Chapter 180 Fan Jiming's Wedding
The Star and Moon Envoys are a rather special group of disciples.
For example, ordinary Star Moon Palace disciples become junior elders after reaching the Palace Building Realm, and become elders after reaching the Spirit Transformation Realm—similar to ordinary instructors and senior instructors in Azure Dragon Academy.
When one reaches the position of Junior Elder, one can open a separate hall and take on disciples—similar to the various factions within the Azure Dragon Academy.
The disciples of Xingyue Palace are also referred to as ordinary disciples of various halls, disciples personally taught by elders, and so on.
Among all the disciples, the top three in each hall's combat power ranking can compete for the position of Star Moon Envoy.
There are only thirty-six Star Moon Envoys in total, representing the thirty-six strongest disciples in terms of combat power.
The Star Moon Palace sent a Star Moon Envoy to deliver a message to Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, and that another Star Moon Envoy would be sent to greet them tomorrow, which shows that they are highly valued by these two.
Of course, it should have been valued in the first place.
Given Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan's status within the Azure Dragon Academy, and the Academy's inherent strength, the Star Moon Palace naturally intends to treat them well—in fact, Ji Li is ranked among the top ten Star Moon Envoys! The Star Moon Envoy who will greet them tomorrow will certainly not be inferior to Ji Li.
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After Ji Li left, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan exchanged a glance.
At least ten days later, the day finally arrived for Fan Jiming to "get married".
It's quite a long wait.
Fortunately, nothing unexpected happened.
Zhong Cai pulled Wu Shaogan along to the bed, took out a mustard seed bag, and began to fiddle with it.
Wu Shaogan looked on with amusement, his chin resting on his hand, his eyes gentle.
His daughter, A-Cai, had already added or subtracted from the congratulatory gift several times. But this was not surprising, as this time they not only represented themselves, but also couldn't lose face for their masters and the academy, so of course they had to consider things more carefully.
But this should be the last time.
Sure enough, after careful consideration, Zhong Cai added a few more items before taking a deep breath and shouting to Wu Shaogan, "Old Wu, come quick! We need to write the gift list!"
Wu Shaogan immediately agreed, "Okay, I'm coming right away!"
The two then took out the finest paper and pens. When writing the gift list, Wu Shaogan was the main writer. The entire piece of writing was filled with his awe-inspiring fighting spirit, and it was filled with a terrifying penetrating power, like an arrow shooting out.
The signatures are two people side by side.
Wu Shaogan's fighting spirit remained undiminished, while Zhong Cai was much calmer—but he was still fighting, and his fighting spirit was very aggressive, not at all like a "peace-loving" alchemist.
However, after the two finished writing the forms and signed their names, Zhong Cai quickly released his profound energy and used hand seals to rapidly draw out a ball of light.
The ball of light seemed to transform into countless streams of air, constantly weaving and intertwining within the profound energy, finally compressing and condensing the energy into a circular seal.
The seal landed in the center of Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan's names, stamping it with a "snap".
The seal itself was formed from condensed Xuan energy, and it immediately dissipated after being applied.
In an instant, a faint fragrance of elixir filled the air—but even upon closer sniffing, it was impossible to discern which elixir it was from. It was very complex, yet harmoniously blended together, refreshing and delightful.
The fragrance of the elixir instantly permeated the entire gift list.
Every word Wu Shaogan wrote was imbued with this medicinal fragrance. The terrifying fighting spirit in his handwriting blended with the gentle yet complex fragrance, without any repulsion between them.
It was as if... openly and blatantly displaying the unparalleled harmony and inseparable bond between Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, this Daoist couple.
·
Zhong Cai was very satisfied. He gestured a few times to Wu Shaogan and said with a grin, "Old Wu, now your handwriting has my flavor."
Wu Shaogan: "..."
Zhong Cai's smile became even brighter.
Wu Shaogan sighed and ruffled Zhong Cai's hair.
·
This seal, formed from profound energy, is the Dan Seal.
The mark it left was Zhong Cai's cinnabar seal.
The Dan Seal is the identity mark of an alchemist.
