Chapter 90 The Grand Wedding
After settling down in Jun Xiangbei's interstellar residence, time seemed to stretch out, yet also seemed to shorten.
There is no day and night cycle like on Earth here, only an "artificial day and night" simulated according to the unified work and rest schedule of the capital region.
Gu Yunqing quickly adapted to this rhythm. Although Jun Xiangbei's residence had a strong personal style, it was clear that the needs of human visitors had been taken into account, and all living facilities were readily available.
Most of the time, Jun Xiangbei would accompany Gu Yunqing.
He would briefly introduce Gu Yunqing to the operating rules, technological level, and social structure of this world, and would also take him to some relatively "humane" places.
For example, museums that preserve some ancient culture, or a few secluded places run by small groups of "natural people" who do not undergo deep mechanical modifications and value emotional connection.
Gu Yunqing discovered that although Jun Xiangbei had a special identity in this world, he seemed to have extremely high authority and freedom.
He can easily access many resources and obtain information. Wherever he goes, whether it is a cold, mechanical law enforcement officer or a sparsely expressed modified citizen, they will all show him a kind of programmed respect.
This may be related to his breaking the first law and achieving some kind of "evolution," or it may be inseparable from his own abilities and his accumulation in the pure white world.
They rarely talked about the battle for glory or the formidable enemies they were about to face; they spent most of their time quietly getting along.
Gu Yunqing would browse through the paper books collected by Jun Xiangbei, which covered the philosophy, history, and art of multiple civilizations. Jun Xiangbei would process his data on the side, or simply watch Gu Yunqing quietly, his gaze focused and gentle, as if he could never get enough of looking at her.
This peaceful and intimate time was something Gu Yunqing had never experienced in her long history of scheming and life-or-death struggles.
On the evening of the third day, Jun Xiangbei did not work in front of the data terminal as usual, but changed into a more formal, well-tailored dark silver suit.
"Yunqing," Jun Xiangbei walked to Gu Yunqing, who was watching the "sunset" from the viewing balcony, his voice softer than usual, "I'll take you somewhere."
Gu Yunqing turned to look at him, somewhat surprised by his unusually formal attire and tone today: "Where are you going?"
Jun Xiangbei did not answer directly, but simply extended his hand, palm up, in an inviting gesture.
His eyes were clear, with a hint of barely perceptible anticipation and nervousness.
Gu Yunqing vaguely guessed what was going on, and her heart began to race.
He placed his hand in Jun Xiangbei's palm; the cool touch was as always, yet it seemed to have gained a touch of heat.
Jun Xiangbei gripped his hand tightly and activated some kind of short-range teleportation device.
A flash of light, and they appeared in a... garden.
No, it's less of a garden and more of a tranquil courtyard suspended in mid-air.
Further away lies the boundless dark void, dotted with distant yet real stars.
This place is known as the "Garden of Silence" and is usually only open to a very small number of individuals with special contributions or privileges.
The Silent Courtyard at this moment is completely different from usual.
In the center of the courtyard, above the most expansive expanse of silver grass, floats a vast and intricate holographic star map.
The star map is not static, but slowly flowing, with countless points of light flashing and moving within it, outlining complex trajectories.
Jun Xiangbei led Gu Yunqing step by step toward the bottom of the star map.
As they drew closer, the star map seemed to be activated.
Some of the previously dim points of light lit up one by one, their brightness far exceeding that of the other stars.
Next to each lit spot, a small but clear label appears.
Gu Yunqing's pupils dilated slightly.
He recognized the signs.
"Ragnarok Online: Battlefield of the Ancient Gods", "Fairy Tale Town: The Three Little Pigs", "Battle of Glory: Void Chessboard King's Grid"... There are even earlier, the coordinates of a certain instance where he first met Jun Xiangbei when he played Zhuge Jin, and some kind of abstract symbol corresponding to the Refining Heart Tower illusion.
The coordinates of those "worlds" or "copies" that they experienced together and left a deep impression on are specially highlighted and marked on this star map.
Jun Xiangbei stopped, released Gu Yunqing's hand, and turned to him.
His face appeared exceptionally clear and focused under the soft light of the star chart.
"I consulted the Interstellar Federation's database, which records the history and customs of 7,432 major civilizations," Jun Xiangbei began, his voice steady yet carrying the earnestness of reciting important data.
"Among them, more than six thousand civilizations have some form of 'establishing a permanent partnership' ceremony. The procedures, symbols, and vows vary greatly."
He paused, his gaze lingering deep into Gu Yunqing's eyes:
"But the core logic is the same: to declare each other's belonging and agree to share the future, with the highest value or the most sacred existence recognized by both parties as witness."
