Chapter 321: Pan Ning City

Chapter 321: Pan Ning City

Night fell over Pan Ning City.

The grand city had been recently refurbished, its walls restored and gleaming, free of any trace of wear.

Merchants and travelers bustled around the city gates, hauling goods and filling the air with lively chatter—a prosperous scene. The city guards, sharp-eyed and vigilant, scanned the crowd for wanted criminals, ready to haul any offenders straight to the Lord of Justice!

Qian Country had been at peace for years, its people ruled by the cultivation world, and no one dared to stir up trouble. This peace allowed for prosperity, and the common people’s lives grew better day by day; smiles were a frequent sight.

Three figures appeared at the city’s outskirts, gazing at it with a mix of curiosity and an undeniable sense of strangeness that lingered heavily in the air.

“Brother Xun, just ordinary folk,” Xiao Chi commented, perched on Brother Ox’s back, eyeing the crowd passing by. “Doesn’t look like a cultivator city.”

Now a little more worldly, Xiao Chi couldn’t help but feel that Pan Ning City was small, lacking the grandeur of any city in Da Li.

Nearby citizens stole glances at the trio, shaking their heads and laughing softly. It wasn’t every day you saw a mutated giant dog riding an ox. Quite the strange combination!

“Xiao Chi, this is a grand city,” Chen Xun remarked, glancing at Brother Ox. “Isn’t that right?”

“Moo moo~~”

Brother Ox let out a snort, raising a small puff of dust as he stared intently at the city walls.

Chen Xun began walking, with Brother Ox following closely behind. They moved calmly, their excitement subdued, replaced by a sense of tranquility.

Xiao Chi darted his eyes around, sensing he might have spoken out of turn. This place likely held significance for Brother Xun and Brother Ox, much like Heaven’s End Plains did for him.

Once inside the city, the streets grew wider, filled with vendors and the loud calls of people selling their wares. Lanterns lit up the night, and in the distance, towers and pavilions cast their light into the night, with the faint sound of poetry being recited by couples drifting through the air.

A gentle smile formed on Chen Xun’s face. Everything seemed so familiar, yet different, a peculiar feeling that left him both nostalgic and detached.

Brother Ox spread out his divine sense, scanning the city with interest as he nudged Chen Xun with his head. “Moo?”

“What is it, Brother Ox?”

Chen Xun raised an eyebrow, giving him a light pat. “Craving some candied hawthorn?”

“Moo moo!!” Brother Ox nudged Chen Xun eagerly. He remembered the ones from Pan Ning City as the best he’d ever tasted.

Xiao Chi’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he scanned the area. “Brother Xun, what are these candied hawthorns? I want to try them! I’ve got savings now.”

“Let’s go, I’ll show you,” Chen Xun said, guiding them forward. “How to describe candied hawthorns... Well, let’s just say...”

He gave Brother Ox an affectionate hug and continued, “Brother Ox and I... love them!”

Xiao Chi looked dazed, trying to process this new information as he was pulled along.

Walking along the streets, they couldn’t spot any woodcarvers like in the past. Instead, they picked up a few supplies, and Chen Xun crafted three wishing lanterns on the spot.

To live a long, peaceful life!

With a sparkle in his eye, he prepared to write but suddenly hesitated, pausing in silence.

Then, he slowly wrote down, “To stay with Brother Xun, Brother Ox, and Brother Crane forever...”

Brother Ox, quietly mooing, wrote the same wish as before: “To follow Chen Xun forever.”

Chen Xun’s wish was written in tiny, crowded letters, filling nearly every inch of the red lantern, which had turned a shade closer to black. His hopes were numerous, many layered into the lantern’s fabric.

A cool breeze passed by as the three wishing lanterns rose gently into the night.

Chen Xun stood with one hand behind his back, gazing up at the sky, while Brother Ox stayed close by his side, looking up as well.

For the first time, Xiao Chi felt an unfamiliar emotion rise within him, and he simply watched the three lanterns drift higher into the night.

Boom!

The night sky suddenly brightened as fireworks exploded overhead, bursting in colorful displays that illuminated the entire city.

All of Pan Ning City watched in awe, citizens rushing from their homes, some even clutching pots and bowls as they stared at the sky in shock.

“Wow! Mom, Dad, come look! Huge fireworks!”

“Heavens!!”

“Is this the work of immortals?!”

...

Citizens flooded the streets, even kneeling with hands clasped, murmuring their awe, while children squealed in excitement, running around the square.

From inns to rooftops, people held their wine cups aloft, gazing skyward, inspired to recite poetry amidst the breathtaking view.

Even the cultivators in the city blinked, feeling the waves of spiritual energy—such a grand display, yet undeniably beautiful.

Meanwhile, the Lord of Justice stood in his backyard, hands behind his back, peering deeply into the sky. Whoever dared disrupt the peace of his city had better hope he didn’t catch them!

Boom! Boom!

Fireworks painted the night brighter and brighter, echoing through the city as smiles broke across the faces of many, marveling at the spectacle.

Amid the dazzling lights, three small wishing lanterns drifted into the stars, merging into the glow, becoming one with the festive lanterns, disappearing from sight.

The streets buzzed with chatter and laughter as the three figures slipped through the edge of the crowd, quietly walking past without drawing a single glance.