Chapter 966: with translation of chapter title

Ao Jing says that, but he is actually a decent person; he seems unable to find this "appropriate timing" at all.

This matter was thus left stalled.

Shan Shan also never proactively brought this up to Ao Jing; at first because she was embarrassed and couldn't speak, later because she went to see Xiong Feng.

Xiong Feng, after hearing, hurriedly said: "You two don't go messing around; I don't need it for now."

Shan Shan wondered: "How so?"

Xiong Feng pointed at his own eyes: "Look here……"

In the Nirvana fire region, the temperature is very high; exhaling a breath, one can only see the airflow undulating in ripples, fleeting.

Shan Shan stared at Xiong Feng's eyes.

At first she could only see Xiong Feng's pair of eyes, under the high temperature's reflection in the Nirvana fire region, all red.

But later Shan Shan discovered something was off.

Xiong Feng's pupils changed.

Originally black pupils turned translucent red; from within one could even see Shan Shan's shadow, resembling that dust‑defying bead.

Shan Shan exclaimed in surprise: "You really refined it?"

Xiong Feng had told Shan Shan that he intended to refine the dust‑defying bead into his own personal magic implement; Shan Shan knew he had this grand ambition, but she hadn't expected the process to be so fast.

"Not that easy." Xiong Feng shifted his tone, saying: "But I've already made some progress; next I will go into seclusion for a long period, during which even if you come in, I won't be able to respond."

Shan Shan excitedly asked: "How long is a long time?"

"At least ten years." Xiong Feng said: "That's under relatively smooth circumstances; if not smooth, it might take even longer."

Need that long!

Shan Shan worriedly asked: "What's the success rate? What happens if it fails?"

"I have a seventy percent chance." Xiong Feng answered truthfully: "But if bad luck leads to failure, lightly one would be reverted to original form, unable to maintain human form; heavily…… ashes scattered, smoke vanished."

Hearing the four words "ashes scattered, smoke vanished", Shan Shan's heart gave a jolt; subconsciously she began to ponder how to help Xiong Feng.

Xiong Feng seemed to see her thought, patted her shoulder and said: "Don't be so pessimistic; as I said, I have a seventy percent chance. You outside should manage the Feng Clan well; when I emerge I will inspect, but if…… there's no need to grieve for me—I've obtained this opportunity to climb to this height, to befriend you all, and I am already content."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Shan Shan firmly said: "You will surely turn misfortune into fortune and achieve your wishes; we will all be waiting for you outside."

Xiong Feng smiled: "Mm, I will strive."

When Shan Shan left, Xiong Feng still worriedly urged: "Shan Shan, matters of the heart cannot be rushed or forced; I sincerely regard you as my own sister, you and Ao Jing must get along well."

·

At least ten years…… this timeline suddenly stretched that long, Shan Shan's anxious heart suddenly relaxed.

In the blink of an eye, the year's end approached.

This year too many things happened; the Big Family could gather much less time than before.

Mainly because Liu Junyan and Xiao Jiu were not at home.

The Earth Vein Journey hasn't ended yet; Xiao Jiu calculated the time, called Li Qingying in advance, telling her they wouldn't return to Wufu Town for the New Year this year.

It is expected that the Earth Vein Journey will be completed in the third lunar month of next year, then they will return.

Their not returning also indicates that their generation cannot gather for the New Year this year; the gathering is postponed to next March.

And this year is also the first year that Feng Ran took over Yin Dang Hang.

On New Year's Eve, Yin Dang Hang will hold a "year-end summary"; the Nether Realm will send personnel to hand over work with Feng Ran.

Feng Ran is not nervous; after all, from childhood, Xiao Jiu has brought her to experience this every New Year's Eve, and she is already thoroughly familiar with the whole process.

Xiao Jiu ultimately decided not to come back for the New Year this year, also because of this.

Although these years she has painstakingly cultivated Feng Ran, teaching everything that should be taught; the young lady is also commendable, managing inside and out in orderly fashion, so much that each time Li Qingying calls, she can't help but praise Feng Ran.

But whatever the matter, she must experience it alone to be truly capable of standing on her own; the year-end summary, whether big or small, involves many aspects.

When discussing rewards and punishments, how should the money, merit, and even magical implements bestowed be distributed reasonably?

Was last year's work summary adequately carried out?

Especially the work plan for next year—has Feng Ran already planned it well?

……

All sorts of matters need Feng Ran to personally handle them once; only then can Xiao Jiu completely relax.

Fortunately, Xiao Jiu now also counts as a major connection in the Nether Realm; even if the child has shortcomings, she has the ability to help clean up.

Of course, Feng Ran ultimately did not disappoint Xiao Jiu; the handover was perfectly complete.

After seeing off the Yin officials, Li Qingying immediately called Xiao Jiu, and also gave Feng Ran high praise.

In the latter part of the night, the tense adults all went home; the youngsters who voluntarily came to cheer Feng Ran didn't leave; a bubbling hot pot was lit, a grill set up in the front courtyard, drinks poured full, the whole Yin Dang Hang was filled with joyous harmony.

When happy, it's inevitable to drink too much.

Those with lower alcohol tolerance just fell asleep on the sofa or carpet.

In Jiangcheng, places with heating are few, but the crowd makes up for it; plus the hot pot keeps bubbling, the room isn't cold at all.

Many fireworks were laid out by the Zhu Pan River, some prepared by them, some by the townspeople.

Those who can always reside in Wufu Town are, essentially, not ordinary people.

They have long been accustomed to the various abnormalities of Yin Dang Hang, and will voluntarily cooperate with its actions.

For example, each year Yin Dang Hang must conduct the year-end summary; around midnight, outside fireworks and firecrackers boom deafeningly, while Wufu Town here remains as quiet as a chicken.

After finishing the handover here at Yin Dang Hang, they will first set off a firework, like a signal flare, telling the townspeople that it's done.

Wufu Town's fireworks and firecrackers then promptly began to be set off in succession.

Basically, they continue intermittently until dawn without stopping.

At this moment, the companions who aren't asleep all run to the Zhu Pan River side to set off fireworks.

The couples, meanwhile, take the opportunity to hold hands and stroll along the Zhu Pan River, whispering sweet nothings.

Ao Jing held Shan Shan's hand while walking along the Pearl Plate River, when snow actually began to fall from the sky.

In River City, there are always one or two snowfalls each winter; as long as it doesn't coincide with rain, the snowflakes can cover the ground overnight, leaving everywhere a vast expanse of white.

Shan Shan likes snow.

Tonight she was happy, having drunk a little too much.

She opened her arms, face upturned to welcome the falling snowflakes, smiling so hard her eyes disappeared, utterly delighted.

Ao Jing followed behind her at a leisurely pace, smiling softly as he watched the happy girl, his heart also feeling sweetly...