All Realms and Worlds: The Lost Home

Chapter 255 The Warmth of Everyday Life

Han Xuanxuan gently placed her fingertips on the crystal-clear sugar coating of the sugar figurine. The cool touch spread from her fingertips, and she even breathed very softly, as if she were holding a rare treasure.

Then, he held the sugar figurine to his nose, first gently inhaling its sweet malt aroma, and then tentatively licked it with the tip of his tongue.

The rich sweetness melted on her tongue, her eyebrows instantly curved into crescents, her eyes brimming with unconcealed joy, and even the tips of her ears were tinged with a faint blush.

Wei Yu stood to the side, his gaze falling on the two people's vibrant profiles, a faint but genuine smile unconsciously appearing on his lips.

His heart felt as if it had been soaked in warm water, completely softened—this was the first time since he came into this world that he had let down all his guard and felt so relaxed and at ease.

These days, he is like a string stretched to its limit. When he is recuperating, he is afraid that the disorder of his spiritual power will leave hidden dangers. When he is searching for the fragments of the soul, he is afraid of missing any clues. When he is preparing for the competition, he is even more afraid that the slightest carelessness will lead to his annihilation.

Every day was spent in a state of extreme caution, even breathing felt heavy.

But at this moment, in this bustling town of ordinary people, the sounds of vendors shouting fill the air, and the aroma of sugar and the smell of cooking linger in the air.

Looking at the two little ones beside me, who have shed their youthful naiveté and are now radiating pure innocence, the fatigue and anxiety that had been building up for so many days seemed to melt away little by little in the warm atmosphere of the New Year.

Only the warmth overflowing from the bottom of my heart flows through my veins and into every part of my body.

The three of them walked slowly along the bustling street, their pace slowing unconsciously, and before they knew it, they had reached the center of the street.

The atmosphere here is even more lively, bustling with people and filled with warmth.

The faces of ordinary people passing by all wore genuine smiles. Some people stood on tiptoe to paste Spring Festival couplets. The red paper and black characters conveyed their expectations for the New Year in every stroke.

Someone climbed a ladder to hang lanterns. The strings of bright red lanterns hung down, swaying gently in the wind and casting light and shadow on everyone's faces.

In the distance, the occasional sound of firecrackers pierced the sky, and the scattered paper scraps drifted gently in the wind.

There were also neighbors exchanging New Year's greetings with clasped hands, their words filled with sincere and warm blessings, creating a joyous and peaceful scene.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Several firecrackers suddenly went off, making the air tremble slightly.

Han Xuanxuan's eyes suddenly lit up. She tugged at Wei Yu's sleeve and shook it gently, her voice full of excitement, yet tinged with restrained anticipation: "Brother Wei Yu, can we set off firecrackers too?"

Xia Gui also came over, his eyes full of longing, and nodded repeatedly in agreement: "Yes, Brother Wei Yu, the sound of firecrackers is so lively, let's buy some to set off too."

He usually spent most of his time cultivating at the Lingxu Sect, so this lively, mundane world was both novel and touching to him.

Seeing the anticipation in their eyes, Wei Yu's smile deepened, and he nodded gently: "Alright, let's buy some too, and have some fun together."

The three walked to the firecracker stall on the street corner. The stall was filled with all kinds of firecrackers and fireworks, red, yellow, pink, a dazzling array.

The stall owner was an elderly man with a face full of wrinkles. When he saw them coming, he put on a kind smile and took the initiative to introduce the various ways to play with fireworks.

Finally, he handed over a small lighter (a cultivation-themed one) and repeatedly reminded her, "Be careful when you play with it, keep your distance, and don't hurt yourself."

Wei Yu nodded solemnly in agreement, taking the lighter (Cultivation Version) from his fingertips. The slightly cool touch reminded him of how his father taught him to set off fireworks back on Earth.

They found an open space, far away from people and houses.

