March 7th peeked out from behind Elysia and nodded vigorously in agreement.
"That's right, that's right, Sister Robin, Xiao Ming, you two should tone it down a bit. Sister Elysia and I haven't had dinner yet, and we feel like we've already been filled with your sweetness."
Robin felt a little embarrassed by what they said. She buried her face in Lu Jingming's shoulder, and her ears turned red.
Lu Jingming, however, was thick-skinned. Smiling, he turned back to look at the two protesters.
"Want some cake? I'll make two more later to shut you up."
"Yay!"
March 7th's cheers immediately erupted.
Elysia blinked and smiled.
"I'm really looking forward to it♪ But for now, let's leave the time for our expectant mothers and fathers"
Laughter echoed in the garden, creating a warm and beautiful atmosphere.
…
Since Lu Jingming and his group returned to Haiyuan City, several months had passed in a flash. Beyond this independent paradise, the situation on the Douluo Continent was becoming increasingly turbulent and unpredictable.
For Ma Xiaotao, Han Ruoruo, Xu Sanshi, Ning Tian, and the others, these past few months had undoubtedly been a huge emotional shock.
When they reunited with Jiang Nannan, Wu Ming, and the others who had arrived in Haiyuan City earlier, and heard that Shrek Academy and Shrek City had been reduced to ruins by the arrival of the Lord Ravager Phantylia, and that the foundation of their millennia-old heritage had been destroyed, everyone was struck dumb and fell into a long period of stunned silence and indescribable grief.
That place was not only where they learned and grew, but also their spiritual home and refuge.
During their most despondent time, it was Lu Jingming who provided them with support. Instead of offering empty words of comfort, he provided a resource-rich area on the outskirts of Haiyuan City, along with all the technical support needed for reconstruction.
"The glory of the past has faded, but the spirit and legacy of Shrek have not been severed. Here, you can create a new beginning with your own hands, a Shrek that belongs to you and to the future."
With his encouragement and substantial help, Ma Xiaotao and the others finally rallied from their grief, turning their endless sorrow into motivation for reconstruction, and began planning a new Shrek Academy in Haiyuan City.
…
At the same time, Huo Yuhao somehow found a time-space passage to return to this world. Filled with hatred and the power of a Herrscher, he brazenly attacked the White Tiger Duke's Mansion of the Star Luo Empire, seeking revenge against the Duchess.
However, he received news that his enemy had already died of illness, and that Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger was busy with military affairs and was stationed at the front line and not at home.
With nowhere to vent his anger and his revenge target vanishing in an instant, Huo Yuhao, filled with extreme resentment, once again disappeared from everyone's sight, his whereabouts unknown.
The situation on the continent was becoming increasingly tense.
A secret report came from Ju Zi that the Sun Moon Empire had completed its war mobilization and was sharpening its swords, ready to march north at any moment. Meanwhile, Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire also sent a message indicating that Star Luo was ready to fight.
The Heavenly Soul Empire and the Dou Ling Empire were also actively preparing for war, and a cataclysmic conflict that would sweep across the entire continent was about to break out.
…
However, all the changes in the outside world seemed unimportant to Lu Jingming at this moment. His entire focus was on the figure inside the life support room in Haiyuan City.
Today was the day Robin was about to give birth.
The interior was softly lit, filled with a tranquil and sacred atmosphere. As a powerful Soul Master and a traveler on the path of harmony, Robin's birthing process was not as painful as that of ordinary people.
She was surrounded by a faint, azure halo, like a harmonious melody. The power of harmony gently soothed her body and spirit, guiding the birth of new life as if it were a natural resonance.
However, this was ultimately a process that consumed a great deal of energy. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and her beautiful face showed obvious fatigue and weakness, but her bright green eyes shone with an unwavering and expectant light.
She held Lu Jingming's hand tightly, drawing strength from him.
Lu Jingming stayed by her side the whole time, his expression focused and gentle, constantly using his soft power to guide her breathing and encouraging her in a low voice.
Finally, after a burst of even brighter, harmonious starlight, a clear and vibrant cry echoed throughout the room.
A tiny baby girl, enveloped in a soft glow, was carefully placed in Robin's arms.
