Chapter 138 The night breeze is cool, and the barbecue stall is before the storm.

As the sun sets, the fading rays of the setting sun, like blood, paint the continuous eaves and brackets of Tianqi City with a dazzling, desolate beauty.

The hustle and bustle of this once largest city in the world is gradually fading away as dusk settles in.

However, in front of the former imperial palace, now the Changqing Tower (formerly Taiji Hall), crowds still throng and luxury cars rain down.

"Squeak—Boom!"

With a deep, resounding thud, the two massive doors of Changqing Tower, carved from a single piece of ancient sandalwood and weighing tens of thousands of kilograms, closed slowly and mercilessly without anyone pushing them.

The moment the gate closed, it utterly and ruthlessly shut out the high-ranking officials and nobles who were still lingering outside, even attempting to break down the gate with boxes of top-quality East China Sea pearls and priceless antiques, just to get a taste of the leftovers of the "Nine-Turn Resurrection Soup," along with their insane greed.

"Phew—my God..."

The moment the gate was completely locked, inside the hall, Lei Wujie, dressed in his signature red robes, was like a limp noodle with all its bones removed. With a series of heavy breaths, he collapsed like a lump of mud next to the huge welcoming table made of dozens of pieces of golden nanmu wood.

He lay sprawled on the cold marble floor, his once bright and flamboyant red shirt now completely soaked with sweat, so much so that it could be wrung out.

His soaked clothes clung tightly to his body, outlining the muscular lines of this young prodigy from Lei Family Fortress, which, after countless beatings, were beginning to take shape and were as explosive as a cheetah's.

"I'm exhausted... This is even more tiring than fighting those assassins from the Dark River for three days and three nights!"

While complaining without any regard for his image, Lei Wujie struggled to reach out and, like a blind man feeling an elephant, grabbed the remaining piece of roasted meat from some unknown strange beast on the table, which had long since gone cold. He stuffed it directly into his mouth, chewing it with gritted teeth, as if he were chewing the bones of the group of guests outside.

"These officials and so-called heads of noble families, who usually look so refined and dignified on the street, are more ferocious than a lone wolf that hasn't eaten for three months when it comes to fighting over food and medicine! My 'mysterious tray-carrying steps,' which I created to avoid the savage hands of pigs while carrying trays, are practically burning my feet on the bricks!"

"Be content, you blockhead. At least you weren't punished by your husband to clean the toilet today for stepping out the door with your left foot first."

Xiao Se sat behind the modified dragon throne cashier, the golden abacus in his hand polished to a shine.

Although he still looked somewhat tired, his deep eyes shone with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

"Today's revenue exceeds ten years' worth of tax revenue for the national treasury. You deserve to work yourself to death. Besides..."

Xiao Se glanced at Lei Wujie, "Didn't you feel that your perception of the rhythm of the wind has improved to another level while you were navigating through that extreme flow of people? You're now only a thin veil away from truly reaching the realm of carefree bliss."

"Hehe, that's true."

Lei Wujie scratched his head and grinned foolishly. "Brother-in-law's special training method is indeed perverse, but the results are undeniable. But Xiao Se, are we really still 'preparing to welcome guests' tonight? What exactly are those 'insects' in the void that brother-in-law mentioned during the day?"

Upon hearing this question, Wushuang, who was washing the last few plates in the kitchen, also poked her head out.

Although his gray cloth clothes were stained with oil, the peerless sword case on his back was spotless. After this period of "cutting the chopping block" training, the sword aura on his body had become more and more restrained, like a peerless sword with its edge hidden in its sheath. When it is drawn, it will surely be earth-shattering.

"Since you've spoken, sir, the person who came tonight is definitely not someone to be trifled with."

Wushuang walked into the main hall, casually pulled up a chair and sat down. "I've heard that you, sir, once cleaved the sky in the East Sea with a single stroke, annihilating a monster that called itself the 'Messenger of Heaven.' The one who came this time is probably that monster's accomplice, or even... its master."

"The master of the Heavenly Messenger?"

Lei Wujie swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down his spine. "What level of monster is that? Can our weaklings withstand it?"

"Even if you can't bear it, you have to bear it."

Xiao Se stood up and walked to the center of the hall. He raised his head and looked at the high dome, as if he could penetrate the building and see into the endless void.

"Since the master has asked us to prepare, that means he trusts us. All the hardships and toil we've endured at Changqing Tower these past few months, haven't we all been so that at this moment, we can stand behind him and shield him from those insignificant ants?"

"Well said!"

A lazy voice came from the second-floor stairwell.

