The Youth's Return Chapter Twenty: The Young Man's Ambition

Beside Phoenix Alley stood the Yuelai Restaurant.

On the second floor, a young waiter dressed in simple attire was engaged in a finger-guessing drinking game with a handsome gentleman clad in white.

“Five ‘Leader’! Six-six-six!”

The tavern was filled with lively chatter and the repeated calls of the finger game.

Jiang Bai wore a confident smile, his eyes bright and each gesture decisive and firm.

Zhe Linfeng’s face was flushed red, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, his gaze tense yet focused.

After a scuffle with Yiheng, Zhe Linfeng had come with Jiang Bai to drink away his frustrations.

As the rounds went on, Zhe Linfeng lost more than he won.

He raised his cup, forced a bitter smile, and drained it in one gulp. Then, with a hiccup, he swayed, nearly toppling over.

Seeing this, Jiang Bai laughed heartily and quickly steadied him. “Brother Linfeng, don’t push yourself. Let’s take it slow with the wine.”

Zhe Linfeng set down his cup and chuckled, “In Beigu City, my drinking capacity ranks among the best. It’s not just a few cups that make me drunk—it’s the depth of feeling the wine brings that intoxicates my heart!”

“A fine saying, ‘the wine deepens feelings, the heart is drunk,’ it strikes a chord with me,” Jiang Bai said, raising his cup and draining it with spirited gusto.

“Jiang Bai, tell me, why does that scoundrel Yiheng call you ‘little thief’? Did you offend him?”

“Ha! It’s a minor grudge. As they say, no fight, no acquaintance.”

Jiang Bai leaned close to Zhe Linfeng and whispered, “That guy is petty. I only borrowed a hundred taels of gold from him, and took a look at his jade pendant while I was at it. Who knew he’d treat me like the enemy, chasing me relentlessly. Isn’t he small-minded?”

“Ah! You took his hundred taels of gold, fine, but why the jade pendant too?”

Zhe Linfeng looked on sympathetically. “That pendant means a lot to him. When he was a child, a thief stole it. He searched all of Beigu City to find that thief and beat him nearly to death.”

“No wonder! But don’t worry, I’m quick on my feet; he might not catch me.”

Jiang Bai opened his palm to reveal a broken jade pendant carved with a nine-tailed fox.

“If you’re not afraid of that fellow, don’t return it to him. I’d love to see him suffer.”

Zhe Linfeng glanced at the pendant, raised his cup, and drank with a gleeful smirk.

“Heh, we share the same sentiment. To that, a toast.”

They clinked cups and drank together. Though newly acquainted, they felt like lifelong friends.

“Brother Linfeng, I have a question. Though I took his things, surely he wouldn’t call me ‘little thief’ on sight—I do have a name, after all!” Jiang Bai said, troubled.

“Truth be told, this guy is excellent in many ways, but he has a flaw—he’s terrible at remembering names. So, once he calls you ‘little thief,’ it’s hard to change that.”

Jiang Bai laughed, “Ah! That explains why he calls you ‘madman’ when he sees you. I’ve met people who are lost, lovestruck, face blind—but this is the first time I’ve seen a ‘name blind’.”

Zhe Linfeng replied, “Being called ‘madman’ by him isn’t new to me. I’ve gotten used to it. Come, let’s continue our finger game and drinking.”

“Alright, let’s keep going.” Jiang Bai reached for the wine jar to refill his cup but was stopped by Zhe Linfeng.

Bending down, Zhe Linfeng retrieved an unopened jar of wine from the floor, stepped onto a stool, placed it on the table, and declared boldly:

“Brother Jiang Bai, I admit I’m not the best drinker in the world, but here in Beigu City, I’m among the top. Even if that scoundrel outshines me in many ways, he can’t beat me in drinking. Today, I have a worthy opponent, and I’ll settle this once and for all.”

Jiang Bai raised an eyebrow. “How shall we decide?”

“We continue the finger game—loser drinks the entire jar.”

A slight smile curved Jiang Bai’s lips, clearly intrigued. “Brother Linfeng, don’t be too arrogant. Today, I’ll teach you a lesson—there’s always someone better. That Yiheng may outmatch you in many ways, but when it comes to drinking, I can surely outdo you.”

By this point, both were slightly intoxicated, their youthful spirits eager for a challenge.

Little did Zhe Linfeng know, Jiang Bai had once drunk for three consecutive days at the Four Directions Inn, unbeaten in both finger games and drinking contests.

