Chapter 8: Chapter-8: The New Year Approaches! Unbelievable Gift by Grandmaster Yun Qi!
As the New Year approached, the Capital City of Phoenix Cry Empire thrummed with vibrant energy. The usually grand city transformed into a veritable wonderland of festivity. Every street, every alley, and every building seemed to pulse with the colors of celebration. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes hung from rooftops and treetops, their warm glows casting an enchanting light over the city. Banners and streamers of red and gold fluttered in the gentle breeze, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The scent of incense and freshly prepared festival delicacies wafted through the air, adding an aromatic delight to the visual feast.
Long Chen, along with his mother and his friends Shi Feng, Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, and Yan Qi, embraced the festive spirit wholeheartedly. They had dedicated themselves to rigorous training, but the approaching New Year gave them a much-needed break. The group, along with their families, decided to channel their energies into decorating their households, immersing themselves in the joyous atmosphere of the season.
Each day of the week leading up to the New Year was filled with shared moments of delight and camaraderie. The group spent their mornings training as usual, but less intense for them just to get more acquainted with their gains while Long Chen advised them various different methods of using their battle skills with different styles yet those which are suitable for them, then in their afternoons visiting each other's homes, and their evenings under the stars, enjoying the cool night air and the warmth of friendship. They laughed and reminisced, talking about various things, various scenarios, various different experiences of short yet the live they have lived till today.
The city itself seemed to pulse with life. The markets were a cacophony of sounds, with vendors calling out their wares, children's laughter ringing through the air, and the constant hum of conversation. Stalls selling festive foods, from sweet rice cakes to savory dumplings, were crowded with eager customers. The aroma of these delicacies mingled with the scent of blooming flowers, creating an olfactory tapestry that was both comforting and exhilarating.
Long Chen and his friends often found themselves wandering through these lively markets. They sampled the various treats, their taste buds dancing with delight. They bought trinkets and charms, each one a symbol of hope and good fortune for the year ahead. The joy of these simple pleasures was magnified by the shared experience, each moment becoming a cherished memory.
In the evenings, the city took on an even more magical quality. Fireworks lit up the sky, their brilliant colors reflected in the wide-eyed wonder of the children below. Long Chen and his friends would gather in open spaces, watching the night sky come alive with bursts of light and sound. The fireworks were not just a spectacle; they were a symbol of the hopes and dreams that they carried into the new year.
On the day before the eve of the New Year, the entire city seemed to be in hold of its breath in anticipation of the upcoming new year festivities. Long Chen's household, like many others, was a hive of activity. Final preparations were being made, with everyone preparing their finest clothes, eager to welcome the new year in style. Long Chen's as well as his friend's mothers prepared a feast, the aroma of her cooking filling the house and drawing appreciative comments from, Long Chen all the working members of the household and family of all of his friends.
The group gathered at Long Chen's home for the final celebration. The atmosphere was one of joyous anticipation, the air thick with excitement. As the countdown to the new year continued, they stood together, their eyes reflecting the flickering lights of the lanterns and the hope in their hearts.
As the night wore on, they continued to revel in the festivities, their laughter and voices blending with the jubilant sounds of the city. They danced and sang, their spirits soaring with the fireworks. The night was a blur of happiness, a fitting end to a week of preparation and a perfect start to the new year.
The week leading up to the New Year had been a whirlwind of activity and emotion, but it had also been a time of profound connection and joy. Long Chen, his mother, and his friends had not just decorated their homes; they had woven a tapestry of memories that would last a lifetime. The Capital City of Phoenix Cry Empire, with its dazzling decorations and infectious energy, had provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable celebration.
Next day, early morning on eve of New Year's Day a sudden arrival of highly dense and strong spiritual energy woke Long Chen up is sleep and feeling the sense of familiarity, he started to bath and prepare wearing good clothes. When he headed outside he saw his mother along Bao-er standing in front of a fairly old man as both the parties greet each other with a slight deep bow while standing in the secluded garden made for Long Chen, his father and his mother only while Bao-er is allowed to visit the place as well.
The old man's eyes shone with wisdom and power, and his every step exuded an aura of profound mastery.
"Grandmaster Yun Qi!" Long Chen exclaimed, bowing deeply in respect.
Grandmaster Yun Qi smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with pride as he took in the sight of his talented student. "Long Chen, it's been too long. I see you have grown stronger in my absence."
Long Chen straightened up, unable to contain his excitement. "Master, it's an honor to see you again. I have so much to tell you and so much to learn from you."
While they talk Long Chen's mother and Bao-er excuse themselves returning to final last-touch preparation of the new year. Before Long Chen could ask anything with excitement brimming in his eyes, Grandmaster Yun Qi showed a Golden Plaque, made up of rare alloys along which some markings were engraved which stated: "Pill Emperor Yun Qi" with some runes installed within the plaque which seems to be for safety or security.
