The red-robed elder froze, then sighed. "More than half the houses were destroyed, and the fields were ruined too. But everyone survived—not a single life was lost. They're all rebuilding now. For the past three months, the disciples of Fire Cloud Valley have been helping repair houses and reclaim farmland. We haven't done anything else."
The warm thing in Su Han's heart stirred again. He set down his wine cup and said earnestly, "Elder, once things here are settled, I want to visit Fire Cloud Valley."
"Visit for what?"
"To see those common folk. To see whether they're doing well."
The red-robed elder blanked out for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. "Good, good, good! Little Friend Su truly is extraordinary! Others gain such immense merit and can't wait to shut themselves away to cultivate and stabilize their realms, but you're thinking of running back into the mortal world! Fine! This old man will wait for you! When the time comes, I'll let you taste Fire Cloud Valley's rice wine. It's strong—this little body of yours will probably go down after one bowl—"
The people at the table erupted in laughter. Su Han laughed along with them. As he did, his gaze swept over the hall's lamplight, over the relaxed expressions on the cultivators' faces, and over the stars scattered across the dark blue night sky beyond the window. Suddenly, he felt that this world was truly wonderful. So many people talking, drinking, and laughing together; so many lamps burning; so many lights flickering brightly and dimly in every heart.
It was already very late when the banquet broke up. Su Han helped the slightly drunk red-robed elder back to the guest courtyard, then escorted Xuanjizi to the sect gate. The old man stood beneath the moonlight for a