Chapter 71 Grand Ceremony: Has Master considered the matter of a Daoist partner?
When Fu Yunshu came to her senses, she found that Yin Lisheng had quietly opened his eyes.
The two looked at each other without speaking, and an indescribable, subtle atmosphere quietly filled the space between them.
"Master?" Yin Lisheng spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse from just waking up, making it exceptionally clear in the quiet environment.
Fu Yunshu snapped back to his senses, straightening up as if burned, the jade bottle in his hand nearly slipping from his grasp. He quickly suppressed all outward emotions, reverting to his aloof demeanor, though a faint blush at the base of his ears betrayed him.
"Awake?" Fu Yunshu's voice was calm, but his gaze shifted slightly to another direction. "Why are you sleeping here?"
Yin Lisheng slowly rose, his movements languid, but his gaze never left Fu Yunshu's face. "I want to wait for Master to emerge from seclusion."
He paused, then added, "I'll feel more at ease with you by my side."
These words were so blunt that they stirred up the emotions that Fu Yunshu had managed to suppress. His fingers tightened slightly as he held the jade bottle, but the cool bottle couldn't suppress the inexplicable heat in his palm.
He couldn't help but feel confused. Yin Lisheng didn't seem to be like this before.
"Nonsense." Fu Yunshu scolded in a low voice, but his tone was not harsh; it was more like a scolding.
Yin Lisheng smiled, a faint smile that revealed the unbridled spirit of youth.
"This disciple is willing."
He took a small step forward, and the distance between them suddenly shortened, so close that Fu Yunshu could clearly see his own reflection in his eyes.
"As long as you are protecting your master, nothing you do is considered foolish."
The air seemed to freeze for a moment, and a drop of dew slid off a bamboo leaf, making a crisp sound.
Like Fu Yunshu's emotions, beneath the calm surface, turbulent undercurrents surged.
"Master has completed the refining?" Yin Lisheng's gaze fell on the white jade bottle, cleverly changing the subject and giving Fu Yunshu some breathing room. "May I take a look?"
“It’s alright,” Fu Yunshu breathed a sigh of relief and handed over the jade bottle: “The Nine-Turn Essence Pill, although I don’t know how much of its effects can be restored, it’s done for now.”
He paused, then sighed, "Today... I'll send it to Gu Zhinan, hoping that he and Wen Zhuo can live a good life together from now on."
Yin Lisheng took the jade bottle, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against Fu Yunshu's hand. The fleeting warmth made both of them pause slightly.
"Master, you've worked hard." Yin Lisheng's voice was a little lower, filled with genuine heartache.
"It's alright." Fu Yunshu turned to look at the gradually brightening sunrise on the horizon. "If it can help Gu Zhinan let go of his obsession, this little bit of hardship is nothing."
Yin Lisheng stared at the figure. The morning light bathed him in a soft, warm gold, softening even his usually cold and hard features.
He recalled Gu Zhinan's words from last night and a probing thought began to stir in his heart.
"Even Sect Leader Song and Peak Leader Gu are getting married. Master, haven't you thought about finding a Daoist partner?"
Fu Yunshu's back stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment.
The question came so suddenly that it caught Fu Yunshu off guard. He gazed at the gradually brightening sunset on the horizon and did not answer immediately.
Yin Lisheng's heart sank into a deep suspense as the silence deepened. He gripped the jade bottle tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white, filled with both anticipation and fear of the answer.
"A Daoist partner..." Fu Yunshu spoke slowly, his voice very soft, as if he were talking to himself, "After a thousand years of cultivation, I have never thought about this before."
Yin Lisheng stepped forward impatiently and asked anxiously, "And now?"
“Now…” Fu Yunshu’s voice became ethereal, “I don’t know.”
He genuinely didn't know how to answer that question. Was he supposed to tell Yin Lisheng that he, being an old man, had taken a liking to the disciple he had raised, even knowing that the disciple might have a romantic partner?
Fu Yunshu couldn't bring himself to say it.
Upon hearing this, Yin Lisheng was somewhat disappointed, but then he thought that at least his master had no one else in his heart, and he became happy again.
"I still have a chance," Yin Lisheng thought to himself.
"It's getting late, let's set off now."
Fu Yunshu didn't want to continue the conversation with Yin Lisheng on this topic, since his own mind was also in turmoil.
The main peak was already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Red silk was laid out from the mountain gate all the way to the main hall, and the disciples along the way were all dressed in new clothes, their faces beaming with joy.
