Chapter 128: Symposium

Grandma Wan gave no clear answer. Some said it was a coincidence, while others believed it was divine mercy, allowing the fallen firefighter to be reincarnated once more in his own parents’ womb.

All of this suggested one thing: perhaps reincarnation could be influenced or controlled. Seeing the hopeful look in Little Ball’s eyes, I felt a stir of emotion. This child truly wished to be reborn as my son. I said to Little Ball, “Maybe Grandma Wan can help. Go to her and try. But you must not harm anyone along the way, or this chance will be lost.”

“Alright!” Little Ball was so happy he nearly jumped. Eagerly, he tiptoed with his tiny feet and flew out the window, quickly vanishing into the night.

After the ghostly spirit departed, calm returned. The hall was so quiet that the croaking of frogs outside could be heard clearly.

“Brother Pi, don’t go handing out the Heavenly Ancestor’s sacred artifact to others recklessly,” Lu Jiu said as he returned the golden nanmu box containing the Taoist master’s portrait to me.

I nodded. This item originally belonged to the Yellow River Manor’s dark arts sect and was given to me and Bai Xiaoli as a token. Thinking back to how Bai Ranhe had held the sacred relic but refused to save me, I resolved never to give it to him again.

Lu Jiu then patted my shoulder and said, “I told you, you stirred up a nest of evil spirits. What was meant to be a smooth wedding turned into this mess.”

Looking at the chaotic wedding hall, I could only smile wryly. No one could have predicted the wedding would end in such disarray. Fortunately, Bai Xiaoli had returned early to her chamber; otherwise, seeing this ruin would have deeply upset her.

“By the way, Lu Jiu, where have you been these past few days?” I asked, curious since I hadn’t seen him for over ten days.

He sighed and waved his hand. “Don’t mention it. A few days ago, I received news from the sect that a thousand-year-old demon was appearing near the Yellow River. I was sent to investigate, but after a long search, found nothing.”

“A thousand-year-old demon?” I looked at him in confusion. “Could it be that Yellow River Goddess who looks exactly like Bai Xiaoli?”

Lu Jiu yawned and said, “No, the Yellow River Goddess is an evil spirit. In Taoism, demons are animals that have cultivated and transformed, but maybe the sect got it wrong.” Yawning again, he added, “I’m a bit tired, and it’s late. You should head to your bridal chamber; your lovely wife is waiting. I won’t keep you any longer.” After exchanging a few more polite words, he left.

Thinking of Bai Xiaoli waiting for me in the bridal chamber after the fierce battle all night, I suddenly felt invigorated.

Inexperienced and nervous, I took a deep breath and prepared to leave.

But just then, I noticed Liu Zhongguo and his group were still seated, not leaving. To my surprise, their table was untouched, the dishes perfectly intact despite the earlier fight.

These fishermen dressed in brown hemp clothes possessed unfathomable strength, especially Liu Zhongguo at the head of the table. His hair was streaked with white, yet his face bore no wrinkles. I couldn’t gauge his age—no ordinary feng shui master could achieve such a feat.

“Are you not leaving?” I asked in confusion, stopping at the doorway, seeing these guests still seated. I wondered what they intended—hadn’t they eaten enough?

“Pi Yangxi, you finally have time. Come, sit and have a drink with us. Let’s talk,” Liu Zhongguo said calmly, as if he were the host and I the guest.

I thought to myself, I still have a bridal chamber waiting—when would I have time to drink? This was nonsense.

“Without us, you wouldn’t get out alive,” Liu Zhongguo suddenly said, as if reading my mind.

His words reminded me of the shadows that had receded like tides outside. Something was still out there.

I glanced toward the door again. Sure enough, under the moonlight, the shadows had returned, long and swaying like river weeds on the ground.