Yi City was bustling with excitement on New Year's Eve.

The streets were filled with the smell of firecrackers and the ground was covered in red paper scraps mixed with snow, resembling a pile of spring petals from afar.

Every household was rushing to stock up on New Year's goods on this last day. The aroma of cakes, sweets, and roasted nuts filled the air, and people crowded the streets, trampling on the remaining patches of snow. The atmosphere was lively, and even the cold of early spring couldn't freeze the excitement.

Celebrating the New Year was a tradition that existed even before the establishment of the Dayun Empire. Even though later on, people began to worship the Divine Emperor Wu, the festive spirit of the New Year never faded.

Outside the National Teacher's residence, lanterns were also hung up to follow the trend, but behind the crimson gate, there was no sign of the holiday spirit.

As a loyal follower of the Divine Emperor Wu, there was little festive atmosphere in Jiang Youyue's mansion. However, the National Teacher has always been generous and does not interfere with the people's celebrations. Even if a maid puts on festive hairpins or made new clothes from new fabric, he doesn't question them.

He doesn't have many concerns, but the whereabouts of Shi Jingzhi is one of his top ones.

"Did he really go to the Mi Mountain Sect? What did they say?"

Jiang Youyue played with the bonsai on the shrine, listening calmly to the report from his subordinate.

"He contacted Chen Qianfan from the Mi Mountain Sect."

"Chen Qianfan? He's quite a character. He used to poke his nose everywhere and almost discovered the Ghost Tomb ahead of time... Hmm, it's not surprising that he went to find Chen Qianfan after returning from Huilian Mountain. It seems that the boy is very concerned about the prohibition."

The subordinate was also dressed in a traditional robe, with sacrificial masks on their heads, looking like a student of the National Teacher.

"We just don't know if he will resolve the prohibition or choose to seal his memories. Mi Mountain Sect rarely contact us directly. If we intervene rashly, we may arouse suspicion."

Jiang Youyue carefully pruned the messy branches of the bonsai, then slowly turned around and said, "It doesn't matter. If he can break the formation, Mi Mountain Sect doesn't need to intervene, we would still find out."

"The Secret Book of the Mi Lan Empress is still in the north. If that Shi Jingzhi breaks the prohibition and discovers something..."

"So what if he does? Remember, this matter depends on his fate. We just need to wait for the result. If he bears the destiny, we can intervene again. If he is just another 'calamity', we will handle it as usual."

The young subordinate hesitated to speak.

"This student still believes that success is determined by fate, but planning is still necessary. The less he knows, the better. The Mi Lan Empress was intelligent and Yan Budu was arrogant, both approaching perfection but falling short in the end. Shi Jingzhi..."

"Don't worry unnecessarily. Let's talk about it in a few days. If he really wants to break the prohibition, I'll tell you then. What about his disciple? Have you found anything special?"

"There's nothing unusual at the moment."

"Well, let's wait and see. As long as the 'Great Prohibition' in the northwest is still in place, even if Shi Jingzhi takes the King of Hell as his disciple, he can't change his fate."

"Yes, sir."

Thousands of miles away, in the desolate northern land.

The group returned to Chen Qianfan's residence as the sky darkened completely.

Chen Qianfan sat down on a stool and drank a whole pot of hot tea. He wiped his beard and it took him a while to hear what Shi Jingzhi was saying: "Hmm? You want to break the prohibition?"

"...Yes," Shi Jingzhi's tone was quite serious.

"You're quite gutsy, kid. But now things are a bit difficult. For that girl's disaster-blocking talisman, cutting off a piece of ancient corpse will do. But if you want to break the prohibition's formation, you'll need at least three ancient corpses."

Chen Qianfan grumbled as he stood up and rubbed his old waist.

"Setting up the place to break the formation is also a big hassle. Sigh, now that I think about it, it's quite troublesome. It'll take at least ten days to finish..."

Shi Jingzhi asked, "Senior Chen, I've always wanted to ask, why do we have to use ancient corpses as materials? Are there any other substitutes that could work?"

Chen Qianfan glanced at him and then spoke slowly. "In any spell or formation, you need the body of a demonic creature as material for the spell. You know this, right?"

"Yes."

"Some living creatures are naturally much stronger than others of their kind, known as 'demons'. In fact, the world is full of spiritual energy, and some creatures are born with more of it, which leads to their transformation into demons. When a demon dies, its body still contains abundant spiritual energy until it rots away. This energy can be used as a foundation for spells. The more intelligent the demon, the better the effect of its body."

Chen Qianfan slowly flipped through his notebook.

"The same principle applies to humans. Humans are also living creatures and some are born with more spiritual energy, known as 'demon humans'."

Shi Jingzhi suddenly realized, "Humans are the most superior beings and have the most abundant spiritual energy. That's why Senior wanted the ancient corpses from the Secret Book?"

No wonder Chen Qianfan called him a "good material".

