Chapter 181 Congratulatory Gift
After toasting all the guests, the couple gracefully "walked" to the right front in everyone's sight, bowed to a couple of extraordinary appearances, and offered them a cup.
This couple were Fan Jiming's parents.
The mother is her biological mother, Pan Que, while the father is her nominal father, the seventh master of the Fan family.
Both Master Fan and Pan Que smiled, took out a box, and gave it to the two as a gift for the newlyweds.
"A harmonious marriage ensures a bright future." That's the best advice I can give.
·
The Star Moon Palace had naturally investigated Fan Jiming's identity details long ago. During this time, they went to the Fan family and discussed many things related to Fan Jiming's future.
The Fan family was overjoyed that Fan Jiming had successfully married into the family, and the whole clan was very excited.
The two elders of the clan had just acquired the Ice Couple at the auction, and now the younger generation of the clan could marry into an eighth-level power, which made them extremely happy. They were especially excited to be able to communicate with the Spirit Transformation Elder of the Cold Moon Palace and discuss the marriage procedures with them.
Of course, the Fan family had also made many preparations.
Now that they are in-laws, they should step forward first, and neither of them can afford to mess things up.
·
As per custom, the couple opened the box.
The box was several feet long, and inside it were a pair of intertwined branches.
The Lianlizhi (连理枝) is a rare and precious medicinal herb of the fifth grade, which is very suitable for a dual cultivation couple like Ice Spirit Fairy and Fan Jiming, who are focused on fusion and illumination.
The two of them took the juice and used it. They could first use ordinary dual cultivation methods to activate the medicinal power, and then the Ice Spirit Fairy would help Fan Jiming find the "point" to enter the fusion realm, thus speeding up Fan Jiming's progress to the fusion realm.
Conjoined branches are rare, and the older they are, the better their medicinal effects. Judging from the quality of these conjoined branches, they are at least 1,500 years old.
For the Seventh Master of the Fan family and Pan Que, this was already a very generous gesture—after all, they were only at the Suspended Illumination Realm.
Fan Jiming's abilities have already surpassed those of this fake couple.
Furthermore, it is obvious that this conjoined branch was probably not something they could produce themselves, but rather something they found in the Fan family's private treasury, or something sponsored by their two ancestors to enhance their prestige.
·
The many guests present, just by watching this process, already knew the relationship between the couple and Fan Jiming. Looking at their strength, and considering the level and efficacy of the Lianlizhi herb, they all nodded in approval.
It's only natural that the Fan family attaches great importance to this.
As a gift from parents, it's of a decent quality.
·
Zhong Cai glanced in that direction and nodded.
[Old Wu! Luckily, I thought the level of the "Linked Branches" wasn't high enough, otherwise I would have duplicated Brother Ji Ming's parents! What a close call!]
Wu Shaogan smiled.
Even if you send a duplicate gift, it's okay.
Zhong Cai knew it wasn't a big deal, but...
"How embarrassing would that be!"
Wu Shaogan held back his laughter.
It's not like I'd lose face.
But since A-Cai said that...
Wu Shaogan stood solemnly.
[Ah Cai was lucky; she managed to take it out early and replace it with another gift.]
Zhong Cai was also very serious.
[Let's keep an eye on things now. If we encounter any duplicates, we need to deliver them before we do...]
Upon hearing this, Zhong Cai felt somewhat discouraged.
There wasn't enough time to change it, they had already written their gift lists!
Wu Shao chuckled dryly.
No problem, our gift is impressive enough.
Zhong Cai thought about the other things... and nodded again.
Old Wu, you're right.
·
In the arena, Fan Jiming and Fairy Bingling naturally accepted the gifts, thanked them again, and bowed.
Next, they walked up to the two patriarchs of the Fan family, bowed, and offered them wine.
Both ancestors, as elders, gave gifts.
The couple continued to open and display it.
One of the ancestors provided a level 6 defensive array plate, while the other provided two pairs each of level 6 attack talismans and level 6 defensive talismans.
They are all about the same in terms of value, and they are all quite useful.
In addition, the two patriarchs each gave 200,000 low-grade mystic stones, which was quite a generous gift.
The seventh master of the Fan family and Pan Que mainly represent their feelings as parents, while the offspring of the Fan family patriarch represent the Fan family's feelings.