Wei Yu squatted down, pulled a small firecracker from the paper package, pinched the fuse with his fingertips, and lit a lighter with his other hand (Cultivation Version).

A pale blue flame flickered up and gently approached the fuse. With a hiss, tiny sparks flew from the fuse.

He immediately stood up, grabbed Han Xuanxuan with one hand and Xia Gui with the other, and quickly stepped back a few paces to protect the two of them behind him.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" The crisp sound of firecrackers rang out one after another, and the fragments flew in the night like scattered starlight.

Han Xuanxuan couldn't help but clap and cheer, her cheeks flushed red with excitement, but she didn't make a ruckus like a child; her joy was almost overflowing.

Xia Gui also tried to maintain a composed demeanor by keeping his lips tightly pressed together, but his slightly raised chin still betrayed his excitement.

Standing behind the two, Wei Yu looked at their vibrant appearance and couldn't help but smile.

That smile contained no pretense, no defensiveness, only pure joy.

"This is so much fun! Brother Wei Yu, let's do another one!" Han Xuanxuan tugged at his sleeve, her tone slightly coquettish, but the light in her eyes never dimmed.

"Okay." Wei Yu smiled and agreed, then lit another firecracker.

This time, he didn't retreat immediately, but stood with the two of them for another second, watching the sparks burn little by little and listening to the sound of firecrackers echoing in the open space.

The desolation in my heart seemed to be gradually filled by this lively atmosphere.

Ordinary people passing by, hearing their laughter, also looked over, their eyes full of kind smiles. No one scrutinized them too much; there was only a shared joy belonging to the New Year.

After setting off the small firecrackers, Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui turned their attention to the fireworks on the side, their eyes full of anticipation.

Wei Yu smiled helplessly yet indulgently, picked up a firework, placed it steadily on the ground, and lit the fuse again.

"Whoosh—" The fireworks shot into the sky with a sharp sound, instantly breaking through the night, and then "bang" they bloomed in mid-air.

Brilliant lights exploded in the night sky, red, yellow, purple, and pink, layer upon layer, dazzling and spectacular.

Like flowers suddenly blooming, or like stars scattered across the sky, they illuminate the dark night sky as if it were daytime.

Han Xuanxuan couldn't help but stand on tiptoe, her eyes fixed on the fireworks in the sky, her gaze filled with fascination, her lips slightly parted, and she even forgot to slow her breathing.

After a long pause, she murmured softly, "Brother Wei Yu, look, it's so beautiful..."

Xia Gui was also stunned, and subconsciously clapped and cheered, her tone full of shock: "Yes, it's so beautiful, even more dazzling than the spirit lamps at the Lingxu Sect's grand ceremony."

He grew up in the sect and was used to seeing beautiful scenes created by spiritual energy, but he had never seen such a splendid display of everyday life. His heart was filled with novelty and amazement.

Wei Yu raised his head and looked at the fireworks blooming in the sky. A look of shock appeared in his eyes, which was then enveloped by a deep warmth.

It's been so long, so very long since I've been able to watch fireworks so peacefully.

During his years on Earth, every New Year's Eve, he would gather with his family, his father lighting fireworks and his mother smiling as she handed him candy.

He and his sister nestled together, watching the fireworks bloom in the night sky, their ears filled with the joyful laughter of their family, a scene of warmth and happiness.

Now, though he no longer has family by his side, he has two pure little ones, Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui, by his side.

With this strong festive atmosphere and the warmth of everyday life, that long-lost happiness welled up in my heart once again.

Fireworks burst forth one after another, their light and shadows dancing on the faces of the three people.

Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui clapped their hands and cheered softly, their faces full of pure joy, as if they had the happiness of the whole world at that moment.

Wei Yu stood beside the two, his gaze gently fixed on them, the smile on his lips never fading.

All the obsessions in my heart and the weariness from all the running around have gradually dissipated at this moment.

