Several months had passed.
Crimson light soared into the heavens above Flame-Offering Mountain. Bing fire surged upward, burning away the clouds, while countless Featherfolk came and went, streaking across the horizon in trails of light.
Giant whales and Mystic Turtles rode the waves, carrying temporary palaces guarded by demon soldiers of every kind. They stopped along the shore in a magnificent display.
Above the clouds, Xu Xuan stood beside Yang Yuanxin, surveying their surroundings. Far more than the White Foxes and Feilian had come. Perhaps more than half of Monster-kind in the Southern Sea had received word and come to offer their congratulations.
"What a grand gathering. Quite a few unfamiliar faces, too."
Xu Xuan sighed in wonder. Aside from the White Foxes and Feilian they had specifically invited, some news had spread, but he had never expected so many of Monster-kind to come and celebrate. Three or four Noble-Blooded clans had arrived, along with no small number of Foundation Establishment demons. Flame-Offering Mountain was bustling with noise.
"Our clan is Xia Dynasty royalty, after all, and shares a surname with the Golden Crows. Though we cannot compare with Mist Marsh, we do have some renown."
Yang Yuanxin looked at Xu Xuan, a hint of helplessness in her gleaming crimson eyes.
"In truth, most came out of respect for Great-Grandfather's reputation. When Father broke through, a True Person of the Song Clan came from Li Palace to congratulate him. Further back still, our elder was summoned to Sun Valley while he was only at Foundation Establishment. He became the disciple of a Purple Mansion Golden Crow and attained his Divine Ability within a Grotto-Heaven."
"If only Great-Grandfather were still here."
As she spoke, Yang Yuanxin's expression dimmed slightly. Her elder had departed, and whether he would live or die in