In addition, the clan had given Fan Jiming a considerable "dowry" that enabled him to climb to such a position, which was far more than ten times the amount a member of the Xuanzhao clan would receive upon marriage.
The Fan family showed utmost sincerity in their dealings with the Star Moon Palace.
·
Zhong Cai glanced at the gift, then looked at the other Star Moon Palace elders near the Fan family, and couldn't help but find it amusing.
The Fan family performed quite well, and the people at Xingyue Palace were quite satisfied.
Wu Shaogan smiled slightly.
The Fan family will certainly do their job properly.
Both of them were well aware that the Fan family was now willing to give as much as possible and make a good impression, because the hidden benefits of this marriage alliance far outweighed their contributions. Whatever losses they incurred on the surface didn't matter, as long as the Star Moon Palace deemed their marriage alliance reliable, they would receive even more protection from the Star Moon Palace.
Nobody's a fool!
·
Afterwards, the couple continued to bow and offer toasts.
This time, it was the elders of the Star Moon Palace, some cultivators who had not yet become elders but were themselves elders of the Frost Spirit.
The elders all gave gifts, but few gave level six items. Most of them gave rare and precious materials that were suitable for the two people's constitutions, mostly level five. Even the level four items were of very good quality.
They also gave some "gift money".
Basically, there are those with millions of Xuanzhu (mysterious pearls), and also those with tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of low-grade Xuan stones.
·
Many guests from other factions looked at it one by one and all thought it was good.
"As expected of an eighth-level power, the Star Moon Palace will give such a generous gift for the wedding of a junior in the Fusion Realm."
"These are all elders who have reached the Palace Building and Spirit Transformation stages, so they are naturally very generous. However, it is only because they value Fairy Bingling that they would not have come here in person to attend the ceremony; they could have simply sent a junior to do so."
"That kid Fan Jiming is really incredibly lucky! Guess what? I sent someone to investigate, and found out that this kid was originally just an ordinary person, but then he had a series of fortuitous encounters that propelled him to this point!"
“I’ve followed some clues and discovered that Fan Jiming’s greatest fortune probably came from befriending those two from the Azure Dragon Academy in the Starry Sky Secret Realm! Over the years, he’s managed to buy quite a few pills that can regulate one’s physique. Think about it, if it weren’t for Alchemist Zhong’s help, where would he have gotten all these pills?”
"I also vaguely heard that he was saved by those two in the Starry Sky Secret Realm!"
"He didn't show any signs of awakening at first, but after meeting those two, he suddenly awakened the Fiery Sun Physique. I think his awakening might be related to those two..."
"Tsk tsk tsk, he really received a lot of help from those two along the way! There was an auction last time, and it's said that the information about the Azure Dragon also came from Fan Jiming. As a result, when this kid went to open the stone of the Giant Rock Beast, he met those two again, and when they opened the stone together, they got a Blazing Sun Pearl. It was this Blazing Sun Pearl that made that guy surnamed Sun pale in comparison!"
"Yes, yes! I know that too! Hahaha!"
"Speaking of which, given Fan Jiming's deep friendship with those two, I wonder what they will give him as a gift?"
"One of them is an alchemist, so what he's giving away will most likely be pills."
"Master Zhong will definitely give you the Ice and Fire Balancing Pill, but as for anything else, we don't know."
"I heard it's dozens of Ice-Fire Harmony Pills! Even if we wanted to buy them, it would be hard to find top-grade ones. They're offering a large quantity of top-grade ones right away. That's quite something!"
·
After the elders had all paid their respects, the couple offered a toast to the other disciples on their right from afar.
The gifts from these disciples were kept in the books, and they were all just a distant return gift, along with a few words of blessing.
Afterwards, Fan Jiming and Han Bingling "walked" back onto the stone platform.
Xue Jiaojiao stepped forward and said with a smile, "Distinguished guests, esteemed newlyweds."
That's a polite way of putting it, but what it really means is—everyone can now send their congratulatory gifts.
As she finished speaking, Xue Jiaojiao looked at the seats on her left with a smile.
It was all arranged long ago; the only ones who would actually read out the gift list were this group of guests from other factions.