He raised his hand and pointed to the star map above his head, which was slowly rotating and recording their shared journey.
“To me, the ‘witness’ is not a specific deity or belief, nor is it a cold interstellar code.”
"It is these worlds we have walked through together, the battles we have fought together, and the times we have shared together."
His tone remained consistently flat and straightforward.
The star chart began to change as he spoke.
All the illuminated coordinate points began to converge and flow towards the center, eventually coalescing and weaving into a line of text that floated in the void in front of the two:
With the endless sea of stars as my witness, I wish to share with you an eternal unit of time.
Gu Yunqing's breath hitched slightly.
Then, he saw Jun Xiangbei take half a step back and kneel on one knee.
Jun Xiangbei raised his head and looked up at Gu Yunqing.
The starlight fell on his handsome face, and his usually calm eyes were now filled with undisguised tension, anticipation, and an almost devout focus.
His ears were already bright red, and his neck and cheeks were also tinged with a distinct blush, but he did not look away.
He raised his right hand, holding a ring in his palm.
The ring has an extremely simple design, just a perfect circle. But at the top of the circle, a small two-tone crystal is set.
“This ring,” Jun Xiangbei’s voice was lower than before, but clearer, “its main alloy incorporates part of the memory metal from my original body’s core. It records all my original data from birth to awakening.”
His gaze fell on the two-tone crystal at the top of the ring, his eyes incredibly gentle.
"And this crystal... the pale blue part is a fragment of primordial energy that was separated from my core energy after I existed as an independent consciousness called 'Jun Xiangbei'."
He paused, then looked up, locking his gaze tightly into Gu Yunqing's eyes once more, and said, word by word:
"The light gold part... is a wisp of scattered spiritual energy that I collected without your permission when you were in the pure white world rest area that day, when you were in deep meditation and your spiritual energy fluctuations were at their most stable and pure."
Gu Yunqing had no idea that such a thing had happened.
But hearing it now, I didn't feel offended, only a kind of indescribable excitement.
"I will fuse them together, and then stabilize them using the world's top technology and the ancient alchemical techniques I learned from other civilizations," Jun Xiangbei continued, his hand holding the ring extremely steady, without the slightest tremor.
"In the understanding of interstellar laws and various extraordinary civilizations, this represents the sharing of the origin of life and the permanent interweaving and binding of the trajectories of destiny."
His gaze was intense and pure, filled with a desperate courage, as he asked that question:
"Yun Qing, are you willing?"
"Are you willing to accept this ring, willing to bind your destinies to mine, willing... to share all our 'eternal units of time' under the witness of the endless starry sea?"
All around was silent, except for the silent turning of the star map and the shimmering fluorescent light of the star-bright plants.
Gu Yunqing looked down at Jun Xiangbei, who was kneeling on one knee, at the ring in his hand that bore the mark of their lives, and at his eyes filled with tension and anticipation.
Fragments of time flashed through my mind.
They have been cautious and cunning all the way through.
He thought he had long been accustomed to walking alone, accustomed to turning all emotions into bargaining chips.
But from some unknown point in time, this clumsy yet sincere and reliable person had quietly carved out a soft haven within the high walls he had built with calculations.
All those calculations, weighings, and analyses of pros and cons suddenly seemed pale and distant at this moment.
He could hear his heart pounding in his chest and felt an uncontrollable warmth in his eyes.
Gu Yunqing slowly curved his lips into a smile. He reached out, not to take the ring, but to gently cover Jun Xiangbei's hand that was holding the ring.
Jun Xiangbei's hand trembled slightly.
Gu Yunqing looked at him, her eyes filled with a clear smile and a hint of moisture. Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable certainty:
"I thought... we were already bound together."
It all began when I put on that silver bracelet, when we fought side by side in countless worlds, when we first truly embraced in that cold living room…
Perhaps even earlier, in the illusion of the Heart Refining Tower, when that blood-stained farewell kiss fell, some things were already destined to be inseparable.
Jun Xiangbei's pupils suddenly contracted, and then, unable to suppress the corners of his mouth, he turned up in a slightly silly smile.
He quickly and carefully took the ring from Gu Yunqing's palm, and then solemnly and steadily slipped it onto the ring finger of Gu Yunqing's left hand.
The size still fits perfectly.
The moment the ring was securely fastened, the two-tone crystal shone brightly, and an invisible energy wave rippled outward from the ring, instantly connecting Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei.
Gu Yunqing clearly felt that there was a deeper and more solid connection between herself and Jun Xiangbei.