"Indeed, the ancient corpses in that Secret Book are the finest demon humans and the most effective materials for spells. However, it is forbidden to kill for materials, this is the first iron-clad law of the Mi Mountain Sect. Therefore, I can only use human corpses," said Old Man Chen with a meaningful smile.

At this point, Old Man Chen chuckled and fell silent.

"There is no such thing as a tree without roots or water without a source in this world. Spells and formations that go against the natural order are only 50% effective and require at least three times the amount of energy. Otherwise, I wouldn't have spent thirty years studying the art of immortality."

Shi Jingzhi fell into deep thought, while Yin Ci lowered his gaze and remained silent.

However, this subtle atmosphere did not last long.

Shi Zhongyu had no interest in the theory of spells and formations. Ever since she heard that "it can't be done in less than ten days," she had a look of despair on her face.

She could wait, but her sect leader couldn't. If they delayed for another ten days, Sect Leader Qi might already have gone past his seven-day mourning period.

Shi Jingzhi noticed her anxious gaze and said, "It's just a piece of ancient corpse. We'll have it in a few days. Human life is precious, so Miss Shi should go back to Taiheng first."

Shi Zhongyu refused to take advantage of them, "If that's the case, how will Sect Leader Shi return to the Central Plains?"

"I'll wait for Miss Shi for half a month. Once my sect helps you to get the materials, after half a month, Miss Shi can come back with an Arrow Horse to pick us up. Is that okay?"

Shi Zhongyu finally breathed a sigh of relief and showed some gratitude in her expression, "Thank you, Sect Leader Shi."

Su Si hugged Lord Bai tightly, his face almost as pale as the goose's feathers, "Do we have to stay here for another half a month?"

The land was barren, and outside the window, there was nothing but snow. Su Si had only been here for a day, and he was bored out of his mind.

Unfortunately, Yan Qing was so obsessed with practicing his sword that he had practically lost his mind. He would practice anywhere, and even the Red Hook Sect's heir couldn't convince him to keep him company.

After joining the Ku Mountain Sect, Su Si's days became increasingly desolate.

Shi Zhongyu quickly intervened, saying, "Our sect has set up a horse station in Luan River. I will make sure someone is there early to meet you, so you won't be held up for half a month."

Su Si sighed, "I'm not trying to target Senior Shi...Sect Leader, today is New Year's Eve. If we calculate it, we won't be able to enter the city until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month."

Shi Jingzhi was shocked and pale, "New Year's Eve is already here? Isn't it still seven or eight days away?"

Sect Leader Shi couldn't be blamed for this miscalculation. The master-disciple pair of the Ku Mountain Sect were facing different challenges - one was making a life or death decision, while the other had long lost track of time.

With the tragic events at Huilian Mountain still fresh in their minds, and Yan Qing practicing his swordsmanship to the point of obsession, they had almost forgotten that there were still such lively events in the world. Only Su Si remained carefree and alert.

Furthermore, there was no hint of the New Year's atmosphere at Chen Qianfan's place. It was not surprising, as the old man always acted like a detached and aloof hermit, paying no attention to any festive occasions.

Poor Su Si, who had struggled in the darkest parts of the martial arts world, looked forward to some excitement and celebration, but even the sound of firecrackers was absent.

As Granny Wei came forward to pour tea, she chuckled and said, "Since there are so many young people here, why don't we celebrate the New Year together? I'll make a few more dishes for dinner tonight, and we can call it our New Year's Eve feast. I even sewed a new coat, although I know Master Chen doesn't like to wear them..."

Chen Qianfan stroked his beard and said nonchalantly, "Do as you please, I don't care."

Yin Ci thought to himself that anyway this person would forget everything by tomorrow.

He looked at Shi Jingzhi - his cheap master loved excitement the most, and being on the cusp of this life-risking decision, he wouldn't want to miss such a festive occasion.

Sure enough, Shi Jingzhi's serious expression from earlier was nowhere to be seen.

He walked quickly to Su Si's side and said seriously, "If we can't enter the city, so what? How could my sect not celebrate the New Year?"

Seeing Shi Jingzhi's behavior, Yin Ci finally felt relieved. "Yan Qing, go decorate the house, and I'll help Granny prepare the food."

Granny Wei's eyes were a little moist, and she was almost overjoyed. "Good, good. There are still some leftover demon flowers from a few days ago. I'll use them to dye some paper and make some window decorations. Ah, the New Year should be lively!"

Chen Qianfan let out a few snorts through his nose, but ultimately didn't say anything.

The Secret Book could only be fought during daylight hours, so finding something to do at night was a good way to balance work and rest.

Although Shi Jingzhi wasn't the type to shy away from hard work, unfortunately his role in this matter was equivalent to that of Lord Bai. Sect Leader Shi couldn't be of much use and was sent to observe Chen Qianfan's study of the art of spells - even Su Si could chop some good meat fillings, at least he could help make dumplings.

