Sending the Divine

Chapter 77: Fireworks

New Year’s Eve in Yidu was exceptionally lively.

The streets were filled with the lingering scent of fireworks, and scraps of red paper were scattered everywhere, mixed with melted snow. From a distance, it looked like a pile of spring petals.

Every household was rushing to stock up on goods for the final day. The fragrances of cakes, sweets, nuts, and roasted snacks permeated the air, as people crowded the streets, trampling on the remnants of snow. The atmosphere in the streets and alleys was lively, and even the cold of early spring couldn’t freeze the excitement.

Celebrating New Year’s was a tradition that existed even before the founding of Great Yun, and even though the people later worshiped the Imperial Celestial, the festive atmosphere didn’t diminish.

Outside the Imperial Preceptor’s residence, lanterns were also hung up in line with the prevailing custom. Behind the crimson gate, there was no trace of a festive atmosphere.

As a loyal follower of the Imperial Celestial, the atmosphere of celebration in Jiang Youyue’s residence was practically nonexistent. However, the Imperial Preceptor had always been magnanimous and didn’t interfere with the people’s self-celebration. He didn’t care if a maid put on festive hairpins or if a servant wore new clothes.

He had few concerns, and Shi Jingzhi’s whereabouts were the most important among them.

“So he did go to the Mishan Sect. What’s the situation over there?”

Jiang Youyue tended to the bonsai on the shrine, calmly listening to the report from his subordinate.

“He made contact with Chen Qianfan of the Mishan Sect.”

“Chen Qianfan? That’s a character. Back then, he nosed around everywhere and almost discovered the location of the Ghost Tomb… Hm, it’s not surprising that he sought out Chen Qianfan after returning from Huilian Mountain. It seems that the boy is very interested in the ban.”

The subordinate, also dressed in ceremonial attire and wearing a mask of worship, spoke.

“We just don’t know if he intends to break the ban or seal away his memories. The Mishan Sect prefers to have limited direct contact with outsiders. Master, if we intervene recklessly, it may arouse suspicion.”

Jiang Youyue carefully pruned the bonsai’s unruly branches before slowly turning around. “It doesn’t matter. If he intends to break the formation, the Mishan Sect doesn’t need to intervene for us to find out.”

“The Queen of Milan’s Arcane Arts is still in the North. If Jingzhi were to break it and uncover the clues—”

“So what if he discovers something? Remember, this matter depends on his destiny. We just need to wait quietly for the outcome. If he bears a heavenly mission, then we can intervene. If he is just another ‘problem’, we will deal with it as we have in the past.”

The young subordinate hesitated to speak.

“Master, this disciple still believes that while success depends on fate, planning is necessary. The Queen of Milan was intelligent and resourceful, while Yan Budu was proud and talented. Both of them tended towards perfection but stopped at the final step. As for Shi Jingzhi…”

“There’s no need to worry needlessly. Let’s discuss it again in a few days. If he truly intends to break the ban, I will tell you then. How about the progress with his disciple? Have you found anything?”

“There is nothing significant at the moment.”

“Hmm, let’s keep an eye on it. As long as the ‘Great Ban’ in the northwest is still there, even if Shi Jingzhi takes King Yan as his disciple, it won’t change his fate.”

“Yes.”

A thousand miles away, in the desolate North.

The group returned to Chen Qianfan’s residence, and the sky had completely darkened.

Chen Qianfan sat down on a stool and poured himself a pot of hot tea. He rubbed his beard, and it took a while for Shi Jingzhi’s words to register in his ears. “Huh? You said you want to break the ban?”

“…Yes.” Shi Jingzhi’s tone was quite solemn.

“Well, you’re quite in line with my temperament, kid. But in that case, things will be a bit difficult. If you just want to make a disaster warding talisman for that girl, cutting off a piece of corpse will be enough. But to break the ban, you’ll need at least three ancient corpses.”

Chen Qianfan grumbled as he stood up and pounded his old waist.

“The arrangement of the formation for breaking the ban is also quite troublesome. Ah, come to think of it, it’s quite a hassle. It’ll take at least ten days to finish…”

Shi Jingzhi: “Senior Chen, I’ve been wanting to ask, why is it necessary to use ancient corpses as materials? Are there any alternative substitutes?”

Chen Qianfan glanced at him and then spoke slowly.

“Whenever it comes to spells and magic formations, you need the bodies of monsters as materials for casting them. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Some living creatures naturally possess much greater qi than others, and they are called ‘monsters’ in the world. In fact, the world is filled with spiritual qi, and some living creatures naturally absorb more qi, resulting in their transformation into monsters. When a monster dies and its body decays into mud, it still contains abundant qi. Based on this, spells can be cast. The more intelligent the monster, the better the effect of its corpse.”

Chen Qianfan slowly flipped through his record book.

“The same principle applies to humans. Humans are also living creatures, and they possess the most abundant qi. That’s why I need the ancient corpses from that Arcane Arts.”

No wonder Chen Qianfan said he was “good material”.

