Han Qiantian, the clan's grand patriarch, arrived at the Wan Chang wan Assembly Hall with all his disciples in tow.Yet, in stark contrast to the lively gathering, the young prince, Han Zaoshi, was serving his punishment deep within the bamboo groves, training in swordsmanship while standing in freezing water.The icy stream bit into his skin; his hands trembled as he slashed his sword against the surrounding tall bamboo stalks.Each strike echoed sharply through the grove, a rhythm of pain, repentance, and

  determination.Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the grand hall was entirely different. The moment Han Qiantian clan disciples entered with Wan Chang wan, the hall lit up with renewed energy.Joy and excitement rippled through the crowd.Everyone was thrilled that this year’s festival would proceed in the same magnificent way it always had... full of grandeur and sacred celebration.Wan Chang wan turned to the distinguished guests and the clan head, Han Lao Fang, and said respectfully:

  “Clan Leader, you may now announce the opening of the festival. Every forest and every city has been purified and sanctified.”Han Lao Fang’s chest swelled with pride as he rose to his feet.Behind him, the other elders stood as well, and his commanding voice resonated across the hall:

  “From this moment onward, the festival begins! Let every market, every city, and every street shine with lights. Prepare for the arrival of the Sacred Fireflies!”

  A wave of joy swept through the assembly.Soon, every village, every clan, and every alleyway was seen glowing with decorations and light.In Yingtian Clan’s market, too, the same beauty shimmered in abundance.Under the silver moonlight, the entire city glowed as though day had descended upon the night.Red banners, sacred talismans, and lanterns hung from every shop and home, filling the streets with life.Amid this vibrant celebration, Qing Yu was seen dragging Xiao Tang (Gu Zong) along the market road.But Xiao Tang's expression was cold and distant; anger simmered quietly beneath his calm.

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  Qing Yu, oblivious as ever, kept talking as he pulled him forward,“Xiao Tang… come on, man! Ever since you almost drowned, you’ve been acting weird... no talking, no listening… Come on, lighten up!”

  From behind, Mei Gui folded her arms, rolling her eyes dramatically,

  “Tch. I told you, Qing Yu, this fool must’ve left his brain somewhere in the river! Look at that face... acting like he doesn’t even know us! I swear, I always said right Xiao Tang was an idiot. Let’s drag him to Hong Deng Yuan; maybe that’ll knock some sense back into him.

  ”But Gu Zong, once a high-ranking disciple, could no longer bear their foolish banter.He glared at Qing Yu with fierce, commanding eyes that could have sliced through steel.Yet Qing Yu, utterly unbothered, continued to chatter cheerfully, while Mei Gui’s attention drifted to the dazzling streets around them.

  “Wow! Look at this! I’ve never seen so many decorations before. The whole city looks like it’s blooming in lights!”

  Hong Deng Yuan, the famed tavern of Yingtian.

  Inside, low wooden tables filled the hall, each surrounded by groups of cheerful patrons.The air buzzed with the sound of laughter, conversation, and clinking cups.Some were drinking, others feasting, a few gossiping... the place pulsed with warmth and noise.

  As Qing Yu and Mei Gui led Xiao Tang inside, he stopped for a moment.His eyes wandered slowly across the tavern... the same wooden beams, the same walls, the same hum of life.It hadn’t changed at all.

  A memory stirred.A faint smile tugged at his lips as an old face appeared briefly in his mind... someone he could never forget.Qing Yu caught that fleeting smile and exclaimed with excitement, slapping Xiao Tang’s back,

  “Aha! I knew it! You were missing the wine, weren’t you? That’s exactly why I brought you here. Come on, let’s drink!”

  But before he could say more, Gu Zong jerked Qing Yu’s hand away sharply and spoke in a cold, venomous tone,

  “Stay away from me. I can walk on my own. I don’t need your help. And I don’t drink. If you follow me again, I’ll kill you.”

  His voice cut through the lively air like a blade of frost.Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away into the bustling crowd, disappearing among the lights and laughter.Qing Yu and Mei Gui stood frozen, speechless.

  Never before had Xiao Tang spoken in such a cruel, distant tone.For the first time, both realized something inside him had truly changed.