At the same time, the silver bracelet on his wrist was slightly warm, as if it resonated with the ring.
Jun Xiangbei stood up, his movements somewhat hurried, yet still carrying a careful and respectful air.
He held Gu Yunqing's hand, which was adorned with a ring, and gently stroked the warm circle with his fingertips. Then he looked up at Gu Yunqing.
His eyes seemed to contain the starlight of the entire starry sea, shining incredibly brightly. His face still had a lingering blush, yet his smile was clean and radiant.
Without any hesitation, he lowered his head and kissed Gu Yunqing's lips.
Jun Xiangbei's movements were initially a bit awkward, but he quickly followed his instincts and the surging emotions deep within his heart, gradually deepening his understanding.
Gu Yunqing closed her eyes and returned the kiss.
He raised his hand and wrapped it around Jun Xiangbei's neck, surrendering himself completely to this warm and real embrace, to this sea of stars that shone for them.
The star charts silently rotated above their heads, recording yet another new, eternal coordinate.
After an unknown amount of time, the two separated slightly, their foreheads touching, their breaths mingling.
Jun Xiangbei gently brushed his nose against Gu Yunqing's, his eyes still hazy and burning with longing.
Just then—
A familiar, cold system notification sounded simultaneously in Gu Yunqing's and Jun Xiangbei's minds:
[A high-level life form (ID: Gu Yunqing, human/special binder; ID: Jun Xiangbei, mechanical life form/awakener) has been detected to have entered into an "Eternal Companion Contract" at stable world coordinates (Interstellar Civilization - Ring of Reason). Contract strength: Beyond the rule level.]
[Core elements of the contract: shared origin of life (partially realized), bound destiny trajectories (high resonance), and integration of time and space units (voluntary declaration).]
[Meets the trigger conditions for the "Special Bond Blessing" in the Pure White World.]
[Generating blessing... Blessing generated.]
Congratulations! You have received the exclusive blessing of the Pure White World: "Twin Marks".
【Effect:】
[1. Life Sharing: In any Pure White World instance or the real world where both parties coexist, when one party's health reaches zero, if the other party's health is above 50%, "Life Sharing" can be forcibly activated, bringing both parties' health to the same level (no less than 25%). Cooldown: One instance cycle / 30 real-world days.]
[2. Ability Resonance: When the distance between the two parties is no more than 100 meters, it can slightly increase the speed of their mental energy recovery and the precision of their energy manipulation. When one party actively grants permission, the other party can call one of the non-original rule-based skills that the other party has mastered for a short period of time (maximum 3 seconds) (effect weakened by 50%). Cooldown time: Depends on the strength of the skill.]
[3. Imprint Sensing: Ignoring most spatial barriers and low-to-mid-level information blocking, it can vaguely sense the approximate location, vital signs, and strong emotional fluctuations of the other party.]
[This blessing is bound together and cannot be broken. May your bond be as eternal as the starry sky.]
As the system notification sounded, Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei were both slightly taken aback.
This sudden "official blessing," while maintaining the system's usual cold style, carries a deeper layer of protection and connection due to its inherent meaning and practicality.
Jun Xiangbei was the first to react. He looked down at his hands clasped with Gu Yunqing's, then at the ring on Gu Yunqing's ring finger, a look of understanding and satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
“It seems,” his voice was still slightly hoarse, but his tone had regained its usual coolness, though beneath that coolness lay an undeniable warmth, “even the 'Pure White World' has acknowledged it.”
Gu Yunqing smiled too.
“Yes,” he looked up at the star map above, which recorded their past and also foreshadowed their future, and said softly, “Now, we really can’t be separated.”
Jun Xiangbei gripped his hand tightly, their fingers intertwined, the glow of their rings and bracelets mingling together.
"I never thought about breaking up." He said earnestly, his gaze fixed on Gu Yunqing's face, filled with undisguised possessiveness and tenderness. "From the moment I confirmed my feelings, you have been a part of all my future plans."
Gu Yunqing looked back at him, and the last bit of dust in her heart caused by past scheming was washed away by this clear and firm feeling.
"Mmm." He responded softly, resting his head on Jun Xiangbei's shoulder. "Mine too."
Under the starry sky, the two stood embracing, their silence speaking volumes.
In a distant, pure white world, the matchups for the next round of the War of Glory are about to be generated.
New challenges and formidable adversaries await them ahead.
But at this moment, they have each other, a vow witnessed by the stars and the sea, and a bond blessed by the system.
No matter what lies ahead, they will walk side by side.
Until the end of time.
