustling with the lively atmosphere of everyday life.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side.

"Huang Shang?"

Upon seeing the figure appear at the door, Zhang Changsheng was stunned for a few seconds before speaking with delight.

"Captain Zhang."

Huang Shang smiled and nodded, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes.

Since Zhang Changsheng moved to Nanzhou, he hadn't seen him for a long time either!
"Don't stand there, come in and sit down!"

Zhang Changsheng quickly stepped aside to let Huang Shang into the house, his face beaming with genuine joy.

The fire inside was burning brightly, its warmth dispelling the chill outside.

"I really didn't expect you to be back now."

Zhang Changsheng remarked with emotion as he busied himself pouring hot tea.

"It must have been almost twenty years since we last met, right?"

"Yes, it's been eighteen years."

Huang Shang took the teacup, the warmth emanating from the porcelain, and his tone carried a hint of nostalgia.

Time seems both long and short for those who embark on the path to the extraordinary.

Zhang Changsheng sat down opposite him and said with a smile:

“I just moved back two years ago; the South Island is ultimately not my home.”

Huang Shang nodded, his gaze sweeping over the simple yet cozy furnishings in the room.

"It's good to be back; it's quiet here."

"Yes, it's quiet."

Zhang Changsheng nodded, then lowered his voice as if he remembered something.

"You went to see her?"

Huang Shang's gaze softened for a moment, and he nodded slightly.

"Yeah, I just came from there."

Zhang Changsheng sighed.

"Hey, you little rascal, it's been over thirty years!"

Seemingly realizing his slip of the tongue, he quickly changed the subject, asking, "How many days are you planning to stay this time?"

"I've been quite busy lately, so I won't be able to stay for long."

Huang Shang took a sip of tea and continued:
"I've come to talk to you for a bit, then I'll be leaving!"

He wasn't lying about that.

As one of the three deacons of the Judgment Hall, he doesn't usually have many tasks.

However, the recent actions of the People's Federation require the cooperation of their Court of Arbitration.

So we can't waste too much time here.

Moreover, things haven't been peaceful in the Western Continent lately.

According to reports, members of the Dawn Society have been frequently targeted for assassination recently.

"So urgent?"

Zhang Changsheng's face showed obvious disappointment, but he also knew that Huang Shang's status was different from before.

But soon, he asked with a smile:

"By the way, have you been to Xia Yuan's place?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang was immediately taken aback.

"Captain Zhang, you mean Xia Yuanzu is in Panlong Town right now?"

"That's right!"

Zhang Changsheng nodded, and then continued:
“He returned more than half a year ago and has been living here ever since.”

"What? You haven't gone to see him yet?"

Huang Shang shook his head.

Given Xia Yuan's status, he never even considered that the other party would have time to come back.

"That's perfect, it's almost noon, let's go out for a free meal together."

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang's expression showed a hint of hesitation.

Although the two had a fairly good relationship before, more than 30 years have passed!

Not to mention that Xia Yuan's status is no longer what it used to be.

Zhang Changsheng seemed to see through his concerns and patted him on the shoulder with a smile:

"Don't worry! Don't you know Xia Yuan's personality? If he finds us annoying, let alone us, even the King of Heaven himself wouldn't be able to get into his house."

“Now that he’s back, and he’s let me know, he doesn’t treat us like outsiders.”

"Let's go, this is a good opportunity for you to see that he's no different now than before!"

"it is good."

Huang Shang finally nodded, a genuine smile appearing on his usually stern face.

The fact that Zhang Changsheng could speak in such a tone was enough to show that he had a very good relationship with Xia Yuan.

"That's right!"

Zhang Changsheng immediately beamed and stood up, saying:
"Let's go, let's go over there now, maybe we can make it in time for lunch!"

With that, the two went out together and stepped into the wind and snow once again.

……

After a while.

When Huang Shang and Zhang Changsheng stepped into Xia Yuan's courtyard, Hua Changfeng and Fu Hongkang, who were busy at work, were both taken aback.

"Huang Shang?"

"Deacon Huang?"

The one speaking first was naturally Hua Changfeng. As the former director of the Origin Academy, he had naturally met the other party before.

Fu Hongkang got to know Huang Shang because of the Judgment Hall.

As the three deacons of the Judgment Hall, it can be said that there is no Grandmaster who doesn't know them.

Huang Shang, in particular, is the most ruthless of the three deacons.

This has made many people both fear and hate him.

Neither of them expected that the old friend Xia Yuan mentioned would be Huang Shang.

I never expected him to appear with Zhang Changsheng.

