Beware Of Chicken Chapter 297 v7c44: Stolen Moment

Xiulan felt a wave of relief wash over her as Jin and Meiling finally arrived at the Dueling Peaks. Ever since she resumed her duties, her life had been a whirlwind of preparation for this very moment. It was arguably the biggest event of the year, involving endless negotiations—not only with sect elders eager to curry her favor but also with every component of their burgeoning alliance. If she were forced to endure one more thinly veiled suggestion that she steer Jin toward a particular sect, she truly feared she might resort to violence.

The logistical nightmare of seating arrangements was a separate headache entirely. Balancing so many historical rivalries was a delicate art indeed.

She would have surely collapsed under the pressure if not for the blessing of her many reliable allies. She was far from alone in this endeavor. Tigu had successfully concluded her tasks in the north and hurried back without even visiting home, desperate to assist with security. Her presence, along with Rags, proved absolutely invaluable. Both stood among the elders, though Tigu clearly had to restrain herself from leaping onto her parents, mindful of the image she needed to project.

Regardless, the break was well-deserved. The Grass Sea debacle had left them all on edge; some fool had placed an open bounty on the Acting Lord Magistrate, drawing dangerous cultivators from distant provinces. They had nearly mobilized a strike force to eliminate the culprits, only to discover their targets were already incarcerated. Or, at the very least, most of them. Rags, Tigu, Yin, and even Xianghua had been forced to dismantle the remaining cells in Grass Sea City to officially close the bounty.

Meanwhile, Delun and Gou Ren worked tirelessly to restore the Dueling Peaks, successfully bringing various ancient systems back to life with the assistance of the Crystal Hill monkeys.

Watching the mountain stir back to life was mesmerizing, from the automated heating and cooling to the ancient flower beds that watered themselves, and even the waste processing units. Each minor restoration marked a significant step in returning the mountain to its former glory.

They even recovered old banners from storage—long sheets that had once draped from the peak, each emblazoned with the symbol of Azure.

She knew well that Jin held no love for pomp or grand ceremonies, though he fully grasped their necessity.

And so, they pulled out all the stops. Vast banners were deployed. Honor guards lined the road. Elders were positioned to strike the gong above the arena, while Bao Wen prepared the stadium floor with fresh soil.

This was merely the welcome. A feast, a gala, a tour of the grounds, and exhibitions by disciples and elders alike followed—it was essentially a state visit. Providing a spectacle for Jin was the most effective way for the sects to feel personally invested in this union.

"Grand Marshal. Esteemed Elders of the Azure Hills. I appreciate this warm reception. It is a relief to meet under these circumstances rather than our previous encounter," Jin remarked, his lighthearted tone effectively dismantling the underlying tension. He stood before the collective gaze of the Azure Hills with effortless poise, devoid of any stiffness. "May I introduce my wife, Hong Meiling..."

He navigated the introductions of his household without the slightest hitch; Wa Shi and Bei Be were presented with a natural ease that felt entirely seamless.

It was somewhat surreal to witness him in this capacity. She had always viewed her dear friend as a noble soul, yet never one given to pretensions. He was consistently ready with a laugh, a smile, a friendly pat on the shoulder, or even a playful prank. His warmth mirrored the sun—soothing, comforting, and a genuine balm for her spirit.

Yet here he stood, stripped of his usual cheeky grin, presenting himself as the most powerful man in the Azure Hills. This was the man who had overcome three Earth Realm cultivators and a being of the Sky Realm. The grandson of Shen Yu, the Unconquered Blade. An affiliate of the Cloudy Sword Sect. A Spiritual Herb Master whose reputation could command respect in far grander provinces.

His power was palpable yet restrained. He required no overt displays of dominance, which only served to heighten his natural authority. His regal bearing suited him unexpectedly well, she couldn't help but note. The well of serene strength he emanated set the tone for every cultivator in attendance. He was as placid as a still lake, and everyone present followed his lead, mirroring his composed demeanor.

At least, on the surface. Tianlan was busy whispering snippets of Jin’s annoyed grumbling to Xiulan. The two of them had conspired to invigorate the grass, and Xiulan had guided her friend toward the systems needed to create a subtle, impressive glow for his entrance. It was unnecessary, perhaps, but quite amusing.

Even so, the Lord Magistrate had clearly prepared him well, just as Lady Wu had refined Meiling's grace. Meiling stood slightly behind her husband, exuding a coolness equal to his own. When her purple eyes locked with Xiulan's, her smile flickered for a brief second before she returned to a neutral, composed expression.

Zhuye, cradled in the arms of the fox-maid Suyan—as Tigu had introduced her—kept looking around the arena in confusion, sniffing the air and rubbing his nose. The sheer volume of cultivators seated in the stands clearly overwhelmed him, and small tears welled up in his eyes.

Xiulan swiftly redirected her focus. The sooner she finished these formalities, the sooner Zhuye could find a place to rest!

"It is our distinct honor to receive you, Master Jin," Xiulan declared. "As well as your wife, your son, and your attendants. Every cultivator here understands the gravity of the battle on the Solstice, and the atrocities you prevented from befalling the Azure Hills."

