Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Chapter 54

Feng Jiao Xue walked up the cobbled bath Mo Tianze made up while she had trained, each stone smashed to the ground equally by Yin Xiao wondering where her friends have gone.

Her question was answered when she walked up her courtyard.

Above her where strings of lanterns, golden lights flickering like stars as the sun was setting down creating a halo in the horizon.

On the middle of the area, Mo Tianze was focused on cooking something in a pot.

Huang Jin De looked... as regular as a fluffy red bird could get... perched on the strings. Upon seeing her, his eyes smiled as he took flight, a melodious bird song covering the entire place.

The courtyard was alive with color, the warm glow of lanterns illuminating the space, casting their flickering light over the table that was generously laden with delicacies. The sweet melody and the soft rustle of silk as figures in vibrant robes moved about, celebrating the momentous victory.

The full moon slowly rose to hung above. Its light filtering through the branches of the trees and casting intricate shadows on the ground.

Feng Jiao Xue stood at the balcony, taking in the sight before her, a moment of peace after the fierce battles. The soft sound and the scent of a warm meal reached her and touched her heart and a small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of her lips. It was rare for her to feel at ease, but tonight, with her family and friends, she could finally breathe.

"Jiao Xue!" Feng Haoyang’s voice rang out, full of warmth and affection. "Welcome back and congratulations. Come on, join us! You’ve earned this celebration! Today, where celebrating! The empire have bore witness to the first flight of a FENG!~"

The table below was filled with plates of delicacies, fruits, meats, sweet pastries, and a mountain of dishes from across the empire. It was a feast that mirrored the joy in the air.

"I don’t need all this, Uncle," Feng Jiao Xue called down with a slight smile as she walked and sat on the table as well. "I’m not one for lavish celebrations. And the clash is not over yet. I still have to win the finals."

"Nonsense!" Feng Haoyang chuckled, his deep voice ringing with pride. "Tonight, we celebrate your victories. You’ve made us all proud. Uhm.. the bird is yours right?" He scratched his head. "I’d probably be a laughing stock if I birdnapped someone else’s beats... I saw him here though so I don’t think that counts..." He laughed awkwardly making Feng Jiao Xue laugh lightly.

"Don’t worry uncle, his mine"

She walked at the table where Mo Tianze was cooking. His fluffy tail was practically wagging with excitement, and he bounced on his feet.

"Sister!" he cheered, his voice bright with joy when he noticed her pearing at his broth. His golden eyes gleamed as he reached up to tug at her sleeve. "You were amazing today! So strong and so cool!"

His childlike entisiasm was impossible to resist, and Feng Jiao Xue couldn’t help but chuckle. "You’re too kind, Tianze. It was a tough fight, but I’m glad you think so."

Huang Jin De landed besides them. ’Finally, the snow has melted’ he thought thrilling.

Mo Tianze giggled, his tail swishing in excitement. "I want to be strong like you one day! Then I’ll protect you, sister!"

She patted his head gently, her fingers brushing through his soft, silver hair. "You’ll get there, Tianze. I believe in you."

Yin Xiao steps forward and nuzzled his head gently against Feng Jiao Xue’s shoulder, his soft fur brushing against her skin, careful not to hit anyone or anything with his antlers. He then gave a playful nudge with his nose, looking up at her with those big, round eyes.

"Cong...gra... gratulation... Jiao... Xue" he struggled to verbalize making Feng Jiao Xue’s eyes widen when she realized she didn’t hear that from the mind link. Yin Xiao spoke.

"Yin Xiao..." Feng Jiao Xue hugged her furry friend.

Feng Jiao Xue smiled at him her heart warming at his quiet but steadfast way of showing care. Yin Xiao didn’t need to speak his actions spoke louder than words ever could but the fact that he did... eased her pity for her latebloomer friend. She reached out to gently stroke the top of his head, running her fingers through the soft fur between his antlers. "Thank you, Yin Xiao," she murmured, her voice full of fondness.

Feng Haoyang raised his cup, a broad smile on his face as he looked at his niece. "To Jiao Xue, for her victory and strength!"

