No matter how happy we are, it's time to say goodbye

Lin Xuan leapt onto the highest rooftop, his vantage point offering a clear view. At that moment, members of the allied sects were heading toward Su Luo’s direction.

Time to act.

Xie Feiran called out, “Hey, brother! I spotted something fun over there. Let’s check it out.”

“But I just came from that way.”

“Come on, don’t be like that!”

Crisis averted—next target.

The allied sects murmured, “Looks lively up ahead. Let’s see what’s going on.”

Lin Xuan interjected, “Ah, but I know somewhere even more exciting! I’ll take you there.”

“Really?”

“Of course! Would I lie to you?”

And so, their group grew larger as they kept running into core disciples of the Seven Stars Sword Sect—all united by a single purpose:

To let Su Luo enjoy the festival to the fullest.

......

Though Su Luo was casually strolling, he couldn’t help but notice Lin Xuan and the others making their moves.

Su Luo mused, “What are they up to this time?”

“No idea. Maybe setting up a trap, waiting for you,” Li Siyi teased with a sly grin.

“That’s possible. All this maneuvering… though their positioning seems off.”

“Does it matter? Even a celestial net couldn’t hold you back,” Li Siyi said.

“True enough.”

Su Luo and Li Siyi continued their leisurely walk.

As time passed, Su Luo knew the moment had arrived—yet none of the so-called righteous cultivators had made their move. This was getting awkward.

He’d been counting on them to kickstart the drama.

“Su Luo, there’s a fortune-telling stall here. Want to try?”

Seeing Li Siyi wave at him eagerly, he shrugged. Might as well indulge a little longer.

Originally, Lin Xuan and the others had planned a special event just for Su Luo and Li Siyi, but after much deliberation, they couldn’t settle on a suitable idea. In the end, they abandoned the plan, leaving things to unfold naturally.

......

Finally, the two settled onto a bench, Li Siyi leaning tiredly against Su Luo’s shoulder.

“Su Luo, are you happy right now?”

“I suppose so.”

“I’m overjoyed.”

Watching her smile, Su Luo felt a brief daze before the corners of his lips curled up faintly.

He knew—he was happy, too.

“But no matter how happy we are, it’s time to say goodbye,” Li Siyi said lightly, as if she had no regrets about their reunion.

“Su Luo, time’s almost up.”

“Yeah, it’s about that time.”

A brief silence lingered before Li Siyi spun to her feet, sword already in hand.

“Su Luo, prepare to die!”

“You? Don’t make me laugh.”

Their acting was terrible—delivering the fiercest lines in the gentlest tones, laced with amusement.

Anyone watching would see right through it, but luckily, no one was paying them any attention.

Then, in perfect unison, they burst into laughter. Call it tacit understanding.

“Hahaha!”

But this scene could only mean one thing: it was time for action.

With a flick of his hand, Su Luo stirred the depths of the volcano beneath the city.

Boom!

A low, resonant roar spread through the streets as crimson flames erupted from the mountaintop.

Countless scorching stones, blazing like meteors, rained down upon Gu Yan City.

Molten lava surged forth like a raging river.

The volcano had awakened.

Panic seized the crowd. Ordinary citizens stood frozen, too stunned to react.

A figure dashed forward—Lin Xuan, slashing through the falling debris with precise sword strikes.

He muttered under his breath,

“It’s begun.”

He didn’t know what had begun, but Su Luo’s presence was never coincidental. Past experience told him nothing good ever followed.

Still, the outcome would likely be fine.

All he could do was his best.

Others reacted swiftly, joining Lin Xuan in shattering the incoming rocks. Sword energy filled the sky, weaving a dazzling defense.

Spells of all kinds erupted—every effort was made to shield Gu Yan City from harm.

Simultaneously, they had to quell the lava’s advance.

If they couldn’t stop it completely, they’d at least redirect it away from the city.

Li Siyi joined the effort—every helping hand mattered.

Only Su Luo remained seated on the bench.

A sinister pearl descended from the sky, hovering before him, radiating malevolent energy.

Su Luo had no intention of absorbing it himself—there was no need.

With a lazy gesture, he summoned a clump of dirt from the ground.

Now, all that was left was to channel the dark energy into the earth.

This required skill—something beyond ordinary cultivators.

But for Su Luo? Child’s play.

Soon, the corrupted mud took humanoid form, exuding an ominous aura.

The moment it took shape, it lunged at Su Luo in a frenzy.

Su Luo kicked it flat.

His overwhelming presence instantly crushed the mud creature’s malice, leaving it trembling, fearing annihilation.

“Know your place,” Su Luo said coldly, looking down at it.

The creature nodded meekly.

“Follow.”

It obeyed without protest.

Su Luo approached Lin Xuan. “Yo, Lin Xuan! Bet you didn’t expect this volcanic fireworks show, huh? My handiwork.”

“So it was you! How despicable!”

“Hahaha! All to ensure your demise.”

“Then bring it on.” Lin Xuan delivered his lines flawlessly, not a trace of fear in his voice.

Su Luo attacked—only to be repelled and sent sprawling.

“Damn you, Lin Xuan! Witness my true power! Go, Mud Creature!”

Su Luo couldn’t be bothered to exert himself. With everyone preoccupied by the eruption, he just needed to wrap up this act.

The mud creature, now unleashed, flaunted its revolting aura, spreading corruption.

Su Luo stepped back—his role was done.

Now, it was Lin Xuan’s turn to handle the abomination.

Lin Xuan studied the creature warily. This wouldn’t be easy.

......

After a grueling battle, Lin Xuan emerged victorious—barely.

The mud creature had been formidable, but the struggle taught him much.

And, of course, the real prize: loot.

Lin Xuan held the Pure Zenith Pearl, sensing its immense power.

“So this was your goal all along, Su Luo.”

He wouldn’t refuse the gift—accepting it with gratitude.

Meanwhile, the volcanic disaster had been contained, causing minimal damage.

Who could’ve guessed the joyous festival would end like this?

Su Luo sat atop the mountain, lost in thought.

“Not heading back yet?” Li Siyi joined him, settling beside him.

“No hurry.”

“Then… want to watch the sunrise together?”

“Sure.”

And so, they waited as the sky lightened.

Li Siyi whispered, “The sunrise is beautiful.”

Su Luo nodded. “Can’t argue with that.”