Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Lai Liqing moved his body slightly and smiled, "Not bad, I feel much better than before."
"Don't worry, I'm no longer the person I used to be. Now, Qiong and I are truly the same," Dark Qiong said as he walked up to Qiong, exchanging a fist bump. "We are brothers now."
Qiong nodded and replied, "Brothers."
Liu Chuan and the others were puzzled and were about to ask for clarification when Ouyang Qi stepped forward to explain, "It's the purifying power, also known as cleansing. Sima Chuan has removed the negative forces from our bodies, but what surprises me is that he can also purify our thoughts. I'm curious just how pure your thoughts really are, Sima Chuan."
At this moment, everyone turned to Sima Chuan, who simply smiled without saying anything.
"Although I've changed, don't expect me to help you with anything. I just want to enjoy my time on Earth now. However, this power is indeed very pure and strong," Lai Liqing began to joke as well. "I will continuously enhance my own strength; I will definitely make you lose."
"Alright, I know what you're thinking," Sima Chuan said lightly while waving his hand. But Lai Liqing was surprised. "You and I are in sync?"
"Yes, aren't they the same?" Sima Chuan said while pointing at Qiong and Dark Qiong. They understood what Sima Chuan meant and nodded at each other.
"Have your powers synchronized?" Ouyang Qi asked, still unable to suppress his curiosity despite his astonishment.
Sima Chuan shook his head. "Alright, we've finished everything. Shouldn't we head back now?"
"Sure, let's go back! I want to experience life. Before, all I thought about was strengthening myself and then defeating Sima Chuan; it was so boring. Come on, Ouyang Qi, take me with you." Lai Liqing started walking back.
Wei Mingjie watched Lai Liqing's retreating figure in disbelief. "No way! Has he taken himself for the leader? How come he's so different from you, Sima Chuan?"
"How could they be the same? His personality is completely opposite to Sima Chuan's; you fool," Luo Mengqi said as she pulled Sima Chuan along.
Lai Liqing and the others returned to Liu Manor together and settled into their chosen rooms. The manor became even livelier. That evening, everyone gathered in the courtyard for a feast, enjoying themselves immensely.
In the following days, Sima Chuan, Luo Mengqi, Qiong, Yiling, Wei Mingjie, Lai Liqing, Dark Qiong, and Ouyang Qi trained continuously in the Virtual Training System while Liu Chuan and the others practiced martial arts under the supervision of Liu Bin and Liu Ying.
Time flew by quickly, and soon it was the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month. Sima Chuan and his group got up early to prepare for the evening festivities while also taking some time to explore their surroundings. They stopped by a riverbank to rest.
These rivers were artificially dug inner-city rivers that were crystal clear, filled with fish and shrimp, along with drifting leaf boats. This was one of Fucheng's great sights and had some charm reminiscent of the water towns in Jiangnan.
Lai Liqing knew that today was the Lantern Festival, and her interest was piqued. "Ouyang Qi, tell me about the Lantern Festival!"
Ouyang Qi casually picked up a stone and tossed it into the water, watching it float for a moment. "The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, is one of the traditional festivals of the Han Chinese and some related ethnic groups. It dates back to the Qin Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, it was officially designated as the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. When Buddhism was introduced during the Eastern Han Dynasty, in order to expand its influence locally, it was associated with traditional culture and established as an auspicious day for Buddhist activities."
"Sounds pretty good! Are there any activities?" Lai Liqing asked eagerly.
"There are plenty of activities. Do you want me to tell you about them?" Liu Feng interjected.
"Go ahead!" Lai Liqing replied without hesitation. Liu Feng nearly choked but quickly cleared his throat. "According to Chinese folk tradition, on this night when the bright moon hangs high in the sky, people light thousands of colorful lanterns to celebrate. They go out to admire the moon, light lanterns and fireworks, enjoy guessing lantern riddles, eat tangyuan together, and reunite with family to celebrate the festival joyfully. My favorite part is definitely the lantern viewing; it's the most lively event. There are various styles of lanterns displayed. By nightfall, it's packed with people—so bustling! There are also fireworks for added excitement; we can set off fireworks too. That feeling is just unmatched."
