Fresh bamboo crackled to drive out the old year; midnight passed into morning, bidding the bygone year farewell.
Few in the Immortal Domain cared about the Mortal Realm's New Year, yet for some reason, here in the Ancestral Image World, it seemed to be a festive occasion, brimming freely with celebration.
Su Mo slowly awoke from meditation. Outside, an unusual bustle filled the air, as though laughter and cheerful voices were spreading without restraint.
Suddenly, someone knocked on his door, then barged straight in without waiting for his response.
"Senior Brother, hurry and get up."
Bai Zhi ran to Su Mo's side and called out excitedly.
Su Mo looked puzzled. "What's the matter?"
Bai Zhi seemed delighted, her face covered in smiles. "The senior brothers and sisters said tonight is New Year's Eve in the Mortal Realm. Everyone has prepared lots of interesting things."
Su Mo looked at Bai Zhi strangely. From the expression on her face, he realized... she seemed never to have experienced the joy of the New Year.
Still, Su Mo was somewhat puzzled. "Why does the Ancestral Image World celebrate the Mortal Realm's New Year?"
Bai Zhi shook her head. "I don't know."
"Never mind that for now. Let's hurry and join them."
Su Mo smiled despite himself, rose, and followed Bai Zhi outside.
A peaceful scene filled the Immortal Furnace Ancestral Courtyard.
Red candles had been lit on the stone pillars rising above the water in the lotus pond outside. Strips of red silk brocade also hung from the blue-ink ancient wooden beams.
The Immortal Furnace disciples played and joked around, all setting aside the cultivation they ordinarily never ceased.
Seeing Bai Zhi and Su Mo emerge, the disciples turned to look, their gazes teasing and odd.
Bai Zhi's pretty face flushed, but she was