Celebration Amid Undercurrents

High above the heavens, Lin Jingshen's words exploded like thunder, carrying an unquestionable resolve. Though the Startling God Sword Intent had not fully left its sheath, its chilling aura already made Qiu Qianchen and Xie Miaojiang's skin sting.

The atmosphere froze to the extreme. A great battle between four Divine Officials seemed ready to erupt at any moment.

Qiu Qianchen's expression shifted endlessly. He and Xie Miaojiang swiftly exchanged a glance, each seeing the unwillingness and faint urge to retreat deep in the other's eyes. Fight head-on? Luo Wuya and Lin Jingshen were certainly not easy opponents. Added to them were the high-spirited Li Yunming and the deeply established Dongyue Xian. The two of them had no chance of victory and might even perish here.

"Alas..." The grief and indignation Qiu Qianchen had forcibly squeezed onto his face receded like a tide, turning into a long sigh seemingly filled with helplessness and grievance. "Brother Lin, why must it come to this? Why indeed?"

He cupped his hands, his tone becoming "sincere." "Brother Luo, Brother Lin, I admire the two of you for safeguarding the alliance. Today... perhaps we were too eager for revenge and acted too rashly, violating the alliance."

The poisonous mist around Xie Miaojiang also withdrew slightly. He rasped in agreement, his tone becoming far more "restrained." "Indeed. Since the two of you have personally stepped forward to mediate, Five Poisons Valley must give you this respect. For the peace of the continent, to prevent countless lives from suffering, today's matter... shall be set aside for now."

Luo Wuya's profound gaze lingered on the two of them for a moment, as though he wished to see through their true thoughts. Finally, he slowly nodded. "Very good. I hope you will remember your words today and cease such presumptuous actions."

Lin Jingshen snorted coldly. The sword intent around him receded somewhat, but his gaze remained sharp. "Remember what you said. Now get lost!"

Qiu Qianchen's mouth twitched slightly. He forcibly suppressed his fury and waved at the Qiu Family and Five Poisons Valley forces below, his voice full of pent-up resentment. "We're leaving!"

With that, the two did not linger. They turned into two streaks of light, sweeping up their unwilling subordinates below as they swiftly vanished beyond the horizon.

Only after that suffocating divine might had completely faded did the emotions suppressed for so long within Heavenly Phoenix City finally erupt!

"We won! We won!"

"The gods have retreated! The Li Family has been saved!"

"Thank you, Senior Luo! Senior Lin! Thank you, Sky-Piercing Spear God! Thank you, Dongyue Ancestor!"

The wild joy of surviving the disaster filled the heart of every member of the Li Family and Dongyue Clan. Cheers, sobs, and shouts merged into one. Many embraced each other and wept, celebrating this hard-won victory. Even the usually composed Li Yuanhui could not help reddening his eyes as he tightly gripped Dongyue Qingyu's hand beside him.

Dongyue Qing, Chen Jianjun, and the other powerful figures also let out long breaths, smiles of relief appearing on their faces.

In the sky, Luo Wuya and Lin Jingshen's expressions also eased. Dongyue Xian flew over and solemnly cupped his hands. "We have the two of you to thank for arriving in time. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Li Yunming also saluted with his spear in hand. "Li Yunming and the Li Family will forever remember this kindness."

Luo Wuya smiled faintly. "Fellow Daoist Dongyue, Fellow Daoist Li, you are too courteous. Upholding the alliance is also upholding order on the continent. It is simply our duty."

Lin Jingshen also revealed a rare, faint smile. "The Li Family boy is not bad. Having such combat strength just after entering the God Realm, his future is promising."

Li Yunming thanked him once more, then gestured politely. "The two seniors have traveled a great distance and saved my Li Family from destruction. Please allow the Li Family to fulfill its duties as host. Please come into the city for a talk."

"Very well, then we shall impose upon you," Luo Wuya said with a nod.

At once, the four gods descended from the clouds. Under the respectful greetings of Li Yuanhui, Dongyue Qing, and the others, they entered Heavenly Phoenix City. Although the city had endured a great battle and some buildings had been damaged, it was decorated everywhere with lanterns and colorful ornaments, overflowing with celebration.

Late at night, the Li Family banquet hall was brightly lit. Cups clinked, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful.

At the head table, the four gods were naturally the center of attention. Li Yuanhui and Dongyue Qingcang sat nearby as representatives of their respective families. The table was covered with exquisite delicacies, spirit fruits, and fine wine.

"Senior Luo, Senior Lin, this junior offers you both a toast! Words cannot express our gratitude for such great kindness!" Li Yuanhui rose first and raised his cup, lowering his posture greatly.

