Chapter 928 - 652: Life’s Winner

Decades passed by swiftly, like the snap of fingers.

Where the desolate mountain village once stood, a mountain city rose majestically, standing tall among the mountains.

Mountain paths lead in all directions, streams and waters connect, with shepherds and merchants bustling back and forth. It is situated at the throat of the ranges, becoming an irreplaceable strategic location in the wilds for thousands of miles.

Today, the entire mountain city was adorned with lights and decorations, the sound of bronze drums echoed, and the melodies of reed pipes drifted, with people bustling about, joy spreading across the mountains.

Traveling merchants and people from tribal clans couldn’t help but stop and watch, faces full of amazement.

A traveler halted, asking in a low voice:

"Why is the mountain city so grand and bustling today, with celebrations everywhere? What joyous occasion is this?"

A local resident answered casually, speaking with respect:

"You don’t know? Today is the centenary birthday of our Old City Lord Batu."

The traveler, upon hearing this, suddenly came to realization, his heart shaken.

The name of Batu has long been a legendary tale passed within these wild mountains.

Everyone knows that he was born into lowliness, nothing but a nameless slave, with a life as insignificant as grass.

Yet, due to his bravery in battles, he was personally named by the Grand Elder of the village, married a noble daughter, and became part of the tribal orthodox.

Today, everyone says that in the past, the Elder had the wisdom to recognize that within this slave was a strength as mighty as a lion.

The Old City Lord Batu was not only physically robust, valiant in battle, but also possessed great wisdom and vision, securing the village, expanding territories, living harmoniously with neighbors...

What’s more remarkable is that he valued family tradition, valued heritage, resulting in a flourishing family with abundant talents.

Among his descendants, over ten became Immortal Envoys cultivating in the Great Feather Grotto Heaven, and over a hundred became Village Chiefs overseeing mountains and villages.

A prosperous family that has extended over generations, it has long been a prominent clan on this land.

...

Inside the City Lord Mansion, even more spectacular scenes unfolded.

Guests filled the hall, the rituals were complete, and the etiquette was grand.

Batu, at the age of a hundred, with declining energy, had long passed the position of City Lord to his grandson Tashi.

At today’s banquet, Tashi wore the tribe’s brocade robe, standing tall, with a firm expression, exhibiting bravery, sitting in the front hall of the courtyard in place of his grandfather, receiving guests from all over in an orderly manner.

Guests arrived continuously to celebrate the birthday.

There were Village Chiefs and leaders from surrounding villages, leaders of traveling merchants, Elders and Priests from various tribes, and noble envoys from neighboring cities and distant lands.

Whenever someone came forward, Tashi would bow and serve tea, speaking sincerely and genuinely:

"Traversing mountains and ridges, thank you, uncles, brothers, for your efforts. Our whole family is delighted for everyone to come for grandpa’s birthday."

A Village Chief clasped his hands with a smile:

"Brother Tashi, you are too polite!"

"Old Batu is the root of our mountains, even if separated by ten ridges and a hundred mountains, we would still rush to celebrate!"

Tashi replied steadily:

"Your kindness, grandpa remembers it in his heart. Today, just relax and eat and drink, no need to be polite."

Someone presented a gift, respectfully saying:

"A small token, wishing the Old City Lord a long and prosperous life, may the Batu clan thrive for generations, protecting our tribes in peace."

Tashi received it with both hands, thanking solemnly:

"The gift is heavy, but the sentiment is even heavier. On behalf of grandpa, thank you all."

Nearby, several brothers of the same generation as Tashi, as well as young members of the clan, also stepped forward to help greet, speaking softly with Tashi.

"Aza, more and more people are coming to the front yard, should we add more tables and drinks?"

"Rest assured, it’s all arranged. Just stabilize the scene, don’t mess up the order."

"You are steady, with you here, grandpa can also be at ease."

Tashi nodded slightly, surveying the scene, then whispered again:

"Today is grandpa’s centenary birthday, let’s all show the grace of the Batu family."

"Understood!"

A chorus of brothers responded, each taking their role, not daring to neglect.

Soon after.

Tashi led a few distinguished guests in ornate attire, full of poise, into the inner courtyard.

These people were either Village Chiefs of significant villages or Grand Elders and Priests with high status and power in the tribe.

Tashi stepped forward, whispering to Batu:

"Grandpa, Mule and others have come specifically to wish you well."

The group approached Batu, bowing in unison, presenting gifts respectfully, reciting blessings:

"We wish City Lord Batu a happy hundredth birthday!"

"May you be everlasting like the green mountains, like the long rivers, blessing our tribes with endless life!"

Batu, gently supported by younger generations beside him, his hair white as snow, face full of wrinkles, eyes relaxed, filled with a kind smile:

"We’re all family, no need for formality, all take a seat."

Soon, at the main position, Batu sat peacefully, with descendants lining both sides, each stepping forward to bow and pay respects.

"Grandson greets grandpa, wishing grandpa a happy hundredth birthday, blessings as vast as the mountains, longevity like the pines."

"Grandson-in-law comes to wish you well, may your health be robust, and protect our tribe year after year with peace..."

Batu looked at the line of growing younger generations before him, identifying each one with care, speaking slowly:

"You’re little Sarah’s child, aren’t you?"

"In the blink of an eye, grown so much, able to lead a village, protect a tribe, a fine lad."

As soon as the words fell, two staggering figures, supported by younger generations, slowly came forward.

They were Batu’s third and fourth sons, both in their eighties now, hair graying, backs bent, both leaders of a district.

The two of them approached Batu, bowing slowly, their voices old and hoarse, filled with respect:

"Greetings to father."

"Wishing father a happy centennial, and blessed with longevity and health."

Batu looked at his two now-aging sons, eyes slightly warming, gently patting their arms, sighing softly:

"Good, good... all old, all old now."

The third son stepped forward, whispering a report to Batu:

"Father, the eldest brother will return too, he should arrive soon!"

Upon hearing this, Batu’s face showed a smile, nodding repeatedly, his voice lighter:

"Good! Good!"

"I thought he was too busy with cultivation to come back... coming back is good, coming back is good!"

...

In another dimension.

Chen Sheng’s gaze fell on the aged Batu in the inner courtyard, his brows slowly furrowing.

He had finally sensed this dimension.

If Batu’s lifespan were exhausted and he passed away, this tenuous dimensional thread would most likely be completely severed.

By then, let alone gathering his me.

This world might also become entirely unacquainted with him.

"Alas!!"

"This dimension’s me, has not the slightest ambition."

"Chest without grand ambition, good luck easy to satisfy, yet didn’t generate a single obsession."

Chen Sheng lightly shook his head, his sharp gaze returned to Batu.

In all fairness, this Batu indeed is a rare winner in worldly life.

Born in the wilderness, enslaved in youth, without lofty ideals, apart from attributes comparable to Marquis Changxin, he couldn’t be said to possess any particular talents.

Yet peculiarly, he became celebrated throughout this region, a wise, totemic figure.

At its core, there’s only one reason—prosperous offspring!!

With his wife Ayimu, he fathered three sons and two daughters; five children, two had the aptitude for cultivation.

The other three were also sharp and capable, resilient, each able to lead independently.

The subsequent grandsons and great-grandsons, all with abilities, some possessing cultivation talents, lifted Batu up, step by step.

Batu simply lived eating and drinking, in high spirits, living long, and unwittingly became a totemic figure among the mountains.

Watching this unfold, Chen Sheng couldn’t help but shake his head again, muttering to himself:

"I even suspect, this world’s me, inherently possesses the talent of [Dragon Spirit and Tiger Fierce]."