The winter solstice was when the days were shortest and the shadows were longest, yet it was also the time when the yang energy of heaven and earth started to rise again.0

The emperors and rulers of various empires and nations in the Eastern Treasured Vial Continent would all worship the mountains on this day, and even if they couldn't attend personally, they would still send high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Rites to the mountain god temples to pay respects and offer incense.0

In a similar manner to Dragon Spring Prefecture, the Plum Glaze Nation also had their own traditions and customs when it came to celebrating the winter solstice. Even the poorest of families would make dumplings, lamb soup, or glutinous rice according to their local traditions.0

Chen Ping'an, Ma Duyi, and Zeng Ye snacked on glutinous rice balls that they had purchased from the markets as they embarked on their return journey from Banner State City which was located in the southernmost region of the Plum Glaze Nation.0

Chen Ping'an stopped his horse at a border pass, telling Zeng Ye and Ma Duyi to cross first. He turned around and rode up a small hill by himself, and an old cultivator coincidentally walked to the peak slowly just as he arrived at the peak. Chen Ping'an dismounted his horse, and the old cultivator spoke using his non-fluent official dialect of the...0