Chapter - 63 : Rest and Fun!!!

With their capability testing complete, Long Chen made an unexpected decision—

"Before we face tribulation… we shall have a week of rest and consolidation."

Despite their overwhelming newfound strength, their foundation was still unstable. Their bodies, souls, and Dantians had been transformed beyond comprehension, but without proper consolidation, they would be unable to truly wield this power when facing the wrath of the heavens.

Thus, Long Chen ordered a complete consolidation period. The warriors retreated into meditation, cultivation, and internal refinement, working tirelessly to stabilize the chaos within them.

The warriors were surprised but grateful. They had just survived a world-shaking transformation. A week of peace before the storm was a blessing.

And so, for the first time in what felt like eternity, the Dragon Blood warriors enjoyed life.

They drank, laughed, sparred in friendly duels, and reminisced about the journeys that brought them here. Some warriors took this time to reconnect with loved ones, while others spent it refining their new abilities.

For Long Chen, however, this was a rare moment of solitude. He stood atop a cliff, gazing at the stars, knowing that the battles ahead would be the greatest trials of their lives.

 A Few Days Before Tribulation--

A Week of Rest: A Fun Banter Before the Storm

[Scene: The Dragon Blood Legion's temporary resting camp—They don't like living within the very comfy quaters. It's evening, and the warriors are gathered around a massive bonfire, eating, drinking, and chatting. The tension of battle is gone—for now. Laughter fills the air as Long Chen and his closest friends finally get a chance to relax.]

The Bet Between Guo Ran and Mo Nian

Guo Ran: (grinning) Alright, listen up, everyone! I, the great Guo Ran, have come up with a bet! Whoever loses has to do laundry for the entire Dragon Blood Legion for a month!

Mo Nian: (smirking) Oh? And what's the bet, oh mighty laundry master?

Guo Ran: (ignores the insult) It's simple. We each take a sip of this special wine I got, and whoever can hold their breath the longest after drinking wins!

Mo Nian: (sniffs the wine suspiciously) …Wait a minute. This smells like it could dissolve my bones. Where did you even get this?!

Guo Ran: (proudly) Hehehe. Let's just say I have connections.

Shi Feng: (snorts) You mean you stole it from Elder Yun's stash?

Elder Yun: (suddenly appearing behind Guo Ran) What was that?!

Guo Ran: (chokes on air) H-Haha! Elder Xie! Fancy meeting you here! I was just—uhh—appreciating your fine collection! You have excellent taste, really!

Elder Yun: (narrowing eyes and slapping his head) *Sigh* You do realize that was aged spiritual dragon Liquid – A Medicinal Liquid meant to be stored for a week before using it to refine a certain pill to enhance tribulation resistance, right?

Mo Nian: (bursts into laughter) HAHAHA! Guo Ran, you just stole medicine and turned it into a party game!

Guo Ran: (sweating) Uhh…

Long Chen: (smirks) You know what, Elder Xie? I think Guo Ran should be the one washing everyone's laundry this month as punishment.

Dragon Blood Legion: (cheering) Hell, Yeah! Laundry duty for General Guo Ran!

Guo Ran: NOOOOOOOO!

Wilde's "Deep" Question

Wilde: (chewing loudly on a massive beast leg) Brother Long Chen?

Long Chen: (sipping his tea) Yeah, Wilde?

Wilde: (seriously) If a cow drinks water, does it become soup?

Everyone: (choke on their drink) Pffft—what?!

Chu Yao: (laughing) Where did you even get that question from?!

Wilde: (innocently) Well, if we drink water, it's just normal. But if we cook meat in water, it becomes soup, right? So… if a cow drinks water… does it become soup inside – because we eat cow?

Yu Yong: (pretends to be deep in thought) Hmm… That's actually a very philosophical question.

Mo Nian: (dead serious) Wilde, my brother, you may have just solved the mysteries of the universe.

Su Heng: (playing along) Quick! Someone find a cow! We need to test this!

Long Chen: (laughing) Wilde, let's just say the cow processes the water differently than a cooking pot.

Wilde: (nodding slowly) Ooohh… so the cow is the cooking pot?

Everyone: (laughing hysterically)

Master Yun Qi, sitting comfortably with a flask of wine in his hand, stretched his arms and let out a content sigh.

