Wangu Sect, kitchen.
“Thunk, thunk, thunk!” Ma Yongning wielded his cleaver, the vegetables on the cutting board sliced into neat rows. From his technique, he’d clearly grown stronger.
Yi Hei and Er Hei carried cut vegetables back and forth, busy but with brilliant smiles constantly on their faces.
“Sizzle, sizzle!”
Heated wok, add oil.
“Whoosh!”
Vice Chef Qian Songbao held the wok in his left hand, controlled the fire with his right, concentrating on cooking, equally working joyfully.
“Whoosh, whoosh!”
At another stove, Liu Wanshi placed both hands on the large wok, eyes closed, flame released, performing the most professional blind stir-frying.
The dining hall was bustling with activity.
What was this for? No need to ask—obviously preparing a grand celebration banquet.
Three things to celebrate.
First, the Tianmo Emperor’s great army completely annihilated.
Second, the Sect Master’s parents reunited.
Third, Xiao Zuiji resurrected on the spot.
Any one of these was cause for great celebration, so Jun Changxiao decided to hold the most grand celebration banquet and invited great figures from all clans across Wangu Realm to attend.
“Swish!”
“Swish!”
On the main peak’s vast training grounds, Eight Immortals tables were arranged in rows. Dining hall members successively brought up absolutely delicious dishes and Drunken Life Dreaming Death wine.
“Whoosh!”
Jian Guixu and the others took a deep breath, sighing: “Fragrant, truly fragrant!”
After an hour of preparation, all food and wine were ready.
“Be seated!”
Young Master Yuan called.
All of Wangu Sect and great figures from various clans and cities sat down, smoothly placing their hands on filled wine cups.
“Swish!”
Jun Changxiao raised his wine cup high overhead, his expression serious: “This cup, to the fallen!”
The Tianmo Emperor’s army attacked Wangu Realm. Many warriors from various clans perished while reinforcing the formation—he naturally wouldn’t forget, naturally would remember in his heart.
Tiegu Mountain.
An auspicious location.
It had already been transformed by Li Qingyang into a Heroes’ Tomb.
All previously fallen warriors would be buried in this place, enjoying the veneration of all.
“Son.”
After the Heroes’ Tomb was completed, Zhang San came to observe, sincerely sighing: “This place you chose is an absolutely excellent auspicious location, and protected by Wangu Sect’s powerful destiny. Those deceased buried here will carry fortune after reincarnation and achieve extraordinary accomplishments!”
“I cannot resurrect those who died for Wangu Realm like I resurrected Zuiji,” Jun Changxiao deeply bowed toward the rows of tombstones ahead. “I can only do my utmost to secure them a good next life.”
War.
Ultimately brings sacrifice.
Xiao Zuiji could resurrect through the Hall of Lingering Smoke, but those fallen warriors didn’t have this privilege—they could only be buried in auspicious locations, arranged a bright future in their next life.
This was also a perfect ending.
“Swish!”
All of Wangu Sect and warriors from various clans stood up, raising their wine cups and draining them in one gulp.
This cup, to the deceased.
To their dedication, to their sacrifice.
Jun Changxiao poured wine again, raised it, looking toward outside Wangu Realm: “The second cup, to everyone present, to all living beings under Heaven!”
The sacrificed warriors needed remembrance, but the living warriors needed even more remembrance, because they also contributed and faced death fearlessly.
“Glug!”
Jun Changxiao drank the wine.
At that moment, he was very serious, very sectmaster-like.
Warriors from various clans and cities drained their cups, then quickly refilled them, raising them together toward Jun Changxiao, saying in unison: “This cup, to Sect Master Jun! To Wangu Sect!”
Wangu Realm could emerge safely from crisis—the greatest contributors were definitely Jun Changxiao and his sect. So the living beings here couldn’t express their gratitude in words—everything was in the wine!
“Come!”
“Cheers!”