All the anxiety and exhaustion of waiting transformed into endless joy and tenderness at this moment. A weak yet incredibly happy smile bloomed on Robin's pale face, and tears silently streamed down her cheeks.
Lu Jingming also breathed a long sigh of relief, bent down, and looked at the mother and daughter with great affection.
The newborn girl's skin was so white it was almost transparent, with the rosy glow typical of newborns. Unlike ordinary babies, she didn't seem wrinkled; the outline of her eyebrows and eyes already showed that she had inherited the good genes of both parents.
What was most striking was her hair color. It didn't completely inherit the silver-purple of Robin, but rather, like Lu Jingming, it was a pure silver-white, softly lying on her forehead.
Above her head, a small, exquisite white celestial halo, as if carved from crystal jade, radiated a soft glow. This was the symbol of her bloodline from her mother, the Halovian Clan.
With each breath she took, extremely faint, stardust-like specks of light appeared and disappeared around her, indicating that she had also inherited some of her parents' extraordinary qualities.
"Mingyin… our daughter…"
Robin's voice was tinged with choked joy as her fingertips gently brushed across her daughter's delicate cheek.
Lu Jingming took her hand, kissed Robin's sweaty forehead, and gazed deeply at his newborn daughter, his eyes filled with the excitement of becoming a father for the first time.
"You've worked hard, robin. Look, she's just like us."
…
As night fell, the core residential area of Haiyuan City was brightly lit, brimming with unprecedented liveliness and warmth.
Inside the spacious banquet hall, long tables were laden with a dazzling array of delicacies. The air was filled with the aroma of food and drink, and with constant laughter and cheerful conversation.
Tonight's banquet was a true family gathering, and everyone present was a core member whom Lu Jingming absolutely trusted.
Inside the kitchen, Lu Jingming, wearing an apron, was working in perfect harmony with Raiden Mei. Mei's knife skills were superb, and she handled the ingredients with ease, while Lu Jingming was in charge of stir-frying, with exquisite control over the heat. The two occasionally exchanged whispers, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
"I never knew you had such skills, Xiao Ming."
Mei looked at Lu Jingming's skillful movements with slight surprise.
"We can't always rely on what's readily available; we have to show off our skills occasionally, especially for our families,"
Lu Jingming smiled as he plated a dish that looked and smelled delicious.
"Besides, with Mei's help, things are much more efficient."
…
In the banquet hall, the most eye-catching focus was undoubtedly Robin sitting on the soft sofa.
She held their soon-to-be-one-month-old daughter, Lu Mingyin, in her arms. The little one was neither crying nor fussing, but, with starry, clear eyes, was curiously observing the uncles and aunts around her, each exuding a different aura.
Elysia, March 7th, Firefly, Gan Yu, and the others surrounded her, their eyes sparkling with affection and tenderness.
"Oh my, little Mingyin is so cute! Those eyes will definitely be as captivating as Robin's when she grows up♪~"
Elysia gently teased the baby's little hand.
"Let me take one picture, just one."
March 7th held her camera, searching for the perfect angle.
"This will definitely be the most precious memory of the future."
Although Firefly did not speak, her eyes were gentle as she quietly placed a crystal radiating a soft energy beside the baby's swaddling clothes as a silent blessing.
The banquet naturally divided into several harmonious circles.
Not far away, Dan Heng, Ji Juechen, Ye Wuqing, Lu Wu, and Xiao Hongchen sat together with sake on the table. They didn't talk much, but the atmosphere wasn't awkward. Occasionally, they would raise their glasses to drink together and talk about their experiences and insights into spiritual practice, sharing a tacit understanding between men.
Yae Miko then walked up to Yae Sakura, her alluring purple eyes filled with amusement and inquiry.
"Oh my, what a... delightful encounter! Seeing you is like seeing an interesting mirror, wouldn't you agree?"
Yae Sakura appeared somewhat aloof, but she did not reject the shrine maiden who shared the same surname and had a slightly similar aura. The two began to converse in hushed tones.
Not far away, Raiden Mei, Acheron, and Raiden Makoto sat together after finishing their work in the kitchen. Three women with strikingly similar appearances, yet from different worlds, came together, creating a subtle and intriguing atmosphere.