Master Yun Qi: "Ahh… It's been nice to relax after all this chaos."

Seated across from him, Mo Nian smirked as he sipped his drink.

Mo Nian: "Master Yun Qi, you're a free man for now. How does it feel?"

Yun Qi let out a chuckle before shaking his head.

Master Yun Qi: "Free? Hah! I'd rather fight ten tribulations than go back and deal with my wife's complaints."

At this, several people perked up, their interest piqued.

Guo Ran: (grinning) "Oh? She that scary?"

Yun Qi turned to him, his expression going completely deadpan.

Master Yun Qi: "You ever heard of a Phoenix Cry Drill?"

Tang Wan'er: (raising an eyebrow) "…That's a martial technique, isn't it?"

Master Yun Qi: (sighing deeply) "Yes. And also my wife's way of waking me up in the morning."

The entire group erupted into laughter.

Long Chen: (grinning) "I take it she's not the gentle type?"

Master Yun Qi took a deep sip of his wine before setting the flask down.

Master Yun Qi: "Let's just say… if I had a choice between facing a Heaven Tribulation or missing our wedding anniversary, I'd rather stand under the lightning."

Elder Xie: (chuckling) "No wonder you took so long to go back."

Master Yun Qi: (grinning) "Hey, let me enjoy my last few days of peace."

The laughter continued as Guo Ran wiped a tear from his eye.

Guo Ran: "Come on, Master Yun Qi, she can't be that bad. I mean, she married you, didn't she?"

Master Yun Qi: (nodding solemnly) "Yes. And that is the greatest proof of her patience and tolerance. A lesser woman would have sent me to reincarnate by now."

Mo Nian: (grinning) "Or, knowing her, she'd probably drag you back from reincarnation just to scold you one more time."

The group howled with laughter. Yun Qi raised his flask in salute.

Master Yun Qi: "You're not wrong."

Just as they were settling down, a sudden gust of wind swept through the camp, carrying with it an overwhelming, dignified presence. The warriors of the Dragon Blood Legion instinctively straightened their backs, their senses tingling with caution.

Then, a graceful yet imposing figure stepped into the firelight. Dressed in elegant robes with golden embroidery, her long black hair flowed down her back, shimmering under the moonlight. Her expression was calm, but her sharp eyes carried a weight that could send even seasoned warriors into a cold sweat.

Lady Ni'er: "Oh? Enjoying your 'last few days of peace,' are you, husband?"

Dead silence.

Master Yun Qi visibly froze, his face draining of color. The flask in his hand trembled slightly.

Master Yun Qi: (very slowly turning his head) "D-dear… I… uh… didn't hear you arrive."

Guo Ran: (whispering to Mo Nian) "Oh, we're about to witness a real-life tribulation."

Mo Nian nodded gravely.

Tang Wan'er and Chu Yao both covered their mouths to stifle their laughter, while Long Chen sat back, thoroughly enjoying the unfolding drama.

Lady Ni'er folded her arms and raised an eyebrow.

Lady Ni'er: "Mm. I could tell. You were too busy 'relaxing' and slandering me to notice."

Master Yun Qi: (laughs nervously) "Slandering? No, no, my love! I was just… recounting my deep admiration for your strength and discipline!"

Lady Ni'er: (narrowing her eyes) "Admiration, is it?"

Master Yun Qi quickly nodded, but everyone could see the cold sweat forming on his forehead.

Mo Nian: (whispering to Guo Ran) "Ten tribulations wouldn't have saved him. He's already dead."

Guo Ran gave a solemn nod.

Lady Ni'er: (crossing her arms) "So tell me, husband. What was that about you choosing Heaven Tribulation over spending time with me?"

Master Yun Qi: (panicked) "A joke! A bad joke! A joke made in poor taste by my very rude friends here!" (gestures wildly at the others)

Everyone immediately pointed at someone else.

Shi Feng: (pointing at Mo Nian) "It was Mo Nian!"

Mo Nian: (pointing at Guo Ran) "Guo Ran started it!"

Guo Ran: (pointing at Long Chen) "Long Chen told me to!"

Long Chen: (grinning) "Oh, I'm definitely not getting involved in this."

