Chu Xiangxiu and the Feng'an County Land God walked forward. Though the two did not know what method Chen Shi used to rescue them from the Heavenly Prison, they still bowed in gratitude.
Chen Shi helped them up, smiling and saying, "If not for the Outer Dao and cultivation technique passed down by Daoist Friend Chu, how could we have moved the nobles in the Heavenly Court to release you? Daoist Friend Chu need not thank me."
Chu Xiangxiu had a sudden realization, only then understanding why Chen Shi had him teach cultivation techniques and the Outer Dao; it turned out to be for using them to save him.
In the distance, several golden-armored divine beings walked toward this side.
Chen Shi poured wine for Chu Xiangxiu, smiling and saying, "They should be the ones here to welcome you, to head to the Niraya Great World. This cup of wine is to celebrate Daoist Friend turning danger into safety and shaking off imprisonment."
Chu Xiangxiu reached out to take the wine cup, his hand somewhat trembling. The thin and tall youth's mouth moved, yet he did not know what to say that was appropriate. He toasted Chen Shi, tilted back his head, and drank it down in one gulp.
Chen Shi poured another cup, smiling and saying, "As for your master, you need not worry either. The position of Feng'an County Land God remains vacant for now; to set your mind at ease, the Heavenly Court will surely reappoint him."
Chu Xiangxiu raised the wine cup once more, saying, "Many thanks." With that, it was another gulp down.
Whether it was the fiery wine burning his throat or some other reason, when he tilted his head back to drink, teardrops rolled down both sides of his cheeks.
Chen Shi poured