41 Chapter 41

◎Marriage certificate, a promise of eternal love◎

"Yes, it requires a mental cultivation technique to completely refine it."

Pei Xueyan smiled. She had long heard that even if one obtained a high-level cultivation level, without a cultivation method, one would be like a useless person, unable to unleash its true power.

However, she had never seen it with her own eyes. Even her master's profound martial arts did not require such complicated mental techniques.

Could it be that he did this on purpose? Using his mediocre cultivation to trap her, so he can control her in the future?

"Husband, if I encounter a bottleneck in my battles with others, will I have to come to you for the cultivation method again?"

Jiang Qiye explained softly, "First, master the basic training methods and solidify your current cultivation level. Later, I will teach you the remaining cultivation methods little by little."

"When does 'slowly' mean?"

"After we get married, I will teach you little by little, without holding anything back."

Pei Xueyan immediately beamed with joy. She believed he kept his word, and as long as she could obtain the complete cultivation technique, waiting a few more days wouldn't matter.

"Good brother, you should go and rest first." She took his arm and said in a sweet voice, "How about I cook for you? When you wake up, I promise I'll prepare a whole table of dishes for you!"

Looking at the undisguised joy in her eyes, Jiang Qiye's weariness lessened, and he softly replied, "Okay, I'm waiting for your big feast."

He walked back to the main hall and sat on the prayer mat.

The ten hours of spiritual energy transfer had almost drained half of his spiritual power, and his dantian and foundation were aching. He needed to adjust his breathing and recover as soon as possible.

As soon as the palace gates closed, Pei Xueyan couldn't help but jump up in the courtyard, her heart filled with ecstasy.

She enthusiastically began to stabilize her cultivation according to the method taught by Jiang Qiye, and the spiritual energy in her meridians became smoother and smoother.

It carried a hidden power as it was activated, several times stronger than her previous cultivation level.

Although the men of the Qingzong Sect were all lecherous scoundrels, their cultivation and martial arts were indeed upright, and they felt no discomfort at all.

Her master had taught her magic for a long time, but she felt unwell for several hours every day.

It turns out that a high level of cultivation can make the whole body feel unobstructed.

I ran to the foot of the mountain and casually cast some minor spells to amuse the small animals and satisfy the emptiness I felt from losing my magic power.

It took a while before he returned and asked Fairy Boy to buy some food.

She naturally didn't have much money, but Jiang Qiye casually placed his money pouch on the bedside table.

It's okay to take it.

After all, they're getting married tomorrow.

There were no tables and chairs in the hall, so she placed them on the stone table in the courtyard.

This place is truly a paradise. The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and many strange and adorable little animals fly and leap around. Even the air feels so refreshing.

She quietly opened the door a crack and whispered, "Husband, come out for dinner."

Jiang Qiye was indeed hungry. It was rare for him to be hungry, so he quickly finished his practice, got up, and came out.

Pei Xueyan pulled him down to sit, saying, "Husband, you've worked hard. You should have some nourishment."

He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat slowly and deliberately. "Are you alright?"

She shook her head. "It feels incredibly comfortable, as if I was born to practice these skills."

Jiang Qiye: "Let's write a marriage compatibility chart this afternoon."

"Aren't you feeling unwell? Tomorrow isn't too late."

I want to go sooner.

He's so affectionate, his eyes are so deep and unfathomable. Will they... tomorrow night?

Pei Xueyan had to come up with a plan.

A man who is obsessed with love is terrifying.

"But you just used up so much spiritual energy, and your body is still weak. There's no rush for the marriage proposal. We have all day tomorrow anyway, and no one will care."

"I do care." He wasn't as warm and gentle as when we met a while ago; he seemed to have something on his mind. "Ah Zheng, I want things to be quick. Please marry me soon."

"Haha." She really forced a smile; when you feel guilty, you can only awkwardly cover it up. "I've already called you my husband, so of course I'll marry you sooner or later."

Pei Xueyan sat down next to her and counted on her fingers, "We haven't known each other for very long, have we? You've been so good to me, I don't even know how to thank you enough. I'll definitely repay you with my body tomorrow."

Now that things have come to this, he is actually feeling a little sad.

Yes, he hid everything from her and deceived her; they were getting married soon.

They were both worried about things changing along the way and guilty that the truth had been covered up.

Looking at her beautiful face, my possessiveness still overcame everything else.

Pei Xueyan didn't pay attention to his expression and continued, "I was practicing flying just now, but it seems I can only fly a mile or two. I also can't get into the mental cultivation technique you taught me. I get dizzy as soon as I exert myself. Brother, what's wrong?"

"Don't be impatient. You need to master the mental techniques before you can use them. In a few days, I will write down all the mental techniques. You can understand them carefully first, and then slowly practice them."

Pei Xueyan readily agreed.

At this moment, she was so excited that she had no appetite. She just stared at Jiang Qiye eating elegantly, her mind already plotting how to escape their wedding night.

However, she also knew that to deceive someone, she had to offer some incentives first.

After Jiang Qiye finished eating, Pei Xueyan leaned against him, mimicking her master's seductive manner, and gently touched his chest: "Husband, was the food I bought delicious?"

"Yes." He nodded earnestly, his tone sincere. "Very good, thank you."

"You're welcome. Let's hurry up and get the marriage certificate, then we can continue practicing when we get back."

He held her waist, and his hand unconsciously rubbed it; the feeling was truly indescribable.

Pei Xueyan silently repeated to herself: Don't be angry, don't be angry.

This time, she changed into the red dress he had bought for her before going out.