Raiden Makoto and Raiden Mei were dignified and gentle, while Acheron was indifferent with a hint of curiosity. They talked about their experiences, as well as their curiosity and longing for each other's worlds.
Cerydra, Hysilens, Aglaea, and Castorice, these demigods from Onphalus, naturally formed a small group.
…
The most delicate and closely watched aspect of the scene, and the one that some people were secretly observing, was the circle of relationships centered around Lu Jingming.
Zhang Lexuan, Meng Hongchen, and Robin—these women with whom he had already consummated their marriages—behaved with even greater intimacy and naturalness. Zhang Lexuan was poised and elegant, Meng Hongchen was charming and demure, Robin was completely immersed in the happiness of becoming a mother for the first time, and Yae Miko would occasionally glance at Lu Jingming with a smile in her eyes.
On the other side, Ke Qing, Changli, Jinhsi, Castorice, Firefly, and Gu Yuena—these women whose relationships with him were ambiguous and only one step away from being finalized—chatted and laughed with others, but their eyes would always inadvertently sweep in Lu Jingming's direction.
Ke Qing would occasionally turn her face slightly away and blush when Lu Jingming cast a glance at her. Changli, with a meaningful smile, whispered to Jinhsi, causing Jinhsi's cheeks to flush. Castorice quietly savored the pastries, but Firefly noticed that she was taking more snacks than usual. Gu Yuena appeared calm and composed, but the frequency of the swaying of the wine glass in her hand betrayed the turmoil within her.
Just then, a terrifying episode occurred.
Herta seemed to take an interest in the kitchen and started to walk inside.
"Wait, Ms. Herta, please wait!"
March 7th, the first person to discover it, was so startled that she almost dropped her camera. She rushed over and stopped her.
"Ms. Herta, the kitchen... the kitchen is full today, yes, full."
Zhang Lexuan also quickly came over, her face beaming with smiles.
Ruan Mei gently put down her teacup and said in a calm tone,
"Herta, a place like the kitchen is not suitable for you."
Even Möbius, unusually, spoke up with a hint of mockery.
"Oh, do you want to set off fireworks for us?"
Lu Jingming's lips twitched. Herta was a notorious kitchen destroyer. If she went into the kitchen, things would definitely get lively.
Herta, hands on her hips, snorted in dissatisfaction.
"I was even trying to show off my skills, and this is your reaction?"
This little incident made the atmosphere even more lively.
Lemuen and Song Que were discussing the recipe for a certain drink, while the sisters Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo surrounded Snow Empress and Ice Empress, curiously asking about things in the far north.
Wang Qiu'er and Ye Guyi were having a lively chat with Nan Qiuqiu from the Earth Dragon Sect. Sparkle and Vita, two fun-loving individuals, were eager to make their move, but were kept under strict surveillance by Durandal.
Miyabi sat quietly near Jingliu, the two occasionally exchanging a word of swordsmanship insight. Buer and Istaroth watched the lively scene with smiles, as if admiring a vibrant painting.
Laughter and cheers filled the air, and glasses clinked in celebration. This banquet, which transcended global boundaries, brought together women from different times and with different stories.
For Lu Jingming, this was the meaning behind his continuous journey and his efforts to protect everything.
Tonight, Haiyuan City was filled with warmth, noise, and the happiness of home. Outside the window, countless stars twinkled, as if they too were shining for this special spectacle.
…
The grand banquet finally came to a close amidst warmth and merriment, with everyone returning to their lodgings, slightly tipsy and filled with joy.
However, for Lu Jingming, a battle even more arduous than dealing with thousands of troops had only just begun.
Perhaps it was the invisible stimulus brought about by Lu Mingyin's birth, or perhaps it was the yearning for that perfect happiness that made people long for it. Gu Yuena, Ke Qing, Castorice, Firefly, Changli, and Jinhsi—these women who had ambiguous relationships with Lu Jingming and were just one step away from getting together—seemed to have reached some kind of tacit understanding.
They cleverly excluded Robin, Meng Hongchen, Zhang Lexuan, Yae Miko, and the others who had already undergone 'baptism', forming a temporary alliance.