Ah Niu, Always Live Happily

Niu is going to propose marriage.

When Xu Xi finished his cultivation and heard the news from the princess, he was stunned for a long time.

In Xu Xi's perception of time, Niu was still that simple and honest fellow, who loved to eat heartily and laugh goofily, pure and kind, straightforward and uncomplicated.

"Big Brother Xu, I'll be Little Niu from now on!"

The memory of his silly laughter and words was still vividly etched in Xu Xi's mind.

That Niu.

With the innocence of a child.

Therefore, when Xu Xi heard the news of Niu's proposal, he was somewhat surprised.

But upon reflection, Niu was no longer young. The once Little Niu had indeed reached the age to settle down and start a family.

"So that's how it is..."

Sunlight poured down, the winter rays casting a pale glow that slanted across Xu Xi's face, illuminating the smile that gradually formed.

With a genuine smile, he said to the princess:

"I never expected that Niu, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, would quietly pull off such a big move."

"Since he invited me, of course I'll go."

There was no refusal, and there couldn't be one.

Mr. Xu decided to accompany Mr. Wu to witness Little Niu's proposal and offer their blessings.

"I didn't really feel the passage of time before."

"But now, hearing about Niu's proposal, I suddenly feel much older."

The contrast of time is always the most merciless.

Xu Xi sighed.

He summoned the Jianmu Sword Staff.

With a light wave and a gentle slash, a spatial rift enveloped him and the princess, transporting them to the outskirts of Yanshan City.

"Let's go, Yingxue."

"Yes, sir!"

...

In the outskirts, the biting cold wind howled, but it couldn't extinguish the lively chatter of the crowd.

The townsfolk of Qingniu Town.

The survivors of the Qiuho Army.

All had gathered to witness the proposal.

A proposal wasn't a formal wedding, just a visit to express the intention to marry, but since Niu was the one proposing, everyone wanted to join in the excitement.

"I never thought I'd live to see Niu propose."

"That's right, it's all thanks to Mr. Wu that we're alive!"

"And Mr. Xu!"

"I wonder when Mr. Xu will also..."

Symbolic flames of good fortune rose.

The vibrant red and warm orange intertwined, forming the colors of the fire, dancing and surging, illuminating every cheerful, simple face.

Among them, Niu's dark face was also flushed red by the firelight.

"Hehe..."

He chuckled foolishly, unsure how to handle everyone's enthusiasm, and could only keep scratching his head.

It was all thanks to his elderly mother, who was busy making arrangements.

Aunt Zhang, though aged and tired from the hustle, had a bright light in her eyes.

The wrinkles on her forehead, carved by the plow of time and filled with countless past joys and sorrows, now relaxed, revealing clear delight.

She told everyone about the kindness of Mr. Xu and Mr. Wu.

How they had allowed her, an old woman, to live to see the day Niu would start a family.

In the third simulation, the old woman had long since burned out, passing away a year before the Qiuho Army broke through the Ten Thousand Mountains. It was Wu Yingxue who had saved her from the past and healed her body, riddled with hidden injuries.

"Yes, yes, it's all thanks to Mr. Xu and Mr. Wu."

"Our lives were saved by them!"

When Xu Xi arrived at the outskirts, he saw this strange scene.

A bustling crowd, lively conversations, Niu and his elderly mother preparing the proposal gifts, and everyone praising Xu Xi and the princess.

Niu's proposal preparations.

Had somehow turned into a praise session for Xu Xi.

"This...", Xu Xi stood there, watching the excited, simple faces illuminated by the firelight. He couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

Then, someone spotted Xu Xi and Wu Yingxue.

The noise suddenly quieted.

"Mr. Xu and Mr. Wu are here!", someone shouted, and the atmosphere erupted once more.

Everyone wanted to talk to Xu Xi, to speak with the beloved Mr. Xu, but in the end, they all restrained themselves.

Giving time and space to the true star of the day.

"Big Brother Xu!!"

Urged by his elderly mother, the burly man ran over.

He laughed with simple, honest joy.

Stammering out some awkward, rehearsed pleasantries, like how grateful he was for Xu Xi coming and how sorry he was for taking up his time.

Such words didn't sound like they came from Niu.

They seemed more like something he had learned for this special occasion.

"It's fine, Niu, there's no need to be so formal between us," Xu Xi smiled, patting the dark-skinned man's shoulder to help him relax.

"Alright, Big Brother Xu," Niu grinned, revealing his teeth.

"It's all my mom's idea, it's so awkward."

Under the sunlight, Niu muttered softly, careful not to let his elderly mother hear.

It was amusing to see.

"By the way, Niu, who's the girl you're proposing to?" Xu Xi asked.

"Big Brother Xu, you actually know her too..."

The firelight grew more intense, and Niu's face turned even redder. He scratched his head and explained, telling Xu Xi the name of the girl he was proposing to.

Niu was right.

Xu Xi did know her.

She was a farmer's daughter from the Qiuho Army.

Not particularly striking in appearance, but gentle and meticulous in her work. Later, she had even learned some medicine and had once treated Niu.

Xu Xi suddenly understood. This was the root of Niu's proposal.

"So it started that early..."

Xu Xi laughed heartily, "I never expected you to figure it out so soon, Niu."

"Big Brother Xu, I didn't expect it either."

The man scratched the back of his head, his face red and beaming, letting out a silly, joyful laugh.

"Big Brother Xu, I'm so happy right now, really, really happy!"

His eyes widened, bright and dazzling.

The winter wind carried a few snowflakes, blurring the vision, but it couldn't obscure that excited light.

Niu was so thrilled and nervous, wanting Xu Xi to bear witness to his proposal, to witness this transformation in his life.

Why did it have to be Xu Xi?

Little Niu put it this way: "Big Brother Xu is the best big brother I could ever have!"

He said it with pride, with radiance.

Niu, who considered himself slow-witted, was overjoyed to have a big brother like Xu Xi, a big brother who could lead everyone to survive.

Therefore.

Niu wanted to share his happiness, the joy of his proposal, with Xu Xi.

"Thank you, Niu," Xu Xi said, looking at that pure, joyful smile. He paused for a moment, then a smile blossomed on his face.

He promised Niu that he would fully witness this proposal.

In addition.

Xu Xi had also prepared a gift.

"Buzz—" He lightly touched his spatial ring, pulling out several bottles of pills. Some were rare treasures for extending life, others were miraculous pills for aiding in cultivation breakthroughs.

"Big Brother Xu, I... I can't accept this."

"Take it, Niu," Xu Xi pressed the pills into Niu's hand. "This is my blessing for you."

"Live happily from now on."