Lady Ni'er turned back to her husband with an amused smile.

Lady Ni'er: "Very well. Since you've been enjoying your 'freedom' so much, I assume you don't need my help handling the upcoming tribulation either?"

Master Yun Qi's soul practically left his body.

Master Yun Qi: (desperate) "Wait! No! Of course, I need you, my love! Without you, I'm as helpless as a fish out of water! A candle in the wind! A Guo Ran without his armor!"

Guo Ran: (offended) "Hey!"

Lady Ni'er studied her husband for a moment before sighing and shaking her head.

Lady Ni'er: "Honestly… you're lucky I adore you."

Master Yun Qi immediately straightened up and beamed.

Master Yun Qi: (grinning proudly) "See? True love!"

Mo Nian leaned over to Long Chen.

Mo Nian: (whispering) "Is this what true love looks like? Or is this just the ultimate survival instinct?"

Long Chen just smirked.

Meanwhile, Lady Ni'er turned to the rest of the group, her expression softening.

Lady Ni'er: "It's good to see all of you again. I hope you've been taking care of my foolish husband?"

Tang Wan'er: (laughing) "Oh, don't worry. He provides endless entertainment."

Master Yun Qi pouted.

Master Yun Qi: "I feel so unappreciated."

Lady Ni'er smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Lady Ni'er: "Oh, hush. You know I appreciate you. Just… try not to say anything that would make me have to 'appreciate' you less, alright?"

Master Yun Qi gulped and nodded rapidly.

The rest of the group chuckled as the night went on, the laughter continuing. Though danger loomed ahead, for now, they could enjoy this moment of peace—together.

Guo Ran: (smirking) Alright, hear me out. What if we start a business?

Shi Feng: (raising an eyebrow) You? A businessman?

Guo Ran: (grinning) Of course! We're warriors, but why not make some money on the side?

Tang Wan'er: (laughing) What exactly are you planning to sell?

Guo Ran: (excited) Customized armor! Made with my personal touch! I can even add glow-in-the-dark inscriptions!

Chu Feng: (snorts) You mean like the armor that exploded last time?

Guo Ran: (clears throat) That was a prototype. A little malfunction. No big deal.

Mo Nian: (grinning) Yeah, tell that to the poor guy who had to regrow his eyebrows.

Dragon Blood Legion: (laughing)

Guo Ran: (crosses arms) You guys have no vision. I bet one day, my brand will be the most famous in all the realms!

Long Chen: (grinning) Sure, sure. But first… finish your laundry duty.

Guo Ran: DAMN IT!

Guo Ran: (grinning) "Mo Nian, I heard your cultivation technique is called 'Peacock's Pride'!"

The fire crackled as Mo Nian rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his drink.

Mo Nian: (deadpan) "It's called 'Phoenix Rebirth Arrow,' thank you very much."

Yu Yong: (mock thoughtful) "Ahh, right, right. Sorry, I just thought it suited you. You know, all flashy but ultimately just a big bird."

Laughter erupted around the fire as Mo Nian shot Yu Yong an unimpressed look.

Mo Nian: (grinning) "Well, at least I don't hit like a kitten!"

Chen Hong: (raising an eyebrow) "A kitten? Have you seen Yu Yong fight? He'd rip you apart before you even drew your 'majestic peacock arrow.'"

Yu Yong: (smirking) "Exactly. Besides, if anyone here is a kitten, it's you, Mo Nian. I mean, all that preening? You spend more time fixing your hair than training."

Mo Nian: (mock offended, flicking his sleeve dramatically) "Excuse me?! Cultivation isn't just about brute strength—it's also about style!"

Guo Ran: (grinning) "Oh? Then how come Long Chen looks better than you without even trying?"

The entire group erupted in laughter. Mo Nian clutched his chest dramatically.

Mo Nian: (groaning) "Betrayed… by my own brothers…"

Before anyone could respond, another voice chimed in from behind.

Chu Feng: (grinning as he walked over) "Wait, did I hear right? Mo Nian is complaining about betrayal? That's rich!"

Mo Nian turned to glare at Chu Feng, who casually took a seat next to him.

Mo Nian: (crossing his arms) "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Chu Feng: (smirking) "You're always the first to sell us out when things get rough!"