Xia Yuan, who was busy at the stove, did not turn around. His movements remained fluid and graceful, as if he had already anticipated their arrival.

He spoke softly, his tone as calm as ever:
"You're here? Find a seat, the food will be ready soon."

This extremely ordinary greeting, without the slightest airs, was just like treating an old friend who often comes to visit.

The last bit of restraint in Huang Shang's heart vanished instantly.

He watched Xia Yuan's busy figure in front of the stove, and for a moment he felt as if he had returned to more than 30 years ago, when Xia Yuan often did the same thing.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions in his heart.

Zhang Changsheng, familiar with the place, pulled over two stools and gestured for Huang Shang to sit down.

He then leaned closer to the table to look at the dishes that had already been laid out, praising them with delight.
"Wow! The dishes today are pretty good!"

"Looks like we're in for a treat today!"

Hua Changfeng and Fu Hongkang also came to their senses and quickly continued with their work.

Soon, the last dish was served.

Xia Yuan picked up his chopsticks and said to everyone with a smile:
"Let's eat!"

The group sat around the table, and the little fox obediently squatted at Xia Yuan's feet, enjoying its own portion.

Huang Shang had actually noticed the little fox a long time ago.

With his ninth-level Transcendent Realm cultivation and powerful spiritual perception, he could clearly sense that this little guy possessed an extremely powerful force within him.

I reckon they're at least at the fifth or sixth level of the Transcendent Realm!

However, seeing Xia Yuan's natural attitude, he did not ask any further questions.

Within the small courtyard.

The arrival of Huang Shang and Zhang Changsheng made the place even more lively.

The wind and snow were kept out, and the area under the eaves was warm and cozy.

The aroma of food mingled with the warmth of the stove fire, creating a cozy and inviting scene.

……

"Brother Yuan, how did you and Steward Huang meet?"

At the dinner table, Fu Hongkang asked curiously.

"This one"

Xia Yuan smiled and then briefly recounted the circumstances of their first meeting.

After hearing this, everyone looked puzzled.

"Don't look at me like that. He seemed like a rich, reasonable, and naive young man back then. Who else would I scam if not him?"

"Besides, he took the initiative to come to me!"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang's lips twitched.

After all these years, Xia Yuan's personality has indeed remained unchanged.

However, recalling the situation at the time, a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

My wife used to say that she was a fool who was lucky.

Although Huang Shang didn't think so, he wouldn't have met Xia Yuan if it weren't for that incident.

I doubt Xia Yuan would have saved him later, and he would never have become a ninth-level Transcendent being.

However, if only we could go back to the very beginning.

Huang Shang would rather he had never been to Panlong Town.
But soon, his eyes returned to normal.

Seeing this, a hint of admiration flashed in Xia Yuan's eyes.

He truly deserves to be called a person who has condensed a divine soul.

However, they can quickly break free from that state of mind and prevent their minds from being trapped in meaningless regrets and delusions for a long time.

The conversation naturally turned to Huang Shang's experiences and observations over the years.

He clearly knew his limits, only sharing interesting anecdotes and trivial experiences.

These exchanges greatly changed Fu Hongkang's impression of Huang Shang.

Huang Shang was previously known to many superhumans as ruthless, but now it is discovered that this cold-faced deacon is not as the outside world describes him.

Of course, Fu Hongkang also knew that it was most likely because Xia Yuan was present.

If it were anyone else, Huang Shang would most likely still maintain that cold, hard, and businesslike demeanor.

There would be absolutely no extra pleasantries, let alone any sharing of personal anecdotes and stories.

After all, it was said that he had once contradicted the Palace Master Sikong to his face.

This was solely because they believed that a proposal violated the principle of "absolute impartiality" upheld by the Court of Judgments.

This matter has been widely circulated in high-level circles.

This further solidified his reputation for being incorruptible and unyielding.

outside the window.

The snow had lessened at some point, turning from heavy snowfall into fine snowflakes that drifted sparsely.

The sky was still somewhat overcast, but the clouds seemed to have thinned, letting in a faint, hazy light.

Huang Shang glanced at the sky, stood up, and said to Xia Yuan and the others:
"Brother Yuan, Captain Zhang, and the others, I still have matters to attend to in the Judgment Hall, so I have to go back!"

Xia Yuan nodded and did not try to stop him.

"Go!"

After taking one last look at the cozy and ordinary courtyard, Huang Shang turned and strode into the wind and snow, his steps more steady and firm than when he arrived.

My old friend is gone, but the cooking smoke still warms me.

Xia Yuan withdrew his gaze and gently stroked the little fox at his feet.

Snow fell silently outside the eaves, the world was clear and bright.
(End of this chapter)