Several days later, the Sea God Festival ended smoothly. The clear radiance over the sea vanished without a trace, and the usual seascape returned. The next one would not come for another hundred years, and many mortals would never experience this festival in their entire lives.
The mortals' revelry would continue for several more days, but the cultivators had already returned to their normal routines. They used this opportunity to sort out their connections, settle disputes, and handle internal affairs before resuming their respective cultivation. To them, it had been no more than a gathering.
The Mirage Tower Business District had benefited this time. Opening Yingtai's waters would require extensive preparations, as well as alliances and maneuvering among the trading houses. Outsiders who thought this concerned only the Six Trading Houses were rather naive. No one could swallow the whole prize alone; bringing in allies and friends so everyone could prosper together was what truly mattered.
Inside Gushe Cottage, three people were drinking and chatting: Hou Niao and his woman, along with Xiangfei Bamboo. They were all among their own, so there was little ceremony-a few plates of small dishes and fruit, a few pots of fine wine, simple and natural.
"Junior Sister Zhu wants to study at a Daoist Sect? But doesn't want to join? Doesn't want any strings attached either? Just take the benefits, dust off your backside, and leave? Where in this world would you find such a good deal?"
Reclining against a soft couch, Hou Niao could not help laughing.
Xiangfei Bamboo puffed out her cheeks without saying a word. Her meaning was clear: he had to solve this for her, or she would not let it rest. She would stay right here today and keep the couple from enjoying their time together.
Bai Qingqian chimed