New Year

The visualization diagram in Ling Feng's mind was divided into nine levels, each one a whole new realm—a secret art purely for strengthening spiritual power.

Now that he had completed the first level of visualization, his spiritual power had already reached the level of an ordinary high-level Soul King.

Likewise, after several months of training, his physical body had undergone a qualitative leap.

Ling Feng estimated that, even without relying on any external aid, his physical strength and spiritual power alone would be enough for his third Soul Ring to absorb a ten-thousand-year Soul Ring.

A ten-thousand-year third ring—what terrifying strength that would be.

"Still, if there are Immortal Herbs, I should naturally use them first. I have to get the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew."

"And the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot."

One of those herbs could enhance spiritual power, while the others could strengthen the body. If he successfully absorbed them, the age of his third Soul Ring could definitely reach an even higher level.

"Still, there's no rush for now. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I should celebrate the New Year properly first."

Ling Feng rose to his feet and walked outside.

Beyond the door, the Qiangu Family courtyard had long since been decorated by the servants with lanterns and colorful ornaments, brimming with festive New Year cheer.

"Brother Ling Feng? You're out of seclusion! Come help us put up the spring couplets."

Hu Liena and Dugu Yan were holding spring couplets and paste. Nearby, Jin Chen, Xie Yue, and the others had already started putting them up.

"Alright, let's do it."

That evening, fine snow began to drift over Spirit City.

Ling Feng stood in the courtyard, watching Jin Chen climb a ladder to hang the horizontal scroll while Xie Yue steadied the ladder beside him. Hu Liena tipped up her little face and directed them, "Crooked, crooked! Raise the left side a little more!"

"It's perfectly straight!"

Jin Chen refused to accept that, but he still shifted it slightly to the left.

"Alright, alright, leave it like that."

Ling Feng smiled and shook his head, taking another set of spring couplets from Hu Liena.

"Nana, you and Yanyan go check whether my mother needs help in the kitchen. Leave this place to us."

Hu Liena pouted, but did not argue. She grabbed Dugu Yan and ran toward the kitchen.

Dugu Yan was still clutching a piece of sugar cake in her hand, stuffing it into her mouth as she ran. Her cheeks puffed out like those of a little hamster.

In the kitchen, Tuoba Yue'er was bustling about enthusiastically while the servants helped at her side.

Chicken soup simmered on the stove, white steam rose from the bamboo steamers, and the chopping board was covered with prepared ingredients.

The two kitchen servants were helping nearby, yet they still could not keep up.

"Auntie Yue, we're here to help!" Hu Liena poked her little head inside.

Tuoba Yue'er turned around, smiled, and wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Good. Nana, help me peel this garlic. Yanyan, set out the bowls and chopsticks. Be careful not to drop anything."

Dugu Yan obediently nodded and stood on tiptoe to reach the cupboard.

During the month she had spent in Spirit Hall, she had visibly filled out. The timid look in her eyes had also grown much brighter.

"Auntie Yue, my grandfather said he'll bring two jars of good wine tonight."

Dugu Yan spoke as she set out the bowls and chopsticks.

"Tell your grandfather not to hide away that little private stash of his. There'll be plenty of people tonight—two jars won't be enough."

Tuoba Yue'er teased.

Dugu Yan thought about it, then said seriously, "Then I'll tell Grandpa to bring a few more jars!"

Hu Liena burst out laughing. "Yanyan, your grandfather will be heartbroken."

Dugu Yan tilted her head. "Why? Grandpa said his wine is my wine."

Laughter rang out in the kitchen.

By evening, the snow had fallen even harder.

Two square tables had been set up in the main hall of Ling Feng's home. Red cloth covered the tables, which were piled with melon seeds and candies.

Incense and candles burned on the offering table in the main hall, where the ancestral tablets of the Qiangu Family were displayed.

Qiangu Xiaoye sat in the seat of honor, holding a teacup as he occasionally glanced outside.

Tuoba Yue'er emerged from the kitchen, untied her apron, and sat down beside him.

"What did the Pope Hall say?"

She asked softly.

"They said they'll arrive later. Several enshrined from the Worship Hall are coming as well."