Luo Wuya raised his cup in return and said gently, "Patriarch Li, there is no need for such formality. The Li Family suffered this ordeal, yet produced a new god. That is also a sign of fortune. Now that the Li Family has a god, from this day onward, it may be considered one of the top powers of the east. Fellow Daoist Li, you must be even more prudent in the future and cultivate diligently."

Lin Jingshen also raised his cup and looked toward Li Yunming. "Sky-Piercing Spear God, your path has only just begun. The Divine Domain is far broader than you imagine. Stabilizing your realm is the most urgent matter."

Li Yunming answered solemnly, "I will heed Senior Lin's teachings."

Dongyue Xian smiled and took over the conversation. "It was also because our Dongyue Clan failed to consider matters carefully and did not detect the Qiu and Xie families' wolfish ambitions early enough that we had to trouble the two of you today. However, after this battle, I imagine they will behave themselves for some time."

"Let us hope so." Luo Wuya took a sip of wine, his gaze thoughtful. "Qiu Qianchen and Xie Miaojiang are not people who give up easily. Fellow Daoist Li must make preparations early."

At the neighboring tables sat the other elders and core members of the Li Family and Dongyue Clan, including Chen Jianjun, Li Tianwu, Dongyue Qingxuan, and others. They too drank and conversed merrily, discussing past dangers and present joy, their words full of anticipation for the future.

At a table near the hall entrance, however, the atmosphere was even more relaxed and lively. Seated there were the outstanding younger members of the Li Family, and Li Xuansheng was naturally among them.

"Big Brother! Did you see it today? Ancestor Yun Ming was amazing! He had just become a god, yet he could drive back that old bastard!" Li Xuanchang's face was flushed with excitement as he gestured wildly.

Li Xuanqing also laughed. "And Senior Luo and Senior Lin! That presence of theirs—they made the enemy too afraid to move with just a few words! That is the bearing of true powerhouses!"

Li Xuanmeng blinked her large eyes and looked at Li Xuansheng. "Brother Xuansheng, does that mean our Li Family will be safe from now on? We won't have to fear the Qiu Family anymore?"

Li Xuanbei was more composed, but he could not hide his excitement. "After this battle, our Li Family has truly established itself on the continent! With a god watching over us, who would dare look down on us?"

The young men and women chattered away, imagining the family's bright future as laughter rang out without end.

Yet amid this sea of celebration, although Li Xuansheng wore a smile and responded to his brothers and sisters, his brows unconsciously furrowed slightly.

Holding his cup, his gaze occasionally swept over the four gods chatting and laughing at the head table. His thoughts drifted back to the moment Qiu Qianchen and Xie Miaojiang had retreated.

They retreated too decisively... Li Xuansheng thought. That old thief Qiu Qianchen always seeks revenge for the slightest grievance. He lost so many elders, and even the ancestor personally took action, yet he called off everything because of a few words from Seniors Luo and Lin? That does not fit his character. And Xie Miaojiang is sinister and cunning. How could he so easily give up the meat already at his mouth? Besides, the system still has not settled the mission. That proves this battle is not over yet.

He recalled Qiu Qianchen's final "sincere" apology and kept feeling that a trace of hidden coldness and calculation lay deep in his eyes. That did not look like surrender. It was more like... temporary hibernation.

"Brother Xuansheng, what's wrong? You don't seem very happy?" Li Xuanmeng, seated beside him, was perceptive enough to notice something unusual.

Li Xuansheng came back to his senses and smiled, concealing it. "Nothing. Today was simply too thrilling. I'm a little tired."

Li Xuanbei patted his shoulder in understanding. "Yeah, we all are. But the crisis has been resolved, so we can finally relax. Come, Xuansheng, let's have a drink, brothers!"

"Sure! Though what is there to drink about beverages?" Li Xuansheng said with a smile. He raised his cup, lightly clinked it against Li Xuanbei's, and drained the drink in one gulp.

"We haven't even had our coming-of-age ceremony yet. What wine are we supposed to drink? Of course we can only drink beverages," Li Xuanbei said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

The others immediately burst into laughter as well.

The sweet liquid slid down his throat, yet it could not dispel the inexplicable unease in his heart. He raised his eyes toward the pitch-black night sky beyond the hall, as though he could sense that behind that silent darkness, a deeper conspiracy was brewing.

The celebratory feast continued, with the sounds of strings and pipes filling the air. But Li Xuansheng knew that beneath this seemingly harmonious victory celebration, the undercurrents had never ceased to churn.