Once a pill refiner condenses their primordial spirit, they will automatically acquire a secret technique for condensing pill seals.
By using his soul to guide it, he could use this secret technique to extract the essence of the pills he had refined and fuse them into his profound energy. Under the guidance of this essence, a profound energy seal with intricate patterns would be formed.
The patterns change continuously as the alchemist's alchemy skills improve. They are naturally generated, and whatever patterns appear are what they are; even the alchemist himself cannot control them.
The alchemy seal is unique and can often directly represent the alchemist or serve as a marker to confirm the alchemist's identity.
This profound energy seal can leave its mark on any tangible object—including pills personally refined by a master alchemist.
Many years ago, when an alchemist refined a seventh or eighth-grade pill, he would stamp the pill with a seal, which was a kind of anti-counterfeiting measure.
This pill seal is almost imperceptible, formed only by the fusion of energy, so it does not affect the efficacy of the pill itself, and cultivators can take it directly.
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However, precisely because the pill seal itself is like an "identity card" for a pill master, it is also very important and cannot be easily "contaminated," and it is very resistant to other auras.
Normally, in places where other auras are abundant, the Dan Seal cannot be applied at all, and in places where the Dan Seal exists, it will resist the intrusion of any other aura.
However, Zhong Cai's seal was easily stamped on the signatures of both Wu Shaogan and Zhong Cai.
Moreover, the aura emanating from the Dan Seal also permeated all of Wu Shaogan's words, which contained fighting spirit, in the blink of an eye.
This clearly demonstrates that Wu Shaogan and Zhong Cai fully accept each other.
·
After Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan finished writing the gift list, they flipped through it in high spirits and were both very satisfied.
The two then placed the list and the gift bag into a very beautiful box and carefully stored it away.
Zhong Cai threw herself into Wu Shaogan's arms.
Wu Shaogan picked the person up in that position.
The two of them then lay down on the bed and slept soundly through the night.
The next day, the two got up on time and tidied themselves up properly.
Zhong Cai suggested with a smile, "Wear a gold and silver jeweled inner garment and armlets, and a star-patterned jeweled outer garment?"
Wu Shaogan smiled and replied, "Okay."
·
The gold and silver robes and armbands were defensive treasures given to us by our two masters, and we had to wear them to protect them!
The Starry Sky Armor was crafted from the Stardust they obtained in the Starry Sky Secret Realm—it was a level-five armor that they asked Master Sang to help them find someone to craft. It was both their "couple's outfit" and a kind of "master-disciple outfit".
After all, the masters also received the stardust they gifted and used it to forge the same treasure garment.
Of course, both of them chose the fifth-grade Starry Sky Robe at this moment.
The quality is sufficient, and since this is the wedding of a disciple of the Star Moon Palace, the other party sent a Star Moon Envoy to guide them. They wore these precious robes made of star materials, which is also a sign of mutual respect with the Star Moon Palace.
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The two quickly got dressed up.
The purple robe is elaborate and full of mysterious charm, with faint starlight seemingly surrounding it. Upon closer inspection, one can see the stars forming dark patterns, making the purple robe even more magnificent.
Bathed in starlight, Wu Shaogan was so handsome that he seemed to be the son of the stars, exuding a noble and dignified air, even more aloof and refined than usual.
Zhong Caisheng was handsome and lively, always sunny and approachable. However, the layers of deep purple he wore gave him a cool tone, making his skin appear even whiter, a kind of cold white that was almost like moonlight, which also added a touch of dignified demeanor to him.
The two looked at each other, and simultaneously reached out and took each other's hands.
Then they both laughed.
Zhong Cai smiled and said, "Old Wu, shall we go?"
Wu Shaogan smiled and said, "Please, A-Cai."
Zhong Cai couldn't hold back any longer: "Please invite them all, please invite them all."
The two laughed even more heartily, but they both restrained themselves a little the moment they stepped out the door.
Thus, he displayed the demeanor of a disciple of a powerful figure.
·
The Star and Moon Envoy arrived very quickly.
As soon as Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan stood outside Caixue Residence, they saw a long streak of air sweep across the sky. Four tall and majestic snow wolves pulled a crystal-clear chariot, treading through the wind and snow, and descended in front of the two of them.