This time, he might have met his match.

Onlookers, entertained by their contest, gathered around.

Some shouted, “Young man, I’m rooting for you! You’ll win!”

Others encouraged, “Don’t chicken out, just go for it!”

“Hmph! Enough talk, let’s have a round to decide the winner.”

Zhe Linfeng spread his arms wide, his voice booming like a bell, instantly silencing the crowd with his commanding presence.

Jiang Bai remained calm, a faint smile lingering. He leisurely flexed his wrist and quietly said, “Then I won’t hold back.” Though soft-spoken, his words reached everyone clearly.

“Five ‘Leader’!” Zhe Linfeng struck first, his right hand shooting out, fingers spread like a steel fork, thrusting fiercely toward Jiang Bai.

His muscles tensed, veins bulging, radiating unstoppable momentum.

Jiang Bai’s gaze swept over Zhe Linfeng’s hand, then calmly raised three fingers, steady and clear: “Three Stars Shine.”

His tone was peaceful yet carried an undeniable confidence.

The tavern erupted. Someone even set up bets, placing wagers on the outcome.

Some backed Zhe Linfeng for his boldness.

Others admired Jiang Bai’s composure and bet on him.

Cheers, shouts, and bets blended, pushing the atmosphere to a fever pitch.

Seeing Jiang Bai call “Three Stars Shine,” Zhe Linfeng’s heart tightened. He knew he had to win this round.

He took a deep breath, exerted once more. His arm’s muscles tightened as if gathering all his strength into one hand.

Jiang Bai remained unruffled, narrowing his eyes to watch every move.

Just as Zhe Linfeng was about to call out his hand gesture, Jiang Bai moved suddenly.

His right hand flashed like lightning, swiftly changing. The three fingers folded away, leaving only his index finger pointing straight up.

“Top of the Heap!”

Though quiet, Jiang Bai’s voice thundered through the tavern.

The room fell utterly silent.

Everyone stared at Jiang Bai’s raised finger in disbelief.

Zhe Linfeng’s hand froze mid-air, his face showing shock. He stared dumbfounded, lips trembling as if to speak but no words came.

After a long pause, the tavern burst into deafening cheers.

Some celebrated Jiang Bai’s victory, others cursed their losses.

Jiang Bai smiled at Zhe Linfeng and said softly, “Brother Linfeng, you lost again.”

Zhe Linfeng gritted his teeth, a trace of reluctance on his face. But soon, he laughed heartily. “Alright, I admit defeat. Brother Jiang, you truly are formidable. I, Zhe Linfeng, accept it wholeheartedly.”

He grabbed the wine jar, tilted back his head, and gulped deeply, swaying and mumbling:

“To be the favored son of Beigu City, to always be a step behind Yiheng in everything was one thing, but now to lose even in drinking—how utterly ridiculous!”

With that, he hugged the jar again, swallowing the rest. Just as he was about to speak, the world spun, his legs gave way, and with a thud, he collapsed, unconscious.

Nearby, Yiheng stood outside the crowd, hearing Zhe Linfeng’s self-mocking words and shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. “You’re always so concerned with winning or losing. Why did you even challenge him to drink?”

As he pushed through the crowd, Jiang Bai was just leaping down from the windowsill. Yiheng leaned against the window, looking at the handsome young gentleman lying atop the carriage roof with a resigned expression.

Jiang Bai reached for a wine flask, took a deep gulp, letting the liquid spill down his front. He wiped his mouth casually and said, “When Brother Linfeng wakes up, tell him this from me: his drinking isn’t bad, but unfortunately, his luck falls just short of mine.”

“All he ever does is drink. Doesn’t he fear drinking himself to death?” Yiheng grumbled.

Jiang Bai seemed not to hear, stretching his legs comfortably. The wine warmed him, and clearing his throat, he began to recite loudly:

“Have you not seen the Yellow River’s waters come from the heavens, rushing to the sea, never to return? Have you not seen the bright mirror in the high hall lament white hair, morning like black silk, evening snow...”

His voice was slightly hoarse but carried a free-spirited, unrestrained quality. The cadence pierced through the street.

Passersby stopped, first curious, then moved by the grand verses and bold singing. Some even hummed along to the famous lines by the great sword immortal Li Bai.

Soon, a wave of enthusiasm swept through the marketplace. The city echoed with a chorus of voices.

“To enjoy life to the fullest, let not the golden cup face the moon empty. Heaven gave me talent for a purpose; a thousand gold spent, yet it returns again...”

