Joy Follows in Everyone's Footsteps

Time seems to push people toward maturity.

Yet the childishness buried deep in one's heart can sometimes never be concealed.

Especially toward those closest to us—isn’t such playfulness also a form of trust?

Chu Xingchen felt as though he were reliving a moment from the past. Li Yingling had always been like this, never changing.

"Your master is here—go secure me a good spot!"

With a laugh, Chu Xingchen strode forward, slinging an arm over Li Yingling’s shoulders as they both turned their curious gazes toward the lion and dragon dance troupe.

As if he, too, were seeing it for the first time.

To the onlookers, the usually aloof and imposing senior sister now seemed no different from any ordinary girl.

Li Yingling chuckled and patted Chu Xingchen’s shoulder, teasing, "You’re so heavy!"

A Golden Core cultivator capable of lifting small mountains was now complaining about the weight of an arm.

Chu Xingchen clung to her like a child, refusing to budge. "Heavy? Nonsense! Now clear the way for your master!"

"Wow!" Li Yingling’s eyes lit up as she pointed at the lead crimson lion. "Master, look, look!"

Chu Xingchen gasped in exaggerated awe. "That move was incredible! Though I bet you’d look even better rolling around up there yourself."

"Hmph! Not a chance—you go if you want to!"

Lin Luoyu watched her senior sister, hardly able to believe the youthful side she was showing.

But the real surprise was her master. Though Chu Xingchen had always been approachable, joking with his disciples and carrying himself without pretense, there was still an air of authority about him—a measured wisdom that made him effortlessly trustworthy.

To everyone in the sect, he was their greatest pillar of support.

"When in doubt, seek the master" had become a well-known saying among them.

Yet… Lin Luoyu had never seen this boyish version of him before.

Here, he wasn’t a master, just a companion—discarding status and formality to immerse himself in the festivities.

At this moment, there was no master—only a friend with whom nothing was off-limits.

Strangely, Lin Luoyu felt no shock at this shift, nor any disillusionment.

Instead, an inexplicable warmth spread through her, as if even breathing had become easier.

"How wonderful…"

A soft murmur came from beside her. She glanced over to see Ning Qianqian, a faint smile on her lips, her expression distant as if lost in memory.

Noticing the gaze, Ning Qianqian met Lin Luoyu’s eyes and asked with a smile, "Isn’t it?"

Lin Luoyu gave a small nod. "It really is."

"What’s so great about it?" Cui Hao barged in, having just finished giving instructions. He clapped his fourth senior sister on the back. "Come on! Don’t let Master hog all the good stuff!"

With that, he dashed ahead, squeezing himself between Chu Xingchen and the crowd, eyes shining with excitement.

Lin Luoyu knew Cui Hao had already watched this lion dance at least twice—all to ensure today’s performance was flawless.

But so what?

Watching with different people brought different joys.

At least one thing was certain: Cui Hao’s grin right now was utterly genuine.

"Let’s go." Even Li Junzi seemed infected by the lively atmosphere, stepping forward to join the laughter-filled group.

Lin Luoyu took Ning Qianqian’s hand and followed.

The procession wasn’t just lions and dragons—performers breathed fire, drummers pounded waist drums, and artists showcased their skills.

While the lion dance dazzled, the occasional flare of flames also stole their attention.

When Li Yingling finally tore her gaze away, she realized she was surrounded.

Chu Xingchen stood to her left, Little Baiqing clinging to her right hand.

Lin Luoyu, Ning Qianqian, and Li Junzi were all grinning, marveling at the spectacle.

Cui Hao had an arm around Chu Xingchen, proudly explaining the troupe’s moves like a seasoned guide.

At first, the master listened patiently—until he finally jabbed Cui Hao in the ribs.

"Enough chatter! I’ve got eyes, you know!"

Cui Hao just laughed. "Just making sure you don’t miss anything!"

"My eyes work fine, thank you."

Li Yingling’s thoughts drifted back to that day at Zen Forest Temple’s festival.

Back then, only three of them had gone—Chu Xingchen, her junior brother, and herself.

Senior Uncle Xie had joined later.

But even then, it was only four people.

Now, the crowd was much larger, the joy far more vibrant.

She still remembered how her second junior brother had carried a bundle of candied hawthorns for her, only to be called "uncle" by a child.

The slight embarrassment on his face was unforgettable.

If only he were here today—she’d make him haul the sugar basket again!

No matter how long the procession, it would eventually pass.

Li Yingling chose not to follow it to the end.

Under Li Yingling's lead, the entire group set off toward the path leading to Zen Forest Temple.

The area had been deliberately arranged, with vendors lining the street all the way down from the temple.

All sorts of curiosities and goods were on display.

However, these vendors hadn’t been specifically invited by Chu Xingchen. Instead, word of Yuzhou City’s event had spread far and wide, and with no stall fees charged, merchants from all over had flocked to the scene.

Of course, it wasn’t just vendors—there were also performers showcasing extraordinary skills.

Here, one could genuinely witness feats like chest-smashing on beds of nails.

Hidden in the shadows along both sides of the long street were officers from the Demon Suppression Bureau and local authorities, maintaining order in secret.

Their presence ensured the safety of the event.

As soon as they entered the bustling street, Li Yingling’s gaze quickly locked onto a vendor selling candied hawthorns.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward and bought out the entire stock.

Turning back, she looked at Cui Hao and said, "Junior Brother! Carry it!"

Cui Hao, who had been admiring some trinkets at a nearby stall, heard his senior sister’s call and glanced over—only to see the massive bundle of candied hawthorns in her hands.

"Coming!"

He casually set down the item he’d been examining, wearing an expression of pride at serving his senior sister, and without a second thought, he hoisted the load onto his shoulder.

Li Yingling gave him a once-over. Though Cui Hao was decent-looking, when it came to carrying a bundle of candied hawthorns, he still didn’t compare to their second junior brother in terms of charm.

But oh well, he’d do.

Li Yingling plucked one stick of candied hawthorns and handed it first to Chen Baiqing.

Chen Baiqing accepted it gleefully and immediately began nibbling away.

"Everyone, help yourselves," Li Yingling said, taking another stick for herself and glancing at the others.

Cui Hao, shouldering the bundle, walked back and announced,

"By Senior Sister’s orders~ Everyone must take one!"

Chu Xingchen chuckled but was the first to reach for a candied hawthorn.

Soon, everyone had one in hand—whether it was Li Junzi or Ning Kun.

Satisfied, Li Yingling looked around at the group, each holding their treat, then raised hers high with a bright laugh:

"Forward march!"

Unbothered by the surrounding stares, Chu Xingchen played along, lifting his own candied hawthorn with a grin:

"March on!"

In no time, everyone followed suit, raising their sticks and joining in the chorus of laughter:

"March on!"

And so, they all fell into step behind Li Yingling, whose smile never faded.

Joy, it seemed, had become their companion on this journey.