078 Proposal and Wedding Procession

Yun Feiyue nodded; as long as they arrived, that would suffice. She was in no hurry, after all. The letter had only just reached them when two maids hurried in from the courtyard. Upon seeing Yun Feiyue, they bowed. “The people from Lord Shenyin have arrived, bringing betrothal gifts—they say they wish to marry our young lady. Now the whole city is watching! Should we open the doors or not?”

The maids were at a loss; in the household, only the old master and Lady Murong could make such decisions. Unfortunately, both the old master and the lord had gone to court, so they could only seek out Lady Murong.

At these words, Lady Murong’s expression shifted, and she glanced at Yun Feiyue, noticing a hint of joy in her eyes. She sighed quietly.

“No one in this courtyard is to leave. Wait until I return and handle matters.” As soon as she spoke, the guards surrounded Jinyu’s quarters. “No one is to move!”

Yun Feiyue shook her head in silence and quickly caught up with Lady Murong, wrapping her arms around her mother’s. “Mother, don’t be so stern! Give us a smile! Truly, I don’t care much for these riches. Regardless, it’s only a dowry. Even if I had none, your wise and beautiful daughter would certainly marry well.”

“A young lady shouldn’t speak so carelessly! Always talking about marriage—mind your words, lest others say our family lacks decorum.” Lady Murong chastised Yun Feiyue, her mood already sour and voice harsher than usual.

But Yun Feiyue only laughed, unoffended. “Mother, I’m already a mother myself—what’s shameful about marrying? No matter what happens, you must persuade grandfather to agree to my marriage with Mo Feiyuan, won’t you?”

She clung to Lady Murong’s arm, acting spoiled. Lady Murong sighed softly, her face softening a little. “Very well.”

Her love for her daughter was boundless—she could not refuse her.

After a few steps, she turned to remind Yun Feiyue, “Mind your manners before your grandfather. I don’t know if this is truly best for you, but since you want it, I won’t stand in your way. I understand how it feels…”

Just as she herself had once insisted on marrying Yun Hen despite Murong Qian Dai’s opposition. Lady Murong did not wish Yun Feiyue to endure the same.

Yun Feiyue nodded fervently. “Understood! I’ll be extra obedient in front of grandfather, don’t worry!”

Only then was Lady Murong reassured.

In the distance, Yun Feiyue saw You Tong and Han Cheng, both dressed festively in red, followed by a long procession bearing lavish gifts.

“We come on behalf of the Mo family to propose marriage,” You Tong declared innocently, as Han Cheng approached Lady Murong.

Lady Murong cast a cold glance at You Tong, clearly displeased. “Just the two of you? The groom himself isn’t present for the proposal?”

You Tong pursed his lips, glanced at Yun Feiyue, then back at Lady Murong. “Our lord was delayed by urgent matters. He might…be a bit late.”

Lady Murong was unmoved, waving her hand to signal the doors shut. “If Mo Feiyuan doesn’t come himself, there will be no union. Go back and tell him to come in person.”

As the doors closed, Lady Murong turned to Yun Feiyue. “Remember, you mustn’t marry so easily.”

Yun Feiyue could only shrug helplessly. Watching the doors close, she sighed. “Mother, do you truly not wish me to marry?”

“Wait!” cried You Tong, blocking the closing door. “Our lord has arrived!”

A white horse soared through the air. Mo Feiyuan, mounted on his Snowstep Steed, halted before the Yun gates.

Lady Murong was startled, then quickly ordered the door opened.

As soon as he saw the gates part and Lady Murong and Yun Feiyue emerge, Mo Feiyuan leapt down from his horse. “Mo Feiyuan, here to propose marriage.”

Lady Murong hesitated a moment, then waved her hand. “Come in, all of you!”

Thus, the grand procession entered the Yun household, and Mo Feiyuan was led to the main hall.

Lady Murong dared not make decisions on her own. Though she found Mo Feiyuan admirable, she still harbored doubts.

“We all know that the Mo family’s matriarch never lives long—she always dies. If you truly care for my daughter, you wouldn’t wish for her death, would you?”