…
After the toasting concluded, the celebration banquet officially began. The originally somewhat sad atmosphere was quickly replaced by cheerfulness.
“Thump!”
Ye Xingchen sat down, placing two jars of Drunken Life Dreaming Death on the table, coldly saying: “Won’t return until drunk.”
“…”
Xiao Zuiji’s expression became interesting.
A moment later, he picked up two jars at his feet, saying heartily: “Good!”
“Can I join?” Su Xiaomo came over to join the fun, but wasn’t particular—only brought one jar.
“Can you handle it?”
Ye Xingchen questioned.
“Uh…” Su Xiaomo pretended arrogance: “Drinking you two under the table is no problem!”
“Come!”
The three simultaneously slapped off the wine jar seals, then raised them and drank deeply.
“Aiya.” Liu Wanshi sitting nearby pouted: “Don’t just drink, eat some food!”
…
“Thud!”
After drinking one jar of Drunken Life Dreaming Death, Su Xiaomo collapsed under the table.
He hugged the empty wine jar, reeking of alcohol: “I… I can still drink… I’m not… not drunk…”
Ye Xingchen and Xiao Zuiji still hadn’t determined a winner. The two propped their legs on chairs, again picking up jars to drink.
On the surface.
They were drinking wine.
At a deeper level.
They were drinking fellowship.
As for why Ye Xingchen punched Xiao Zuiji after seeing him resurrected—no need for lengthy description. Those who understand, understand. Those who don’t won’t understand even if explained.
The banquet continued until midnight.
Many people drank themselves completely drunk, utterly wasted.
Ye Xingchen and Xiao Zuiji also drank too much. Under alcohol’s influence, they circled the bonfire jumping and bouncing like two dancing gorillas.
…
Fourth watch.
Banquet ended.
Many warriors and disciples were carried back.
Overall, the food was excellent, everyone had a great time.
However.
As the celebration’s main figure, after the banquet ended, Gongsun Ruoli sat alone atop Stone Statue City’s wall gazing at the sky in a daze.
She worked hard to conceal her son’s matricide, bearing all the pain alone.
“Father.”
At this moment, Jun Changxiao walked over from behind: “You seem a bit unhappy.”
“No.”
Gongsun Ruoli quickly wiped tears from her eyes, forcing a smile: “Very happy.”
“I feel quite guilty.”
Jun Changxiao said: “I mistreated Mother for so long.”
“That was his deserved fate for abandoning his wife and child,” Gongsun Ruoli comforted. “My son need not blame himself.”
“Father…”
“Wangu Realm is yours. My Stone Statue Clan should follow local customs. From now on, call me Mother,” Gongsun Ruoli interrupted.
Jun Changxiao had no objection. No matter what he called her, she was still his close kin—this wouldn’t change. So he affectionately called: “Alright, Mother.”
“Call me Ma.”
“Ma!”
Gongsun Ruoli placed one hand on Jun Changxiao’s face, her expression full of maternal love: “Good child. Ma has only one wish—that no matter what happens, you live well.”
Feeling the warmth from her palm weakened the pain in her heart considerably.
My son.
Is my only one.
Having close kin who loves you is truly wonderful.
However, remembering the Stone Statue bloodline was merged and that he was deceiving her, Jun Changxiao’s guilt grew deeper.
“No choice.”
The System said helplessly: “Host didn’t mean it maliciously.”
“Ma.”
Jun Changxiao smiled brilliantly: “Your son will live well, and will be filial before you both, giving you carefree, comfortable lives in your later years.”
Gongsun Ruoli rolled her eyes at him unhappily: “I’m not old enough to need retirement yet.”
“Slip of the tongue!”
Jun Changxiao said hastily.
“Alright, alright.” Gongsun Ruoli waved her hand, speaking with meaning: “Don’t keep your daughter-in-law waiting. Hurry back and rest.”
“…”
Jun Changxiao’s face immediately reddened.
Damn! This guy’s face can actually turn red! A miracle!
—