0812: In the Jianghu, Judge Hearts, Not Deeds

Nine jars of wine sat on each of the nine steps of all six floors. Though the jars were not large, each held a full two jin of sorghum liquor.

Jiang Dali and Xiao Feng drank from opposite directions, one from the top down and the other from the bottom up. This fierce and novel way of drinking drew more and more spectators. Even the cooks and kitchen hands came out to watch. Everyone was thrilled, their eyes opened wide, and they all gave a thumbs-up, crying, "What a capacity for drink!"

Neither of them cared much for appearances. They lifted their wine jars, puffed out their chests, threw back their heads, and gulped deeply. As though competing with one another, each drank faster than the other. By the time they both reached the steps on the third floor, neither showed the slightest sign of drunkenness. They recognized each other and burst into laughter.

"Ha ha ha! Fine wine, fine wine!"

Xiao Feng's tiger eyes glowed warmly as he stared at Jiang Dali above him. With a bright gaze, he grabbed the wine jar at his feet and drained it, exhaling a breath of alcohol before raising his hand. "It has been a long time since we last met. Benefactor, your capacity for drink and heroic spirit have not diminished in the slightest. I heard your martial arts have risen to another level. On my way here, I heard much about you ascending Di Ta Peak of Cihang Jingzhai. Is it true?"

"Oh?"

Jiang Dali's heart stirred. He too grabbed a jar of wine and drained it, then nodded with a slow smile. "It is true. Cihang Jingzhai has dominated the jianghu for so many years and stands as a sacred land of the martial world. All these years, people