Guests from all factions arrived in an endless stream, their congratulations and greetings filling the air. The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, the Illusionary Sound Palace, the Xie family of the Eastern Realm… all the prominent forces in the cultivation world sent representatives. Even Shi Jin, who had had a falling out with the others a few days ago, had to put on a smiling face and bow to them – after all, he had to give face to the Qingyuan Sect.
The plaza in front of the main hall was set up as a ceremony venue. On the high platform, there was an incense table and a memorial tablet for Heaven and Earth, and most of the seats on both sides were already occupied.
There were quite a few familiar faces. Ji Yuanbai, the head of the Ji family, and Lu Yanci, the head of the Tianji Pavilion, were talking in hushed tones. Qin Lianyue, along with Duan Xuan and Chu Yu, sat a little further back. Duan Xuan looked around curiously, while Chu Yu whispered a few words to her from time to time.
The arrival of Fu Yunshu and Yin Lisheng caused a subtle commotion. Many eyes turned towards them, a mixture of awe, curiosity, and inquiry. Fu Yunshu kept his eyes straight ahead and walked directly to the seat prepared for him on the side of the platform. Yin Lisheng followed closely behind and sat down below his master.
"Grandmaster Uncle." Song Wenzhuo's voice came from behind. Today, he was dressed in a bright red wedding robe, embroidered with intricate auspicious cloud patterns in gold thread, which made his face look like jade and his demeanor dignified. However, deep in his eyes, there was still a trace of unease that was not easily detected.
Gu Zhinan stood beside him, also dressed in bright red, but his usual cold demeanor made him appear less gentle and more sharp. He saw Fu Yunshu, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he only bowed silently.
Fu Yunshu's gaze fell on the two of them. He nodded slightly and handed over the jade bottle containing the Nine-Turn Essence Pill: "A congratulatory gift."
Gu Zhinan took it, his fingertips touching the bottle, and his Adam's apple bobbed: "Thank you, Grandmaster Uncle."
“Go ahead,” Fu Yunshu patted his shoulder, her voice calm, “The auspicious time is almost here.”
The timely sound of drums and music, melodious and festive, echoed among the mountains. Du Zhun, acting as the master of ceremonies, announced loudly that the ceremony had officially begun.
Song Wenzhuo and Gu Zhinan walked hand in hand onto the high platform and stood side by side before the incense table. Sunlight shone on them, making their bright red wedding attire dazzling; they truly were a perfect couple.
As the officiant, Fu Yunshu slowly walked to the two of them.
"Heaven and earth bear witness, the sun and moon are our witnesses." Fu Yunshu's voice clearly reached everyone's ears through spiritual power.
Yin Lisheng sat at the table, gazing at Song Wenzhuo and Gu Zhinan on the high platform, then at his master's aloof and upright figure. The longing in his heart burned even brighter. If only one day… if only one day he too could stand like his master, between heaven and earth, witnessed by all…
He dared not think any further, his fingertips digging deep into his palms to clear his head; he couldn't afford to lose his composure on such an important occasion.
"Now, Song Wenzhuo, the sect leader of Qingyuan Sect, and Gu Zhinan, the peak master of Jianfeng Peak, have pledged their hearts to each other and vowed to become Daoist partners, inseparable in this life and following each other through life and death..."
Fu Yunshu was still reciting the congratulatory message when Wen Xun's expression suddenly changed.
Just moments ago, Wen Xunben was standing quietly with Ning Xuexi and the others watching the ceremony when suddenly, a communication jade talisman on his waist began to flash rapidly.
Wen Xun's expression changed slightly. He apologized and went to a secluded spot to activate the jade talisman. Lin Shuyue's slightly anxious voice immediately came through: "Wen Xun, something has happened! My spies within the Demon Clan have sent word that Demon Lord Yan Ji has escaped imprisonment and successfully overthrown the Demon Clan. Crown Prince Yan Nanqiu has been captured. The Demon Clan has undergone a major upheaval!"
Wen Xun's heart trembled, and his face instantly darkened. He immediately asked, "Is the information accurate? How did Yan Ji escape? Why was Yan Nanqiu imprisoned?"
“Absolutely true!” Lin Shuyue spoke very quickly. “The specific details are still under investigation, but the news of Yan Ji’s return and Yan Nanqiu’s imprisonment has already spread throughout the Demon Clan. There is no doubt about that.”
Wen Xun gripped the jade talisman tightly, his knuckles turning white. He subconsciously glanced at Song Wenzhuo, who was speaking softly to Gu Zhinan on the high platform, and then at the square filled with guests, a scene of joyous celebration.