The setting sun cast a warm orange glow over Jiang Bai’s white robe. His figure appeared ethereal amid the noise and twilight, finally fading into the intoxicating sunset, leaving only lingering echoes in the air.

Yiheng gazed after Jiang Bai’s departing silhouette, standing silently for a long moment. The impatience on his face softened, replaced by a complex, inscrutable expression.

“Master, you once said, ‘Those who seek the art of immortality must ascend the stage of transcendence.’ You must have been just as free and bold. Yet why did demons harm you? Now your remains are lost without a trace. Alas...”

With a deep sigh, Yiheng helped the fallen Zhe Linfeng onto a horse, then spurred the mount toward the Beigu County Office.

“Giddy-up!”

...

Inside the county office.

Yiheng placed Zhe Linfeng in a tidy guest room, covering him with a quilt. Nearby, Li Shuyao nibbled on an orange, worry creasing her brow.

“Brother, why is Brother Linfeng so drunk? Could it be that his beloved rejected him, so he’s drowning his sorrows in wine?”

“You and your wild imagination!” Yiheng snapped.

“Then why else would he be so drunk?” Li Shuyao peeled a segment and popped it into her mouth. “Oh, this orange is so sour!”

“He was drinking to compete with someone.”

“What? Brother Linfeng’s drinking is exceptional among peers. Who in Beigu City could outdrink him?” Li Shuyao’s almond-shaped eyes widened in disbelief.

Yiheng met her gaze calmly. “He couldn’t before, but now he can.”

“Who is it then?” Li Shuyao’s curiosity was piqued. She hurriedly asked, stuffing another orange segment into her mouth.

“A little thief,” Yiheng said, dropping the words before turning and leaving.

“Brother, where are you going?” Li Shuyao ran after him.

“To see your father.”

“Why?”

“To ask him something.”

Li Shuyao wanted to ask more but was silenced by the orange segment in her mouth.

“Eat and mind your own business,” Yiheng said, striding away.

He searched the entire county office until finally finding Prefect Li in his study.

“Li Changchong, what are you hiding in the study for?”

Yiheng kicked open the door. Li, seated at his desk, quickly pressed a book down and looked up. “Nephew, what brings you here?”

“What are you reading?”

“Nothing!” Li tightly gripped the book to his chest and shook his head.

“Oh really?”

Yiheng snatched the book from Li’s arms and saw explicit illustrations of naked women. Disgusted, he tossed it aside. “Li Changchong, hiding away to look at erotic pictures!”

“Pressure’s been heavy lately, so I relax by looking at these. What’s wrong with that?”

Li quickly turned to retrieve the book but a pair of white shoes stepped on its back. Li Shuyao looked down and asked curiously, “Father, what kind of book is this?”

Li’s mouth twitched uncontrollably, his face flushing red and pale in turn. He snatched the book from her hands, voice hurried and flustered:

“It’s just a book on river management. You’re a girl; you wouldn’t understand. Don’t meddle here.”

Before finishing, he placed his hands on her shoulders and half-pushed her out of the study.

“I have important matters to discuss with your brother Yiheng. Go play outside and don’t disturb us.”

Once Li Shuyao left reluctantly, the study door shut tightly. Li sighed in relief, quickly hiding the erotic book deep in a drawer and locking it.

He tidied his clothes, composed himself, then looked at Yiheng with a forced smile.

“Nephew, what’s the reason for your visit?”

“The prisoner confessed. He stole Master’s corpse and jade pen. He also told me you leaked the information about the jade pen in Master’s coffin.”

Yiheng stepped closer to Li, towering over him, teeth clenched.

“You sold out my master for fifty taels of gold? You, Li Changchong, will stoop to anything for money.”

Li hung his head, voice trembling, “You know everything. It’s my fault. If you want to kill me, then do it. I won’t resist.”

“Enough!” Yiheng slammed his palm on the desk, leaving a print. “Master’s matter ends here. Give me that fifty taels of gold.”

Li looked up pitifully. “The money was already given to beggars and used to support fallen constables and soldiers. There are only five taels left; here, take them.”

He pulled five silver taels from his chest and placed them on the desk.

Yiheng grabbed the silver, then as he turned to leave, his fingers flicked swiftly, channeling true energy.

The desk in front of Li shattered into pieces, and Li picked up the torn fragments of the erotic book, weeping bitterly.

“Damn boy, what did this book ever do to you that you must destroy it?” he cursed.