Mo Feiyuan replied, “Of course not. Miss Yun will not die. I will protect her with my life.”

Hearing this, Lady Murong was somewhat reassured, as if seeing a reflection of Yun Hen’s resolve all those years ago—the same resolve that had led her to happiness in the Yun family.

After a brief reverie, Lady Murong continued, “But how can I trust you on just your word? My Yue’er is my treasure. If she were to die…”

“I will pledge my life for hers,” Mo Feiyuan replied without hesitation, meeting her gaze seriously.

Lady Murong nodded, exhaled as if unburdened, and murmured softly, “That’s good. That’s good.”

Suddenly, a stern, furious voice thundered above, “What’s good? Since when does a single promise suffice?”

Old Master Yun Kuang had returned. He’d rushed back right after court, with Beichen Yi accompanying him.

Beichen Yi greeted Mo Feiyuan with a bow. “Lord Shenyin.”

Though Beichen Yi’s role was now negligible, he had come to see for himself. How could he permit his Moon Sister to marry another?

His gaze grew darker, and his courtesy was forced—he could not confront this man, for any reason.

All that had transpired owed much to him. The thought filled him with sorrow and pain.

Mo Feiyuan did not look at him, but turned to Yun Kuang and nodded respectfully. “Old Master.”

This was the first time Mo Feiyuan showed such deference to anyone outside the Elder Council. He was always one to stand above others.

“You wish to marry my Yue’er? Fine. But how will you guarantee her safety? Why should I trust you?” Yun Kuang’s tone was icy.

Mo Feiyuan lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment before answering. “I can offer only my heart and my life as a guarantee. If you wish, I will swear a life-and-death pact.”

A life-and-death pact? Everyone present was astonished.

All understood what such a pact entailed. It was a vow bound to the laws of this world; to break it meant inescapable punishment, no matter one’s power.

“You…will you truly do it?” Yun Kuang could scarcely believe it, given Mo Feiyuan’s stature.

At first, he thought Mo Feiyuan sought to marry Yun Feiyue for ulterior motives—beauty, fortune, status…but he never imagined Mo Feiyuan would truly risk his life.

For someone like Lord Shenyin to make such a vow, Yun Feiyue must mean something extraordinary to him.

“Paper and brush,” Mo Feiyuan requested, and took them from an attendant.

On this continent, a life-and-death pact was absolute. It was an oath bound by the laws of heaven and earth—violation meant certain death.

Without hesitation, he wrote: “I, Mo Feiyuan, hereby swear: if ever I fail in my duty to protect Yun Feiyue, my life shall pay for this sin.”

His calligraphy was bold and decisive, as if the words had long been formed in his mind.

Yun Feiyue, standing nearby, pressed her lips together but did not intervene. She trusted his word—this contract was but a formality.

More importantly, if she stopped him now, her grandfather would force them apart.

She admitted, in that moment, she was selfish. Her love was never one of silent blessing from afar, but burning, life-bound devotion. Was that not true love? And besides, she never believed she would die.

With or without a contract, she believed he could protect his wife.

The pact was presented before Yun Kuang, who fell silent.

In truth, Yun Kuang was satisfied with Mo Feiyuan, but the fate of the Mo family’s matriarchs gave him pause.

Now, he had no grounds to object.

“I agree. In fifteen days, you will return.”

The date was set.

Mo Feiyuan nodded. “Thank you.” It was the first time in his life he had uttered such sincere thanks.

He turned to Yun Feiyue, eyes smiling. “Then I shall return in fifteen days.”

And with that, he departed.

Yet news of these events spread across the continent of Jinge—it was all just beginning.

Yun Feiyue touched her forehead as if in a dream. “Mother, you’re getting married!” Little Mumu nestled in her arms, hugging her neck. “But I’m not too happy with your new father. What if Senior Brother returns?”

“Then he shall have wedding wine with us,” Yun Feiyue laughed.

Lady Murong looked at Yun Feiyue and sighed. “Silly child, once married, you must learn to manage a household and many other things. The Mo family is no ordinary clan; there’s much even I don’t know. I fear you’ll struggle to adapt.”