They weren't all geniuses who failed the entrance exam; many other forces that were on good terms with the Star Moon Palace also sent disciples of similar cultivation levels to give as a gift; there were also friends of the Ice Spirit Fairy.
However, the focus of everyone's attention right now is on the two from Azure Dragon Academy.
Many cultivators stared intently, filled with curiosity.
What will they actually give as a gift?
·
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan exchanged a glance and stood up together.
Fan Jiming's gaze also fell upon them, his face beaming with joy.
For him, he owes a great deal to his two friends. If it weren't for them, Fan Jiming would never have been able to establish this relationship with the Ice Spirit Fairy, and he might have died long ago!
This wedding was an extremely lucky event in Fan Jiming's life, another turning point in his destiny, and an extremely important part of his life... At such a crucial moment in his life, the fact that his two close friends could attend and watch him get married was actually more important to him than the presence of his parents.
Fan Jiming's emotions were quite obvious, and Fairy Bingling also sensed them.
Now that the two had become husband and wife, when the Ice Spirit Fairy looked at them, she also tried her best to bring a touch of gentleness to her gaze.
Zhong Cai, beaming, raised his glass in high spirits and exclaimed, "Brother Ji Ming, may you and your wife be of one mind and achieve nirvana together!"
Ice Fairy was slightly taken aback.
Fan Jiming was already used to being teased by Master Zhong, so he immediately drank the wine in his cup and replied, "Of course."
Ice Fairy also drank a cup.
Zhong Cai was even happier and gestured to her old man, Wu.
Wu Shaogan, somewhat helpless, took out the box and made it float in front of him, saying, "Brother Jiming, Fairy, this is a congratulatory gift from us. Please accept it."
After saying this, Xue Jiaojiao put herself to good use, beckoning the box over and holding it in both hands.
Fan Jiming said, "Thank you, thank you."
Ice Fairy nodded her thanks.
Now, it's time to take out the gift list.
Xue Jiaojiao opened the box and took out a form.
She twitched her fingers slightly before smiling and handing the form to Ji Li, who was on the next step.
At that moment, she thought to herself: Good lad!
Ji Li was startled the moment she received the gift list!
It was as if a thousand sharp arrows suddenly burst forth from the writing, carrying a terrifying piercing intent, heading straight for her face!
Ji Li had known all along that when reading the gift list, she would inevitably sense the fighting spirit of the geniuses from various forces, and even some other kinds of power, from the handwriting. She had taken on this reading task precisely because she wanted to sense more... But she didn't expect that she would almost capsize after reading only the first gift list!
It wasn't that the attack was so terrifying that she, at the peak of the Fusion Realm, couldn't withstand it; rather, the fighting spirit itself was a terrifying aura, and the inherent sense of threat was quite chilling. If she were suddenly struck, she wouldn't be injured, but she would easily be stunned.
Fortunately, Hime reacted quickly.
She acted as if nothing had happened, swiftly using her own aura to break through the intimidation—as if a huge wave had swallowed up all the arrows, making it difficult for them to break through the water.
Next, Ji Li got her face smeared with Dan Xiang again.
She stared at the post in silence, feeling a sense of indescribable frustration.
Zhan Yi and Dan Xiang are so deeply in love, and their signatures are still intertwined under the shroud of Dan Yin... They are truly affectionate.
It's true... even when writing a wedding congratulatory post, they have to show how much they love each other!
·
Not only Xue Jiaojiao and Ji Li, who were nearby, directly sensed it, but as soon as the gift list appeared, several cultivators were already whispering among themselves, trying to confirm something.
"The aura emanating from that gift list... that fighting spirit..."
"Just being here makes me feel a chill down my spine."
"That fighting spirit must belong to Young Master Zhong, and that fragrance is from a pill seal? Master Zhong is indeed extraordinary!"
"Can you sense it? How can that fighting spirit and the fragrance of the pills blend so harmoniously?"
"That's what dual cultivation partners are like, except their feelings are intense."
"Not only must it be intense, but it must also be a meeting of minds, with the auras merging to the extreme! Of all the Daoist couples I've ever seen, I've never seen one that's so perfectly integrated."
"That's enviable."
"I think it's more like it's making people jealous! Hahaha!"