He suddenly felt that perhaps, before finding the fragments of his soul and deciphering the coordinates of his homeland, being able to stop like this, feel the warmth of human life, and experience the joy of the New Year, would not be such a bad thing.

There's no need to be constantly tense or anxious; occasional breaks can make the journey ahead more relaxed.

As the fireworks faded, the sky grew completely dark.

The lanterns on both sides of the street were all lit up, their red glow enveloping the entire street and giving the night a warm and cozy feel.

The shadows of people coming and going were elongated by the light and shadow of the lanterns, making the scene appear especially lively and festive.

Han Xuanxuan held Wei Yu's hand, her fingertips slightly weak, her lips slightly pouting, her voice soft and tired: "Brother Wei Yu, I'm hungry."

An afternoon of playing around had exhausted most of her energy, and the joy in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by weariness.

Xia Gui rubbed his stomach, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face, and said, "Senior Brother Wei Yu, I'm hungry too. Let's go eat New Year's Eve dinner. I've heard that mortals' New Year's Eve dinner is the most delicious."

Looking down at their tired yet expectant expressions, Wei Yu's heart softened, and he smiled and nodded, "Okay, let's go have New Year's Eve dinner. Let's find the best restaurant and treat ourselves."

The three walked along the street, their eyes searching the restaurants on both sides.

Finally, they entered a restaurant with exquisite but unassuming decor, with two strings of large red lanterns hanging at the entrance.

As you push open the door, warmth and the aroma of food immediately greet you.

The restaurant was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Every table was full of people, sitting together in small groups.

The table was laden with a sumptuous feast. Everyone ate and chatted, their laughter echoing throughout the room. The air was filled with the joyful atmosphere of family reunion, a truly touching scene.

A neatly dressed waiter quickly approached, a warm and polite smile on his face: "Gentlemen, please come in. Where would you like to sit?"

"Please find us a window seat, thank you," Wei Yu said with a smile.

He wanted the two little ones to be able to eat while watching the fireworks and lanterns outside the window, experiencing the unique festive atmosphere of the New Year.

"Alright! Sir, please follow me." The waiter smiled and led the three through the bustling crowd to a window seat.

Outside the window, the light and shadow of lanterns swayed gently, and the bustling scene on the street was fully visible.

The waiter handed over the menu, his smile unchanged: "Sir, this is our restaurant's menu. During the Chinese New Year, we've launched a New Year's Eve dinner set menu, featuring local specialties. Please take a look."

Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui curiously took the menu, their fingertips lightly brushing over the words on it as they flipped through it and discussed it in hushed tones.

"This braised pork looks delicious!" "These fried meatballs smell amazing!" The two chatted back and forth, their voices full of curiosity.

In the end, we ordered quite a few dishes that interested us, including braised pork belly that was fatty but not greasy, tender and delicious steamed fish, crispy fried meatballs that were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, as well as a few refreshing green vegetables and heartwarming soups.

Wei Yu also took the menu, his eyes slowly scanning it, and finally ordered a few dishes—all of which were dishes he often ate during the Chinese New Year when he was on Earth.

Looking at the familiar names of the dishes on the menu, a warm feeling welled up in my heart again. At this moment, those memories of family and hometown became exceptionally clear.

Before long, the dishes were served one after another, filling the table with color, aroma, and flavor. The rich fragrance lingered in the air, making one's mouth water.

Han Xuanxuan's eyes lit up. She picked up her chopsticks, carefully took a piece of braised pork, put it in her mouth, and chewed it slowly.

The tender, juicy meat melted in her mouth, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet, and bursting with aroma. A satisfied smile immediately spread across her face as she whispered, "Delicious, so delicious."

Xia Gui couldn't wait to pick up his chopsticks and start eating heartily. With his mouth full of food, he mumbled, "Delicious! Senior Brother Wei Yu, you should eat too, it smells so good!"

Wei Yu smiled, picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of steamed fish, and put it in his mouth.