Yun Feiyue frowned slightly. “It can’t be that complicated. Besides, I don’t plan to stay in the Mo family forever. Don’t worry, Mother.”

Lady Murong sighed, exasperated. “Fine, I shan’t say more! You never listen!”

Yun Feiyue smiled, happiness lingering at her lips. “When have I ever not listened?”

“You!” Lady Murong poked her forehead, a look of fond exasperation.

At that moment, sounds of fighting arose ahead.

“What’s going on?”

Lady Murong rushed forward; in the eldest brother’s courtyard, chaos had erupted.

With a wave of her hand, an elegant force emanated from her, enveloping the courtyard as she soared forward.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“What else? Your Yun family bullied my sister. I’m taking her away!” Jin Jing brandished his sword before Jinyu, glaring at Lady Murong.

Jinyu’s face was grim, and upon seeing Lady Murong, she started in fright.

“I’m sorry, Mother. My brother is being foolish.” She turned and scolded, “Jin Jing, are you rebelling? Apologize to Mother at once!”

But Jin Jing grew fiercer. “Sister, why apologize? They bullied you—I’m just seeking justice! Don’t be afraid; watch me!”

He drew his sword again.

Lady Murong snorted coldly. “We’re family, don’t be ungrateful. Seize him!”

Her temper was never good, and she could not abide juniors being insolent. Were they not relatives, she’d have struck him down herself.

Jinyu understood Lady Murong’s forbearance, but Jin Jing did not.

He snorted. “You Yun family are unreasonable. Today, I’ll take my sister away—stop me if you can. If you can’t, give your lives for it.”

Yun Feiyue massaged her brow—how ignorant. Did they really think the Yun family so simple?

“Go!” With Lady Murong’s command, the Yun family’s secret guards moved in.

The Yun family’s guards were extraordinary; capturing Jin Jing was effortless.

He struggled briefly after being seized.

Jinyu, seeing Lady Murong’s darkening face, knelt quickly. “Mother, my brother is just a fool—fearless because he knows nothing. He’s been too long in Qing Kingdom, almost forgetting who he is.”

Lady Murong frowned. “Now I have reason to suspect you stole Yue’er’s dowry. All of you will reflect behind closed doors. The Yun family is not concerned with mere wealth, but we cannot lose face. I will get to the bottom of this.”

Jinyu shook her head, tears brimming. “No, Mother—even if I were foolish, I’d never do such a thing.”

Lady Murong did not reply but ordered Jin Jing locked up and searched.

“Yue’er, if your sister-in-law is responsible, what then? Such a crime cannot be overlooked. But…the Jin family’s power in Qing Kingdom is formidable. We cannot punish them so simply.”

“Leave it to my brother—I don’t mind. He’ll handle it. Besides, sister-in-law is clever—if she wanted money, she wouldn’t be so foolish. She’d get more through divorce. I suspect you already know who the culprit is, Mother. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had Jin Jing searched. And his desperation is just what you expected.”

Lady Murong smiled approvingly. “Clever child! Truly my daughter.”

Sure enough, a mass of goods was soon emptied from Jin Jing’s space stone.

Lady Murong displayed them before Jinyu, who was incredulous—she never thought her brother would be so foolish as to covet the Yun family’s possessions.

“Mother…” Jinyu gazed at Lady Murong, eyes pitiful.

Lady Murong ignored her and ordered, “Send the young master away; Jinyu is to rest at home.”

This was already great mercy towards Jinyu. She did not protest, but thanked Lady Murong.

“Thank you, Mother. Please don’t tell my parents—my brother would be severely punished.”

Lady Murong snorted. “Now you know. Do not act against the Yun family. As for Jin Jing, I will not pursue it.”

“Thank you, Mother!” Jinyu kowtowed in gratitude.

Taking Yun Feiyue by the arm, Lady Murong left, lecturing her daughter along the way about household management.

Yun Feiyue grew drowsy from the barrage of advice. “Mother, I got it, enough already. Even Mumu can’t take it.”

Little Mumu was already snoring in protest.

Lady Murong pinched his chubby cheeks and took him from Yun Feiyue. “Who knows when I’ll see my darling grandson again. Remember to visit often—you and Mo Feiyuan can even move back home.”

