Spring of the 43rd Year of Yuanding.

Xuan Yang seemed to have grown accustomed to the perennial wars of the Northern Territory.

In the eyes of the people from the Central Plains, there was little difference between the Northern Territory’s Demon Sect, the south’s Witch Race, and the various western nations.

"Another year has passed."

A wisp of white vapor escaped Bai Yuan’s lips. It wasn’t a sign of some great martial arts breakthrough, just that it was freezing cold.

Without realizing it, he had already been in this world for many years.

"Sect Leader, a letter for you."

Yu Hui walked to Bai Yuan’s side.

When Bai Yuan saw the letter was from Linzhou, he knew it was from Sister Qiao.

"Brother Yuan, my master is taking me north to Yan Province. I hope to see you soon. Signed, Qiaoniang."

’Yan Province...’ Bai Yuan thought to himself.

As the southernmost province in the Northern Territory, Yan Province was nearly a thousand miles from Ling Province. Not exactly far, but by no means close.

Bai Yuan decided to wait until Sister Qiao arrived in Yan Province before writing a letter and going there to meet her.

He figured Sister Qiao was probably on the road from Linzhou to Yan Province now, so even if he wrote a letter, there would be no way to send it to her.

Bai Yuan put his thoughts aside.

"Younger Brother Bai, the Beginning of Spring is just around the corner. What are your plans?"

Yang Fangyu had arrived at the main peak of Shenfu Mountain at some point without him noticing.

The Prefect of Huanglong Prefecture treated Shenfu Mountain as if it were his own private garden.

Bai Yuan replied, "Since when do Martial Artists care about festivals?"

Celebrating festivals was just an excuse for ordinary poor folk to have a good meal. Most Jianghu Martial Masters didn’t have a habit of celebrating, and the Divine Mansion Sect was no different.

Whether it was the New Year or the Lantern Festival, they trained all the same.

Yang Fangyu shook his head. "That won’t do. Celebrating the New Year brings blessings from the Celestial Officials. It can safeguard your future on the Martial Dao."

Bai Yuan rolled his eyes. "You actually believe that stuff?"

He didn’t know if the Celestial Officials would bestow any blessings, but the Demon Gods, on the other hand, often proved their power.

Yang Fangyu chuckled. "Well, I’m not going back home this year anyway. How about I invite Zhu Wu and the others to celebrate the New Year together?"

According to the customs of Xuan Yang, no matter how far they were, wanderers were expected to return home for the New Year.

As a member of the Yang Family of Jiangzhou, Yang Fangyu was supposed to return there.

Bai Yuan said, "Suit yourself."

He hadn’t celebrated the New Year since Sister Qiao left for Linzhou. ’Observing the occasion might not be so bad,’ he thought. ’What if there really are gods?’

"Then it’s settled."

Yang Fangyu roared with laughter, then flicked his sleeves and headed down the mountain.

...

「New Year’s Eve.」

The streets of Huanglong Prefecture were filled with a festive atmosphere, and celebratory bright red lanterns were hung high.

The crops had all been harvested, so it was the off-season for farmers. The streets were much more crowded, and the air was filled with the endless sound of children playing. It was a lively scene.

Bai Yuan walked down Huanglong Avenue to the Prefecture Magistrate’s Office in the city center—or more precisely, to the Yang Mansion next to it.

"Lord Bai."

The gates to the Yang Mansion were wide open. A servant of the Yang Family saw Bai Yuan and hurried to greet him.

Bai Yuan was a frequent guest at the Yang Mansion, so of course the servant recognized him.

Without needing the servant to lead the way, Bai Yuan walked straight into the courtyard. He was met with the same familiar pavilions, terraces, and towers, surrounded by lush flowers and plants.

When Bai Yuan reached the main hall, several figures were already there.

As the host, Yang Fangyu was naturally among them.

"Younger Brother Bai, you’re here."

Bai Yuan walked closer and saw they were all familiar faces.

Besides Zhu Wu, Wang Daming and Liang Ren, whom he had met before, were also present. That kid Lu Yu was mixed in with the crowd, and for some reason, Lu Shanshan had come along as well.

In addition, there were a few faces Bai Yuan didn’t recognize.