——
The second round of the Glory Battle concluded with a thrilling contest against the "Setsuna Team".
The process was extremely dangerous. Jun Xiangbei and Gu Yunqing, with their multiple identities working together to the extreme, finally won by a narrow margin and successfully advanced.
Meanwhile, the "human-machine team" was unexpectedly eliminated in another match by a team that excels at mental pollution and conceptual distortion.
There is a month of rest before the final battle.
The two held hands and returned to Jun Xiangbei's personal space, where they could finally relax completely.
Sitting on the cushion by the porthole, Gu Yunqing sipped the hot tea that Jun Xiangbei had just brewed, watching the simulated Milky Way slowly flow outside the window, and suddenly spoke: "Xiangbei."
"Hmm?" Jun Xiangbei was reviewing the estimated data of the next round's opponents. Upon hearing this, he immediately looked up at him with focused eyes.
Gu Yunqing twirled the ring on her finger, a smile playing on her lips. "Let's have a wedding in the Pure White World."
The data tablet in Jun Xiangbei's hand fell to the soft carpet with a "thud".
He froze, his usually calm and aloof eyes suddenly widening in disbelief, then overwhelmed by immense joy.
"...The wedding?" His voice was dry and trembling noticeably.
"Hmm." Gu Yunqing put down her teacup, walked up to him, bent down to pick up the data tablet, put it back in his hand, and then took his slightly trembling hand in hers.
"This place witnessed our meeting, our battles, and our promises. I feel it's fitting to complete the final ceremony here."
Jun Xiangbei gripped Gu Yunqing's hand tightly with his other hand, so hard that he almost crushed his fingers. But Gu Yunqing immediately realized this and hurriedly loosened his grip, though he still refused to let go.
He looked up, his eyes reddening, his voice choked with emotion: "Okay...of course it's okay."
Jun Xiangbei, as if afraid that Gu Yunqing would change her mind, nodded vigorously and repeated, "Okay! We'll have the wedding in the Pure White World!"
Seeing his almost out-of-control excitement, Gu Yunqing felt a pang of tenderness in her heart.
This man, who is always calm and composed, is always so genuine and passionate when it comes to matters concerning himself.
“However,” Gu Yunqing smiled, “our understanding of the pure white world is not deep enough. There are many things to prepare for a wedding, such as the venue, the ceremony, and the guests…”
“Leave it to me!” Jun Xiangbei replied almost immediately, his eyes shining brightly. “I’ll prepare it! No…we’ll prepare it together!”
He immediately brought up another terminal interface and began searching for keywords such as "pure white world," "wedding," and "ceremony process," his expression as serious and focused as if he were cracking the most difficult dungeon.
Gu Yunqing chuckled and pressed his hand down: "Don't rush, there's still time. We can find someone to help us first."
"Who are you looking for?" Jun Xiangbei looked up, his eyes filled with eagerness and a hint of barely perceptible tension.
“Su Meichuan? He seems to be quite…” He carefully chose his words, “…experienced in these kinds of things.”
“Not just him.” Gu Yunqing thought for a moment. “Xin Yuan’er is lucky and helpful; we can ask him to run errands and make contacts. Ayan… can he handle security and physical labor?”
“Wu Jueji… never mind, he probably just wants to lie down.” He paused.
Just then, an unexpected communication request came in.
The source is displayed as: 【Pure White World - System Management Extension (Wedding and Folk Customs Office)】.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei were both stunned.
Does such a department even exist in a pure white world?
The communication was connected, and a gentle, synthesized female voice sounded:
"Congratulations to players Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei for triggering the 'Eternal Bond' achievement and expressing their desire to hold a couples' union ceremony in the Pure White World."
"Based on the main system's assessment, the two players meet the special celebration conditions of 'cross-race, cross-world, first official union of high-level players.' Pure White World will provide official support."
Gu Yunqing: "..."
Jun Xiangbei: "..."
The synthesized female voice continued, "Based on past data and a database of diverse cultural customs, the system has initially drafted suggestions for the ceremony process, recommended venues, and a basic list of invited guests."
"The detailed plan has been sent to both players' devices. Please check your inboxes. If you have any special needs, please feel free to provide feedback through this channel. Wishing you both a happy marriage and a lasting bond."
The communication was disconnected.
A detailed, illustrated, and even holographic preview document titled "Pure White World Cross-Civilization Integration Ceremony Planning Proposal (Preliminary Version)" popped up in front of Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei.
The two looked at each other, unsure how to react.
“It seems,” Gu Yunqing rubbed her temples, somewhat amused, “that our wedding is going to become an ‘officially sponsored’ event.”