Yun Feiyue smiled. “Mother, if I move back, what would people say? Don’t worry, I’ll be just fine!”

Lady Murong grunted, still reluctant to let go, muttering a few more words before handing Mumu back.

“I’ll send someone with the wedding dress samples soon, so you can choose.”

Yun Feiyue took her leave, carrying Mumu back to Feihua Pavilion.

She thought of how swift Mo Feiyuan’s visit had been—he came and went in a rush. Perhaps something urgent was afoot.

Just then, she spotted You Tong and Han Cheng approaching.

Han Cheng’s imposing figure was striking even from afar.

“Miss Yun, Lord Mo sent this wedding dress for you to see if you like it.” He handed her a delicate pearwood box.

Mumu rubbed his eyes. “What is it? If it’s not as fine as Mo Twelve’s red battle robe, we don’t want it. Our Yun family can afford anything else.”

You Tong huffed, clearly indignant. “Of course ours is the best! And who wears battle robes for a wedding? Beauty is what matters!”

Mumu bristled, tumbling down from Yun Feiyue’s arms, nearly falling. “What do you mean, as long as it’s pretty? My mother looks good in anything!”

“Don’t think I won’t deal with you, future lord or not!” You Tong bared his teeth, but his cuteness made him anything but fierce.

Mumu retorted, “What do you know, you silly!”

“You’re the silly one!”

And so the two began their quarrel.

Yun Feiyue ignored them, opening the box to find within it a smaller box of pastries.

The pear blossom cakes were fresh, their fragrance delicate.

Recalling Mo Feiyuan making pear blossom cakes, Yun Feiyue smiled, taking the box inside.

Every piece seemed to carry his presence—cool and melting on the tongue.

Seeing her eat, Tongling, ever careful, spoke up. “Lord Mo truly cares for you. When he couldn’t find you, he was despondent for a long time. If not for the Elder Council’s pressure and his many responsibilities, things would not be as they are.”

“When you marry into the Mo family, beware the Elder Council. But don’t worry, Tongling will protect you.”

They always spoke of the Elder Council, but whether the Third Elder’s death had angered or alerted them was unknown.

“Is the Elder Council truly so formidable?”

Tongling nodded without hesitation. “Very much so. They control the lord’s life. In truth, all decisions in the Mo family lie with the Council. The lord’s power is minimal. Though it may sound disrespectful, it is the reality.”

Yun Feiyue nodded but said nothing.

She wondered—if Mo Feiyuan defied the Elder Council, would they kill her as an example?

But Mo Feiyuan had already sworn a life-and-death pact—what now?

She thought of the contract in her grandfather’s hands and frowned.

“How many are there in the Elder Council?”

“Twelve—all near-divine guardians. Their identities are varied, some even secret. Tongling cannot reveal more.”

Tongling grew awkward. “In fact, even within the Mo family, few know the elders’ other identities. Lord Shenyin must know, but it’s forbidden to speak. It’s the family’s rule.”

Yun Feiyue did not press. She knew Tongling was not privy to much, being only a maid beside Mo Feiyuan, not a core member.

Better perhaps to ask Mo Twelve, though he was not around.

For now, she left it be.

Yun Feiyue spent the following days preparing her dowry. Everything was in order, the Yun family bustling with joy, but she still felt uneasy.

Perhaps it was pre-wedding anxiety.

Luo Yunhuang, dressed in blue and pink embroidered with butterflies, approached with a smile. “You’re getting married—why don’t you look happy? How strange! Most brides are elated. Why aren’t you smiling?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “Don’t tease me. I’m just worried about Mo Feiyuan—what if I have trouble with the Elder Council?”

“Why worry? If he dares marry you, he surely has a way to handle the Council. If not, you shouldn’t marry him. You’d be better off with your senior brother.”

Luo Yunhuang’s words startled Yun Feiyue—she hadn’t expected her to know about senior brother. It seemed she knew everything.

But this time, Yun Feiyue did not ask. She knew even if she did, Luo Yunhuang would not answer. Her identity was clearly special.

