Happy Birthday

The Shadow Pearl emitted a radiant glow.

The light formed an image.

Chu Xingchen stood at the center, grinning broadly with both hands raised in a "V" sign.

Chen Baiqing leaned her head slightly against her master's side, her right hand extended.

Li Yingling tilted her chin up, her face lit with a brilliant smile, instinctively placing a hand beside her eye—looking even more like someone from Blue Star than Chu Xingchen himself.

Li Xingtian remained somewhat stiff, his gesture appearing a bit formulaic, though it was still an improvement from before.

Lin Luoyu and Li Junzi were more subdued, their smiles gentle and their gestures soft and delicate.

Xie Lingyu stood beside Qinghe, who had initially been a bit too lively—until Xie Lingyu pinched her ear, forcing her to behave.

Qinghe obediently leaned against Xie Lingyu’s side, though whether out of stubbornness or defiance, she stretched her hand far out, her little face still carrying a hint of rebellion.

Xie Lingyu, as always, extended her hand gracefully, her smile warm and serene.

Ning Kun still seemed a bit reserved, but Ning Qianqian was much more at ease. They stood in a corner, each wearing different expressions, capturing the moment in their own ways.

Cui Hao struck a cool pose, tilting his body slightly, his gesture exuding a touch of arrogance.

Bai Xuanling stood somewhat off to the side, yet her aura of authority remained undiminished—she truly didn’t care.

Her posture was relaxed, her smile carefree, and her gesture casually extended forward. Yet even so, she radiated an air of unshakable confidence.

They had used many Shadow Pearls, but Chu Xingchen liked the effect of this one the most.

Chu Xingchen swiftly stored the Shadow Pearl away. "Perfect, everyone looks great."

As he put away the last of the pearls, Qinghe immediately piped up:

"None for Qinghe??"

Chu Xingchen nodded knowingly and retrieved one from his spatial ring, handing it to Xie Lingyu.

Qinghe stared at him eagerly, but alas, no second pearl appeared.

"What about Qinghe? What about Qinghe?" she demanded, wide-eyed.

Chu Xingchen sighed. "Just ask Lingyu when you want to see it. We only have so many—everyone has to share."

"You’re such a cheapsk—"

Before she could finish, Bai Xuanling’s slender fingers found the little horns on Qinghe’s head.

"—such a genius… or maybe Qinghe’s just too dumb to figure it out."

Under Bai Xuanling’s grip, Qinghe quickly surrendered, her expression shifting instantly.

A perfect picture of a "dumb Qinghe."

Chu Xingchen chuckled lightly, his gaze drifting toward the performers on stage and the cheering crowds below.

Truth be told, though they had hired a renowned troupe for the occasion—one even approved by Cui Hao—and their performance was undeniably spectacular, most of the group in the private booth were too engrossed in conversation and toasts to pay much attention.

Even Qinghe, who usually loved excitement and novelty, was no exception.

So Chu Xingchen turned his attention back to Li Yingling.

"Your master and everyone else have prepared a gift for you. Would you like to see it?"

"Of course!" Li Yingling replied firmly.

Chu Xingchen planted his hands on his hips, teasing. "Fine, but no ‘little pearls,’ got it?"

His playful remarks always had a pattern—once you got used to them, you could guess the meaning even if he hadn’t used the phrase before.

"Little pearls" were just tears, after all.

Li Yingling mirrored his stance, hands on her hips, retorting stubbornly:

"No way! I decide that."

At this point, she knew her image as the dignified, reliable senior disciple was long gone.

Might as well indulge today.

So what if she cried?

She’d cry if she wanted to!

Everyone set down their cups and followed Chu Xingchen as he led them past the main hall of Zen Forest Temple, toward the rear mountain.

The temple had a dedicated hillside area with a scenic view, featuring a spacious platform overlooking Yuzhou City.

Originally meant for monks to meditate, it had since become a spot to entertain distinguished guests.

And Chu Xingchen was undoubtedly the most distinguished of them all.

A gentle breeze swept through as they arrived, the city’s twinkling lights stretching out below.

Everyone except Ning Qianqian and Ning Kun—who lacked cultivation or had minimal prowess—could see the dragon and lion dances parading through the streets, the lively crowds bustling about.

Li Yingling gazed into the distance, quietly awaiting her master’s promised gift.

Chu Xingchen took out a talisman from his spatial ring, infused it with spiritual energy, and watched as it dissolved into streaks of light.

A moment later—

A sharp whistle pierced the sky.

A massive firework exploded across the heavens, painting the night in crimson.

Then, from all directions, countless more whistles followed.

The sky bloomed with radiant bursts, as if wrapping the entire Zen Forest Temple in their glow.

The fireworks’ light danced across every face.

Even Qinghe’s little face lit up with awe.

Chu Xingchen glanced at Li Yingling, who was staring at the sky.

From his angle, he could only see her profile, the reflections of fireworks flickering in her eyes.

"First Disciple," he said softly, smiling. "Happy birthday."

Chen Baiqing chirped sweetly: "Happy birthday, Senior Sister!"

Li Xingtian: "Happy birthday, Senior Sister!"

Lin Luoyu and Cui Hao: "Happy birthday, Senior Sister."

The others echoed: "Happy birthday!"

Li Yingling turned to face them, her lips pressed together.

"Thank you, Master… thank you, everyone."

At first, she had been skeptical. But after entering the city, she’d dismissed her doubts.

She never imagined her master would go to such lengths for her birthday—it seemed excessive.

Back then, she’d assumed it was just her fifth junior brother’s latest eccentric whim.

But when she saw Qinghe and Xie Lingyu, she began to suspect the truth.

And when Li Xingtian appeared, she knew for sure.

Her master really had orchestrated all this—just for her.

Chu Xingchen spoke softly. "You once told me how, as a child, you envied others’ fireworks because you could only hear them from afar."

"So today, I thought—let others envy my first disciple’s fireworks instead."

"And in the future, may they envy you in all things."

Li Yingling nodded, smiling.

Right now, not even divine weapons, peerless techniques, or miraculous elixirs could tempt her to trade this moment away.

"Oho, what’s this? ‘Little pearls’ now?"

"As the eldest senior sister, if I want to drop something, I’ll drop it! Who dares to laugh at me?"

But everyone was laughing, including Li Yingling.

I originally wanted to arrange a group portrait, but it didn’t work out, and I couldn’t afford to hire an artist either. How frustrating! I wonder if I could just... cough... perhaps some generous reader with extraordinary skills might be willing to draw one out of love...

I wanted to say something but didn’t know what, so I’ll just wish everyone happiness, good health, joy, prosperity, and a blissful marriage instead.