“That’s right. The ancient corpses in that Arcane Arts are excellent ‘monsters’ and the most effective materials for casting spells. However, it is taboo to kill people for materials, which is the first iron rule of the Mishan Sect. So, I can only use human corpses.”

With that, Chen Qianfan smiled meaningfully.

“In this world, there are no rootless trees or water without source. Spells and magic formations, which go against the natural order, have an effect that is only fifty percent efficient and consume at least three times the energy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have spent thirty years studying the immortal body.”

Shi Jingzhi fell into contemplation, and Yin Ci lowered his gaze, remaining silent.

However, this subtle atmosphere didn’t last long.

Shi Zhongyu didn’t have the leisure to ponder magical theories. Ever since she heard, “It’ll take at least ten days to finish,” a worried expression appeared on her face.

She could wait, but her sect couldn’t. If they delayed for another ten days, there was a possibility that she wouldn’t be able to make it in time for the Seventh Day after the funeral of the sect leader of Taiheng.

Shi Jingzhi noticed her anxious gaze. “It will only take a few days to obtain the corpse pieces. Human lives are at stake. Miss Shi, you should return to Taiheng first.”

Shi Zhongyu didn’t take advantage of the situation. “In that case, how will Sect Master Shi return to the Central Plains?”

“I’ll make an arrangement with Miss Shi for half a month. I’ll send my disciple to assist you in obtaining the materials. After half a month, Miss Shi will come back with the Arrow Horses to pick us up. How does that sound?”

Shi Zhongyu finally breathed a sigh of relief, and a hint of gratitude appeared in her expression. “Thank you, Sect Master Shi.”

Su Si hugged Lord Bai tightly, his complexion almost as pale as the goose’s feathers. “Do we have to stay here for another half a month?”

This place was barren, with nothing but snow outside the window. Su Si had only been here for one day, and he felt completely idle. On top of that, Yan Qing’s sword practice had reached a state of obsession, and no matter where he practiced, he would lose himself in it. After joining the Kushan Sect, his days became increasingly desolate.

Shi Zhongyu quickly mediated, saying, “Our sect has a temporary resting point in Twin Rivers. I will have someone waiting there early. We won’t actually be delayed for half a month.”

Su Si sighed. “I’m not targeting Senior Shi… Sect Master. Today is New Year’s Eve. If we calculate like this, we won’t be able to enter the city until before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month?”

Shi Jingzhi: “…”

Shi Jingzhi turned pale with shock. “New Year’s Eve is already here? Wasn’t it supposed to be seven or eight more days?”

It wasn’t surprising that Sect Master Shi didn’t realize it. With just the master and disciple of the Kushan Sect, one facing a life-and-death decision and the other already living without knowing which day it was, they almost forgot that there were still joyful events in the world. Only Su Si, with his carefree nature, remained alert.

Moreover, Chen Qianfan’s place lacked any festive atmosphere. It was to be expected, as Chen Qianfan had the appearance of a carefree recluse. He wouldn’t pay attention to any of that.

Poor Su Si had been crawling and struggling at the bottom of the martial world. He longed for a bit of festivity in his daily life, but now he couldn’t even hear a single firecracker.

Granny Wei came forward to refill the tea, and upon hearing this, she smiled and said, “There are so many young people here. Why don’t we celebrate New Year’s as well? I’ll make a couple more dishes for dinner. I even sewed a new jacket, but Mr. Chen doesn’t like wearing it…”

Chen Qianfan stroked his bread a few times and said indifferently, “It’s up to you. I don’t care.”

‘Anyway, he will forget everything by tomorrow,’ Yin Ci thought.

He looked at Shi Jingzhi, knowing that his cheap master loved lively events. He happened to be facing a decision that concerned his life so he certainly wouldn’t want to miss such a festival.

Sure enough, Shi Jingzhi’s serious expression disappeared.

He walked a few steps and stood in front of Su Si, saying earnestly, “So what if we can’t enter the city? How can our sect not celebrate New Year’s?”

Seeing Shi Jingzhi’s expression, Yin Ci finally felt relieved. “Yan Qing, go decorate the room, and I’ll help Granny Wei prepare the food.”

Granny Wei’s eyes became a little moist, and she became almost jubilant. “Good, good. We still have some leftover flower petals from a few days ago. I’ll use them to dye some paper and make paper-cut window decorations. Oh, New Year’s should be lively.”

Chen Qianfan snorted a few times but didn’t say anything.

Anyway, they had to play with the Arcane Arts at daybreak, so they might as well do something at night, which would be considered a combination of work and rest.

Although Shi Jingzhi wasn’t the type to shy away from anything, unfortunately, his role in this matter was equivalent to that of Lord Bai. Shi Jingzhi, as the sect master, couldn’t contribute much and was assigned to observe Chen Qianfan’s research on magical arts—even Su Si, who could mince meat, could at least help with making dumplings.

Whether it was due to self-awareness or simply laziness, Shi Jingzhi remained silent and walked past the boundary in the front hall, plunging into the chaotic side. In no time, Sect Master Shi and Elder Chen were whispering to each other, even getting physical.

