Chapter 256 The Long-Awaited Warmth
Chapter 256 The Long-Awaited Warmth
"Yes! Yes! It's the character '告'!" Xia Gui's eyes lit up, and she quickly agreed. The doubt on her face vanished instantly, replaced by undisguised joy.
He scratched the back of his head, his voice full of frustration: "How could I not have thought of that? It's so simple!"
Looking at the two lively figures, Wei Yu's smile deepened, and he nodded gently in praise: "That's right, it's the character '告' (gao). Xuanxuan is so clever."
Han Xuanxuan blushed slightly at the compliment and immediately jumped up happily, running lightly to the stall owner.
She tilted her little face up, her voice clear and bright, filled with barely suppressed excitement: "I guessed it right! The answer to this riddle is the character '告' (gào)!"
The stall owner put down his pen and paper, looked up at the little girl in front of him, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out, and he smiled with exceptional kindness.
"That's right, you guessed correctly." He said, taking a small rag doll from the wooden box beside him and gently handing it to Han Xuanxuan.
The plush toy was shaped like a little rabbit, all fluffy with soft, snow-white fur. Its two long ears drooped down, and its round, black eyes were exceptionally bright and lively. It was incredibly cute.
Han Xuanxuan's eyes lit up instantly. She carefully took the doll with both hands, hugged it tightly to her chest, and pressed her cheek against the soft fur.
"Thank you!" Her voice was soft and sincere, and the joy in her eyes was almost overflowing.
"Brother Wei Yu, let's guess another one!" Xia Gui tugged at Wei Yu's sleeve, her fingertips twitching with excitement, her eyes fixed on the remaining riddles on the stall.
He searched carefully, his brows furrowing slightly, looking like he was deep in thought, afraid of missing a question he could guess correctly.
"Okay." Wei Yu nodded with a smile, his gaze falling gently on the two of them, and he stood with them in front of the riddle stall.
Although Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui are young, they are exceptionally clever, and with Wei Yu's occasional hints, they have guessed many riddles correctly.
The prizes kept piling up, including cute little plush toys, sweet and soft candies, and several exquisitely crafted lanterns.
The two of them were carrying a lot of prizes, and their smiles never faded. Their eyes and brows were full of satisfaction and joy.
Wei Yu also guessed a few at random; they were all riddles he often encountered on Earth, and he guessed them correctly without much effort.
The stall owner handed him a small jade pendant. The pendant was crystal clear and had a warm, smooth texture. Although it was not a rare treasure, it was exquisitely carved with the simple characters "平安" (peace and safety) on it, which had a very auspicious meaning.
Wei Yu ran his fingertips over the jade pendant, feeling its cool touch, which warmed his heart slightly. He then casually put the jade pendant into his storage bag.
The three lingered in front of the riddle stall for a long time, until there were very few riddles left, before reluctantly turning to leave.
It was late at night, and the number of pedestrians on the street had gradually decreased, but the liveliness was not diminished at all.
Fireworks continued to bloom brilliantly in the dark night sky, and the sound of firecrackers occasionally pierced the night, filling the air with a strong sense of festive atmosphere and the spirit of the New Year.
Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui were already exhausted and leaned against Wei Yu on either side, their eyelids so heavy they could barely keep them open.
Even so, they still held their prizes tightly, with faint, sweet smiles on their lips.
Looking down at their tired yet adorable appearance, Wei Yu's heart softened. He gently patted their heads, his voice so tender it could melt hearts.
"Okay, let's find an inn to rest for a bit, and then continue our fun tomorrow, alright?"
"Okay..." the two replied listlessly.
Wei Yu slowed down and found a clean and tidy inn nearby, where he booked a spacious room.
Outside the window, fireworks continued to bloom, their dazzling light illuminating half the night sky, while the distant sound of firecrackers drifted in, gentle and lingering.
Looking at the lively and warm night scene, Wei Yu felt a long-lost sense of peace and happiness welling up in his heart.
It's been so long, so long since I've had a peaceful and quiet New Year, so long since I've felt the pure joy of everyday life.