"Although I only caught a glimpse of a few words, I felt as if I had a feeling that I wanted to have a match with Young Master Shao Gan."
"Indeed, Young Master Shao is skilled in archery. Just now, I caught a glimpse of that arrow's gleam, and it seemed that nothing could withstand it. It was as if the arrow had pierced my brow with a single shot; it was truly terrifying. Yet, it also makes one even more eager to fight him!"
"After the wedding, why not go and ask him for some advice..."
"Silence, and begin reading the gift list!"
At that moment, all the cultivators who were speaking in hushed tones fell silent.
They all looked at Xue Jiaojiao and Ji Li on the stone steps.
·
Ji Li quickly regained her senses and began to speak: "Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, disciples of the Azure Dragon Academy, present the following gifts to our friends Fan Jiming and his wife."
"The first item is 8,880,000 Xuanzhu."
Upon hearing this, many cultivators present exchanged bewildered glances.
Eight hundred and eighty-eight... ten thousand?
Keep in mind that the maximum price for a level 5 resource is only 500,000 Xuanzhu!
This is enough to buy ten or so items, enough for the couple to be fully armed in the Fusion Realm.
Converted to Xuan Stones, that's 88,800 low-grade Xuan Stones!
As expected of a resident disciple of an eighth-level power.
They just threw out so many Xuanzhu!
That's generous!
·
Fan Jiming was also taken aback.
This number is a bit too high...
The Ice Fairy's face was as white as ice and snow, but she was not without emotions; at this moment, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes as well.
Normally, if two geniuses from the Xuanzhao realm were to send a congratulatory gift, even if they came from an eighth-level power, sending 880,000 Xuanzhu would be considered beneath them.
·
Eighty-eight hundred thousand was indeed Zhong Cai's original plan.
However, Zhong Cai later realized that he represented not only himself and the academy, but also his master!
Master spent tens of thousands of high-grade Xuan stones at the auction, but his disciple, who is already a dignified fourth-level alchemist, only gave his friend a congratulatory gift of eighty-eight stones, which is a bit stingy.
Upon hearing this figure, Zhong Cai glanced around and saw that the entire room was filled with astonishment…
Yes, that feels good and comfortable.
·
Not to mention cultivators from other forces, even the elders of the Cold Moon Palace were slightly surprised.
They knew that Fan Jiming had a deep friendship with the two Canglong disciples, but... was it really that deep?
The gift from the Azure Dragon disciple was nominally for the couple, but in reality, the young couple hadn't reached that level of mutual trust.
Generally, apart from gifts that are given in pairs and kept separate, these kinds of monetary gifts are usually meant to be divided equally between the husband and wife. Other gifts belong to whoever's side gives them.
In other words, all 8.88 million will be kept by Fan Jiming.
With so many Xuan Pearls, Fan Jiming could cultivate for a very long time.
The fact that the two Azure Dragon disciples gave so much was probably to show their support for their friend and to ensure that the Star Moon Palace wouldn't neglect him.
Although the Star Moon Palace would never neglect Fan Jiming, it must be said that with such a good friend, they would indeed think more highly of him.
·
If the people of Xingyue Palace were like this, the Fan family was even more agitated.
The younger clansmen who were able to come along were filled with envy for Fan Jiming.
He's so lucky!
A good wife, a good family, good friends, and a bright future!
Everything about it is wonderful!
Ah—I wish I could go out and shout it out!
·
When the commotion caused by the number of Xuanzhu pearls subsided somewhat, Jili continued reciting the gift list.
"The second item is eighty-eight Grade 4 Supreme Ice and Fire Harmony Pills."
Even Hime-ri herself couldn't help but show a strange expression when she read this part.
·
Level 4! Top-quality! 88!
Whether it was the seats for the genius disciples or the seats for the Star Moon Palace disciples and the young members of the Fan family, there was a murmur of unease.
Top-grade pills are extremely rare, let alone level four ones!
Moreover, given this quality, both Fan Jiming and his wife can use it!
The geniuses, in particular, were utterly astonished by this number.
If they remembered correctly, when they went to ask for the pills, Master Zhong only left twenty, right? And not many days passed after that!
According to their plan, Master Zhong Dan might give them fifty or sixty pills, but no one expected that it would be eighty-eight!