Yin Ci carefully watched for a moment, making sure there was no trace of gloom on Shi Jingzhi’s face, before withdrawing his gaze.

Throughout the journey back, he felt that Shi Jingzhi had gained an unusual heaviness, but perhaps this was just his imagination.

Time passed quickly.

They hadn’t planned for an extravagant New Year’s celebration; just a festive atmosphere would suffice. Unexpectedly, just as they finished decorating the windows and cooking the dumplings, Shi Jingzhi, who had initiated the whole thing, left Chen Qianfan’s side and went out alone.

Yin Ci patted off the flour from his hands and followed along openly.

Shi Jingzhi’s emotions had been unstable regarding life and death matters. At this moment, when it was the liveliest time in the mortal realm, he was left in the northern region, carrying an unknown amount of pressure on his shoulders. It wasn’t impossible for him to lose control.

He had to keep a close eye on Shi Jingzhi.

Outside the door, the accumulated snow remained a dull blue, covering the ground and spreading to the horizon. The sky was filled with dark clouds, and sporadic snowflakes fell, obscuring the stars and moon.

Shi Jingzhi stood in the windowless room, surrounded by emptiness, and turned to look at Yin Ci. “A’Ci, you really followed me.”

Yin Ci didn’t tease him. “Your decision isn’t insignificant, and it is difficult for ordinary people to make such a choice. Who knows how the addiction will act up? From what I know, someone is an expert in self-harm.”

“I promised you that I would no longer harm myself.” Shi Jingzhi wasn’t annoyed. “As your master, when I make a promise, I keep it.”

Yin Ci stared at him for a moment. “If you want some peace and quiet…”

“No, stay here. Don’t go anywhere.”

Shi Jingzhi smiled sincerely.

“This might be my last New Year, and I really want to celebrate it properly. Tomorrow, on the first day of the first lunar month, we’ll start studying the Arcane Arts. It’s also in line with the occasion.”

Yin Ci didn’t respond to his playful remark. “Stop talking nonsense. Next year, I’ll take you to Yidu to celebrate the New Year. They have the liveliest lantern festival there.”

Shi Jingzhi’s gaze gradually softened. “Alright, Master approves.”

Immediately after, he exhaled heavily and took out an object from his pocket.

“But we should still celebrate this New Year properly. A’Ci, watch closely.”

With a flicker of flame, he ignited something with a sizzling sound.

Then, that thing exploded directly in Shi Jingzhi’s arms.

Yin Ci’s scalp went numb in an instant, almost startled to the point of exploding as well. That explosive force was no joke. If things went wrong, half of his face might have been blown to pieces.

His mind reacted before his body. He swiftly moved to grab Shi Jingzhi. This time, he didn’t have time to coordinate his movements, and his qinggong didn’t look too graceful. It even seemed a bit awkward.

“Just when I said no self-harm, are you trying to commit suicide to show me?”

Yin Ci anxiously checked for injuries, almost about to roar.

As the thick smoke dispersed, Shi Jingzhi’s face was blackened by the fumes, but his skin remained unscathed. Yin Ci finally breathed a sigh of relief, only to see him smiling innocently.

“You—”

There was a sharp crack.

In the silent night sky, a golden light soared from Shi Jingzhi’s arms, shooting up into the sky, then exploding into a dazzling display of golden fireworks. Golden sparks scattered beneath the dark clouds, momentarily illuminating the sky, and the familiar scent of fireworks filled the air.

It was a rough firework, imposing and dazzling.

“I’ve seen people do it in Yidu. I won’t hurt myself. But since it’s the first time, I wanted to test the effect. I knew A’Ci would follow me, so I secretly wanted to show it to you.”

Shi Jingzhi chuckled.

“Do you care about me that much?”

This little brat even knew how to imitate him. Yin Ci released the other’s wrist with a stern face. “Don’t let it happen again.”

Shi Jingzhi’s gaze became complicated.

Although the mysteries grew heavier, the grudge he held in his heart about his dusty fate dissipated completely at this moment.

Yin Ci still hadn’t told him the reasons behind revealing his identity to Shi Zhongyu today. With their shared secret now public, there was indeed a trace of melancholy remaining in Shi Jingzhi’s heart.

However, now it seemed that Shi Zhongyu was different from him—

Perhaps Yin Ci himself wasn’t aware of it. In that instant when the fireworks ignited, Yin Ci was far from being composed and lacked the demeanor of an elder. Unlike the time in the forbidden area, he lost that air of superiority and leaped away in a clumsy, panicked manner.

In just a moment, Shi Jingzhi’s heart seemed to stop, and in the vast world, only the faint sound of the fireworks bursting remained.

Perhaps Yin Ci would never know.

He would never know what kind of solace he had received on this lonely, cold night amidst countless dark unknowns.

Suddenly, Shi Jingzhi wasn’t so afraid anymore.

The author has something to say:

Remember to be safe when setting off fireworks! Don’t imitate Fox Shi; it’s not safe—

Demonic Lord Yin: Indeed.