Qiangu Xiaoye paused. "The old master also sent word. He said he'll come by tonight."

Tuoba Yue'er was slightly startled.

The old master naturally referred to Qian Daoliu. Although the Great Enshrined of Spirit Hall had visited in previous years, he had usually only made a brief appearance and never stayed long.

"This year will certainly be lively," she said with a smile.

"Mm."

Qiangu Xiaoye nodded. His gaze fell on Ling Feng, who was leading his younger brothers and sisters in clearing snow from the courtyard, and a trace of gratification flashed through his eyes. "Feng'er has changed a lot over the past half year."

Tuoba Yue'er followed his gaze and smiled as well.

As the sky darkened, the lanterns outside the courtyard gate lit up.

Qian Xunji was the first to arrive. Two attendants followed behind him, carrying several gift boxes. Bibi Dong still did not make an appearance.

The moment he entered, he clasped his hands and smiled. "Brother Qiangu, Sister-in-law Yue'er, Happy New Year."

"You're too polite, Brother Ji. Please, come in."

Qiangu Xiaoye rose to welcome him.

Qian Xunji waved his hand. "I'm just here to mooch a meal."

Then he looked toward the children running over from the courtyard. "Where's Xiaoxue?"

"She's inside playing with Yanyan."

Tuoba Yue'er smiled.

Before her words had even faded, Qian Renxue ran out of the room and threw herself into Qian Xunji's arms. "Dad!"

Qian Xunji picked up his daughter and smiled as he tapped her nose. "You've gotten heavier again. Have you been eating Auntie Yue's cooking every day?"

Qian Renxue giggled and hugged her father's neck without letting go.

Not long afterward, Dugu Bo arrived as well.

Sure enough, he carried four jars of wine strung together with hemp rope, swaying as he walked in.

The moment Dugu Yan saw her grandfather, she ran over.

"Grandpa!"

"Ah."

Dugu Bo rubbed his granddaughter's head and handed the wine to the servant who came forward. "Little girl, how have you been here?"

"It's been wonderful!"

Dugu Yan nodded forcefully. "Auntie Yue's cooking is delicious, Sister Xiaoxue and Sister Nana play with me every day, and Brother Ling Feng even teaches me how to read!"

Dugu Bo smiled, though a complicated look appeared deep in his eyes.

He looked at Qiangu Xiaoye and Qian Xunji, who had come out to greet him, and clasped his hands.

"Forgive the intrusion, gentlemen."

"You're too polite, Senior Dugu. Please."

Qiangu Xiaoye stepped aside to make way.

As Dugu Bo entered, his gaze swept over the red lanterns and spring couplets hanging in the courtyard, and he paused slightly.

He could no longer remember how many years it had been since he had properly celebrated the New Year.

Ever since his wife passed away and his son and daughter-in-law died, every New Year's Eve had been just him and his granddaughter, quietly eating a cold and lonely meal. Sometimes, when he drank too much, Yanyan would curl up alone in a corner and play by herself.

This year was lively, though.

Just as he was thinking that, more footsteps sounded outside.

Qianjun Douluo and Falling Devil Douluo arrived together, dressed in casual clothes with faint smiles on their faces.

Qiangu Xiaoye hurried forward to greet them. "Uncles, you're here. Please, come in."

"Mm."

Qianjun Douluo nodded, his gaze landing on Ling Feng, who was building a snowman with Qian Renxue and the others in the courtyard. "Xiao Feng has improved quite a bit over the past half year."

"It's all thanks to your guidance, Uncles."

Qiangu Xiaoye smiled.

Falling Devil Douluo waved his hand. "It's because he worked hard himself. It has nothing to do with us."

Several more people entered through the gate.

Golden Crocodile Douluo led the way, followed by several other enshrined from the Worship Hall—Green Phoenix Douluo, Mighty Lion Douluo, and Light Feather Douluo.

"Where's the old master?" Qian Xunji asked.

"He'll be here shortly."

Golden Crocodile Douluo smiled. "He told us to come first, so the children wouldn't get too impatient."

The main hall immediately became lively.