The commotion at Lankeshan turned the Eastern Wilderness into a hubbub of excitement.
Mainly due to Little Ke’s daily shenanigans that made quite a ruckus.
News of a mysterious powerful heritage resurfacing spread like wildfire.
New comers of all sorts were flocking in, and legends said, once you miss this opportunity, it won’t come again! Thus, the information traveled from one person to another, and even distant noble sects began heading toward the Eastern Wilderness.
Of course, if one traced the source of the news, they’d discover it was all rooted in a little hotpot shop called the Joyful Hotpot Restaurant.
At the Joyful Hotpot Restaurant, several elders from the Qingyuan Sect were seated around a bubbling pot.
“Our disobedient disciple left a note saying he’ll return after the festival,” said Shang Wu, crossing her arms and slamming the letter on the table with frustration.
“Good. Ziyang Mansion has been quiet lately. The number of challengers at their door has nearly worn out the welcome mat!” Elder Xue sighed.
Originally, each elder planned to head home for the festival, but now, Lankeshan’s daily chaos grew louder, making it impossible for them to leave.
“What’s today’s spectacle?” asked one elder.
“Phoenix calls! I wonder who the owner of this heritage is now,” another elder mused.
“Yesterday I guessed it was a legacy from a Buddhist powerhouse, but now who knows!”
“Can’t figure it out!”
“This definitely feels like murky waters!”
The elders of Qingyuan Sect hadn’t yet decided whether they should wade into this murk.
For all they knew, at least five major sects were already on their way, rivaling Hengyun Sword City’s peak sect.
And that’s not even all—there could be hidden sects joining in!
The Huanmo Sect might even make an appearance!
But with such jaw-dropping phenomena occurring daily, it was hard to resist taking a peek, despite how much it itched at their hearts.
Just then, the door swung open.
The elders froze, exchanging awkward glances, not quite comfortable with the situation. It was Elder Qian.
They hadn’t invited him for hotpot…
“Well, actually, I was planning to join in on the feast,” Elder Qian started.
“Let’s discuss the hotpot later,” he continued, noticeably peeved.
“Huh?”
Elder Xue and Elder Han exchanged knowing looks, realizing the gravity of the situation. Elder Qian didn’t even care about missing out on the hotpot—wasn’t that just like Shang Wu not caring about the drinks she missed?
Trouble was certainly brewing.
Elder Qian declared, “Today, a captain from the Tianwei Patrol came to our sect.”
The Tianwei Patrol, simpletons at best, were usually at least in the inner stage and often more threatening than your regular inner stage fighters. A captain? Definitely outer stage!
Rarely was meeting a Tianwei Patrol captain a pleasant affair…
Shang Wu’s eyes gleamed: “How about we… take care of him?”
She dramatically sliced through the air with her hand, the glint in her almond eyes filled with intention.
“Not so fast! He’s got news from the Crown Prince!”
“Ke Mo, Ying Bing, our two potential dragon heroes, have accomplished significant feats for the nation, and Crown Prince Jiang Yu will arrive after the festival to reward them!”
“???!!!”
“Crash!”
A dish shattered on the ground.
Jiang Chulong stood at the doorway, looking dazed, as if she’d lost her soul.
….
As the festival neared, a heavy snow began to fall in Qinghe County.
Friendly reminder: If you find this book delightful, please remember to add it to your shelf to avoid losing it!
Setting
The world outside was a blanket of white, tranquil yet fabulously beautiful, with families dressing their homes in festive colors against the silver backdrop, adding a touch of joyous celebration.
The streets bustled with the noise of horse-drawn carriages, each household preparing for the New Year.
Li Dalong and his wife sat snugly in a horse-drawn carriage, fresh from a successful market haul. They could have sent someone, but if they didn’t personally partake in the holiday prep, what was the point of celebrating?
“Old Li, sister-in-law, did you buy so much?”
Just as they reached the street of Li Mansion, a familiar face approached.
“Ah, Old Tian? Little Mo and Ice Girl are back! Times have changed! I told them no need to visit us for the New Year, keep it simple. But no, family friends insisted they had to come, haha… what a hassle…”
Old Li grinned with pride.
Old Tian, the middle-aged man across from him, had always been in a quiet rivalry with Old Li.
Even back in their county official days, they never quite saw eye to eye, and it wasn’t just philosophical differences.
“Wow, our potential dragon heroes are quite something!” Old Tian chuckled, unashamedly praising them instead of acting offended.
But he quickly shifted gears:
“When my granddaughter and grandson grow a bit more, I’ll be sure to come begging for pointers from your heroes!”
“?”
Li Dalong and his wife exchanged a glance, taken aback.
Meanwhile, Old Tian had drawn back the carriage curtain to reveal two young folks inside, each cradling a baby dressed in festive attire, looking like cute little fortune dolls.
“Come on, call Uncle Li! He’s generous; call him and you’ll get red packets!”
“Hmm… Happy New Year!”
Li Dalong’s face froze for a moment as he fished out a red packet from his pocket.
Old Tian, with his petulant charm, cheekily remarked, “One grandkid is enough, but who knew you’d have twins so soon? You’re in for a ride with these two rascals!”
“Eh? Your kids…”
Li Dalong replied flatly: “Hmm, indeed, Lankeshan’s commotion is quite loud. A lot of folks are flocking to Lankeshan. Our Qinghe County is now a mixed bag; we ought to keep an eye on public safety.”
“???”
Returning to the carriage, Li Dalong felt displeased with Old Tian’s pretentiousness.
He looked at his wife, only to find her gazing thoughtfully at a happy family outside, all entering their home together.
The couple exchanged complex looks…
They used to think it didn’t matter, but after hearing Old Tian’s flaunt, they were starting to wish they’d have a grandchild with the sudden urgency.
But with Little Mo and Ice Girl at such a pivotal moment in their lives, they couldn’t say it out loud. It would be ridiculous to suggest they abandon the prospects of competing for the Qianlong List to just stay at home…
“Kids’ lives are their own, let’s not meddle too much. We don’t want to be a bother.”
Li Dalong sighed lightly, shaking his head.
“Yeah, let things happen naturally. But can we maybe nudge them just a little bit?” Gu Xueqin couldn’t help but ask.
“Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you have to have kids right away…”
The couple returned home, yet they didn’t see the two little darlings sparking a complicated reaction in their hearts. So they asked a maid:
“Where are Little Mo and Ice Girl?”
“They said they went shopping.”
Meanwhile, on the streets of Qinghe County.
The snow-covered road was draped in fluffy white, but the bustling voices of the town filled the air as the vibe of the festive season spilled into every household in Qinghe County.
Little Li had no clue about his parents’ impending plans.
He rubbed his tiny hands together and turned his head.
Ying Bing was dressed in a festive red dress, her silky hair dusted with snow, her long lashes failing to hide her earnest gaze.
“What kind of New Year gift should we prepare for him?”
She had never given anyone a New Year gift before.
……
PS: Seeking generous patrons from the audience!
