Xia Qing had come today to announce something important.
"Today is the Winter Solstice Festival. Take the day off and move about freely. Come to the dining hall tonight—I have something to say."
At the sound of Xia Qing's voice, delight appeared on many of the youths' faces.
"It's already a festival? That fast?"
"Cultivation knows no years. I'd completely forgotten about the festival."
"Great! This is my favorite festival!"
The Winter Solstice Festival was a traditional Great Xia holiday, the final festival of winter. It symbolized sending winter away and welcoming spring, ushering in hope.
"A festival!"
Meng Jing, who had been cultivating diligently just moments ago, ran down from the twelfth floor at the mention of the holiday.
She dashed to Jiang Ping An's side, happily bouncing up and down, her ponytail swishing wildly.
"Woodhead! It's the Winter Solstice Festival today. Come shopping with me! The streets will definitely be livelier than usual!"
Jiang Ping An shook his head. "There's still a lot I haven't learned. I need to make the most of my time cultivating."
His village had been close to Great Xia, and they had celebrated this holiday too, but he had no heart for play.
Even a Quota Competition had been so difficult. The Hundred Counties Tournament would gather geniuses from over a hundred counties across Nether King Province—the battles would surely be even harder.
Time was pressing. There was no time to relax.
Meng Jing suddenly threw a punch at Jiang Ping An, moving incredibly fast.
Jiang Ping An's heart tightened. He hurriedly raised his arm to block, bending it to bleed away the force of her strike.
"What are you doing?"
If that punch had landed on him, it could have sent him flying more than ten meters.
"What am I doing? Of