The Year-End Festival.
On Earth, this would have been New Year's Day, but in Great Xia, it was called the Year-End Festival.
This was Jiang Li's first year since crossing over. Though it wasn't the Spring Festival, it still stirred his longing for Earth.
"Little Qi!"
Two squad members on patrol waved at Jiang Li, who sat before the cold sea beneath an overcast sky.
Jiang Li came back to his senses and looked at them.
One was lean, with half his right hand missing. His name was Hu Hai.
The other was brawny, but something was wrong with his left foot, making his gait uneven. His name was Zhang Lihe.
"Hu Hai! Zhang Lihe!"
Jiang Li jumped down from the massive skeleton of a sea beast. "The captain wants you back for drinks. It's the Year-End Festival today, and the higher-ups sent us plenty of good food."
"Come on!"
Zhang Lihe threw an arm around Jiang Li and headed straight for the squad's camp.
The three laughed as they walked. "Say, One-Hand, don't you have a precious daughter?"
"I think Little Qi's a good lad, and he's strong, too. He might just be your daughter's type."
"Get lost!" Holding his spear in one hand, Hu Hai thrust it at him.
"Hey, hey, hey! I was only saying. What are you getting angry for?"
A year-end feast—that was as good a name as any.
Everyone in the 52nd Squad gathered together, apart from two members still making their regular patrol rounds.
"Are these... Qi and Blood Pills?"
"The higher-ups are treating us awfully well this year. They actually sent us Qi and Blood Pills."
"Come on, one bottle each! These are great for boosting your qi and blood."
Everyone was delighted, though a few quietly tucked their Qi and