Yang Fangyu pulled Bai Yuan aside. "Since it’s the New Year, I had them all bring their families."

Perhaps Yang Fangyu hadn’t told Bai Yuan because he knew he was all alone and unmarried.

Wang Daming and Liang Ren each walked over with a woman.

"Younger Brother Bai, this is my wife, Su Qing."

"This is my wife, Liu Ya."

They both introduced their wives to Bai Yuan.

Su Qing and Liu Ya curtsied gracefully to Bai Yuan.

Bai Yuan clasped his hands in greeting. "Sisters-in-law."

In ancient times, once a woman married, she effectively lost her own name. Like Mrs. Liu of the Chen Family in Baisha Town, most would take their husband’s surname, and over time, some would even forget their own given names.

Su Qing and Liu Ya, however, must have come from prominent families, with origins no less distinguished than Wang Daming’s or Liang Ren’s, which was why they were able to keep their surnames.

It wasn’t uncommon for large clans to form alliances through marriage.

Just then, a gentle-looking woman walked out from an inner room. Yang Fangyu pointed at her and chuckled, "My humble wife, Yan Xiuhong."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, the woman’s gentle expression vanished. She kicked Yang Fangyu, sending him staggering. "You’re the humble one!"

Seeing this, the others decisively chose to ignore it.

Wang Daming leaned close to Bai Yuan’s ear. "Brother Yang is henpecked."

Bai Yuan couldn’t agree more.

As if changing a mask, Yang Fangyu’s wife, Yan Xiuhong, reverted to her gentle demeanor. "Please, make yourselves at home. Don’t be formal. You must be Brother Bai, correct?"

Bai Yuan cupped his fist. "Bai Yuan. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sister-in-law."

"We’re all family here, no need for formalities."

Yan Xiuhong said with a smile, then turned and went back inside. A moment later, her voice could be heard giving orders to the servants.

Yang Fangyu, acting as if nothing had happened, said, "Having a capable wife at home is a true blessing."

"..."

The crowd was silent.

Yang Fangyu then pointed to Lu Yu. "I also invited Brother Lu and little sister Shanshan. It’s the New Year, so the more the merrier. It’s just a shame that rascal Li Huan couldn’t make it. He said he has to spend New Year’s Eve with the King of Qingzhou before he can come."

Bai Yuan, of course, didn’t need to be so formal with Lu Yu and Lu Shanshan.

Lu Shanshan called out softly, "Brother Bai."

Bai Yuan nodded. Although Lu Shanshan wasn’t a member of the Divine Mansion Sect, she was closer to them than most who were. Yu Hui had even invited her to be a Staff Officer for the Divine Mansion Army.

Bai Yuan looked at Lu Yu curiously. "You’re not going to Lu State?"

Lu Yu might seem carefree, but he was, after all, a live-in son-in-law of the Fang Family of Lu State. Not returning for the New Year was clearly a breach of etiquette.

Lu Yu shrugged. "A real man stands between heaven and earth. How can he be suppressed by a woman?"

As soon as he said this, he drew unfriendly glares from Su Qing and Liu Ya.

Lu Yu coughed lightly and said no more.

In truth, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to go, but that as a live-in son-in-law, he wasn’t even qualified to sit at the main table. So he simply made an excuse about urgent matters in Ling Province, saying he couldn’t make it back. It saved him the trouble of going only to be mistreated.

Being a live-in son-in-law was not easy; the first thing one had to learn was how to endure humiliation.

Fortunately, as an illegitimate son, Lu Yu was long accustomed to being looked down upon. As long as the situation could be used to his advantage, a little humiliation didn’t matter.

Seeing the situation turn awkward, Yang Fangyu quickly changed the subject. "Younger Brother Bai, I’ve already prepared Spirit Vegetables and demon beast meat at my mansion. You have to show off your skills and let us brothers have a taste."

Previously, when he and Bai Yuan were hunting demons, they often made campfires and cooked in the mountains.

He had originally thought it would be a hardship, but to his surprise, Bai Yuan’s cooking was unexpectedly good—even better than the master chefs in the Yang Family.

He still couldn’t forget the taste to this day.

Bai Yuan was in high spirits today, so he immediately agreed to take on the cooking duties.