The driver was no longer Ji Li, but a tall, handsome young man in fine clothes, Shi Fei.
Shi Fei was also at the peak of the Fusion Realm, and his aura was in no way inferior to Ji Li's.
At this moment, facing the two distinguished guests, he stood up and got out of the car to greet them.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan greeted him politely.
Shi Fei said cheerfully, "Please get in the car, both of you."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan climbed up deftly.
Then, just as they had come, the four snow wolves rose up on the wind, pulling the chariot at high speed.
It's very fast.
The wind howled on both sides, quickly blowing and parting.
Zhong Cai glanced out the car window.
This environment, this direction, is still within the territory of the Cold Moon Palace.
It covers a very large area.
Along the way, there were many different kinds of precious carriages, flying beasts, and other means of transportation heading in the same direction. However, even though it was the young master of the Cold Moon Palace getting married, he was still a junior, so not all the elders of the Star Moon Palace would go. Some disciples were not qualified to go at all, or had no connection with the Cold Moon Palace and did not plan to attend...
Gradually, the land ahead became more and more open.
A magnificent palace stands in front, with various vehicles hovering or tethered nearby.
Many cultivators entered it one after another.
The Star and Moon Envoy, driving the wolf-drawn chariot, soon came to a stop in front of the palace.
Shi Fei got out of the car first and invited, "Please come with me, both of you."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan got out of the car calmly.
Chung Tsai, who used to be very energetic and playful, appeared more composed this time.
Wu Shaogan has always maintained an outstanding demeanor.
As soon as the two got out of the car, they attracted the attention of some cultivators, but they did not linger. Instead, they quickly followed Shi Fei, entering the main hall through the main entrance and heading to the seating area on the left.
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Zhong Cai glanced around and noticed that the layout of the main hall was very much in the style of Hanyue Palace.
It's somewhat similar to the Moon Appreciation Pavilion, also a place of ice sculptures and jade carvings.
The main hall has many high stone steps arched in the middle, and the top is connected to a small stone platform—almost as tall as a small building.
At first glance, the stone platform seems unremarkable, but the images of the sun and moon hang above it, exerting a terrifying pressure and casting endless light, creating a dazzling interplay.
This stone platform also appears quite beautiful, possessing endless charm and majesty.
Meanwhile, around these stone steps and platforms, there are many tables and chairs arched and semi-suspended by secret ice ladders, each with a different style, ingenious and beautiful. They vary in height, with the tallest ones only slightly shorter than the tallest stone platform.
The overall design of the tables and chairs is similar to that of the elegant seating area in the Moon Appreciation Pavilion.
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Shi Fei led Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan to a private seat on the left side, towards the front.
They are close to the central stone platform and at roughly the same height.
Zhong Cai glanced around and, if he wasn't mistaken, the left-hand area was reserved for younger guests, while his and Lao Wu's seats were right at the front, implying that they were considered to be of the highest status.
That makes sense, though. He and Lao Wu are not only good friends of the son-in-law, but also come from an eighth-level power. With their identities combined, they deserve this treatment.
Behind them sat many familiar faces—other geniuses who had come to compete, along with their companions.
Among the seats opposite, those at the very front were the elders of the Cold Moon Palace, the elders who were close to the Cold Moon Palace, and many outstanding disciples of the Star Moon Palace, etc.
Zhong Cai quickly noticed that there were some unfamiliar faces among the elders—they were at the Palace Building Realm and had some features of the Fan family.
This was undoubtedly the patriarch of the Fan family, and they had brought some Fan family members who were at the Fusion Realm with them. Later, Fan Zhongyang and others were mixed in with the other disciples of the Star Moon Palace.
Zhong Cai: "..."
That guy was chatting with the other disciples of Xingyue Palace; he seemed to be quite popular.
In comparison, Fan Liukong and Fan Zirui, who also accompanied Fan Jiming, were not as adept at navigating social situations as he was.
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Zhong Cai quickly looked away.
Wu Shaogan had already picked up the teapot on the table and poured a cup of tea for Zhong Cai and himself.