It's been so long since I've felt so relaxed and happy, letting down all my guard and feeling so tired.
He still harbored the obsession of returning home, still wanted to continue searching for the scattered fragments of his soul, still wanted to prepare for the sect competition, and still wanted to face those unknown dangers and challenges.
At this moment, he didn't want to think about anything else; he just wanted to enjoy this rare warmth, immerse himself in this simple joy, and savor the long-lost festive atmosphere.
He knew clearly that this brief moment of joy would become the most precious memory in his heart, supporting him as he moved forward step by step, pursuing his goals and finding his way home.
Outside the window, the fireworks were still dazzling, the firecrackers were still going off, and the red lanterns on both sides of the street were illuminating the whole town of Qingxi with a warm glow.
Inside the room, Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui slept soundly, occasionally murmuring a few words like "sugar painting," "fireworks," and "delicious food," their words filled with the joy of the day.
Clearly, even in their dreams, they were enjoying the joy of the New Year and reminiscing about the excitement and beauty of the day.
Wei Yu leaned against the window, a gentle smile on his face, his eyes full of expectation, silently making a New Year's wish.
May the new year bring peace and prosperity; may I soon find the fragments of my soul, decipher the coordinates of my homeland, and return to Earth.
May all my fellow students and friends be safe, happy, and have everything go smoothly, free from disasters and difficulties.
Although he was without his family this New Year, and it was just him, Han Xuanxuan, and Xia Gui, it was exceptionally lively, warm, and meaningful.
This was the first New Year he had experienced since transmigrating to these myriad worlds, and it was also the happiest and warmest New Year he had ever had in a long time.
As night deepened, the fireworks in the sky slowly faded, the sound of firecrackers gradually subsided, and Qingxi Town gradually fell asleep.
Only the lanterns lining the streets remain lit, like warm stars, silently protecting this town full of joy and warmth.
Wei Yu gently closed the window, shutting out the night and the smells of cooking fires outside. He slowly walked to the bedside and quietly looked at the two sleeping faces.
The smile on his lips hadn't faded, and his eyes were full of tenderness and determination.
He knew that tomorrow would be a new day, with new joys and new expectations.
He also knew that after this brief period of joy, he would have to move forward and continue to face those unknown challenges.
But this time, he was no longer afraid, no longer alone, because in his heart there was warmth, expectation, and the strength to keep going.
A new year, a new beginning, new hope.
Wei Yu sat on a chair by the bed, quietly watching the two little ones on the bed, his heart filled with fighting spirit and expectations.
He believes that as long as he doesn't give up, and as long as he has the companionship and support of these friends, he will definitely be able to achieve his goal and return to Earth.
They will surely be able to carve out their own niche in this world of cultivation, living up to the expectations of time and themselves.
The moonlight outside the window shone gently on the three of them, bright and soft, as if sending them the most sincere and beautiful New Year's blessings.
This year is destined to be an unforgettable year, a warm year, and a year full of hope.
The festive atmosphere of Qingxi Town, the laughter of Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui, and this long-lost human touch will forever be etched in Wei Yu's heart, becoming his most precious and warmest memories.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking and the sky was beginning to lighten, Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui woke up.
As soon as they opened their eyes, they immediately remembered the joyful time they had spent in Qingxi Town the day before, and their faces instantly lit up with bright smiles.
They grabbed Wei Yu's hands, one on each side, chattering excitedly, wanting to continue playing in the street and buy more delicious food and fun things.
"Brother Wei Yu, shall we go buy some more sugar paintings? Yesterday's sugar paintings were so delicious!"
"Brother Wei Yu, we want to set off fireworks and solve riddles!"
Looking at their expectant expressions, Wei Yu smiled helplessly yet indulgently, and nodded gently: "Alright, whatever you say."
After he helped the two of them wash up, they had a simple breakfast downstairs at the inn, and then they walked into the bustling Qingxi Town again.
The streets were still bustling with activity, the festive atmosphere undiminished, with shouts, laughter, and firecrackers mingling together, creating a particularly moving scene.
Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui were still like two curious children, skipping and jumping through the crowd, their eyes full of wonder.
They chattered and laughed, their clear laughter echoing throughout the street, brimming with youthful energy.
Wei Yu followed behind the two, gazing at them tenderly. Seeing their happy expressions, he couldn't help but break into a bright smile himself.
The warmth and joy in his heart surged like a tide, growing stronger and stronger, almost overwhelming him.
They bought sugar paintings and sugar blowing together, watching the syrup in the artist's hands gradually transform into lifelike shapes, their eyes filled with amazement.
They ate roasted sweet potatoes and candied hawthorns together; the sweet taste melted on their tongues and warmed their hearts.
Just like yesterday, they set off firecrackers and fireworks, cheering and jumping for joy in the open space, enjoying the simplest of pleasures.
They also went to the riddle stall from yesterday, continuing to guess riddles and win prizes, their joy never diminishing.
The three of them explored every corner of Qingxi Town, strolled through every bustling street and alley, fully immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere and enjoying this pure and simple happiness.
When they came across the jewelry stall, Han Xuanxuan's eyes lit up. She took Wei Yu's hand and walked over, carefully selecting small trinkets.
She picked out a small jade pendant for herself, a small wooden pendant for Xia Gui, and also specially picked out a small gift for each of her senior brothers and sisters in the sect.
"Brother Wei Yu, let's take these gifts back and give them to our senior brothers and sisters so they can also experience the joy of the New Year." Han Xuanxuan hugged a bunch of small ornaments, her eyes crinkling with laughter.
Not to be outdone, Xia Gui dragged Wei Yu to a food stall and bought a lot of delicious spiritual food, as well as many local delicacies.
"Senior Brother Wei Yu, take these delicious treats back and share them with your fellow senior brothers and sisters so they can try them too. They're sure to be delicious!" He said, holding the oil paper package with anticipation in his voice.
Looking at the two children's sensible appearance, Wei Yu felt gratified.
He knew that although the two little ones were usually mischievous and active, they had kind and sensible hearts, and knew how to share and cherish.
The three of them spent the entire day in Qingxi Town, from dawn till dusk, before reluctantly preparing to return to Lingxu Sect.
Before leaving, Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui specially bought a lot of fireworks and firecrackers, holding them in their arms, reluctant to let go.
"It'll be even more lively when we go back and set off fireworks and firecrackers with our senior brothers and sisters to celebrate the New Year!" Han Xuanxuan said excitedly.
The three of them held hands and walked towards the Lingxu Sect, chattering away about the fun they had that day.
In her words, there was joy, reluctance, and anticipation for reuniting with her senior classmates after returning home.
Wei Yu walked in the middle, listening to the laughter of the two people beside him and feeling the warmth of their palms, his heart was filled with warmth and happiness.
He knew clearly that he had a particularly happy and warm New Year.
This joy and warmth will become the strongest force in his heart, supporting him to continue moving forward and pursuing his goals.
Although he still longs to return to Earth and still faces many unknown challenges, he is no longer alone or afraid.
Because he has these lovely friends and warm companionship by his side, he has something to care about and hope for.
When they returned to Lingxu Sect, it was already completely dark. Night enveloped the entire sect, with scattered lights dotting the landscape, creating an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.
Outside Huaiqing Hall, Yu Huai, Jingming, Xuanqing, Xueyang, and Ningshuang were already waiting there, their eyes looking down the mountain.
"Brother Wei Yu, Xuanxuan, Xiagui, you're back!" Yu Huai greeted them first, a gentle smile on his face and a soft tone in his voice.
He looked the three of them up and down, and seeing that they had returned safely, he was overjoyed: "Did you have fun?"
"So happy! I'm so happy!" Han Xuanxuan immediately let go of Wei Yu's hand, skipped and hopped to Yu Huai and Jingming, and handed them the small ornaments in her hand.
"Senior Brother, Second Senior Sister, this is a New Year's gift I bought for you. Isn't it beautiful? I spent a long time picking it out!" Her tone was full of anticipation, waiting for their praise.
