Bengtie: My death fueled their madness.

Thanks to [Dragon Erosion Lamp] for the two great author certifications. I'm too busy in real life, so I'll add an extra chapter first, and then make up for it in the next few days when I have some free time.

……

The master and apprentice ultimately did not fight together.

A year later, Qi Zhimu returned.

Perhaps it was the high-intensity campaigns over the years that had greatly weakened the bountiful creatures, and for a period of time afterward, the frequency of battles decreased significantly, and there were few days of leisure.

Two weeks later, it coincided with the annual grand festival of the Immortal Boat Alliance, the Fire Ban Festival.

This is to commemorate those who perished in the chaos of Suiyang during the Fire Calamity Era, and also to commemorate the great hero who burned to ashes alongside the Emperor Sui while protecting the Immortal Ship.

To respect these heroic spirits, the people of the Immortal Ship choose to avoid anything related to fire on this day.

On that day, all the Immortal Ships jointly held a grand song and dance gala, which was broadcast live to the entire universe.

Within each grotto, every household hung colorful lanterns and prepared the Qiongshi bird eggs that had been cooked in advance.

The eggshells are skillfully carved with intricate and ornate auspicious patterns such as cloud patterns and mythical beasts, symbolizing new life and fulfillment.

As night fell, the Yaoqing Immortal Boat was brightly lit, just like daytime.

The bustling commercial district was teeming with people, and laughter filled every corner.

Qi Zhimu wore a retro-style belted long shirt, which made him look tall and slender.

Jingliu, Mianxue, and Qinghan also changed into similar outfits after a long time.

Jingliu now wears a hairpin in her hair, the one Qi Zhimu gave her as a gift years ago, and a slight upturn at the corner of her mouth.

Overall, she has a charming and delicate look, like a girl next door, attracting many sideways glances from passersby as she walks down the street.

"It's so lively!"

Qinghan's gaze lingered on the dazzling array of lanterns and snacks lining both sides of the street, his eyes filled with curiosity.

A faint smile appeared on Mianxue's lips as she and her younger sister followed closely behind Qi Zhimu.

Jingliu stood shoulder to shoulder with them, her gaze always fixed on Qi Zhimu's back.

The atmosphere is wonderful tonight.

There was no war, no military orders, only Master and them.

Perhaps, Master's usual coldness will soften a bit?

Perhaps, she could stroll arm in arm with her master, just like any other woman.

Just then, melodious music drifted from the central square ahead.

That was the climax of the Fire Ban Festival evening party, the Dance of Shared Wishes.

According to custom, people in the square will look for dance partners at this time and dance together under the dazzling lights.

It is both to praise past heroes and to pray for peace in the coming year.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the auspicious time has arrived. Let us dance together in prayer!"

The host's voice was broadcast throughout the venue.

The surrounding crowd stirred, young men and women blushed and invited each other to dance, while elderly couples smiled at each other and walked hand in hand onto the dance floor.

Jing Liu's heart pounded, but she pretended to be calm and mustered all her courage to turn around and look at Qi Zhimu.

The words, "Master, may I dance with you?" were already on the tip of his tongue.

However, at that very second—

Qi Zhimu turned to the side and extended his hand to Qinghan in a very natural manner.

"Qinghan, would you like to dance with me?"

His voice was relatively gentle, and it carried a affability that Jingliu had never experienced before.

Qinghan was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously placed her hand on Qi Zhimu's palm.

"It is my greatest honor to know your greatness."

They clasped hands together and stepped onto the dance floor together.

Jingliu's half-stretched arm remained frozen in mid-air.

The unspoken words turned into sharp thorns, piercing the throat, impossible to swallow or spit out.

"Mirror Flow?"

The voice of Mianxue came from beside me.

Mianxue looked at Jingliu, who was standing there dumbfounded, and seemed to realize something. She reached out her hand with some embarrassment and reluctance.

"Since Lord Zhimu and my younger sister have gone, how about we go together? It's just a formality anyway..."

Jingliu remained silent, as if he hadn't heard Mianxue's words, his gaze fixed on the two figures in the center of the dance floor.

That was her master...

At this moment, the most dazzling lights shone down, casting light and shadow on Qi Zhimu and Qinghan.

Qi Zhimu put one arm around Qinghan's slender waist and held her soft hand in the other.

They were so close, close enough that they could hear each other breathing.

They spun and moved forward and backward to the rhythm of the music.

Qinghan looked up at Qi Zhimu, her eyes filled with tenderness.

And Qi Zhimu… unusually, a faint, gentle smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

That was the expression Jingliu had dreamed of countless times, yearned for countless times in his dreams, but never received.

She trained desperately, fought desperately, improved desperately, and tried desperately to prove herself, all for the sake of even a single glance.

But now, this gaze, this tenderness, this intimacy...

And so, without reservation, it was given to another person.

The surrounding cheers and music seemed to vanish at that moment.

In the world of Mirror Flow, only the dance of the two remains.

Boom, boom, boom...

The sound of my heartbeat became unusually heavy, each beat like a hammer pounding on my chest.

The glimmer of light in his eyes gradually disappeared, replaced by a deep darkness that would surely make one's heart tremble if met unexpectedly.

Why?

Why is it described as "poor and frail"?

I am clearly stronger now.

I am clearly more talented, and I am clearly... more in love with my master.

Jingliu watched the scene expressionlessly, and after a moment, a slow, extremely stiff smile appeared on his lips.

The light shone through, but the curve seemed devoid of warmth, only conveying a chilling sense of decay.

what……

The master's hand rested on the senior's waist...

If the sword were to pierce that spot, it would feel amazing, right?

No, no, Master's hand is there.

What if we cut Senior Qinghan in half at the waist?

Then the master will have nowhere to support him, right?

No, Master will be angry if that happens.

Jingliu tilted his head, lightly clutched his chest, and his scarlet eyes reflected the heartbreaking scene in a hollow way.

Why do you all look so happy?

Why do I feel so cold here?

Was it because I was standing too far away?

Or is it because... some people are just too superfluous?

If... if only my master and I were left in this world...

If it weren't for Mianxue and Qinghan, would Master just be left watching me?

Is my master's hand only meant to hold me?

Is Master's gentleness meant only for me?

"Kyoryu? Are you... are you alright?"

Seeing Jingliu's empty, lifeless pupils and the eerie smile on his lips, Mianxue shivered inexplicably and subconsciously took a half step back.

"You look pale. Are you feeling unwell?"

Jingliu's lifeless eyes lingered on Mianxue for a few seconds before he suddenly snapped back to reality.

Realizing what he had just thought, a chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to his head.

She must have gone crazy!

Mianxue Qinghan is not only a senior, but also a fellow survivor of Cangcheng.

…She actually had such a rebellious thought. If her master found out, he would definitely kick her out of the house.

No, you can't!

She only has her master, only her master… only her master, only her master, only her master—

If she loses her master, she will die; she will not be able to live!

Looking at his master dancing with Qinghan again, Jingliu suddenly felt that it wasn't so glaring anymore.

She absolutely did not want to experience that feeling of having nothing.

At least my master is still here... I can still look after him...