“Yunhuang, will you go to the Mo family with me this time?”

“Of course,” Luo Yunhuang replied matter-of-factly. “Who else will teach Mumu?”

Yun Feiyue felt reassured. Going alone to the Mo family would have been daunting—handling Mo Mei alone would be no fun, and without company, inconvenient.

Suddenly, Luo Yunhuang giggled. “Don’t worry. The Elder Council isn’t that terrible. They aren’t united, except in restraining the lord’s power. In other matters, they’re divided. There are people among them you know.”

“What?” Yun Feiyue was shocked.

Luo Yunhuang quickly realized her slip and covered her mouth. “Never mind, I just meant that among them is someone you know—me! Ha!”

Yun Feiyue didn’t believe her. “Be honest—who do I know?”

She had no recollection of knowing any elder. The only old man close to her was Yun Kuang.

Luo Yunhuang just grinned. “Just wait till you get there! I won’t tell you. Unless…”

“I give you my second brother as bait?” Yun Feiyue teased.

Luo Yunhuang’s face instantly turned red, then crimson all over. “You! Yun Feiyue! I won’t speak to you.”

She hurried off in embarrassment.

Yun Feiyue was left bemused—her second brother was in luck! Such a beautiful girl liked him.

Apart from his good looks, she could not think of any other merits…

But thinking further, she realized her brother’s tanned skin, soft pink lips, high nose, and peach blossom eyes were indeed striking, though his words could be irksome.

No wonder Luo Yunhuang liked him. In a world obsessed with appearances, anything was possible.

“Then I won’t tease your master in the future!” Yun Feiyue promised earnestly.

Mumu pouted. “As if I’d believe you, Mother. Never mind, I’m going to find Master.”

What a mischievous child! “Do you not see your mother’s authority?” Yun Feiyue called after him.

Mumu grinned, rubbing her cheek. “Of course I do. But if something happens, I have to care for Master as a good disciple.”

With that, he skipped off.

Once he was gone, Yun Feiyue turned to check her dowry and other items.

Since Jin Jing’s incident, Jinyu no longer managed these affairs, so Yun Feiyue oversaw everything herself—a tiresome task.

She wondered if she could still travel the world with her little bun in tow after marrying into the Mo family.

As she pondered, a chill crept up behind her.

She turned and saw a figure in black, his face marked with streaks of blood, a blood-red lotus by his brow—strangely alluring.

“Guiming?” Yun Feiyue asked in surprise.

Hadn’t he already left? Why was he back?

“I didn’t summon you.”

Guiming nodded. “I know. But I wanted to see you.”

He stepped before her, his pale fingers lifting slowly toward her face.

Yun Feiyue instinctively stepped back. “What are you doing?”

Guiming smiled faintly. “Nothing. I’m considering whether you should marry Mo Feiyuan. Why not come with me to the Ghost Path instead?”

Was this a joke?

Yun Feiyue exhaled slowly, meeting his gaze. “Are you asking me or forcing me?”

“Both. I care only for the result.”

Thick black mist curled around his ankles, rising in thin wisps. The air about his fingers twisted with it.

Yun Feiyue gathered her strength, ready to attack at any moment.

“No need to panic—I just want to take you away. By now, the righteous path will not tolerate you. Only the King of Chu in Chu Kingdom is willing to bear the condemnation of the four nations to let you live in peace.”

“Whether it’s the Yun family or Chu, if you don’t want them all destroyed, come with me.”

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips together. “What do you mean?”

“In your name, I destroyed three sects and twelve clans. Who knew they’d fall so easily—it was unexpected.”

Guiming’s voice turned dark, almost piercing.

Yun Feiyue rubbed her ears, then looked up, eyes cold with killing intent.

“Why use my name? What’s your aim? Want me dead? You alone are enough. If you dare implicate the Yun family, I won’t rest until you’re dead!”

She raised the Red Lotus token, ready to crush it.

“I couldn’t control you before, but now I hold this over you. If I destroy the token, you’ll be gravely harmed, won’t you?”

Her grip tightened; the token creaked.

Guiming drew closer, laying his hand gently on her cheek, his warmth seeming to thaw even his cold heart.

