378: Chapter 378 Celebration Preparations: A Lively and Exciting Event

The afterglow of the setting sun still hung on the eaves of the Main Peak Assembly Hall, and the mountain wind passed through the gaps between the stone pillars, causing the hanging spirit banners to sway gently.

Chen Wuwang stood on the high platform in front of the hall, with the residual image of a just-retracted Formation Plate at his feet—a trace left behind when Ling Zhenzi finished debugging the final counterattack program.

He did not turn around, only hearing the shuffling footsteps behind him as the clan Elders ascended the stairs one after another, their robes catching the wind, their faces still wearing lingering tension.

"Is everyone here?" He spoke, his voice not loud, yet it steadily suppressed the clamor of the entire hall.

"We are here." The Second Great-Uncle stepped forward, leaning on his cane. "The defensive Spirit Array has fully returned to its position, and the patrol team has changed to a new password. This time, we can truly catch our breath."

Chen Wuwang nodded and swept his gaze over the crowd.

Among these faces were those who had survived by gnawing on tree bark in the ruins with him, those who had crawled back from the piles of corpses in enemy camps, and the old craftsmen who had been patching shields on the city walls last night and hadn't closed their eyes since this morning.

They bore wounds on their bodies, but their eyes were bright.

"The external threat has temporarily subsided," he said slowly. "This is not so we can hide in a shell and struggle to survive, but so we can stand our flag up upright and dignified."

Someone below raised their head, and someone else straightened their back.

"I announce—" He raised his hand and waved it, and a talisman command soared into the sky, exploding into a golden-red light curtain in mid-air, with four large characters written on it: "Nascent Soul Celebration."

"Three days from now, at the third quarter of the noon hour, an altar will be set up at the Main Peak plaza to host the various clans of the Eastern Wasteland Alliance, witnessing the joy of three members of our Chen Family breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm!"

His voice suddenly rose. "This is not a celebration banquet; it is a declaration! From today on, the Chen Family is no longer a small, border-dwelling clan to be trampled upon by others, but a tough bone that can stand on the arena and dare to bare its sword!"

The crowd was silent for a moment, then erupted into roars.

"Good!" "The Family Head is mighty!" "We finally have this day!"

A young man jumped up in excitement, nearly knocking over the lantern stand placed nearby. An old man next to him grabbed his ear: "What's the rush? The lanterns aren't even hung yet, and you're already thinking about drinking? Get lost and move the tables and chairs!"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch—I know, Great-Grandfather!" Laughter exploded instantly.

Chen Wuwang's lips curled slightly as he turned and walked down the steps, plunging directly into the crowd.

He did not issue orders, nor did he put on airs; wherever he went, the atmosphere became a degree livelier.

At the entrance of the medicinal diet workshop, several women were busy around a large pot, steam hitting them in the face, the fragrance overflowing.

"What is this?" He leaned in and casually lifted the pot lid.

"Oh, Family Head!" The matron in charge of the ladle slapped her chest in fright. "Don't burn yourself! This is the newly concocted 'Spirit-Gathering and Mind-Nourishing Soup,' added with Spirit Ginseng, Jade Marrow Dew, and fresh evening primrose roots picked yesterday, specifically to boost the Qi for the brothers on night watch."

Chen Wuwang scooped a ladleful, blew on it, and drank it down. He smacked his lips: "A bit salty, just add some sweetness to balance it. However—"

He grinned, "It's potent. After drinking this, one can hold out for three days and nights without sleeping."

The matron was so happy she slapped her thigh: "Listen to that! If the Family Head says it's okay, it must be perfect! Quickly, quickly, add half a ladle of honey syrup!"

He smiled and nodded, then walked a few more steps inside and saw a group of youths practicing arm strength in the courtyard, running back and forth while carrying thick wooden poles, with two heavy spirit lamps hanging from the tips.

"Hey! You dare to climb up even when the flagpole is crooked?" he shouted.

The youths were stunned, and when they turned and saw it was him, they quickly put down the poles and saluted.

"Family Head! We... we wanted to hang the lamps higher so it would be brighter at night!"

"Good idea." He walked over, reached out to straighten the flagpole base, and kicked it to firm it up. "But remember—the flag must be set steadily, and people must stand even straighter. If you are wobbling, you will fall with a single gust of wind; no one will respect you, no matter how high you hang it."

The youths replied in unison: "Understood!"

He patted one of the thin shoulders: "What is your name?"

"Chen Xiaoshi! I only moved back from the Southern Ridge last year."

"Good. Tonight, you lead the team to guard the West Gate lamp array. If something goes wrong, I'm coming for you."

Xiaoshi's eyes widened, and he puffed out his chest fiercely: "I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

Chen Wuwang laughed heartily and turned to leave, his back stretched long.

As the sky grew dark, the Chen Family territory became increasingly noisy. Lights were lit one after another in various places, like stars falling all over the mountains.

At the foot of the Main Peak, craftsmen set up a three-story high platform, laid down red carpets, and erected flagpoles; children chased each other carrying paper lanterns, shouting "The Nascent Soul adults are here" and "I want to ride the mech!"; in the document room, a small mountain of invitations with wet ink was piled up, each stamped with the Chen Family seal, sorted by designated personnel to be sent to various clans.

In a corner of the courtyard, two old men were arguing until their faces were red over whose Family should sit in the third seat of the main table.

"Our Old Chen branch has produced a Foundation Establishment Elder! Why should we be ranked behind?"

"Hmph, that Elder of yours has been dead for a long time! We new settlers have produced five Protectors this time, and it's clearly written in the merit book!"

The young people watching from the side held back their laughter; no one tried to break up the fight—such arguments were unthinkable in the past ten years.

Back then, staying alive was the greatest dignity; who would dare to argue over seating?

Until a figure passed by.

"Are you done arguing?" Chen Wuwang stopped. "If you're done, go help move the wine jars. If we don't move that batch of century-old fruit dew in the North Warehouse, it's going to be stolen and drunk dry."

The two immediately shut their mouths and scratched their heads sheepishly: "We'll go right now, we'll go right now..."

"Wait." He turned back suddenly. "Tomorrow morning, take five people each and go to the training ground to practice the formation welcoming ceremony. Don't let us start fighting among ourselves when the guests arrive."

"Ah? We have to practice etiquette too?"

"Otherwise what?" He raised an eyebrow. "Do you want others to say that the Chen Family won the battle but couldn't even set a table properly?"

The crowd burst into laughter, and the two old men couldn't help but grin as they walked away sheepishly.

The night grew deeper, and Chen Wuwang climbed onto the Main Peak viewing platform alone.

The view was the widest here; at a glance, the entire Chen Family city was in view.

Colorful banners fluttered, lights were like rivers, cooking smoke and laughter intertwined, and the footsteps of the patrol teams were rhythmic and steady.

He leaned against the stone railing, his fingers unconsciously tapping the hilt of the dagger at his waist.

There were several old scars carved into the blade, left over from the night of the massacre that year. At that time, there were no lights here, only fire; there was no laughter, only wailing.

Now, even the wind was warm.

He watched a group of children chasing lanterns in the distance. One of them fell, but was immediately pulled up by a companion, patted off the dirt, and continued running, their laughter louder than before.

He said softly: "It wasn't me who led you to this day... it was you, who refused to accept your fate."

After the words fell, he turned and walked down the steps, step by step. His footsteps were firm, and his figure gradually merged into the myriad of lights below.