Marriage agreement was originally a folk custom for marriage, requiring the consent of both sets of parents and the mediation of a matchmaker. It was delivered by the matchmaker during the engagement, but it was just a formality and the imperial court would not recognize it.

The two are now secretly getting married without a matchmaker; as long as you pay enough money, you can still get the marriage.

It's just for psychological comfort.

Dozens of miles away, on Lingxiu Mountain, there is a temple dedicated to the Old Man Under the Moon. The area is picturesque, and it is said that the water used to pray for children in the temple is very effective.

This is the most popular temple for hundreds of miles around.

As you enter the temple courtyard, you will see a large ginkgo tree.

The Matchmaker was actually an old woman with long hair tied up and dressed simply, whose figure vaguely exuded some magical power.

The old woman couldn't help but take a few more glances at the two as they approached.

Normally, when people come to ask for marriage proposals, it's usually their parents who do it on their behalf. Even if the couple comes in person, the woman is usually shy and timid. But these two are different. They're holding hands, so open and frank, which is quite rare.

They were clearly not a traditionally married couple. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "What words do you two want to write? What kind of paper?"

Pei Xueyan asked in confusion, "Is there a reason for this?"

“Of course there are. Some are for good luck, some have finally found their soulmate, some have eloped, and some each have their own needs… Of course, there are also those who are well-matched and mutually in love. The words written will be different for different situations.” The mother-in-law coughed and said slowly, “You two must be careful, these words are particular and very effective.”

Pei Xueyan blurted out, "Then let's write words that suit each of our needs."

The mother-in-law glanced at Jiang Qiye, then at Pei Xueyan. "You two are writing that you each have your own needs? I noticed that neither of you had parents or a matchmaker accompanying you, so I assumed you were mutually in love."

Pei Xueyan didn't believe in any kind of emotional retribution, but seeing Jiang Qiye's expression darken slightly, she quickly threw the question to him: "What do you think should be written?"

"Is 'until death do us part' acceptable?"

Upon hearing this, both the mother-in-law and Pei Xueyan were slightly taken aback.

“Brother Qiye, Grandma said this word is very effective.”

Pei Xueyan hesitated. She only wanted cultivation, not to be truly bound by "unwavering loyalty until death."

Jiang Qiye picked out a yellowed parchment scroll without answering her directly, and said only, "Write it down, it's alright."

Yes, their love was meant to last until death.

It was true before, it is true now, and it should be true in the future, but she just can't remember for now.

Pei Xueyan wanted to persuade her again, but Jiang Qiye looked up at her and said, "Azheng, are you worried? Don't you intend to stay with me through thick and thin?"

"But we've only just met, and who knows what the future holds?"

Jiang Qiye saw through her thoughts but didn't point them out.

To persuade him, he said, "Ah Zheng, perhaps you don't yet understand your own heart. Why don't we try to merge our hearts? Now that you have cultivation, you can feel whether our hearts truly resonate."

Without cultivation, she couldn't unleash the power of the Heart Elixir. Now that she has it, she can indeed try to see if the two hearts can truly be intertwined.

But she refused.

Jiang Qiye seemed to see through her resistance and added, "If you are willing, I will teach you another set of high-level spells."

Pei Xueyan immediately perked up and hurriedly asked, "What kind of magic?"

"Escape Technique".

"Huh? Go underground? No way!"

He shook his head slightly: "Not only can it burrow underground, but it can also enter water. It can freely travel through great rivers, mountains, and seas, and no one can stop it."

Pei Xueyan's eyes lit up, and she slapped her forehead in agreement: "Okay, okay. Deal!"

The merging of hearts and souls takes no time at all. The two stood side by side, took hands, and slowly closed their eyes.

Jiang Qiye focused his mind and activated his Heart Pill. A gentle spiritual energy flowed from his palm to Pei Xueyan. She felt a slight warmth in her chest, as if something was intertwined with his aura, and she truly felt her heart race.

Does that mean their hearts are compatible and in harmony?

That's so strange!

Seeing that the two had reached a consensus, the mother-in-law raised her hand and flicked her sleeve, causing countless red flowers to bloom. The parchment scroll floated gently above their heads, and a soft halo enveloped it.

Golden characters slowly emerged on the parchment, each stroke solemn and devout:

"By the order of Heaven and Earth, and by the destiny ordained by Heaven; by the harmony of Yin and Yang, and by the eternal bond of their love, we hereby declare that Jiang Qiye and Pei Xueyan are a match made in heaven, their union preordained by fate."

We vow to grow old together, our resolve unwavering through rise and fall; we pledge to grow old together, our hearts unchanged by fortune or misfortune. Our vows echo in our ears, our promises are etched in our hearts; though the world grows old and the heavens wither, our resolve will never change; though the world transforms, our love will remain constant.

From this day forward, we will hold hands and walk together, weathering storms together, sharing the same bed in life and the same grave in death. My only wish is to stay together year after year, until death do us part.

With heartfelt respect, I present this wedding invitation to Heaven.

The moment the words were written, flowers fell from the sky and landed on their shoulders.

Jiang Qiye reached out and caught a petal, filled with relief and joy.

Pei Xueyan stared at the words "unwavering until death" on the parchment scroll, feeling a slight sense of unease.

Jiang Qiye took out a piece of glittering gold from his sleeve, along with a spirit feather that shimmered with soft light, and handed them to the Old Woman of the Moon.

The spirit feathers are shed by high-level spirit birds and are already top-grade treasures.

Pei Xueyan stood to the side and said, "You're really willing to do that."

He smiled faintly: "It's a lifelong commitment, and whatever the cost, it's only right and proper."

"You care that much?"

"nature."

Pei Xueyan retorted, "Do you always make promises so easily?"