He smiled faintly. “If I feared death, I wouldn’t have entered the Ghost Path. Besides, even if I die, the Yun family and Chu Kingdom won’t fare well. If you want them safe, you have one choice—obey me.”

Threats—what she hated most in life.

“It’s none of your concern. I’ll protect them myself.”

She stepped back, forming seals with her hands. Flames shot toward Guiming.

He swept his hand, dispersing the fire; his palm came to her forehead, but he could not strike.

In his moment of hesitation, the Buddha Butterfly pierced his chest.

Black blood seeped out.

Yun Feiyue withdrew the blade, making no further move. It was his gaze that had startled her—a look of sorrow. Why was he sorrowful? Shouldn’t she be the one in pain?

Guiming clutched his wound, struggling to control his emotions.

Damn it! For a ghost path denizen to feel sorrow—what a joke.

In a muted voice, he said, “Wounds like this are nothing. I’m only doing this for your good. Someday, this world will abandon you. And when that happens, only I can protect you.”

Yun Feiyue did not understand. “Pushing me to the brink for my own good? Don’t insult my intelligence. Is it the Red Lotus token you want?”

Guiming’s gaze flickered—he’d never coveted the token. He’d thought to force her into desperation, so only he could save her. But…it wasn’t working.

He laughed coldly. He’d thought himself heartless, yet he could still feel pain.

“I just can’t bear to see you with Mo Feiyuan. What of it? When you’re forsaken by all, you’ll come to me. Yun Feiyue, since you hold the token of our pact, you belong to me.”

With that, he turned into a swirl of black mist and vanished.

In the terrifying Ghost Lord’s hall, the Ghost Lord sat upon his throne in black robes embroidered with white night-blooming cereus, a pale mask with a demon’s visage concealing his face.

“Guiming!” His voice was like thunder—deep, processed, and full of authority.

It echoed through the vast hall.

“Guiming is present.” He stood below, with Gongsun Ziyan and Hellfire at his side.

“Do you realize what trouble you’ve brought upon us with your recent actions?” The Ghost Lord’s fury was palpable.

He’d never imagined Guiming would destroy three sects and twelve clans for a woman—it was sheer folly.

“I know your motive! It’s for that woman, isn’t it? Hmph! I thought the Murong family would never use the Red Lotus token, but they did. Murong Qiandai once vowed never to use what our Ghost Path gave her.”

The Ghost Lord’s disdain for Murong Qiandai was evident—if not hatred, then deep resentment.

After some time, Guiming asked, “Why did you make me bond with the Red Lotus token?”

The Ghost Lord raised his hands, pointing at Guiming. “You want to know too much.”

Guiming shook his head. “It’s not that…”

The Ghost Lord’s temper flared. “If you wish for the abyss of hell, go ahead and defy me.”

He flicked his finger, and a chilling sound rang out, causing Guiming to clutch his head in pain—an agony he’d long grown used to.

His life had always been uncertain, so he cared little for death.

“Spare the young lord!” Hellfire pleaded, dropping to his knees.

Gongsun Ziyan watched coldly, then sneered, “Betraying the Ghost Lord—how can you ask for mercy? You’re too careless, young lord.”

With a crack, the Ghost Lord struck Gongsun Ziyan, sending her sprawling. She dared not resist, but begged for mercy.

“I keep you because I like you. But if you overstep, that’s your fault. Don’t do what displeases me.”

The Ghost Lord turned to Guiming. “You’d better remember what I’ve tasked you with. I want her dead, not as a person. If you can’t do that, there’s no point in keeping you.”

“Yes.”

…

The Ghost Path’s great hall was full of blood and violence, while the Yun family brimmed with joy.

Fifteen days passed, and the day of Yun Feiyue and Mo Feiyuan’s wedding arrived.

Yun Kuang had anticipated trouble and ordered the household heavily guarded.

Secret guards had long been arranged in the shadows.

News of Yun Feng, whom they had sought so long, finally arrived.

“This morning, Mother received word—third brother is in the Southern Kingdom, likely staying with the Jun family.”