"Ah Cai, warm yourself up."
Zhong Cai picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "It's not cold."
Wu Shaogan began, “There’s a kind of coldness…”
Zhong Cai quickly chimed in, "Calling me a Daoist partner makes me feel cold."
Wu Shaogan smiled and said, "Yes."
The two spoke casually in hushed tones, while also listening intently to catch the sounds of other cultivators.
Basically, many of the guests seemed to be secretly communicating about their gifts, and there was some undercurrent of activity. The disciples of the Star Moon Palace were also preparing gifts, but it seemed that their gifts would not be announced separately, but rather combined into a single account.
At the same time, the disciples of Xingyue Palace also mentioned Fan Jiming, but there was no dissatisfaction. Most of them said that it was not easy to choose a son-in-law and congratulated Fairy Bingling, etc. In short, they were all celebrating and blessing.
Of course, some disciples who admired Fairy Bingling also came over. They received some comfort from their friends, but they also understood that Fan Jiming was very important to Fairy Bingling. They did not say anything bad, but they were still mostly regretful, yet also relieved...
·
Gradually, time continued to pass.
More and more guests were brought over, or came on their own, and they all took their seats in an orderly manner.
The many elegant seats inside the hall were already filled with cultivators.
Suddenly, a female cultivator dressed in red appeared on the stone steps below the central stone platform.
This was none other than the charming young elder, Xue Jiaojiao, whose expression was solemn and quite different from her demeanor at the previous husband-recruiting ceremony.
She was the one who hosted the ceremony.
The next moment, another female cultivator appeared. It turned out to be Ji Li, who had invited Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan yesterday—she was standing on a stone step one level below Xue Jiaojiao.
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Zhong Cai's expression turned serious.
The auspicious time is almost here! We can't chat anymore!
Wu Shaogan also composed himself.
The two of them had actually been under the watchful eyes and attention of many spirits, and their current reaction naturally sent a signal.
Many cultivators, like them, quieted down.
·
At that moment, Xue Jiaojiao announced loudly, "The auspicious time has arrived!"
As if in response to her, a strong wind suddenly swept up at the palace gate as the voice rang out.
Before their eyes, colorful lights swirled, and a phoenix with colorful feathers flapped its wings and glided in with unparalleled ease.
This bird has a smooth body, is full of brilliance, and also shows the aura of the peak of the fifth rank!
On its back, surrounded by snow feathers and red feathers, stood two people dressed in gorgeous wedding attire.
Today is the wedding of Han Bingling and Fan Jiming.
While Fan Jiming is usually quite good-looking, his constant travels in search of resources have taken a toll on his appearance, diminishing his overall attractiveness.
Today, however, he was dressed up in formal attire, giving him a completely different aura—although he wasn't quite as handsome as Wu Shaogan, he was still a dashing and handsome young man.
Needless to say, Han Bingling was already exceptionally beautiful. Now, dressed in a red gown, her complexion no longer looked so pale, and a slight glow on her cheeks added to her delicate beauty.
The two approached slowly, and although their expressions were not yet very intimate, they were already quite natural... They truly were a perfect couple.
·
Zhong Cai looked at Fan Jiming like this and held back her laughter.
[Brother Ji Ming seemed quite nervous; his body even appeared stiff.]
Wu Shaogan curled the corners of his mouth.
When they met again, A-Cai teased him about it.
Zhong Caishen agreed.
If we don't see each other, that's fine. But if we do see each other, we should at least make a few jokes.
·
The two exchanged a brief glance, and the colorful phoenix had already flown to the bottom of the stone steps.
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming naturally joined hands and walked together up the stone steps.
One step, two steps, three steps...
As the two figures gradually rose higher and closer to the highest stone platform, the sun and moon above the platform changed from phantoms to solid images—gradually appearing as if the real sun and moon had descended and were hanging there, shining brightly together.
It has a powerful presence and shines brightly.
Such intertwined radiance also began to appear on Han Bingling and Fan Jiming.
When the two stepped onto the stone platform, the entire space seemed to grow cold.
All the visitors and cultivators felt a chill run through their bodies.