His legendary cooking skills were probably a cut above even the Imperial Chefs from the palace. In Ling Province, he was simply without rival.

As he displayed his skills once more, Bai Yuan showed no hesitation. His movements were as smooth as flowing water, possessing a unique kind of beauty.

Yang Fangyu and the others watched from the side, nodding in constant approval.

Liang Ren, who hailed from Yellow Mist Academy, commented, "Younger Brother Bai’s culinary skills are no less impressive than his saber techniques."

Although he and Wang Daming had always been in Ling Province and rarely met with Bai Yuan, it didn’t mean they were ignorant of his situation.

Bai Yuan’s saber techniques had been praised by none other than Lord Du, which was a remarkable achievement.

But now it seemed Bai Yuan’s culinary skills were just as divine.

Yang Fangyu had been to many places and was well-traveled. He made a final verdict: "Among all the Martial Artists who can cook, my Brother Bai’s saber skills are number one!"

...

Before long, a fragrant aroma filled the entire room.

Thirteen small dishes were laid out, their color, aroma, and flavor all impeccable.

Even Su Qing, who came from a place known for its demanding culinary standards, was full of praise.

Bai Yuan raised a cup of the yellow wine Liang Ren had brought from Yellow Mist Academy and drained it in one go. He felt a comfortable warmth spread through his body and praised it as a fine vintage.

「After the meal.」

Yan Xiuhong took the other women to the backyard to have a private chat.

The five men, including Bai Yuan, remained in the hall to continue drinking.

When men gathered, there were really only a few topics of conversation.

Wang Daming said, "Brother Yang, I hear Rouge County under your jurisdiction is full of beauties. When are you going to take us brothers to broaden our horizons?"

As soon as Su Qing left, Wang Daming reverted to his true manly nature.

Yang Fangyu rolled his eyes. If he could go, he would have gone long ago. Why would he wait until now?

His wife, Yan Xiuhong, was a true tigress from a family of generals.

Even though he had struggled and fought for many years in the Northern Garrison Army, he was still completely outmatched by Yan Xiuhong when it came to military strategy and combat.

The Yan Family had served in the military for generations and had produced countless Grand Generals. They were far fiercer than the Yang Family, which had been scholars for generations.

Everyone else said he was henpecked.

Was he henpecked?

He clearly just couldn’t win a fight against her!

That’s right. Don’t be fooled by Yan Xiuhong’s gentle appearance; it was all an act. With her military-style cultivation technique, even though she had yet to achieve a major breakthrough, she had no problem overpowering Yang Fangyu in a fight.

Yang Fangyu glanced discreetly toward the backyard and quickly changed the subject. "You rascal, stop ruining my reputation."

Liang Ren, long used to their bickering, chuckled. "Once the New Year passes, I’ll be heading south."

Yang Fangyu raised an eyebrow. "It’s done?"

Liang Ren nodded. "It’s done."

As they explained, Bai Yuan began to understand.

Liang Ren was an instructor at Yellow Mist Academy. Although the academy couldn’t compare to the four great academies, it was still a famous sanctuary for scholars in Xuan Yang.

Although scholars also practiced martial arts, they weren’t like Jianghu people. The vast majority of them did it to become court officials and serve the Imperial Family.

The reason Liang Ren had come to Ling Province was to gain grassroots experience in the hopes of being appointed to an important position later.

After some maneuvering on his part, he had finally caught the attention of Lord Du and was recommended for a prefect position in the south.

"Congratulations."

...

Bai Yuan and the other three all offered their congratulations.

Yang Fangyu suddenly sighed softly. "Brother Liang, this is a good time for you to leave. The situation in the Northern Territory is getting more and more chaotic. It’s not a place to stay for long."

As soon as he finished speaking, a shadow of gloom fell over everyone’s faces.

Not long ago, Grandmaster Kuaidong of the Soul-Chasing Tower had attacked and killed a highly respected sect elder, plunging everyone into a state of fear and uncertainty.

Suddenly, a wine cup fell from the edge of the table.

With a crisp CLANG, it shattered to pieces.

Yang Fangyu habitually recited a saying from his hometown.

"Shattered to pieces, peace for all our years."