Night gradually fell.
The city lit up with dazzling neon lights, and the aunties from the square dancing groups headed home. It was now time for the young people to begin their nightlife.
Qing Huanxiang and Gui Shoutian traded a few barbs, then put away their fishing rods and started home together.
They had known each other for tens of thousands of years. They were accustomed to this sort of squabbling, and it was a form of amusing, tacit companionship. No matter how harsh their words were, they would never harm their friendship.
They strolled leisurely along the road, and the two old men gazed at the city's neon lights with eyes full of sentiment.
Yet amid that tranquil night, after taking only a few dozen steps, both of them suddenly stopped, as if something unusual had occurred.
Qing Huanxiang's eyes darkened as he quietly turned his head.
"Did you receive Nangong Yifang's message?"
Gui Shoutian nodded faintly, irritation showing in his eyes.
"Yes, I received it too."
"That old bastard descended upon Lan Star out of nowhere and has served as Star Lord for tens of thousands of years. His roots have long since sunk deep. He always puts on airs like he's some grand figure. Now he suddenly sends for us—eight times out of ten, it's nothing good."
Qing Huanxiang merely smiled noncommittally.
"Brother Gui is absolutely right."
"Still, he is the Star Lord. Since he has sent word to summon us, we have to go and take a look no matter what. It will count as giving him some face, and it is also for the future livelihood of hundreds of millions of our clansmen."
Hearing this, although Gui Shoutian still looked displeased, he could only sigh and nod.
"Ah..."
"Fine, fine. Let's treat it as being