Jin offered a slight nod. "It was my duty, just as it was yours, Grand Marshal. We bled side by side in that conflict, and I was grateful to have you with me. Just as I was equally pleased to hear of this alliance. I look forward to getting to know everyone who has committed themselves to this great endeavor."

The crowd hummed with energy at his words, clearly approving. His sincerity was framed by the mountain of Qi surrounding them—the massive weight of influence that was Jin and Tianlan.

Xiulan could feel the shift in the air. Shock was rapidly blossoming into pride. It stoked a fire in the hearts of everyone beginning to see the Azure Alliance as a permanent reality.

A man of genuine strength—someone who would be considered a monster even in the most powerful provinces—had validated their efforts. Furthermore, he considered it a noble and challenging task.

His gaze swept over them all. It softened when it reached Xiulan’s companions, though it never turned cold. Baatar, standing beside Xiulan, straightened his posture as Jin’s eyes met his, and Jin responded with a warm smile.

Though some looked ready to step forward with intentions of small talk, Xiulan steered the situation away.

"The journey has been long, Master Jin. Quarters have been prepared for you; please grant us the honor of your presence while we transition the arena for the banquet."

Jin paused for a heartbeat... but a subtle whimper reached their ears as Zhuye buried his face against Suyan's neck. The eyes of every elder instantly snapped toward the infant, and they immediately retreated in respect.

"That would be wonderful, Grand Marshal," he stated before turning to the other elders. "I look forward to becoming better acquainted with you all at the feast."

Once more, his tone was impeccable; anyone who had been poised to mingle retreated a respectful step.

"Certainly," Ulagan Baatar agreed at once. "Master Rou, we trust our humble hospitality will meet your standards."

"Both the Hermetic Iron Sect and the Framed Sun Sect provided excellent accommodations; I have no doubt the hospitality of the Dueling Peaks will be equally impressive. Please, Grand Marshal, lead the way."

Xiulan bowed and began to guide them, as requested.

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They were granted privacy as they navigated the path through the Dueling Peaks toward the newly renovated suite near the summit. Far from the oppressive crowd, Zhuye’s distressed whimpers gradually subsided. An honor guard composed of every Commander of the Azure Alliance escorted them, though Sect Master Xianghua would arrive later to avoid blatantly telegraphing their association.

They remained mostly silent until they reached the heavy door of the noble suite. It was the most secure location on the mountain, with Tianlan holding override keys to all locks. No one could enter or exit without her authorization, and Gou Ren and Delun had even ensured the room was soundproofed.

As the doors closed behind them, they finally let their guards down. Meiling lifted Zhuye, bouncing him gently, before turning to address Xiulan.

"Uuuuugah! That was so nerve-wracking!" Meiling groaned, her regal composure shattering in an instant. She gripped Xiulan’s arm, her eyes wide with lingering stress. Xiulan hugged her back instantly. "There were so damn many of them!"

Gou Ren chuckled behind her, slinging an arm over Meiling’s shoulders, while Shaggy Two leant against her legs in a silent gesture of support.

"It's total bullshit! Man, when I first arrived at Xianghua’s sect, I thought I was going to puke!" Gou Ren said with a sympathetic grin.

"Ah, you absolutely have to tell me the details tonight!" Meiling demanded.

"Big Bro, you looked so incredibly cool and regal!" Yin declared, playfully jabbing Jin in the stomach. He laughed, retaliating with an exaggerated shove to her shoulder, his other arm resting on Tigu’s leg, who had already leapt onto his back in a tight embrace.

"What the hells was that?! Where was the snack table?! How could you forget the snack table?!" Wa Shi immediately erupted, while Rags and Loud Boy dissolved into laughter.

"It’s happening later tonight, brother, and I swear you’ll love it!" Rags promised.

Xiulan allowed the tension to dissipate, listening to the cacophony of laughter—a brief, stolen moment of normalcy amidst the pageantry.

Jin pulled her into a brief greeting, and she leaned into him for warmth. Wa Shi coiled around her, and Bei Be gave a sharp, reassuring nod against her side.

Soon, Meiling handed Zhuye to Xiulan and went off to interrogate Tigu and Delun regarding their recent activities, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Xiulan looked down at the infant in her arms. Zhuye rubbed his nose again, his tears finally dry. He hesitated, sniffed the air, and looked up at her.

The pout vanished, and his eyes widened. Small hands gripped her braids with intensity.

"Aun' Lala!" he cheered. His voice was bright with pure joy, and his face blossomed into the biggest smile she had ever seen. The love sparkling in those purple eyes was plain to see as he clung to her. "Ma! Da! Jiejie! Aun' Lala!"

"Yes. Aunt Lala is here," she whispered, her voice tight with emotion.

For that moment, everything else ceased to exist. All the pressure, the looming tasks, and the endless work faded into the background. There was only the warmth of the child in her arms, who was so genuinely happy to see her.

It was perfect; it made every ounce of toil worth it.

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Master Rou had arrived.

Everyone at the Dueling Peaks was aware of the fact.

And everyone began to maneuver, whether to curry his favor or for reasons of their own.