To Long Chen's further surprise, not only had his master advanced from ranks of a 'Pill King' to the ranks of 'Pill Emperor', his master, Grandmaster Yun Qi had successfully broken through to the 'Xiantian Realm' making him strongest in the empire even compared to the Demonic Sect Disciple who planned to devour all the spirit stones within the ground below the Capital of Phoenix Cry Empire.
Along that another surprise came for Long Chen as he says, "See this Long Chen, this is the rarest pf all scriptures available in the Pill Tower. It is also called the 'Nirvana Scripture'."
The moment Long Chen hears this his heart shakes as the 'Nirvana Scripture' is one of the rarest technique existing in the world which is divided in 'Nine-Stages' just like the Nine Star Hegemon Body Art however, the main fact is that the technique is something that the Pill God had made and through thousands of trials, he had refined the technique to perfection such that like how for each Nine Star Heir, the Nine Star Technique would vary from the 7th-Star, the Nirvana Scripture practitioner will also awaken a certain technique unique to themselves for the path they choose after starting to cultivate the 7th-Stage.
Long Chen's shock was evident to Grandmaster Yun Qi and assuming Long Chen's shock is for how he could obtain such technique, he says, "Listen here Long Chen. I exchanged one of your insane but working technique, for refining Tier-1 and 2 Pills with 80% Purity, for this technique but with the condition that the three families governing the Pill Tower will be allowed to have this as their creation along with some Tier-1 and Tier-2 Pill Formulas. This is something that I brought for both, you and me. On my return, I studied the technique carefully for Seven whole days ad finally understood the basics allowing me to get a hold of the technique and with about 25% comprehended, my cultivation brokethrough the bottleneck and I reached the Xiantian Realm. How about it? If you are angry about me having sold one of your techniques which they will be claiming as theirs, then you can express you internal feelings?" with a sigh of acceptance that he had done something without asking as though Long Chen is his disciple, as a man of upright qualities, his heart didn't feel well.
Hearing the statement Long Chen shakes his head in saying that it was okay. After it was good and to be exact worth to sell one of the few techniques, which are famous in Ancient time of pill God while still not being of highest caliber of refining, along with a few pill formulas to be spent for obtaining the 'Nirvana Scripture' and having his master breakthrough to Xiantian Realm.
They both talk for a bit more where Grandmaster Yun Qi shares about how he felt uncomfortable under the greed and evil of the Leaders of 'Pill Tower' as well as their haughty behaviors of only benefitting and not doing good, worthful things inscribing an ugly image of the Pill Tower in his mind. They talk a few more where Long Chen finds the evident essence that his master has seen the true colors of those so-called 'Higher-ups' of Pill Tower and his Dao heart is wavering. So not to let his Dao heart waver, Long Chen starts to describe about his training and joyful moments that he spent with his family and friend's this month. They talked good things for a while till the news of Long Chen's friend's arrival comes by and Grandmaster Yun Qi asks Long Chen to enjoy his time with his friends and family to which Long Chen replies, "Master, aren't you also my family too? Please come to visit at dinner." with a smile bowing to him before leaving.
Hearing Long Chen's words, Grandmaster Yun Qi felt a wave of warm and familial wind hit him as he remembered his own past, his happy moments with his revered master and beloved one. Sweeping the tears from his eyes, he heads off to the Alchemist Guild.
Long Chen and his friends hugged each other, their faces glowing with happiness. They exchanged wishes and promises, their bonds reaffirmed by the shared joy of the moment. The festival, with its lights, sounds, and tastes, was a celebration of life itself, a reminder of the beauty of togetherness and the strength of their friendship. Following which one of the people assigned with the task to govern the farms and barns, that was planned by Long Chen, his mother and Shi Feng's family for the poor and needy people of the kingdom, arrives bringing the sweet news of Aman/Wilde who was for the time being brought from the outskirt village and let to sit outside the Long Manor, where he was staying obediently and innocently like a child while he looked terrifically tall, about 2 meters with a muscular body yet child-like delicate face and bodily development.
After introductions among Long Chen, Aman and other friends and Long Chen's mother, Long Chen asked his mother to arrange for a farmland for Aman where he could rest and have lots to eat to which his mother agrees approvingly after knowing the sad backstory of Aman. Aman thanked Long Chen whole heartedly, even promising to protect Long Chen from death by sacrificing himself hearing which all others laugh smiling at his innocence where as Aman remained confused. Long Chen looked at the happy environment and Aman, the one who was one of Long Chen's dearest brother and the last descendant of Barbarian Emperor, one of the Ten strongest entities since the era of beginning of Heaven and Earth. Afterwards, Aman, who was hungry, started to eat tons of food while Long Chen and his friends visited the hustling, bustling Capital of Phoenix Cry Empire.
Later that night, the streets of Phoenix Cry Empire's capital city shimmered under a canopy of stars and festive lanterns. The atmosphere was alive with excitement and joy as the New Year's Eve celebrations were about to commence. Long Chen's home was no exception; it was adorned with intricate decorations, the scent of delicious food wafting through the air. Long Chen and his mother, along with Bao-er, had worked tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect for their guests.
