Chapter 294:

“No, no, it’s all thanks to your excellent teachings.”

“Take care, take care! Come visit again when you have time!”

Red Dragon rubbed his claws together, his expression filled with extreme flattery as he escorted Xu Xi out of the underground palace.

The moment Xu Xi left—

He could no longer suppress his excitement. His claws trembled as he let out strange, cackling laughter before pouncing onto the chest filled with precious fire-elemental gemstones.

“They’re mine! All mine!”

“Hahaha! I shall become the new Dragon God and restore the glory of the dragon race!”

“Offering blood is great! Offering blood is wonderful! I love offering blood, and offering blood loves me!”

Red Dragon, Rek’Sanches, was overjoyed.

Stomping his sturdy limbs, flapping his thick wings, he rolled around in a pile of fire gemstones, adding heaps of gold coins into the mix, turning it into a luxurious golden bath.

Ah, such is life! Marvelous!

“Hehehe! I am the Dragon God! The mighty Rek’Sanches—”

Gradually—

The excitement of obtaining the gemstones mixed with the weakness of excessive blood loss.

His vision blurred, his massive body swayed, and soon, he collapsed onto the mountain of gold and silver.

The flames of his breath continuously scorched the treasure beneath him, creating a mist of pure white vapor.

It was both absurd and oddly peaceful.

“This… is what we call mutual benefit,” Xu Xi chuckled, sensing the dragon’s condition.

Turning around, he looked toward the capital.

New Year’s Eve had arrived.

Dragons of fire coiled into the sky, illuminating the dark night, while cultivators soared on their swords, displaying divine techniques and magical illusions.

A true dragon suppressing the heavens. A celestial elephant shaking the nine realms.

A green lotus cleansing the world. Blossoms raining from the sky.

Countless mystical phenomena took form—lacking any real substance, yet visually stunning, capturing the astonishment and admiration of the people.

It was the perfect way to welcome the new year.

“I should head back. Moli and the others are waiting for me.”

After taking a moment to appreciate the scene, Xu Xi swung his sword staff, tearing a long rift through space.

With a light step, he entered the portal, instantly teleporting to the distant Yanshan City.

—

“Ah! Brother Xi is here!”

“Brother Xu, I’ve come to wish you a happy new year!”

“Hey! Who just stepped on my foot?!”

“Great Sir! Great Sir!”

As soon as Xu Xi arrived in the outskirts of Yanshan City, the people of Qiu Huo Army swarmed toward him like a tide, joyfully greeting him.

Facing these familiar faces, Xu Xi smiled warmly and returned their kindness:

“Happy New Year, everyone. Ah Niu, thank you for your gift.”

“Uncle Li, Uncle Zhang, here’s some lucky money for your children.”

He exchanged countless greetings, and the crowd was lively but chaotic.

There were simply too many people who wanted to wish him well.

Only after quite some time did the New Year’s commotion finally settle.

Whoosh—

Xu Xi used spatial magic once more, teleporting from the outskirts of Yanshan City back to the courtyard near the city center.

—

“Brother, Happy New Year!”

A figure suddenly leaped toward him—it was his younger sister, Moli, who had been busy with her world-cleaving mission and hadn’t been home much.

She laughed playfully and clung to his left arm.

“Brother, let’s go eat! We can’t start the New Year’s feast without you!”

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Moli.”

“No, you came back at the perfect time.”

Fireworks bloomed in the sky.

Shadows intertwined on the ground.

Slender fingers lightly tugged at the sleeve of his robe, clinging to him, holding onto the warmth that brought her peace.

She simply stayed by his side, matching his pace.

The New Year’s feast wasn’t the important part.

Time wasn’t the important part.

She wasn’t waiting for dinner.

She was waiting for him.

Because only with Xu Xi’s presence did this New Year’s meal have any meaning.

“Let’s head inside, Moli.”

Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of the house.

Xu Xi gently pushed open the door, and the warm, glowing light of the interior flooded his vision.

Inside, three girls were already waiting.

Krisha, Wu Yingxue, and Ailei.

The dining table was covered with a feast—an array of dishes made from various ingredients and cooking styles, their delicious aroma filling the room, lightly tickling their senses.

The soft lighting bathed the faces of everyone present, making them appear gentle, warm, and content.

“Happy New Year, everyone,” Xu Xi smiled, offering his blessings to the girls.

“Happy New Year, Master. Please enjoy my cooking.”

“Happy New Year, Sir! Let’s eat quickly!”

“Happy New Year, Master. I prepared a new tonic soup for you.”

The kitchen was bright and spacious, with a large vertical window reflecting the fireworks outside.

Raising his gaze slightly, Xu Xi could see the sky filled with dazzling, scattered bursts of color.

Magnificent and resplendent.

Enchanting and surreal.

In this beautiful moment, Xu Xi took his seat at the table.

Moli followed, along with Krisha, Wu Yingxue, and Ailei.

Listening to the sound of firecrackers outside, looking at the girls around him, Xu Xi once again felt—

That the sacrificial life within the simulator had been worth it.

At the very least—

It had brought him this happiness in reality.

Of course, if possible, he’d like to fix one thing.

“…”

Looking down at the pile of food in his bowl—a towering mountain of dishes from all four girls—

Xu Xi opened his mouth slightly, as if to speak, but hesitated.

Then stopped.

Then tried again.

He hadn’t even taken his first bite—

But just looking at it made him feel full already.

“Brother, eat quickly! Why aren’t you eating? I made this especially for you…”

“Master, is my cooking… not good enough?”

Faced with his sister’s expectant gaze and Krisha’s quiet stare, Xu Xi found himself unable to refuse.

In the end—

He barely survived the New Year’s feast—at the cost of nearly throwing up.

“…Krisha.”

“Yes, Master. I’m here.”

“In the future, for New Year’s Eve… let’s cook a little less food.”

“Yes, Master. I understand.”

—

The New Year’s Eve celebration came to an end.

Just like last year, Xu Xi prepared gifts for the girls.

The gifts weren’t extravagant.

After all, the Eternals had no real need for material possessions.

But the sentiment behind them—and the fact that they came from Xu Xi—was something they deeply cherished.

—

The next day.

When Xu Xi woke up in bed, he realized—

He had gone through the exact same experience as last year.

His body felt stiff.

His limbs were numb.

It seemed like his sister had tried another midnight ambush.

“Moli, you can’t keep doing this.”

Xu Xi sighed helplessly, giving her a gentle scolding.

Krisha and Wu Yingxue’s expressions remained indifferent.

Ailei, on the other hand, looked completely stunned for a long time.

—

Some time later—

The ice on the river began to melt, cracking apart with crisp, clear sounds before flowing downstream in a rush of icy waves.

A new year had arrived.

Spring had once again taken over winter.

The warm breeze stirred the flowers and grass in the courtyard back to life.

Buds sprouted from once-barren branches.

A fresh coat of vibrant green spread across the soil.

And in the midst of this gentle spring wind—

A message from the outskirts of the city reached the courtyard.

The auspicious day had arrived.

Ah Niu was finally getting married.