Such news, which concerns the safety of the entire cultivation world, cannot and should not be kept secret. However, today is Wen Zhuo and Zhi Nan's wedding day, and Yan Nanqiu has always been a thorn in their side. In any case, they cannot be told about this now.
Wen Xun's heart sank to the bottom. He suppressed the turmoil surging in his heart and replied to Lin Shuyue in the calmest tone: "I understand. You continue to investigate. Today is Wen Zhuo's big day. I hope he can complete the marriage ceremony without any regrets. I will talk to him about this again tomorrow. Let's keep in touch and tell me as soon as there is any news."
Lin Shuyue did not insist, and he understood the importance of Song Wenzhuo and others in Wen Xun's heart.
After cutting off the communication, Wen Xun stood still for a moment, his face quickly regaining its usual gentle smile before turning and walking back into the crowd of spectators. Ning Xuexi glanced at him and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? You don't look well."
"It's nothing, just some trivial matters." Wen Xun shook his head, his gaze returning to the high platform, but his hands in his sleeves were already clenched into fists.
On stage, Fu Yunshu's congratulatory speech was nearing its end: "...May you two be of one mind and one heart, support each other, and walk together on the great path."
Song Wenzhuo and Gu Zhinan exchanged a glance, both moved. They bowed deeply in unison, saying solemnly, "Thank you for your kindness, Grandmaster Uncle."
As the drums and music rose again, the master of ceremonies, Ye Xiuzhu, was about to announce "The ceremony is complete" when a sudden change occurred!
The sky suddenly darkened, and a thick, impenetrable black cloud appeared out of thin air, pressing down on the main peak of the Qingyuan Sect at an alarming speed. The black cloud churned, exuding a chilling demonic aura, and wherever it passed, the festive red silks were instantly covered with a layer of grayish hue, even blocking out the sunlight.
"It's...it's the demons invading!" Someone shouted sharply, and the Qingyuan Sect disciples on the square instantly gathered together. The guests also stood up, their spiritual energy surging, and they watched the ominous black cloud warily.
Fu Yunshu's expression hardened, and his sleeves moved without wind, an invisible pressure emanating from them, protecting the entire platform.
The dark clouds hovered above the plaza, slowly coalescing into a massive vortex. At the center of the vortex, a figure gradually emerged. It was a tall man clad in dark purple armor, with a sinister face and a single horn on his forehead.
"The Demon General Li Sha!" a knowledgeable guest exclaimed in shock. One of the five great demon generals, his strength was second only to the deceased Pang Ren, and he was infamous for his ferocity.
Li Sha's gaze swept over the crowd below like a venomous snake, finally landing precisely on the high platform. A cruel smile curled at the corner of his mouth, and his voice was hoarse and unpleasant: "Immortal Venerable Huaiwei, please don't misunderstand, I'm not here to cause trouble today."
Fu Yunshu sneered: "You lowly demon, how could I believe your nonsense?"
Li Sha didn't respond to that, and turned his gaze to Gu Zhinan.
"Your Highness, Crown Princess, how have you been?"
This address was like cold water poured onto boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire room. Countless shocked, disdainful, and angry gazes once again focused on Gu Zhinan. A hint of pleasure flashed across Shi Jin's face, while the Yu family elder secretly sneered.
Before Gu Zhinan could speak, Song Wenzhuo gripped his hand tightly, shielding him behind her, and glared at Li Sha with icy eyes: "Insolence! Today is my joyous day, how dare you demons run wild here!"
Li Sha laughed loudly, his laughter shaking the air: "Sect Leader Song, what a magnificent display! It's just a pity that I'm not here to fight today, but to... deliver a message."
He raised his hand, and a dark purple magical light transformed into a scroll, hovering in mid-air and slowly unfurling. Magical runes shimmered on the scroll, projecting a clear image—
It was a gloomy dungeon, where thick black iron chains pierced through a shoulder blade, pinning a blood-soaked figure to the wall.
The man had his head bowed, his long hair disheveled, obscuring his face, but the intricate demonic markings on his forehead revealed his identity.
It was autumn in southern Yan.
"Your Highness!" Li Sha's voice was filled with malice yet respect, "Oh no, now he should be called... a prisoner. His Majesty the Demon Lord is merciful and, out of consideration for our father-son relationship, is willing to grant him a way out."
His gaze locked onto Gu Zhinan again, and he said, word by word, "However, this way out requires Her Highness the Crown Princess to personally go to the Demon Realm within three days with the 'Nine Revolutions Condensing Essence Pill' to exchange the pill for the person."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