As the final preparations were completed, Long Chen's friends and their families gathered, chatting and laughing, their spirits high. Shi Feng, Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, and Yan Qi were all present, along with their families.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the gathering as an imposing figure appeared at the entrance. Grandmaster Yun Qi, with his long white beard and flowing robes, stood with an air of serene authority. The guests gasped in unison, their eyes wide with shock and reverence. Whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
"Is that Grandmaster Yun Qi?"
"The famous Pill King Yun Qi, the master of the Alchemist Guild?"
"What is he doing here?"
Long Chen and his mother stepped forward to greet him, bowing deeply in respect. "Master Yun Qi, it is an honor to welcome you to our home," Long Chen's mother said, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude.
Yun Qi smiled, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "The honor is mine, Mrs. Long. You have done well."
The gathered crowd watched in awe as Yun Qi entered the home, his presence lending an air of grandeur to the already festive evening. The friends of Long Chen, including Shi Feng, Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, and Yan Qi, stood rooted to the spot, their expressions a mix of admiration and disbelief.
Breaking the silence, Shi Feng stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Grandmaster Yun Qi, it is a privilege to meet you. We have heard much of your legendary prowess as the refined and greatest Pill cultivator within the entirety of Phoenix Cry Empire." while the other friends greet standing behind Shi Feng.
Yun Qi nodded graciously. "The pleasure is mine, young ones. I can see the great potential within all of you. No wonder Long Chen speaks highly of his friends."
Long Chen took the opportunity to make the introductions, starting with Shi Feng then Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, and Yan Qi, each of whom bowed deeply, their families following suit.
As the introductions concluded, Yun Qi addressed the entirety of people within the manor, his voice carrying the weight of his wisdom and authority, "There are a few things I wish to say. the first is that, I am no longer a Pill King. I have advanced to the rank of Pill Emperor. Also, I have also left the Alchemist Guild while leaving the Alchemist Guild on Capable hands who has been my close aide in my time in Phoenix Cry Empire. Don't worry I will also be helping the Alchemist Guild on some tasks. It is a decision which I have taken to become the Grand Elder of Long Chen's family to guide and support by dear disciple Long Chen and his loved ones."
Hearing which and uproar started where all of long Chen's friends and their families were in shock which further continued to be a greater shock when Long Chen showed his Plaque of a Pill Adept. While his friend's knew about Long Chen's capability as a Pill Cultivator, and him being a Pill Adept which had already shocked them, they were more shocked to know that Long Chen was actually the disciple of the famous Pill King, now Pill Emperor, Grandmaster Yun Qi.
What more shocked the adults except Mrs. Long and Grandmaster Yun was when the kids, including Long Chen, revealed their cultivation removing the Tier-2: Concealing Pills effect. The family members of each of Long Chen's family were shocked to the point that the families of Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, and Yan Qi were deeply shocked that their kids, initially unable to cultivate had reached the Blood Condensation Realm. After a bit as the kids removed the masks and weights on their bodies every adult present there including Long Chen's mother and master were shocked. Even the two weakest of the groups in terms of physical prowess, Chen Hong and Song Ming, were lifting a weight of 500 Pounds on their body while behaving normally after which were stronger ones, Shi Feng, Su Heng, Yu Yong and Yan Qi with about 1500 to 2000 Pounds of Weight while Long Chen Alone had 5000 Pounds of Weight on him. Some of the family members even fainted in shock while the family heads, their parents stared in shock, the world spinning around them.
Though it took some time, all of them regained their composure while the kids put back their 'Concealing' and returned to their happy talks.
As the conversation went by, Grandmaster Yun Qi requests humbly to all the guests to keep this matter about him leaving Alchemist Guild, him being Long Chen's master and the realm of the kids. After which the elderly people started to talk among them and the kids i.e. Long Chen and his friends started to talk among themselves until everyone's attention was attracted at one corner table where Wilde (Aman) was devouring food like a glutton while his eyes and happy face showed no bounds to his joy like that of a child till he ate half of what was prepared and then giving a thunderous '*Burp' he fell asleep on the table seeing which all of them couldn't help but laugh looking at him adorably, at a humongous child as his appearance was like a young child yet his size was almost one and half times a adult.
As the night wore on, the conversations flowed easily, the bonds between the families strengthening. The presence of Grandmaster Yun Qi added a layer of significance to the festivities, making the New Year's Eve celebration an unforgettable event.
With the first stars of the New Year twinkling above, Long Chen stood with his friends, feeling a profound sense of gratitude and determination.
As the final moments of the year slipped away, the entire Capital City of the Phoenix Cry Empire thrummed with electrifying anticipation upon the ringing of a bell, ringing so loud that it's thrumming could be heard from hundreds of miles away. With each strike very street, every alley, and every home was ablaze with vibrant decorations, the city's nightscape transformed into a dazzling display of lights and colors. The air was thick with the scents of festive foods and the sounds of joyous laughter and music. Families and friends gathered together, their hearts synchronized in excitement as the countdown began.
To Be Continued...