Su Changqing, wearing a faded blue bathrobe and carrying a freshly washed and smelling little Nuomi dressed in a fluffy pajama, slowly walked down the stairs.

Li Hanyi walked beside him, her long, flowing black hair cascading casually over her shoulders. Her unadorned face held a languid and gentle beauty, as if she had just taken a bath. She held a dry towel in her hand, helping Su Changqing dry his half-dry hair.

The appearance of this family of three instantly broke the somewhat solemn atmosphere in the hall.

"Brother-in-law!"

Lei Wujie quickly jumped up from the table and stood up straight.

"Alright, don't be so nervous."

Su Changqing walked to the long table and placed Xiao Nuomi on a cushioned chair. The little guy immediately picked up the equally clean and chubby polar bear cub "Dabai" and giggled as he rolled around on the chair.

"What I said during the day was just a heads-up, to give you some mental preparation. As for those bugs hiding in the sewers..."

Su Changqing's lips curled into a contemptuous sneer. "If they dare to come, I'll turn them into kebabs. Perfect, we won't open for business tonight; we'll set up a barbecue stall in the yard ourselves."

"barbecue?!"

Lei Wujie and Wushuang's eyes lit up instantly.

For these two teenagers who are in the growth stage and undergo high-intensity "special training" every day, the barbecue made by Su Changqing is definitely the most irresistible temptation in the world!

"Go, clear the space next to the pond in the backyard. Lei Wujie, go start a fire, remember to keep your fire-burning technique at a low flame, don't burn all my charcoal. Wushuang, go and take out the tenderloin of that demonic whale in the ice cellar, and the few red-armored blood crabs left over from yesterday, and cut them up."

Su Changqing smoothly issued the instructions, then turned to look at Xiao Se.

"As for you, Boss Xiao."

"Go to the wine cellar and dig out those two jars of 'Drunken Life, Dreamy Death' that I buried at the very bottom. Tonight, let's have a good drink."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Se's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Living a life of debauchery and decadence!"

That was an unparalleled immortal brew made by Su Changqing using thousand-year-old spiritual herbs and phoenix true fire! Back in Snow Moon City, Baili Dongjun almost ascended to heaven in broad daylight after just one sip!

This divine item of such caliber, you actually used it as a barbecue accompaniment?!

"Sir, isn't this...isn't this a terrible waste?" Xiao Se couldn't help but swallow.

"Just go get it when I tell you to. Stop arguing. Good wine is meant to be shared with brothers. Why let it go to waste?" Su Changqing rolled his eyes at him, annoyed.

"Yes!" Xiao Se no longer hesitated, turned around and strode towards the wine cellar. There was even a hint of imperceptible urgency in his steps.

……

Half an hour later.

The backyard of Taiji Hall.

This place was originally the imperial garden where the emperor would relax and enjoy the flowers, but now Su Changqing has transformed it into an open-air barbecue stall full of life.

Several luminous pearls were casually hung on the surrounding tree branches, emitting a soft light that illuminated this small corner of the world.

A huge, specially made grill was placed in the center. Lei Wujie was squatting beside it, sweating profusely as he controlled the karmic fire in his palm, making the smokeless charcoal under the grill glow red-hot.

Wushuang transformed into an emotionless meat-slicing machine. Thirteen flying swords darted through the night sky, precisely slicing the massive piece of demon whale tenderloin, which was the size of half a room, into uniform slices, each with the same thickness and even the same texture, and then neatly arranging them on a white jade plate beside it.

"Sizzle—"

Su Changqing stood in front of the grill and placed several skewers of marinated whale meat on it.

Accompanied by the pleasant sound of oil dripping onto the charcoal fire, an extremely rich aroma of grilled meat, a blend of ocean scents and the fragrance of various herbs, instantly filled the night air.

"Gulp."

The sounds of people swallowing their saliva rose and fell all around them.

Even Li Hanyi, who usually pays the most attention to her image, couldn't help but take a deep breath at this moment, her beautiful eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"It smells so good..."

Little Nuomi sat on a small stool that Su Changqing had made especially for her, cupping her cheeks in her hands and staring longingly at the meat skewers on the grill, her drool almost dripping onto Da Bai's head.

"Don't rush, it's not fully cooked yet. This demon whale meat contains too much energy, so it must be slowly roasted over a low flame to completely refine its violent energy and transform it into gentle spiritual power."

While flipping the meat skewers, Su Changqing skillfully sprinkled on a handful of unknown spices.

"boom!"

