At the banquet, Marquis Jumu and the Ninth Generation Lin raised their cups and talked loudly. Even from several tables away, Lin Fei could hear their conversation clearly.
"Li Shentong, today is my seventieth birthday. If I remember correctly, you're a few years older than me, aren't you?" Lu Zun said.
"Yes, five years older."
"At your age, you're still carrying the burdens of Jumu on your shoulders. It's time to let the younger generation take on more responsibility, don't you think?"
The Ninth Generation Lin cast a gentle glance at Li Chen beside him and smiled. "Even if this old body of mine breaks down, it won't matter. While I still have the ability, I'd rather give the younger ones more room to grow."
Lu Zun seemed to feel something from those words. His gaze lingered briefly on his two grandsons before he raised his cup. "Come, Li Shentong, a toast to you. Though I've competed with you all my life, when it comes to guiding the younger generation, I truly fall short."
The Ninth Generation Lin lifted his cup with one hand and returned the toast. "Marquis, why say such a thing?"
"Your Li family has produced generations of loyal heroes, sacrificing so much for Jumu." Lu Zun drained his cup in one gulp, his voice growing heavier. "As for me, I raised a rebellious son—ignorant of country and family alike. Now I don't even know where he is, dead or alive. Sigh… I'm no match for you, no match at all."
The Ninth Generation Lin finished his drink as well and said in consolation, "The younger generation has their own thoughts. You should ease your mind."
At the neighboring tables, the guests lowered their heads and began whispering among themselves.
"Marquis Lu's son caused quite a stir back then…"
"Indeed. I heard he had a huge quarrel with the Marquis and ran away from home. He hasn't returned for over a decade."
"Not even coming back for his father's seventieth birthday… what kind of son is that…"
"Shh, keep your voice down. Don't let the Marquis hear."
Lu Zun seemed to sense the murmurs. His expression darkened slightly before he quickly recovered his smile and glanced at the Ninth Generation Lin's empty sleeve.
"Do you still remember when we competed for the position of the Ninth Generation Lin?"
The Ninth Generation Lin paused briefly, then smiled. "What old story are you thinking of now?"
"It was something the Eighth Generation Lin said to us." Lu Zun looked at him. "Don't tell me you've forgotten?"
The Ninth Generation Lin gave an awkward smile. "I'm getting old. I can't quite recall what the senior said."
Lu Zun looked surprised, studying his face for a moment before speaking slowly. "I remember it clearly. Back then, the two of us fought hard to inherit the mantle of the Eighth Generation. In the end, he said I was too competitive, while you knew how to yield. That was why you were the most suitable choice."
The Ninth Generation Lin smiled faintly but said nothing.
Lu Zun continued, "Strange that you've forgotten his words, while I still remember them to this day."
The Ninth Generation Lin replied, "This old body of mine—my memory isn't what it used to be."
At a nearby table, a country gentleman in a blue robe whispered to his companion, "How could the Ninth Generation Lin forget the very reason he was chosen as successor?"
Another stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps age has caught up with him. And after that great battle ten years ago, with such serious injuries, it's only natural his memory would be affected."
"True. His son and the Tenth Generation Lin both died. Surviving that battle with the Evil King was already a miracle," the first man added.
"Heh, but speaking of it—" Lu Zun suddenly changed the subject, lifting his cup and taking a sip. "Our Lu family truly has no fate with the position of Lin leader. I placed all my hopes on that rebellious son of mine. Who would have thought that after you, an even more outstanding Tenth Generation Lin would appear…"
He frowned slightly, as if recalling something, then continued, "But losing to you back then is one thing. Now our grandsons have become classmates—what a coincidence of fate."
Lu Zun glanced at Li Chen. The Ninth Generation Lin understood and said, "Chen'er, why don't you offer the Marquis a birthday toast?"
Li Chen immediately stood up, walked over, and bowed respectfully. "Junior Li Chen wishes the Marquis a boundless sea of blessings and a long life as enduring as the southern mountains."
Lu Zun smiled, nodded, and drank the toast in one go. Then he beckoned behind him. "Zhenhuan, Zhenyu, come here as well."
The Lu brothers stepped forward and stood beside him.
Looking at the three youths, Lu Zun laughed. "Good, good. Back then, it was we who competed. Now it's your turn—truly the cycle of heaven. Well then, you've already sparred at Jumu Academy, haven't you? Who is stronger?"
The Lu brothers did not answer. They simply stared at Li Chen, their faces full of defiance. Li Chen glared back, equally unwilling to yield.
The nearby guests grew interested, their gazes shifting between the three youths.
"The Ninth Generation's grandson is indeed impressive."
"The two from the Lu family are no less—born with full spiritual power. They'll surely achieve greatness."
"This generation… there will be plenty of competition."
Lu Zun laughed heartily again. "Then among you, who is the fastest in cultivation?"
Just as Lu Zhenhuan was about to speak, a gentle voice sounded from the side.
"Father, speaking of which, the first among the first-year students to break into the Qi Refining Realm is neither the Ninth Generation Lin's grandson nor our Zhenhuan and Zhenyu."
Lu Yan had walked over at some point and stood beside Lu Zun, smiling. She wore a dark red dress, her hair elegantly arranged, making her appear even more refined and graceful.
Lu Zun raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then who is it?"
Lu Yan's gaze swept across the crowd and settled on Lin Fei, who was seated at another table eating with Li Dong.
"It is that young man—Lin Fei."