Whether it was due to self-awareness or laziness, Shi Jingzhi didn't say a word and walked past the mess in the front hall, diving into the chaos on the other side. In no time at all, Sect Leader Shi was whispering with Old Man Chen, even getting hands-on.

Yin Ci carefully looked at them for a moment, making sure that there was no trace of gloom on Shi Jingzhi's face before turning his gaze away.

On the way back, he felt that Shi Jingzhi had a rare sense of heaviness on him, perhaps he was just being paranoid.

Time passed quickly.

They didn't plan on having a particularly fancy New Year, just a good atmosphere. But unexpectedly, after the window decorations were put up and the dumplings were cooked, Shi Jingzhi, who had been pushing for this event, left Chen Qianfan's side and went out alone.

Yin Ci patted the flour off his hands and followed him boldly.

When it came to matters of life and death, Shi Jingzhi's emotions had always been unstable. At this moment, during the liveliest time of the year, he was stuck in the north with an unknown amount of pressure on his shoulders. Losing control was not impossible.

Yin Ci had to keep a close eye on him.

Outside the door, the snow was still a dull blue, spread out monotonously to the horizon. The sky was crowded with dark clouds, and the occasional snowflake drifted down, obscuring the stars and moon.

As Shi Jingzhi walked to the side of the wall, he stood in the vast emptiness and turned to look at Yin Ci. "Ah Ci really did follow me," he said.

Yin Ci didn't tease him anymore. "Your decision is not a small one, and it's difficult for ordinary people to choose. Who knows how the Object Addiction will flare up - as far as I know, someone is an expert at self-harm."

"I promised you I wouldn't harm myself anymore," Shi Jingzhi wasn't angry. "What I promised you, I will fulfill."

Yin Ci looked at him firmly for a moment. "If you want some peace and quiet alone..."

"No, you stay here. Don't go anywhere," Shi Jingzhi smiled sincerely.

"This might be my last New Year, and I really want to celebrate it seriously. Tomorrow, on the first day of the lunar new year, we will fight the Secret Book, which is also appropriate for the occasion," said Shi Jingzhi.

Yin Ci didn't respond to his playful words. "Stop talking nonsense. Next year, I'll take you to Yi City for the New Year. They have the liveliest lantern festival there."

Shi Jingzhi's gaze softened. "Okay, this master will allow it," he said.

Then, he exhaled a big breath and took out something from his pocket.

"But we still have to celebrate this year's New Year properly, Yin Ci, watch closely."

His Yang fire flared and ignited something.

Suddenly, the object exploded in his arms.

Yin Ci's scalp tingled, and he almost exploded in fear along with it. The force was no joke, and it could have easily blown half of Shi Jingzhi's face off.

Before his mind registered it, his body quickly moved, grabbing Shi Jingzhi. He didn't have time to coordinate his movements, and his qinggong didn't look very graceful, even a bit awkward.

"You just promised not to hurt yourself, and now you want to commit suicide to show me?" Yin Ci anxiously checked for injuries, almost roaring in anger.

The thick smoke dissipated, and Shi Jingzhi's face was blackened by the fumes, but his skin was unharmed. Yin Ci breathed a sigh of relief, only to see the other party smiling innocently.

"You--"

A sharp sound rang out.

In the dull night sky, a golden light rose from Shi Jingzhi's arms, shooting up into the sky, followed by a burst of golden fireworks. Under the dark clouds, gold fragments scattered, and the sky brightened for a moment, with the familiar smell of fireworks entering the nostrils.

It was a rough firework, imposing and dazzling.

"I've seen people do it in Yi City before, so I won't hurt myself. But it's my first time, so I wanted to try it out first. I knew Ah Ci would follow me, so I secretly showed you first," said Shi Jingzhi with a smile.

"Do you care about me that much?"

The little bastard even learned to talk like him. Yin Ci released Shi Jingzhi's wrist with a stern face and said, "Don't do it again."

Shi Jingzhi's gaze was complicated.

Although the mystery was getting heavier, the last bit of resentment he held against this worldly attachment completely dissipated at this moment.

Yin Ci still hadn't told him why he revealed his identity to Shi Zhongyu today. The shared secret was now public, and there was a hint of sadness left in Shi Jingzhi's heart.

However, it seemed that Shi Zhongyu was still different from him now - perhaps Yin Ci himself was not aware of it.

In the moment when the fireworks lit up, Yin Ci was far from composed, and he lacked the air of a senior. Unlike when he entered the forbidden area, he lost that air of superiority and stumbled in a panic, barely managing to use his qinggong.

In that instant, Shi Jingzhi's heart seemed to stop, and all that remained in the vast world was the sound of the fireworks exploding.

Perhaps Yin Ci will never know.

He will never know what kind of comfort Shi Jingzhi received on this lonely, cold night, amidst countless unknown whirlpools in his heart.

Suddenly, he wasn't so afraid anymore.

Author's note:

Everyone should be careful when setting off fireworks! Don't follow Fox Shi's example, it's not safe.

Demon Lord Yin: Indeed.