The old woman patted his head, her loving gaze fixed on her grandson's rosy cheeks, and said with a smile:

Whether he is an immortal or not, no one knows.

"However, the method he used has been passed down."

The child's curiosity was piqued, and he asked impatiently, "What kind of magic?"

The old woman pointed to the doorway, her face beaming with smiles:

"This is magic."

"Couplets and firecrackers—that's the method the old beggar used to drive away the Nian (a mythical beast).

The child was taken aback, and the old woman continued:

"It turns out that the most feared things in this year are firelight, red, and the loud explosions."

"It's big, fierce-looking, and terrifying with its bared teeth and claws, but who would have thought it's afraid of these things? Hehehe."

Amidst laughter, the old woman stood up and lifted the pot lid, releasing a cloud of steam mixed with the aroma of meat.

"Alright, the meat is cooked. It's time to prepare for our reunion dinner."

"Go and call your parents, get ready for dinner."

Upon hearing this, the child's face lit up with a smile, and he hurriedly ran out of the kitchen, shouting along:

"Dad! Mom! Are you done with your work yet?!"

"Time to eat!"

The bedroom was outside the kitchen, but no one answered.

When the child couldn't find anyone, he ran towards the main entrance, shouting, "Where is everyone? Where is everyone?"

As soon as he stepped out the door, he saw his parents standing there, stunned.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw not only his parents, but also the family across the street leaning against their door looking out.

He turned his head and saw a line of cavalry galloping down the festive street.

They seemed so out of place on this festive street.

The leader had disheveled hair and beard, and his face was covered in blood. Although he wore armor, he was filthy all over, and his face was extremely fierce, making him look very frightening.

The appearance of this group of fierce-looking people gave the child quite a fright.

As soon as his parents saw their son rush out, they quickly pulled him into the house. The three of them held their breath and watched in fear as the cavalry charged past.

After a long silence, the child finally spoke in a trembling voice:

"Father, this is..."

The middle-aged man shook his head and said in a deep voice:

"This is... that General Zhenguo, he's no good!"

"It seems he suffered a defeat. They were heading towards the capital in this direction, but that place is now..."

He paused for a moment, then said:

"They look so disheveled; it seems someone is chasing them."

"You're here."

Hearing this, the child looked up at his father and said:

Who is it?

Before the middle-aged man could speak, the commotion outside the door had already given the child the answer.

Another cavalry unit galloped past.

Among the cavalry, a large banner fluttered in the wind, its crimson flag standing out vividly.

The crimson flame totem on the flag resembles a raging fire.

Now, it is burning on this New Year's Eve!