At once, several gazes from the main table turned toward Lin Fei in the corner.
"Lin Fei? His surname is Lin…" Lu Zun murmured, then glanced at the Ninth Generation Lin, whose expression remained calm, offering no response.
"Zhenhuan, bring your classmate here. Let me take a look," Lu Zun said.
Lu Zhenhuan came over and invited Lin Fei. Lin Fei instinctively looked at Li Dong, who gave a slight nod.
Lin Fei stood and followed him to the main table, bowing respectfully.
"Junior Lin Fei greets the Marquis and the Ninth Generation Lin."
Lu Zun looked him up and down, his gaze lingering on his face for a long time, as if observing something—or confirming something.
"Tell me, who is your father?"
"I am an orphan. I was raised by my uncle," Lin Fei replied.
"And your uncle?"
"My uncle's name is Wan Li. He is a traveling merchant."
At the mention of the name, Lu Zun's eyes flickered slightly before he glanced at the Ninth Generation Lin. The latter remained calm, merely lifting his teacup for a sip.
"Good, good!" Lu Zun said twice in succession. He did not press further, only waving his hand. "Go back and sit. Eat well."
Lin Fei acknowledged and returned to his seat.
Yet he couldn't shake the feeling that Lu Zun's gaze had been strange.
Not just Lu Zun—Lu Yan's gaze had been strange, and even the Ninth Generation Lin's gaze had been strange.
As if… they all knew something, yet none of them were willing to say it.
Lin Fei wanted to ask Li Dong, but Li Dong simply placed more food into his bowl, showing no intention of discussing it.
At the neighboring tables, the whispers resumed.
"Whose child is that?"
"Never seen him before."
"For the Marquis to look at him so closely… he must be someone special…"
…
The birthday banquet lasted until evening. Many officials stayed behind at the Marquis' residence to drink tea and reminisce. The Ninth Generation Lin left early due to other matters, leaving Qingkong to watch over Li Chen.
Lin Fei and Li Dong also took their leave. As they exited the residence, Li Chen ran after them.
"Lin Fei! Wait!"
Lin Fei turned and saw Li Chen running over, slightly out of breath, with Qingkong following behind.
Qingkong and Li Dong nodded to each other in greeting.
Li Chen grabbed Lin Fei, his eyes bright. "Are you free tonight?"
Lin Fei was taken aback. "Why?"
"Let's go set off fireworks by the Sacred Tree!"
Lin Fei looked at Li Dong. Li Dong gave a slight nod.
Lin Fei's face lit up immediately. "Alright, let's go!"
The two boys ran toward the city center, while Li Dong and Qingkong followed at a leisurely pace.
…
The petrified Sacred Tree stood like a massive tombstone in the heart of Senluo City. Beneath it, the Fallen Dragon Lake lay still as a mirror, reflecting the last glow of the setting sun.
There were few people left around the tree—only a handful of children playing in the distance, their laughter faint.
Li Chen and Lin Fei set up fireworks by the lakeside.
"Ready?" Li Chen took out a firestarter.
"Ready!"
With a hiss, the first firework ignited, sparks bursting forth as it bloomed brilliantly in the darkening sky. The two cheered, lighting one after another—golden trails streaking across the night, fleeting yet continuous.
"Lin Fei, look at this!" Li Chen waved a sparkler, drawing a large circle in the air.
Not to be outdone, Lin Fei copied him, writing characters in the air. The two chased and laughed, their voices echoing across the open square.
The moon quietly rose.
They sat down against the massive fossilized roots of the Sacred Tree. Li Chen gazed at the lake, moonlight scattering across its surface like silver fragments. Lin Fei held the last sparkler, watching its final sparks fade.
Li Chen suddenly spoke, "Lin Fei, my grandfather and the Marquis competed fiercely for the position of Ninth Generation Lin back then."
"I know. I heard them talking at the banquet."
Li Chen stared at the water for a while before continuing, "Do you think… one day, we might become rivals too?"
Lin Fei turned to him in surprise, then smiled. "Don't worry. I won't compete with you for the Eleventh Generation Lin position. If you become it, I'll listen to you."
"Maybe it won't be that," Li Chen shook his head, still looking at the lake. "Maybe it'll be something else."
"Like what?" Lin Fei asked, puzzled. "We're good friends. What would we have to fight over?"
Li Chen was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "I don't know. But my grandfather said, as people grow up, there will always be things they want—things they don't want to give up. Maybe reputation, maybe status… maybe something else."
Lin Fei said nothing.
The night breeze rippled the lake.
Li Chen suddenly turned, looking at him seriously. "Lin Fei, let's make a promise."
"What kind of promise?"
"No matter what happens in the future—no matter if we end up wanting the same thing—" Li Chen extended his hand, "we'll compete openly and honorably. No underhanded means, no harming our friendship. Whoever loses will accept it sincerely—no resentment, no revenge."
Lin Fei looked at his outstretched hand, then at his earnest expression.
Under the moonlight, he reached out and grasped it.
"Deal."
They smiled at each other.
Li Chen withdrew his hand and added, "And no matter who wins, we'll still be good friends."
"Of course," Lin Fei said with a grin. "What else would we be?"
In the distance, Li Dong and Qingkong stood watching the two boys.
Qingkong said softly, "Youth is a wonderful thing."
Li Dong said nothing, only nodding slightly.
The night wind blew gently. The fossilized Sacred Tree stood silently in the darkness, its massive reflection cast upon the lake.
A new year had begun.