Mo Tianze, with his infectious enthusiasm, raised his cup immediately. "To Sister Jiao Xue!" His golden eyes sparkled, and he looked at her with complete admiration.

Yin Xiao, with his quiet nature, followed suit. He lifted his bowl slowly with his mist, offering a serene, approving smile as he glanced at Jiao Xue, his gaze full of silent pride.

Feng Jiao Xue, feeling the love and support of her companions, couldn’t help but feel a swell of emotion. She raised her own cup in response, her heart filled with gratitude for these people who had stood by her side through it all.

"To us," she said softly, her voice steady and sincere, "To the ones who make this journey worth it."

Their cups clinked together, the sound like a harmonious note in the night. The warmth of the celebration, the lighthearted banter, and the quiet companionship of those gathered around her filled her with a sense of belonging.

Feng Jiao Xue sat beside the table, a soft smile playing on her lips as she glanced over the faces of those who had become like family to her. Mo Tianze was practically bouncing with energy, his golden eyes sparkling as he eagerly discussed the details of the fight while Yin Xiao stood quietly, nibbling some spiritual leaves while Feng Haoyang was downing one cup after another happily.

As they talk andcelebrated amongst their small group the sound of footsteps approached disrupting the peaceful rhythm of the gathering. Everyone turned to see two figures walking toward them, their silhouettes framed by the soft glow of lantern light. Liang Feng walked towards them with a bright and gentle smile carrying some wine. Behind him, the always present Han Qing followed with his characteristic cool demeanor, scanning the courtyard with careful precision.

Feng Jiao Xue raised an eyebrow in surprise, her eyes lighting up in recognition. "Liang Feng, Han Qing," she called, her voice warm. "I didn’t expect to see you two tonight."

Liang Feng’s lips quirked upward as he approached the table, his tone light but genuine. "The celebration seemed too good to miss," he said, glancing over the feast. "Room for two more?"

Feng Jiao Xue chuckled, motioning for them to join. "Of course," she said stepping aside to make room. "You’re always welcome here."

Han Qing gave a small nod of acknowledgment, his lips curling into a rare, subtle smile. "A victory like this should be celebrated by all," he murmured, his voice as calm and measured as ever.

Feng Jiao Xue eyes widened slightly as she had expected a... different reaction from him.

If anyone had the right to question Feng Jiao Xue, it would be these two.

As if hearing the unasked question, Han Qing glanced at her. "Everyone is privy to their own privacy" Han Qing stated.

The group shuffled to make space and soon the table was even more festive with the addition of Liang Feng and Han Qing adding a new layer of warmth to the gathering. The food was replenished, fresh platters of delicacies set before the two newcomers as everyone settled in. Mo Tianze, always quick to show his admiration, was the first to speak.

"Sister Jiao Xue was amazing today! You should have seen her misters!" he said eagerly, his tail flicking excitedly as he gestured to the pile of food in front of them. "You should try the roasted boar, it’s the best!"

Liang Feng’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he accepted a plate, his deep voice carrying an easy confidence. "I’ll take your word for it, Mo Tianze, was it? It sounds like a victory well earned." he replied languidly, as if he wasn’t there.

Han Qing ever the quieter one, simply nodded his approval. Despite his usual reserve, there was something in his gaze that softened as he looked at Feng Jiao Xue "It’s good to see you at ease Jiao Xue" he said, his voice low but sincere. Referencing to their interactions during the mission, acknowledging the deception but his tone making sure for Feng Jiao Xue to know that there really isn’t any hard feeling.

Feng Jiao Xue met his gaze with a slight smile. "It’s a rare thing for me," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of warmth. "But tonight I can enjoy it."

Feng Jiao Xue leaned back in her chair, feeling the warmth of the moment seep into her bones. Her family, this ragtag group of companions, had become more than she could have ever hoped for. Months before... she lost the only person she had and yet now, they weren’t just allies in battle, they were the ones who had become her strength, the ones who made her fight harder, not for victory alone but for their shared future. She... likes this. And this time, she will fight tooth and nails to keep this. They could never replace Lou Xi but they don’t need to. She finds that... in this life, she has more rooms for people because Lou Xi and her had no one to rely on but each other and she won’t make the same mistake this time.

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