Max Level Return—I'll Protect That Fragile One

Xu Xingguang looked at Huo Wen’an, his eyes showing a thoughtful expression.

”It is said that the birthplace of world consciousness is where the World Spirit Tree is located.” In other words, world consciousness and the World Spirit Tree have a symbiotic relationship.

This tree is the place where the spirit of the Divine Hidden Crane rests and recuperates after its body dies.

”Is that so?” Huo Wen’an noticed Andariel leaning against the tree trunk, her expression gentle and intoxicated. He guessed a possibility and asked Andariel, ”Mother, when you and Father were newly married, did you often come here for dates?”

’Dates’ is truly a euphemistic way of putting it.

Andariel probably recalled the sweet memories of camping and dating under the Divine Tree during her newlywed period with Huo Canghai. Even she, who always maintained her elegant and dignified princess identity, couldn’t help but show a shy girlish expression.

She gave Huo Wen’an a reproachful look and promptly changed the topic, ”The sun is about to set, Wen An, you should take Xingguang to rehearse.”

”...Okay.”

*

All adult members of the Huo Family, from all over the world, returned to Divine Concealment Island, donned formal ceremonial attire, and participated in the annual worship ceremony.

The worship ceremony began in the evening and continued until midnight.

Huo Wen’an and Xu Xingguang put on matching robes and stood at the forefront of the Huo Clan, just like a captain, leading all the members of the clan forward.

A giant circular ceremonial plaza was built under the Divine Tree. They first circled the ceremonial plaza once, and during the walk, everyone had to remain silent, heads held high, chests out, carrying meat and vegetable offerings.

After walking around once, they sat cross-legged and faced the Divine Tree to recite blessings.

After singing the blessings, Huo Wen’an ascended the steps of the ceremonial platform and began to perform the ritual dance under the ancient tree.

Though called a ritual dance, when he raised his staff and began worshiping the moon, his presence suddenly became majestic and solemn.

In that instant, Xu Xingguang felt as if he saw the Divine Hidden Crane.

The members of the Huo Family behind her also sensed the immediate change in Huo Wen’an’s aura. For a moment, the clan members, previously somewhat fatigued, all subconsciously sat up straighter.

They gazed at the majestic figure, seemingly able to compete with the sun and moon, with faces full of reverence and respect.

Huo Canghai, aged and infirm, did not attend this year’s festival with Andariel. As the eldest grandson of the Huo Family, Song Chi sat behind Xu Xingguang, while Huo Wenbei, whose health had not yet fully recovered, sat quietly next to Song Chi.

Although the two are brothers, Huo Wenbei was born after Song Chi was taken away by Rashomon, making them essentially strangers.

Huo Wenbei had lost a lot of weight, and last year’s ceremonial attire, which fit well, now hung loosely on him.

He gazed up at the man dancing under the Divine Tree to the moon, feeling an unprecedented sense of defeat.

Huo Wen’an had become an insurmountable peak.

He could only gaze up at the mountain.

Song Chi, who had never spoken to Huo Wenbei, suddenly said in a low voice, ”Seeing him, it’s as if I am seeing the Emperor of the Human World.”

They could only bow down and submit to the Emperor.

Huo Wenbei was startled, he glanced at this unfamiliar elder brother, and after a while, he shook his head with a wry smile. ”Do you think so too?”

Song Chi: ”Yes.”

After the ritual dance concluded, even Huo Wen’an, who had recovered 70% to 80% of his strength, was drenched in sweat. But his eyes were as bright as stars, and his spirit was shining.

After the ritual ended, those who needed to leave left, while those who wanted to gather continued to assemble.

Huo Wen’an, however, took Xu Xingguang’s hand, left first, and took a private plane back to the Pilot Mansion.

Knowing they were hungry, Andariel had earlier instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner in advance. Once they returned home, Andariel, looking weary, finally went to her bedroom to rest.

During today’s festival, no meat could be consumed, so dinner was entirely vegetarian. There was a dish of morel mushrooms with black bean tofu, smoked matsutake, a fragrant and tasty bamboo fungus egg soup, two bowls of vegetarian noodles, and some pastries.

The chef at the Pilot Mansion was extraordinarily skilled, and even with Xu Xingguang’s picky palate, there was no fault to find. Genuine cuisine, whether vegetarian or meat, tantalizes the taste buds.

Xu Xingguang ate until he was 80% full and drank half a bowl of soup, which made his stomach feel a bit more comfortable.

Huo Wen’an had a small appetite and finished eating early, but he didn’t stop picking up food, patiently and gently accompanying Xu Xingguang as he enjoyed his meal.

When Xu Xingguang finally put down his soup bowl and picked up a soft napkin to wipe his mouth, Huo Wen’an put down his chopsticks, wiped his hands, and said, ”This year, where would you like to spend New Year’s?”