The Earthbound, Embracing the Radiance of the Flame

Time flows like water, years pass like rivers.

The torrential currents surge and wash over the heavens.

Every universe, every plane of existence, has its own time and years, converging into silent tributaries.

And when all these tributaries merge, the Mother River of Time that envelops the multiverse emerges.

It is the essence of all-encompassing chaos, containing everything and embracing all forms.

Be they deities and demons, immortals or mortals, or even the worlds themselves, all are but insignificant ripples in the vastness of it.

But now, two figures tread upon it.

They ignore the flow of time and space, and with every move, resonate with thousands of celestial laws.

One of them slashes with a sword, severing heaven and earth, an awe-inspiring display of power that even with deliberate restraint, causes the River of Time to roar and churn.

The laws of nature collapse, and all things perish.

The other extends a hand, five fingers condensed and pure.

With a slight effort, they crush a segment of the spacetime continuum, along with the sword's brilliance, in a brutal and violent explosion.

"Again!" Xu Moli's gaze is cold and indifferent as she unleashes several divine abilities, stirring up raging chaos winds that sweep across the multiverse.

Such upheaval does not harm Wu Yingxue in the slightest.

"I think I'm a bit hungry," she says lightly, taking a step forward. Infinite laws and truths manifest from her body, forming a *qi and blood radiance* that reflects across the heavens and dominates the ancient ages.

A spear versus a wooden sword.

Dao of immortals versus the Dao of martial arts.

The clash ignites the River of Time into a boiling frenzy.

"..."

Krisha watches the battle, tilting her head in a daze.

She feels that things have escalated to a point where she's no longer relevant.

Rather than continuing to watch, it might be better to do something else.

"The mentor will be home soon... I need to prepare... the New Year's Eve dinner..."

Her delicate face, calm yet serious.

The eternal and supreme essence of the witch continues to strike the world, while her projected consciousness on Earth steps into the kitchen to handle the ingredients.

The witch is clumsy.

She doesn't know how to forever occupy the light.

She only knows that night is approaching, and she needs to do something for the mentor.

...

"Little Red, are you touched?"

"I dare not move! I dare not move!"

"Hmm?"

"No, no, no, I misspoke. I am touched, very touched!"

In the capital, at the Supernatural United Bureau.

After bidding farewell to Li Wanshou, Xu Xi did not leave immediately but used spatial magic to teleport into the palace of the Red Dragon.

The Red Dragon seemed startled.

Its despair was evident.

Until Xu Xi spoke, mentioning that he was there to deliver a New Year's gift, the Red Dragon regained some vitality.

"Here, take it home and put it away."

What Xu Xi gave was the Red Dragon's most cherished treasure.

Gleaming with radiance and adorned with exquisite colors, it was a luxurious and dazzling "gem" made from a blend of exotic materials.

"Thank you for your magnanimous kindness!"

The Red Dragon's delight was palpable.

It immediately patted its chest, vowing to contribute its dragon's blood, as it should.

Xu Xi nodded, satisfied with the Red Dragon's understanding, and advised it to inform other dragon clans if they encountered any.

"Yes, yes, yes, I understand, I absolutely understand!"

"Take your time, be careful of the slippery floor!"

The Red Dragon rubbed its claws,

Smiling obsequiously, it escorted Xu Xi out of the palace.

Then, unable to contain its joy, it dashed into the pile of jewels with its thick limbs, indulging in a luxurious gem bath.

"It's quite easily contented."

Back on the surface,

Xu Xi's overwhelmingly powerful spirit sensed the Red Dragon's joy, so unrestrained, it was almost amusing.

It's no wonder the Red Dragon was so excited.

Considering the Red Dragon's contributions in blood donation, Xu Xi had prepared a full bounty of jewels for it.

Any dragon obsessed with treasure would be ecstatic over such a gift.

"What needed to be done has been done, what needed to be given has been given."

"Now, it's time to return."

Xu Xi glanced back at the capital one last time, the bustling streets filled with pedestrians, and numerous supernatural beings appeared, maintaining stability and order during the New Year's Eve.

It was lively.

But this liveliness had nothing to do with Xu Xi.

For Xu Xi, only the familiar people and places in Yanshan City truly mattered.

The capital might be prosperous, and many admired Xu Xi, but those connected to him were only his teacher and the Red Dragon.

Hum——

Spatial magic activated.

Xu Xi, holding the Jianmu staff, took a light step forward, his body merging with the world like flowing water. When he reappeared, he was already at a distant location.

After several such rapid teleports,

Xu Xi's sight once again beheld the familiar scenery.

"Niu, hurry, make the fire burn hotter!"

"Uncle, Auntie, move back a bit!"

"Everyone, let's go!"

Excited shouts mixed with rising flames.

Xu Xi returned to the outskirts of Yanshan City, and by the time he arrived, the sky was beginning to darken, and people were preparing to celebrate the New Year.

The townsfolk of Qingniu Town.

The civilians of the Qiuhuo Army.

They did as they did in the martial world.

Using the most common stones, they stacked them layer by layer in specific arrangements, constructing towering stone towers.

They then threw dry firewood or other burnable materials inside the towers.

When lit,

Flames leaped and rose.

The intense red and warm orange intertwined, forming the colors of the fire, adding the brightest "starlight" to this dark and cold world.

Not the stars from the heavens.

But the flames held by the people on the ground.

Letting the earth shine with stardust.

"It's beautiful..." Xu Xi stood quietly, watching the pure and unadulterated smiles illuminated by the firelight.

Involuntarily, Xu Xi's face also showed a smile.

It seemed he was influenced by the people's emotions.

"Ah, it's Brother Xi!"

"Quick, quick, invite Brother Xi in!"

Soon, a villager noticed Xu Xi's arrival, and amidst the enthusiastic invitations, the people presented Xu Xi with rich New Year's gifts.

Some were food.

Some were drinks.

Others were handcrafted, plain yet heartfelt woven items.

"Thank you for your kindness."

Xu Xi smiled, accepting all the gifts under the gaze of expectant eyes.

The resources of the real world far surpassed those of the Great Qian during the third simulation.

People no longer suffered from hunger.

No one had to endure the cold.

Xu Xi could accept the villagers' gifts without hesitation, but more importantly, he knew that only by accepting them could the villagers feel at ease and disperse.

"Thank you all."

Xu Xi expressed his gratitude again.

Letting the people go about their tasks.

As for Xu Xi himself, he sat among the piled-up gifts, surrounded by them, watching the rising flames, contemplating the arrival of the New Year.

The blazing flames always bring warmth and light.

From their hazy bloom,

Xu Xi recalled many things.

Like the hardships in Pingshui County, or the tribulations of leading the Qiuhuo Army beyond the borders.

And the joyous and sorrowful presence of a lively figure along the way.

"Teacher, teacher, wake up."

A voice came from beside him.

Calling out to Xu Xi, who was slightly distracted.