The moment the spices touched the charcoal fire, they burst into a dazzling, multicolored flame, illuminating the entire backyard in a dreamlike way.

"Wow! Daddy's doing magic!" Little Nuomi clapped her hands happily.

"This isn't magic; this is the art of cooking."

Su Changqing smiled and pinched his daughter's little face. "When our Nuonuo grows up, Daddy will pass on this skill to you, and I guarantee you'll never go hungry, no matter where you go."

"I don't want to learn to cook! I want to be the number one female swordswoman in the world, just like Mommy!" Little Nuomi declared in her childish voice, waving her little fists.

"What's so great about female sword immortals? They're always fighting and killing, exposed to the wind and sun, and they can't even get a good night's sleep."

Su Changqing curled his lip, "It's better to be a cook. You can eat and drink well every day. If anyone dares to mess with you, you can just put laxatives in their food."

"Su Changqing!"

Li Hanyi couldn't stand it anymore. Her face flushed, she pinched his waist hard. "Is this how you raise your daughter? Giving her laxatives? You're corrupting the child!"

"Ouch! Gently, gently! Honey, I'm sorry!"

Su Changqing cried out dramatically and quickly begged for mercy.

Watching the lively couple bickering, Xiao Se and the others couldn't help but burst into laughter.

This warm, peaceful, and humane atmosphere made them almost forget where they were and the danger that was about to befall them.

Here, there is no oppression of imperial power, and no feuds of the martial arts world.

Yes, it was just a group of friends who came together by chance, and a steaming hot barbecue.

"The meat is ready! Come on, everyone, don't be shy!"

Su Changqing distributed the grilled meat skewers to everyone, and then poured out several bowls of "Drunken Life, Dreamy Death" wine from the wine jar that Xiao Se had brought over. The wine was as clear as spring water, yet it exuded a strange aroma that made one's soul tremble.

"Cheers!"

"For Changqinglou!"

"For my brother-in-law's barbecue!"

Everyone raised their wine bowls (Xiao Nuomi was holding a juice bowl), and they clinked them together, making a crisp sound.

A sip of wine goes down my throat.

Xiao Se, Lei Wujie, and Wushuang all shuddered simultaneously!

The wine wasn't spicy at all; instead, it was like a cool mountain spring flowing down their throats, instantly transforming into an unimaginably vast pure spiritual energy that frantically washed over their limbs and bones!

Before their eyes appeared countless bizarre and fantastical visions. Some contained their deepest desires, while others were their most terrifying nightmares.

But soon, these illusions vanished like bubbles in the sunlight, replaced by an unprecedented clarity and transparency!

"boom!"

"boom!"

"boom!"

Three powerful auras erupted from the three teenagers almost simultaneously!

The dark red karmic fire on Lei Wujie's body was now faintly glowing with a pure golden light. His fire-burning technique had finally broken through the limits of mortals and touched the threshold of divine travel!

Behind Wushuang, thirteen flying swords simultaneously emitted joyful sword cries. Especially the previously dormant Great Ming Vermilion Bird, which, without being activated, automatically emitted a terrifyingly high temperature capable of scorching the heavens and boiling the seas! His sword heart was completely stabilized!

The most striking change was in Xiao Se.

In his deep eyes, the faint phantom of stars rising and falling could be seen. At this moment, the imperial dragon energy within him resonated in a wondrous way with the laws of this world!

Halfway to the peak of divine travel!

We are only one step away from truly experiencing a mystical realm!

"Excellent wine! Such a powerful wine!"

Xiao Se let out a long breath, staring at the empty bowl in his hand, his eyes filled with shock and fervor.

"Thank you for the wine, sir!"

The three of them stood up in unison and bowed deeply to Su Changqing.

They knew that this was not just a bowl of wine, but a tremendous stroke of luck that Su Changqing had given them!

"Alright, stop with the formalities and sit down to eat the meat. It won't taste good if it gets cold."

Su Changqing waved his hand, not caring about their gratitude.

He picked up a skewer of grilled squid, took a bite, and squinted his eyes in satisfaction.

"Mmm, it tastes good. The cooking time is just right."

A cool night breeze rustled the leaves of the trees in the backyard.

Everything seemed so peaceful.

however.

Just as everyone was enjoying their meal.

Su Changqing paused slightly as he chewed the squid.

At this moment, a chilling glint flashed in his normally languid eyes.

He didn't turn his head, nor did he put down the meat skewers in his hand. He simply looked up at the dark night sky and uttered a single sentence.

"Now that you're here, stop hiding."

"My Changqing Pavilion, though open for business, will not be accepting uninvited guests tonight."