Chapter 122: The New Year Festival

Qiu Shiyan’s condition was actually quite simple: she hoped that once Fang Yue broke through to the Xiantian realm, he would stay at the Fengyang Martial Arts Hall for a period of time.

This condition was reasonable, and since it didn't even specify a duration, Fang Yue agreed.

In the days that followed, Fang Yue spent his time studying the "Longfeng Gong" (Long Wind Technique). Whenever she wasn't busy, Qiu Shiyan would quietly come to Fang Yue’s room at night, close the door, and discuss the intricacies of the technique with him.

"Longfeng Gong" was the technique Qiu Shiyan had practiced since childhood. Having spent several years mastering it under the guidance of Qiu Rubai, her understanding was thorough. Although she had not yet reached the Xiantian realm herself, she possessed a deep grasp of the Xiantian-level portion of the technique, as she had been preparing for her own breakthrough. With her guidance, Fang Yue saved a great deal of time, avoiding the need to struggle alone over difficult concepts. Eventually, as Fang Yue mastered the material, their discussions became a balanced exchange of ideas.

Qiu Shiyan had reached the pinnacle of the Houtian realm and was preparing for her next breakthrough. Ever since she had wielded the Wind Blood Sword, her cultivation had leaped overnight from the late Houtian stage to its peak. When Fang Yue congratulated her, she showed no joy. "I was already nearing the peak of the Houtian realm," she remarked. "Using external force to achieve it came at a heavy price; it is hardly a good thing."

Her words implied that her breakthrough had not been natural. Fang Yue recalled the sword she held that night; after she unlocked it with her blood, it had given him a very strange feeling. Furthermore, the fact that the sword could harm the puppeteer behind the scenes by attacking the shadows themselves proved it was truly miraculous. Since she had broken through immediately after that night, it was likely tied to that weapon. However, after using it, Qiu Shiyan had appeared pale and bloodless, suggesting the cost was indeed significant.

...

A few days later, the New Year arrived. A series of firecrackers snapped, jolting Fang Yue from his sleep.

"That strange dream again," Fang Yue muttered, sitting up on his bed with a frown. In the dream, countless voices crowded his ears, whispering things he could never quite hear clearly, creating a maddening, noisy cacophony. The jumbled desires and distracted thoughts of a multitude of people surged toward him, leaving him feeling agitated and on the verge of madness. He only felt relief once he fully awakened. Since leaving Yutou Town, these dreams had become rare, but this was the second time it had occurred since arriving at Longchong Prefecture.

"Is it because of that idol in the Sea God Temple in Yutou Town?" Fang Yue’s eyes were sharp. This situation reminded him of many things, though he still couldn't grasp the thread of the mystery. "According to what Miss Lin said on the boat, there are no true gods in this world. The deities worshipped by the common people are merely vessels for their own inner yearnings. She didn't mention whether the power of incense and faith exists, but since this world contains ghosts, supernatural powers, and merit, it is highly likely that such power exists as well. Yet, why hasn't anyone or anything used it to condense a godhead and become a deity? There must be a problem somewhere."

Fang Yue put on his clothes and paced the room. Whether it was martial arts or cultivation, both orthodox systems had limits. With the Merit System, he was confident he could reach the peak of both, but the path beyond remained a major question. If the power of incense and faith existed, even if he didn't use it to ascend, he could study its structure to better understand higher levels of supernatural power and use it as fuel for the Merit System to further evolve his techniques. Thus, even knowing that no true gods existed and that the power of faith was likely flawed, he chose not to run back to Yutou Town to destroy the idol and end his recurring nightmares.

...

Stepping outside, the martial arts hall was decorated with lanterns and streamers, full of festive New Year cheer. Fang Yue saw Bai Fu directing Niu Chuming and others in hanging red lanterns and pasting couplets. He walked over and smiled, "Uncle Fu, Happy New Year!"

Bai Fu turned around and said, "Master Fang, Happy New Year to you too!"

"Where are Senior Sister Qiu and Senior Sister Bai?" Fang Yue asked.

"The young mistress and my girl went out early this morning to visit the temple and pray for blessings," Bai Fu replied.

Fang Yue nodded and looked at the busy crowd. "Happy New Year to everyone! Once you're finished, those who haven't eaten breakfast can head over to Mother Wang’s Bun Shop. My treat." The crowd cheered, full of joy.

...

In the afternoon, Qiu Shiyan and Bai Taoru returned. Qiu Shiyan came to Fang Yue’s room, already familiar with the way. "Junior Brother Fang, I picked up a peace talisman for you while I was out."

Fang Yue took the talisman and smiled. "Many thanks, Senior Sister."

"I would have brought you along to the temple," Qiu Shiyan said, "but there were several young ladies from prominent families there, and it wouldn't have been convenient to bring you along."

Fang Yue laughed. "I am still unmarried, Senior Sister. If there were young ladies present, you really should have brought me."

Qiu Shiyan rolled her eyes, knowing he was teasing. "Tonight is New Year's Eve. I have to keep watch with my father, so I won't be coming to your room to discuss techniques."

"Understood," Fang Yue replied. "I shall keep watch as well."

...

Not long after Qiu Shiyan left, Bai Taoru arrived. Dressed in new clothes for the New Year, she spun around in Fang Yue’s room and asked, "Little Junior Brother, do I look good?" She was wearing a purple silk dress with green patterns, her hair styled in double buns, making her look playful, soft, and beautiful.

Fang Yue glanced at her, his gaze sweeping over her prominent chest, and smiled. "You look very pretty."

Bai Taoru beamed and spun around again. "I knew you had good taste! I asked my father if I looked good, but he ignored me and chased me away, complaining that I was distracting him from his work."

"Happy New Year!" Fang Yue said. "Congratulations on being another year older."

Dissatisfied with being spoken to like a child, Bai Taoru pouted. "After the New Year, I'll be eighteen." In this era, eighteen was considered quite mature for a young woman; many girls were married off by fourteen or fifteen.

After spinning around, she remembered why she had come. She took a small pouch from her bodice, held it in her hand, and said softly, "When I went to the temple with the young mistress this morning, I also prayed for a peace talisman for you."

Fang Yue was slightly stunned. He hadn't realized that Qiu Shiyan and Bai Taoru had each gotten him a talisman separately;