High in the sky, it seemed as if a pair of eyes suddenly appeared, watching the engaged couple... and also watching the many guests.
·
Zhong Cai was fully equipped with defensive gear, so she didn't feel anything.
[This must be the Moon Lord of the Star and Moon Palace.]
Wu Shaogan nodded slightly.
The current Moon Lord of the Star Moon Palace, Han Bingqing, also hails from the Cold Moon Palace. Although she is quite old and separated from Han Bingling by countless generations, they are from the same family and share the same cultivation method. Furthermore, Han Bingling has awakened the Cold Moon Body, making her the most likely candidate for Nirvana in her faction, so naturally, Han Bingqing will pay her more attention.
This grand wedding ceremony is closely related to Han Bingling's cultivation path, so it is only natural that she would attend.
Of course, she herself did not appear; leaving only this vague gaze was enough to show her attitude.
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Those faintly visible eyes truly represent Han Bingqing.
But this chilling aura, like an instant drop in temperature, came from someone else.
At that moment, a woman covered in frost appeared silently on one side of the stone platform.
When she appeared, she was already sitting on a lotus throne suspended in mid-air.
This woman is Han Bingxin, the Palace Master of Hanyue Palace and the mother of Han Bingling.
She had a hairpin tucked diagonally into her hair, and her overall attire remained quite simple, yet she still exuded a captivating, almost icy, aura.
However, Han Bingxin is very beautiful.
She was not old, but colder than Han Bingling, like an extremely deep icy pool.
Compared to her, Han Bingling was much younger.
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The cultivators in the hall were all quiet.
At this moment, Xue Jiaojiao spoke, breaking the silence.
She announced loudly, "The first ceremony of the wedding ceremony—"
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming both stood on the stone platform, their expressions solemn.
Xue Jiaojiao began, "Husband and wife worship the sun and moon together—"
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming bowed deeply to the sun and moon suspended in the air on the stone platform.
After they bowed down, the sun and moon shone with boundless brilliance, revealing their terrifying majesty.
Faintly, it seemed that some words were recorded on the sun and moon—Fan Jiming's name was entered into the Cold Moon Hall of the Star Moon Palace, and also recorded to the right of Han Bingling's name, indicating that he had officially become her husband.
Because of their dual cultivation and complementary physical constitutions, such a husband who marries into another family is actually similar to a Daoist couple.
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Xue Jiaojiao spoke again: "The second gift—"
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming stood up.
Xue Jiaojiao began, "Husband and wife shall worship the Palace Master together—"
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming turned around together, faced Han Bingxin, and bowed deeply.
Han Bingxin reached out her slender hand and gently lifted it, her voice seemingly frozen, yet revealing a hint of relief: "Very good."
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming straightened up uncontrollably.
Han Bingxin acknowledged their marital relationship and, with a slight wave of her hand, presented a pair of mustard seed rings to the two of them.
This mustard seed ring was naturally her wedding gift to the young couple.
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming quickly and respectfully accepted the gifts and each put them on their fingers.
Xue Jiaojiao then spoke: "The third ceremony—"
Han Bingling and Fan Jiming immediately understood, turned around and faced each other.
Then, amidst Xue Jiaojiao's words of "husband and wife bowing to each other," the two bowed deeply to each other.
Xue Jiaojiao smiled sincerely:
"The ceremony is complete!"
"Husband and wife respectfully greet guests together—"
·
Although the whole process was not complicated, it was very solemn and serious.
After the three rites, the grand wedding ceremony was truly completed.
For ordinary people getting married, the next steps would be entering the bridal chamber and having some fun. But at the wedding banquet of cultivators, the next step is for the newlyweds to thank and toast the many guests, and for Xue Jiaojiao, the host, to collect the gifts on their behalf, while her assistant Ji Li reads out the gift list.
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At this moment, Ji Li, who was guarding the steps below, picked up a tray with the finest wine from the Star Moon Palace, stepped forward, and presented it to the couple.
Fan Jiming took the initiative to pick up the wine pot and poured a glass of wine for himself and his newlywed wife.
The couple raised their glasses to the many guests and drank this one first.
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