Yun Feiyue nodded, relieved. She wasn’t surprised—Jun family’s lady and her third brother were close. Better they be together than elsewhere.

Yun Hai agreed, turning to Luo Yunhuang. “Today you go with Yue’er to the Mo family. Take care of yourself—I’ll visit in a while.”

Luo Yunhuang smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine wherever I go. I’m always the one causing trouble; no one can trouble me.”

Yun Hai, reassured, nodded deeply. “Good, I trust you.”

Today he seemed different—more serious, a hint of reluctance on his face.

“Second brother, don’t be like this—I hardly recognize you,” Yun Feiyue teased.

He struck a pose. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I have to leave a good impression. Now go—the Mo family’s palanquin has arrived…”

Little Mumu was dressed in red, adorably clueless, his big black eyes blinking, a bun atop his head.

He rolled up to Yun Feiyue. “Mother, what are you doing?”

She scooped him into her arms. “Nothing. Let’s go.”

Tongling helped her arrange her attire—a red wedding dress embroidered with a golden phoenix, ornate hairpins and tassels adorning her head, all dazzling.

Each step rung with the soul-bell’s chime as she entered the sedan.

This time, Old Master Yun Kuang did not personally see her off. With some regret, he sighed.

“In the end, she must go.”

“Sir, if you’re reluctant, you could go see her,” the steward suggested.

Yun Kuang shook his head. “No need. She has to go, whether I watch or not.”

Yun Feiyue sensed his sadness and looked back toward him.

“I haven’t paid my respects to grandfather—it feels wrong to leave like this.”

Lady Murong gently stroked her back. “It’s all right. If he wishes, he’ll come. He has his own thoughts, perhaps he simply can’t bring himself to see you go. Don’t worry about him.”

Yun Feiyue nodded and smiled. “Then I leave the family in your hands, Mother. There’s one more thing—I may have to do something. If I do anything wrong, don’t grieve. Scold me, blame me if you must.”

She hadn’t forgotten Guiming’s words. With three sects and twelve clans destroyed in her name, she was surely wanted everywhere except Chu. Guiming’s summoning was a mistake—had she known he was from the Ghost Path, she’d never have done it.

But now, the only way out might be to leave.

Inside the sedan, Mumu sat on her lap.

“Mother, do you know what Father Iceberg looks like in red?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “No idea.”

“I’ll tell you when I see him…” Mumu peeked through the curtain.

“Mother, the palanquin is nearing—Father Iceberg is up ahead, dressed in red, and there’s a long procession stretching far.”

His little head twisted, eyes sparkling with excitement, yet he also sensed danger.

“Mother, if you can’t marry today, will you cry?”

“Of course not!” Yun Feiyue scoffed. “Do you take me for a child?”

“True. But promise Mumu something—after you marry Father Iceberg, don’t have any more little monkeys with him.”

He was utterly serious.

“If you have a new baby, you won’t love me anymore.”

Who taught him that?

“Nonsense. I’ll always love you. And if it’s a little sister, wouldn’t she be cute?”

Mumu nodded gravely. “But only I get to love my little sister—you don’t.”

“…All right, only you can love her, not us.”

Mumu beamed. “I knew you loved me best.”

No sooner had he spoken than cold and violence erupted.

The aura of the Ghost Path was unmistakable and chilling.

Countless spectral hands reached from beneath the palanquin, seizing Yun Feiyue’s feet.

Boom—she summoned her martial strength, bursting through the palanquin.

Red light and the three-tailed phoenix flared behind her, painting the twilight sky with divine beauty, as she walked forward like a goddess.

A wave of ghostly force followed.

The crowd gasped in shock.

“That’s the Ghost Path! Are they here to kill Yun Feiyue?”

Mo Feiyuan swept his sleeves, forming seals with both hands. A burst of white light shot toward the Ghost Path.

At that moment, the Elder Council’s hidden forces appeared.

Mo Feiyuan’s supporters, along with the Yun family’s secret guards, all joined the fray.

Suddenly, the wedding procession became a battlefield.

－－－－－－Author’s note－－－－－－

Roar~ After overcoming many obstacles, the wedding finally arrives tomorrow. I’ll write diligently!