A series of fireworks burst into the sky one after another, their dazzling light illuminating the entire night.
And reflecting on the city below.
In Huai Mountain County, lights shone brilliantly, bustling crowds wove through streets and alleys, and all shops had their doors wide open, with clerks in short coats enthusiastically calling out at the door.
Their faces were flushed with excitement, indistinguishable from the incoming and outgoing customers.
Though it wasn't the festive season, this small city on the fringe of Central State had already fallen into a celebration of wild jubilation!
Even the sheltered ladies of distinguished families, who rarely ventured out, had come in groups to the streets to join the excitement.
Let alone the other citizens.
You see, for a long time, the people of Huai Mountain City had lived under the terrifying shadow of the Evil Wraith; they hid in their homes at night, sometimes even in underground chambers, daring not to go out.
Various rumors, true and false, had spread among the populace, intensifying their fear.
The number of refugees fleeing from the townships only increased, adding a significant burden to the county and leaving little hope for the future.
Some capable folks had quietly fled the city.
But now, the clouds had parted and fortunes had reversed; the Guarding Mansion announced that the ringleader responsible for the Evil Wraith's chaos had been slain, and all the towns beneath the county were recovered.
The emotions that had built up in people's hearts were suddenly released.
The victory celebration was tinged with a hint of madness!
Atop the Celestial Pivot Pavilion's Star Observation Platform in the Guarding Mansion, Wang Chen sat in a Spirit Vine Recliner, watching the fireworks bursting not far away.
This was not a spell cast by a cultivator, but genuine fireworks.
The air was filled with the thick scent of gunpowder.
It was this familiar smell that inadvertently brought back memories of his past life.
On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, he too had looked up at the sky, admiring the brilliant fireworks.
"Senior Brother Wang..."
Zhao Hongyi's voice brought Wang Chen back to the present; he turned around to see the Huai Mountain Guarding Envoy placing a steaming cup of Spiritual Tea in front of him.
"Try the Huai Mountain Spiritual Tea."
Zhao Hongyi smiled, "This is tribute tea, in the Sect only True Persons can drink it!"
Wang Chen couldn't help but be interested: "I must try it then!"
Seven days ago, he and Zhao Hongyi had set up a trap, luring the Evil Cultivators causing trouble into it and successfully slaying them.
Afterwards, Zhao Hongyi returned safely with his son, who was used as bait, in turn stabilizing the hearts of the people in Huai Mountain City.
Then Wang Chen continued his strikes, sweeping through several other towns.
From then on, there were no more incidents of Evil Wraiths causing chaos in Huai Mountain County!
Tonight, Zhao Hongyi was hosting Wang Chen on the Star Observation Platform of the Celestial Pivot Pavilion.
As he lifted the steaming cup of tea, Wang Chen felt a spirited essence rush towards him, instantly invigorating his spirit.
With a sip, he was amazed to find the seemingly hot tea carried a coolness, traveling straight to the belly as it entered his throat, leaving a lingering sweet and rich aftertaste.
The next moment, it was as if a mass of pure Spiritual Energy burst in his stomach, instantly permeating his organs.
Shooting straight to his Apex Acupoint!
Wang Chen jolted, feeling as if he had been cleansed from head to toe, body and Divine Soul.
He felt so light he could almost float away!
And that wasn't all. The mana circulating within him had become more nimble.
Instinctively, Wang Chen activated his Innate Five Elements Technique, instantly absorbing every bit of Spiritual Energy contained in the tea.
Leaving not a trace of impurity.
This Spiritual Tea was truly exceptional!
His praise came from the heart, devoid of any falsehood—isn't it just like a True Person to enjoy such Spiritual Tea!
Zhao Hongyi was delighted and proud, "Though Huai Mountain is a small place without many special products, our Five Leaves Spiritual Tea, produced at the very peak of Huai Mountain, has a unique flavor. Brewing and drinking it can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, not to mention its effectiveness in nourishing the Divine Soul."
"It's just that the yield is too low. After presenting our tribute to the Sect each year, we can only keep a small amount for ourselves."
As he spoke, he took out a jade container and handed it to Wang Chen, "Senior Brother Wang, this pound of Huai Mountain Five Leaves Spiritual Tea is a small token of my appreciation, please don't refuse it again!"
Last time, to express his gratitude for Wang Chen's help, Zhao Hongyi also attempted to offer a small gift.
But Wang Chen declined.
At that time, the principal culprit hadn't been uncovered, and he couldn't ensure the completion of the mission; how could he possibly accept others' kindness and incur debts of gratitude and karma?
Now that the entire Huai Mountain County was free of Evil Wraiths and enjoying a clear riverside banquet, he could be considered the greatest contributor.
After some thought, Wang Chen gladly accepted the gift.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Zhao Hongyi, as the Guarding Envoy of Huai Mountain, could only keep a few ounces of Spiritual Tea for himself each year.
This one pound was equivalent to his portion for three or four years; it might even be his entire savings.
Such a gift was indeed very generous!
Zhao Hongyi sighed, "Without Senior Brother, Huai Mountain really would have been in great trouble."
He was different from Wang Chen; as an Exorcist dispatched by the Sect, if he failed the mission, he could just dust off his trousers and leave, facing no severe punishment upon his return.
Zhao Hongyi, as the Guarding Envoy, had the responsibility to protect the land and its people; he couldn't just run away.
And he wouldn't even if he could.
His family, clan, and entire foundation were all here!
Let alone a mere pound of Spiritual Tea, even if he had to offer half his fortune, Zhao Hongyi was willing to do so.
Now that Wang Chen had accepted the gift, he was truly happy.
Although Zhao Hongyi and Wang Chen hadn't known each other for long, the latter's combat prowess displayed during the extermination of the Evil Wraiths deeply impressed the local Guarding Envoy.
Most importantly, Wang Chen was very young with a limitless future ahead of him.
Thus, he intended to form a powerful alliance.
"Senior Brother Wang, you take this Spiritual Tea and drink it for now. From now on, I will send you a few ounces every year."
Zhao Hongyi was truly willing to invest.
The Huai Mountain Spiritual Tea was graded, with the best Five Leaves Spiritual Tea coming from three mother trees, exclusively supplied to the Sect, indeed very precious.
But the amount Zhao Hongyi could keep was actually not limited to a few ounces, on good years, he could have five or six ounces.
By forming an alliance with Wang Chen, he would have a strong supporter within the West Sea Sect, which was worth much more than a few ounces of Spiritual Tea!
Zhao Hongyi had clearly calculated this in his mind.
Wang Chen could see the Guarding Envoy's intentions plainly.
But he held no aversion to it.
Although Wang Chen was an Inner Sect Disciple of the West Sea Sect and didn't have many friends there, making connections with several powerful and capable cultivators of the same generation wasn't a bad thing.
With no ill feelings between them, they enjoyed the Spiritual Tea while chatting about everything under the sun.
Zhao Hongyi was a well-informed man, speaking of the wonders and oddities of the West Sea Spirit Domain with authority, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
In the county town, fireworks rose up from time to time.
A night sky ablaze with fireworks and a city as bright as day!
The first update is served.