The tender fish melted on his tongue, without any extra seasoning, only the natural freshness and aroma of the fish itself. The familiar taste instantly evoked his memories.

This is a dish his mother often made when he was a child. Every Chinese New Year, there would always be a plate of steamed fish on the table, symbolizing "abundance year after year".

Her mother would always smile and put a piece of fish on her plate, urging her to eat more so that the coming year would be smooth sailing.

Now, eating this dish again feels like returning to that warm home, back to those carefree days.

My heart was filled with warmth and emotion, and my eyes welled up slightly, but I quickly suppressed it.

The three of them ate their New Year's Eve dinner while chatting quietly.

Han Xuanxuan and Xia Gui chattered excitedly about the fun they had playing with sugar figurines and setting off firecrackers that afternoon, their voices full of joy, and they would occasionally tease each other.

Wei Yu listened gently, a smile always on his lips, occasionally putting food on their plates and softly reminding them, "Eat slowly, don't choke, order more if you're not full."

Inside the restaurant, the other guests were also enjoying their New Year's Eve dinner amidst laughter and chatter.

Some raised their glasses in toasts, some reminisced about the past, and some looked forward to the coming year, creating a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

The aroma of food and the warmth of laughter in the air intertwine to create the most touching scene of everyday life.

After finishing their New Year's Eve dinner, Wei Yu paid the bill, and the three of them walked out of the restaurant side by side.

Even at night, Qingxi Town remains bustling with activity, and the lanterns lining both sides of the street are still lit, their red glow illuminating the entire street.

The sounds of fireworks and firecrackers could be heard from afar, and laughter echoed throughout the town, warm and lingering.

"Brother Wei Yu, look! There are riddle-solving stalls over there!" Han Xuanxuan suddenly stopped and pointed to the riddle-solving stalls on the side of the street, her eyes lighting up instantly.

His tone was full of excitement, and most of his fatigue had dissipated.

Xia Gui looked in the direction she pointed, her eyes full of curiosity, and nodded quickly: "Yes, Senior Brother Wei Yu, let's go take a look. I heard there are prizes for those who guess correctly."

Wei Yu smiled and nodded, then ruffled Han Xuanxuan's hair: "Okay, let's go take a look. Maybe we can guess right and win the prize."

The three of them walked up to the lantern riddle stall, where they saw all kinds of lantern riddles hanging on the stall. The red paper strips with black characters on the background were swaying gently in the wind, and various riddles were written on them.

A crowd gathered around; some frowned, heads bowed in deep thought; others huddled together, whispering amongst themselves; and still others, having guessed the riddles correctly, beamed with joy as they received their prizes.

Han Xuanxuan, holding Wei Yu's hand, walked to a riddle, stopped, pointed to the words on the slip of paper, and asked curiously, "Brother Wei Yu, look at this, 'biting off the cow's tail in one bite,' what word is it?"

She frowned slightly, tapping her chin with her finger as she pondered earnestly, her eyes filled with doubt.

Xia Gui also came over, staring at the riddle for a long time, his brows furrowed as he pondered earnestly: "A bite takes off the cow's tail... If the cow's tail is bitten off, is that the character '午' (noon)?"

As he spoke, he unconsciously gestured with his fingers, his eyes filled with uncertainty.

Seeing their serious expressions, Wei Yu couldn't help but smile and gently shook his head: "No, think about it again. Memorize the shape of the character '牛' (niu, cow), add the '口' (kou, mouth) from '一口' (yikou, one mouthful), and put them together."

Han Xuanxuan frowned and thought seriously for a long time. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as if she had thought of something.

He exclaimed loudly, "I know! It's the character '告' (gào)! The cow's tail was bitten off, so you take the tail off the bottom of the character '牛' (niú, cow) and add a '口' (kǒu, mouth) radical, and that's the character '告'! Right?"

After she finished speaking, her eyes were full of anticipation as she stared intently at Wei Yu, waiting for his answer.