If you do the math, wouldn't Master Zhong produce more than one top-grade pill per batch later on? Perhaps two or three?
What a terrifying alchemist!
Almost instantly, everyone gasped!
·
The strong individuals, however, did not experience such significant emotional fluctuations.
Of course, this was indeed a generous gesture, but it wasn't a elixir they could actually afford. In their hearts, they were more moved by the deep affection that Zhong Cai and his wife had for their friend.
The Star Moon Palace was very pleased.
The "Ice and Fire Balancing Elixir" could indeed bring considerable benefits to this newlywed couple.
Eighty-eight pills will last for quite some time, and even if they run out, you can probably buy more from Master Zhong Dan.
If Fan Jiming had integrated earlier, they could have tried to bring the medicinal herbs and ask Master Zhong to refine a level 5 pill that would be helpful for their cultivation—presumably not too difficult for a top genius like Master Zhong.
Although there are quite a few level 5 alchemists in the Star Moon Palace, very few of them can produce top-quality alchemy.
For two young people to have a bright future, it would be even better if they could take the best medicine.
·
The aftershocks of the elixir had also subsided somewhat.
Hime-ri continued reciting—
"The third item is two Grade 5 superior pills: the Harmony Pill, two Grade 5 superior pills; and two Grade 5 superior pills: the Heavenly Yang Pill."
·
It was still a pill, but a level five pill, a superior one.
Level 5 pills represent another threshold, as top-grade pills are extremely rare.
The Harmony Pill can be taken by any cultivator at the Fusion Realm, while the Snow Jade Pill and the Heavenly Sun Pill are suitable for a married couple respectively.
That's very thoughtful.
After sending out a large number of top-tier level 4 items, sending out these few suitable level 5 items should be the final congratulatory gift.
·
Everyone who heard this recitation thought it was good, appropriate, and excellent.
They were just waiting for Ji Li to put away the gift list, for Xue Jiaojiao to display the gifts, and for the couple to toast and express their gratitude...
but--
Himeri spoke again.
"The fourth item..."
Many cultivators: "..."
What?! There's a fourth one?!
This isn't right! It shouldn't have happened... right?
However, it really does exist.
After Ji Li finished speaking, she said, "...two Grade 6 high-grade pills, Turtle Marrow Pills."
·
At this moment, many cultivators forgot to keep their voices down.
"Turtle Marrow Pill is a suitable pill for cultivators at the Palace Establishment stage, and it can be used for any minor realm!"
"It's actually a top-grade one! You can get a top-grade sixth-grade pill?"
"You've all forgotten, right? Master Zhong is a top disciple of an eighth-level Pill King. It wouldn't be difficult for him to get a few high-grade sixth-level pills. Even if it's inconvenient to give the top-grade ones to his disciples, it shouldn't be a problem for him to 'play' with the high-grade ones."
"That's not necessarily true. This isn't an ordinary resource!"
"As far as I know, King Sangdan has only this one disciple, whom he dotes on immensely..."
·
Even the patriarch of the Fan family had never taken a tortoise marrow pill of this quality.
When elders in the Star Moon Palace take such pills, they usually only get the lower to middle grade. It's rare to see the high grade. Occasionally, a level six alchemist within the faction might produce one or two pills, but they are not easy to snatch.
As a result, the son-in-law of Hanyue Palace was born directly.
Some elders were even considering secretly asking the couple if they could exchange other resources for it...
·
Fan Jiming forced himself to stop his lips from twitching.
There were too many, far too many, so many that he was no longer flattered, but frightened.
Although he did feel happier about the arrival of his two friends than his parents, the current situation is that the gifts his two friends gave him not only exceeded those of his parents, but were even on par with his ancestors!
Han Bingling remained even more silent.
Are alchemists really that... wealthy?
Especially a genius like Master Zhong Dan, who can casually scatter a large number of top-grade and many high-level superior-grade items?
·
At this point, many cultivators began to discuss the matter.
However, they felt that this should be the most...
Hime: "The fifth item."
Everyone: "!!!"
It's not over yet?! How could it not be over yet!
·
Ji Li spoke again: "The fifth item is a top-grade level 5 Xuan weapon, the Mandarin Duck Daggers."
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