Xia Gui hurriedly ran over and handed the snacks in her arms to Xuan Qing and Xue Yang, her face full of enthusiasm: "Senior Brother Xuan Qing, Senior Brother Xue Yang, these are some delicious treats I bought for you. Try them, they're so fragrant!"
Xuanxuan walked up to Ningshuang, took out the small jade pendant from her storage bag, and gently handed it to her, her tone gentle and sincere.
"Senior Sister Ningshuang, this is a New Year's gift for you. I wish you a peaceful and prosperous New Year, and all the best."
Ning Shuang raised her head, glanced at Xuan Xuan, then looked down at the jade pendant in her hand, her fingertips gently stroking the two characters "Peace" on it.
She remained silent, but a barely perceptible warmth flickered in her eyes as she carefully put the jade pendant into her storage bag, her movements as gentle as if she were protecting some precious treasure.
Yu Huai and Jing Ming took the small ornaments handed to them by Han Xuanxuan, examined them carefully, and smiled gently.
"Thank you, Xuanxuan. It looks really good. Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister both like it very much." Yu Huai smiled and gently patted Han Xuanxuan's head.
Jingming nodded, his eyes full of doting: "Yes, Xuanxuan is so thoughtful, it's so beautiful."
Xuanqing and Xueyang took the snacks and couldn't wait to take a bite. Their faces immediately lit up with delighted smiles.
"Delicious! So delicious! Thank you, Junior Brother Xia Gui. This taste is even more special than the sect's spiritual food!" Xue Yang couldn't help but praise as he ate.
Xuan Qing nodded, his face full of satisfaction: "It was indeed delicious. Thank you for your hard work, Junior Brother Xia Gui."
"Brother Wei Yu, Xuanxuan, Xiagui, please sit down." Yu Huai smiled and pulled the three of them to sit down at the stone table outside Huaiqing Hall.
"Your second senior sister and I have prepared spiritual tea and food for you. You must be tired after playing all day, so please take a rest."
Whale Cry quickly turned around, poured three cups of warm spiritual tea for the three of them, handed them to them, and said gently, "Yes, drink some spiritual tea to relieve your fatigue."
"Tell us, how was your time in Qingxi Town? Did you encounter any fun things?"
As soon as the topic of interesting things about Qingxi Town came up, Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui immediately started talking, chattering away.
They talked about the roasted sweet potatoes and candied hawthorns they ate, the joy of blowing sugar figures and solving riddles, and the awe-inspiring sight of fireworks, their faces full of happiness.
The excitement in his voice was not diminished by fatigue, and the light in his eyes remained bright and captivating.
Wei Yu sat to the side, listening gently, occasionally adding a few words, with a gentle smile on his face and warmth in his eyes.
Yu Huai, Jing Ming, Xuan Qing, and Xue Yang listened attentively, their smiles never fading, and they would occasionally burst out laughing at the two's amusing anecdotes.
The entire Huaiqing Hall was filled with laughter and joy, a festive and peaceful atmosphere, with a strong festive spirit permeating the air.
Ning Shuang sat to the side, listening quietly without saying a word. The indifference on her face gradually faded, and a gentle look flashed in her eyes.
Clearly, she was also infected by this pure joy, and the coldness in her heart was quietly melted away by this warmth.
Although Yu Huai and his companions did not personally visit Qingxi Town and experience the festive atmosphere of a mortal town, listening to the three people's stories and seeing the joy on their faces warmed their hearts.
They also felt this simple and pure joy, and this warmth that belongs only to the New Year.
This year, there were no grand celebrations or elaborate ceremonies; it was simple and unpretentious.
But because of each other's companionship and this sincere friendship, it is especially warm, joyful, and meaningful.
The moonlight spilled into the courtyard of Huaiqing Palace, gentle and bright, illuminating the tender faces and the affection that transcended sects and social statuses.
A new year, a new beginning. May they all be safe, happy, and have everything go smoothly, and may they be well every year.
UGB