Chen Hong: (nodding in agreement) "True. Who was the one who said, 'Let's split up' when we got ambushed last time? And then ran the fastest?"

Mo Nian clicked his tongue and looked away.

Mo Nian: (muttering) "Tactical retreat."

Yu Yong: (grinning) "Tactical retreat, huh? More like 'save yourself and let your friends handle it'!"

More laughter followed, but before Mo Nian could defend himself, Wilde, the ever-childlike warrior, suddenly spoke up. He had been quietly munching on roasted meat this entire time, listening with wide eyes.

Wilde: (confused, tilting his head) "Why would Mo Nian run? Aren't we supposed to fight together?"

Silence.

Mo Nian cleared his throat awkwardly while the others tried to hold back laughter.

Guo Ran: (grinning, whispering to Yu Yong) "Look, even Wilde thinks Mo Nian is a coward."

Mo Nian: (groaning, rubbing his temples) "Wilde, buddy, it's not what you think! Sometimes, running is part of the strategy!"

Wilde: (blinking) "Oh… so like hunting? You make the prey run first?"

Mo Nian: (nodding rapidly) "Exactly! That's what I was doing!"

Chen Hong: (snickering) "Except you were the prey."

The entire group burst into laughter again as Mo Nian buried his face in his hands.

As the teasing continued, more members of the Dragon Blood Legion gathered around. Yue Zifeng, Su Heng, and even Long Chen himself joined in, amused by the lively conversation.

Long Chen: (grinning as he sat down) "Alright, what are we laughing at?"

Chu Feng: (chuckling) "Mo Nian's survival instincts. Turns out, they're stronger than his cultivation."

Long Chen laughed, clapping Mo Nian on the back.

Long Chen: (grinning) "Come on, Mo Nian. We all know you're a warrior… a warrior of speed."

Mo Nian groaned again as the jokes piled on.

Mo Nian: (grumbling) "You guys are the worst."

Guo Ran: (smirking) "Oh, come on. We're just showing our love."

Before Mo Nian could snap back, a new voice cut in—one that made everyone stiffen slightly.

Elder Xie: (raising an eyebrow, arms crossed) "Love, huh? You lot have way too much free time if you're sitting around gossiping like a bunch of old women."

The group fell silent for a moment, but then Guo Ran, always the reckless one, decided to speak up.

Guo Ran: (grinning) "Come on, Elder Xie, even you have to admit this is entertaining."

Elder Xie sighed, shaking his head, but there was the tiniest hint of amusement in his eyes.

Elder Xie: (muttering) "This is what I have to deal with…"

Just then, another presence made itself known. A strong, dignified aura swept over them as Master Yun Qi arrived. He looked down at the gathered warriors, an unimpressed expression on his face.

Master Yun Qi: (sighing) "I leave you all alone for one evening, and you're already acting like a bunch of drunkards?"

Mo Nian: (grinning, regaining his confidence) "Oh, please. Like you don't enjoy the fun."

Master Yun Qi: (smirking slightly) "Fun is one thing. Letting Guo Ran lead the conversation? That's a dangerous game."

Guo Ran: (mock offended) "Hey! I represent the voice of reason!"

Chen Hong: (raising an eyebrow) "Since when?"

Yu Yong: (snorting) "Since never."

More laughter followed, and even Master Yun Qi chuckled before taking a seat. The teasing continued for a while, with the group sharing old battle stories, near-death experiences, and embarrassing moments from their past.

Eventually, the conversation shifted back to their training and the upcoming tribulation.

Long Chen: (serious, but still smiling) "Jokes aside, we've all come a long way. This tribulation… it won't be easy. But I have no doubt we'll overcome it together."

A collective nod went around the group. Even Mo Nian, despite all the teasing, sat up straight, his usual carefree expression replaced by something more determined.

Mo Nian: (grinning slightly) "Well, if I'm going to run, at least I'll be running towards the enemy this time."

Guo Ran: (grinning) "That's the spirit! But if you do run away, at least warn us first."

Laughter rang out once more, but this time, it carried a different weight—one of camaraderie, of warriors who had fought side by side and would continue to do so.

Despite all the teasing, despite all the banter, they all knew one thing to be true.

They were more than just comrades.

They were family.

To Be Continued...