In the afternoon, the sunlight slanted, and the courtyard was rendered clear and bright by the reflection of the snow.

Jiang Ning returned to the courtyard, sat cross-legged in the pavilion, and with a serene heart and spirit, entered into a meditative state once more.

Through introspection, the silver moon’s brilliance from the Spirit Platform flowed, complementing the golden sun of the Dantian.

Since forming the Mixed Element inner world, the cycle of Essence, Qi, and Spirit had become increasingly harmonious and unobstructed, with every thread of Qi-Blood, True Yuan, and Divine Thought maneuvering as easily as an arm commands a finger.

His thoughts moved slightly, capturing the subtle changes throughout his body.

The blood surged like a crimson river in torrents, True Yuan refined like the flow of liquid gold, Divine Thought clear as silver light illuminating all, continuously purifying and sublimating amidst the resonance of the three flowers.

[Spirit Platform Cave Illumination True Self Method Experience Value +315]

[Spirit Platform Cave Illumination True Self Method Experience Value +318]

[Spirit Platform Cave Illumination True Self Method Experience Value +320]

...

The experience value steadily increased.

The rotation of sun and moon within the inner world was nearing Perfection, with a faint aura of chaos permeating where the golden and silver light merged, further solidifying the foundation of the "Domain."

Jiang Ning could feel the point of spirit in the middle of his Divine Soul’s forehead becoming increasingly radiant under the remnants of the lunar theme and the nourishment of Pure Yang, seeming to have signs of breaking free like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.

Time quietly slipped by, with the occasional distant sound of firecrackers outside the courtyard, enhancing the tranquility within.

As sunset slanted westward and dusk began to rise, Jiang Ning slowly concluded his practice and opened his eyes to look at the panel.

[Skill]: Spirit Platform Cave Illumination True Self Method (Three times limit-breaking 33763/40000)

"At this rate, breaking the limit tomorrow is within reach," he thought confidently, rising to brush the fallen plum blossoms off his clothes.

The Mixed Element Domain naturally expanded, keeping wind and snow from touching within three feet around him, with an atmosphere as tranquil as a deep and ancient well.

The night approached, and the lights of the year-end gradually lit up.

Jiang Ning gazed towards the depths of the National Master Mansion, where cooking smoke curled and laughter could be faintly heard, filling his heart with peace.

Though the road ahead still held storms, and external threats loomed, having formed his own world and established the Mixed Element Domain, he felt sufficiently equipped to face them with composure.

He smiled slightly and turned to walk toward the front hall.

Tonight, he would welcome the year-end with his family, patiently awaiting the dawn of the new year.

...

Dusk gathered, and the lights of the Royal Capital’s thousands of homes gradually ignited, with sporadic firecracker sounds further accentuating the warmth and harmony within the National Master Mansion.

In the front hall, the charcoal fire burned brightly, with blue flames arising, dispelling the chill of the winter night.

The square table was already filled with dishes.

At the center was the chicken soup Lv Yi had stewed all day, with green scallions floating on the golden soup.

Liuu Wanwan’s braised pork was shiny and tempting.

Zhong Ling’s dumplings were plump and round, revealing the fresh greens of shepherd’s purse and meat inside.

There were also steamed bass, crystal shrimp dumplings, fried spring rolls, and several seasonal vegetables, with steam rising and aroma filling the air.

...

In total, sixteen dishes neatly covered the square table.

At this moment, Little Dumpling had already climbed onto her chair early, her eyes shining brightly as she stared at the shrimp dumplings, while Liuu Wanwan smiled and lightly tapped her forehead.

"Little glutton, wait until everyone’s here before eating."

Jiang Yiming, though sitting upright, couldn’t help but glance toward the braised pork, his stomach already empty after half a day of practice.

Just then.

Jiang Ning and Su Qingying seated themselves side by side, Jiang Li rose and poured warm wine for everyone, raising his glass, "Celebrating the year-end, may the new year bring all things as desired, with safety and well-being."

Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, even Little Dumpling earnestly clinked her sweet soup bowl, eliciting gentle laughter throughout the hall.

During the meal, Little Dumpling ate with her cheeks puffed out, still managing to pick dishes for Jiang Ning: "Little Uncle, eat meat, gain strength!"

Jiang Ning accepted with a smile and then ladled a spoonful of chicken soup for her.

Liuu Wanwan and Lv Yi conversed in low voices about the clever designs of window decorations, while Zhong Ling listened quietly, occasionally smiling. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Jiang Li and Jiang Yiming talked about the amusing incidents from practice during the day, with the boy’s eyes shining as he demonstrated newly grasped moves.

Su Qingying’s typically cold brows and eyes softened considerably under the candlelight; she ate slowly, her gaze sweeping over everyone, finally settling on Jiang Ning’s profile, a subtle warmth rising in her eyes.

Outside, the snow fell silently, within, laughter filled the room.

The charcoal fire crackled, the scent of dishes intermingled with the rich aroma of rice wine, weaving into the most commonplace yet most precious flavor of the year-end.

Jiang Ning beheld this scene, his inner world, which had been taut from cultivation, finally settling into a warm reality.

....

As everyone clinked glasses, the twilight deepened.

Suddenly, the sky outside the window flashed with fireworks, the black night sky abruptly lit up, with clusters of dazzling fireworks exploding with a "bang," transforming into golden chrysanthemums, silver willows, scarlet butterflies, radiating colors, causing the snowy ground to flicker.

"Look! Fireworks!" Little Dumpling was the first to jump off her chair, running to the window, her face pressed against the cold glass, her eyes wide open.

Everyone also stood up to watch.

Little Dumpling pointed excitedly at the largest golden peony, "Little Uncle, see that one!"

Jiang Ning walked to the window, standing behind Little Dumpling, his voice warm, "Yes, it’s very beautiful."

Su Qingying unknowingly had also walked over, standing beside Jiang Ning.

The light from the fireworks flickered across her cool profile, lessening its isolation and adding a touch of warmth.

She faintly tilted her head up, gazing at the brilliant sky, softly said, "The New Year’s Eve fireworks in the Royal Capital are so lively, I never noticed before."

Jiang Ning, hearing this, smiled, "Because in past years you were alone, without people around, naturally you wouldn’t notice these."

Beside them, Liuu Wanwan smiled and clasped Jiang Li’s arm, leaning against his shoulder, gazing at the sky.

Then she glanced at Jiang Ning, at Little Dumpling, at Lv Yi and Zhong Ling, her face blooming with a subtle smile.

Jiang Ning’s gaze withdrew from the night sky, passing over the small Dumpling gazing upward in awe, the enthusiastic young Yiming, his elder brother and sister-in-law leaning together, Lv Yi and Zhong Ling quietly chatting, finally settling in Su Qingying’s clear eyes reflecting the fireworks.

Outside was the spectacular yet fleeting noise, inside was the long-lasting tranquility of illuminated lights.