"Is there more?" As soon as Liu Feng paused, Lai Liqing asked.
"What else is there?" Liu Feng countered.
"Programs?" Lai Liqing added.
"You can go see for yourself!"
"I'm tired now and want to rest for a bit, which is why I asked you to talk!" Lai Liqing said while stretching lazily.
"Actually, there are some programs," Ouyang Qi said as he picked up another stone and threw it.
Everyone was surprised by how knowledgeable Ouyang Qi seemed, like a walking encyclopedia. Ouyang Qi smiled and continued, "Dragon dances, stilt walking, lion dances, door worship rituals, chasing away rats, sending child lanterns, welcoming Zigu, walking off ailments... and so on."
"Wow! Ouyang Qi, you know so much," Hong Chen exclaimed from the side.
"He knows a lot; there's no doubt he's exceptionally talented," Sima Chuan said as he patted Ouyang Qi on the shoulder and stood up. "Let's head back now and get some good rest before tonight."
Although some still wanted to play, they were met with resistance from most of the group. So they all returned to Liu Manor with their arms full of items.
For Lai Liqing and her friends, waiting until nightfall was both exciting and exhausting! They were starting to feel a bit sleepy after such an eventful afternoon. They eagerly awaited the evening while occasionally glancing at their watches to check the time and looking up at the sky to see if it had darkened yet.
Liu Ying arrived to see Liu Chuan and a few others lounging on the rooftop, seemingly about to fall asleep. He shouted up at them, "Dinner's ready! After eating, we can go watch the show!" Immediately, they scrambled down from the roof, rushing toward the main hall. Only Sima Chuan strolled leisurely behind, having spent the entire afternoon lying on the roof, staring blankly at the sky, lost in thought.
As soon as they finished dinner, everyone dashed outside. The streets were adorned with colorful lights and bustling with activity, the atmosphere rivaling that of the New Year celebrations. At this time of night, children filled the streets. Despite this, the lively scene was still quite vibrant; if it got any later, it would surely be packed with people.
Sima Chuan and the others wandered along, playing as they went. They walked a bit, stopped a bit, laughter ringing out continuously.
Among them, the most energetic were not the girls but Lai Liqing and Wei Mingjie, completely childlike in their excitement. They played non-stop, ate constantly, and chattered away without pause. Eventually, everyone decided to leave them to their antics.
The moon was particularly round tonight, and there were more stars than usual; gone was the solitude and chill of previous nights. Instead, a harmonious atmosphere enveloped everything.
Later in the evening, Liu Chuan retrieved some fireworks and firecrackers from the storeroom that were essential for tonight’s festivities. The girls usually preferred quieter yet beautiful fireworks, but tonight was different; they insisted on trying every type of firework available.
Tonight, homes were aglow with lights and fireworks filled the sky, creating a festive ambiance.
Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, a loud "bang" suddenly erupted behind Liu Feng. Startled, he yelled out, "Oh no! Mom!" and sprinted forward in fright. Once he felt safe again, he returned to his spot and struck a heroic pose, shouting at everyone, "Who did that? Step forward! I might consider sparing you!"
In response to his bravado came a chorus of laughter from everyone, especially the girls who were doubled over with laughter. Soon enough, Lai Liqing stepped forward playfully and teased Liu Feng, "How's it feel? Crazy? My firecracker is quite thrilling, isn't it?"
"So it was you little rascal! Just wait!" Liu Feng pointed at Lai Liqing and grabbed a nearby firecracker. Lighting it quickly, he hurled it in her direction. However, Lai Liqing was quick on her feet and dodged effortlessly. The yard erupted into chaos as firecrackers began exploding everywhere.
Comment 0 Comment Count