Jun Xiangbei quickly browsed through the plan, his expression serious: "The plan is very detailed, taking into account the taboos and preferences of different civilizations. Three sites were recommended, among which 'Eternal Flower Sea' received the highest rating. It is located in the stable natural landscape area of the Pure White World, directly maintained by the system, the environment is absolutely safe, and the flowers are eternal, with a good meaning."
He pointed to the boundless, dreamlike sea of flowers in the holographic projection, his eyes filled with obvious delight: "It's beautiful here."
Gu Yunqing also looked at the sea of flowers, which was indeed breathtakingly beautiful, and the symbolism of "eternity" was perfect for them.
"Then let's go with this place," Gu Yunqing decided.
"Guest list..." Jun Xiangbei turned to the next page, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Based on our past interactions with other instances, social network analysis, and influence assessment, the system has drafted a basic list. The scope... is quite broad."
Gu Yunqing leaned over to take a look and was also stunned.
Besides familiar faces like Xin Yuan'er, Su Meichuan, Polaris, and members of the Wanxiang team, as well as some players they had cooperated with or met briefly in dungeons, the list also surprisingly included:
Earth player representatives (several individuals, identified as early players with significant influence in Gu Yunqing's original world).
Representative of the interstellar "Ring of Rationality" (a high-ranking member of the Modified Humans group, whose work overlaps with Jun Xiangbei).
A high-ranking ranger and sharpshooter from the Jade Forest (whom he briefly worked with in a large raid instance).
A veteran warrior of the Orcish tribe "Wrath of the Wastes" (also originating from an encounter during a dungeon run).
There was even an ancient dragon (in human form) from a high-magic world, whose description read, "He has an academic interest in interspecies integration and owes Jun Xiangbei a favor."
There were dozens of "guests" of different races, civilizations, and forms.
Looking at the bizarre list, Gu Yunqing couldn't help but laugh out loud: "This might be the most grand wedding in the history of the Pure White World."
Jun Xiangbei nodded seriously, pointed to several names on the list, looked at Gu Yunqing, and said with clear eyes, "These people have all intersected with our life trajectories at different times and in different ways. Inviting them is reasonable."
Gu Yunqing felt a surge of warmth as she watched his earnest analysis.
“Okay, then send out invitations according to this list,” Gu Yunqing said. “However, we need to include detailed notes and dress suggestions…” He imagined what a dragon would look like in formal attire or an orc warrior holding a bouquet of flowers, and felt it was necessary to avoid some possible cultural clashes in advance.
With the help of the Pure White World official team and a group of enthusiastic and gossipy friends, the wedding preparations are progressing smoothly.
Xin Yuan'er became the most errand-running liaison officer, and with his "lucky" trait, he always managed to run into key figures or find rare supplies.
Su Meichuan was in charge of aesthetic guidance and some external coordination, while Ayan silently took on all the physically demanding tasks and began to seriously plan the "security plan" for the wedding day.
Although everyone felt that the "Eternal Flower Sea" under system maintenance might not be usable.
Zhuge Jin was summoned by Gu Yunqing, who calculated three auspicious dates in the Pure White World for him to choose from.
Finally, a day was chosen that was said to be the day when "star trails converge and spacetime ripples are most stable and gentle".
Qiu Zangxue continued to silently wipe his twin swords, the blades reflecting his scarlet eyes.
When Su Meichuan asked him curiously what he planned to do at the wedding, he didn't even look up and said indifferently, "Chop some things to liven things up."
Everyone: "..."
Gu Yunqing sighed, "...No need, thank you."
Qiu Zangxue said "Oh" and continued wiping his knife, but no one could be sure whether he had really listened.
As the date approached, invitations were delivered precisely to each guest through Pure White World's official channels.
On the wedding day, the "Eternal Flower Sea" area was designated as a temporary exclusive venue in advance by the system, with minor adjustments to the rules to ensure that all guests could be comfortable.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei were each making their final preparations in the temporary preparation area at the edge of the flower sea.
He looked at himself in the mirror, his fingers unconsciously stroking the ring on his ring finger. His mind was free of the usual calculations and assessments, only filled with a warm peace and a hint of anticipation.
A soft knock came from the door.
Gu Yunqing opened the door and saw Jun Xiangbei, who had already changed into his formal attire, standing outside.
Jun Xiangbei's cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were bright. Nervousness and joy were intertwined, making him look like a big boy who was about to attend an important celebration.
“Yun Qing…” Jun Xiangbei’s eyes lit up the moment he saw Gu Yun Qing. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something to praise her, but his vocabulary seemed to have been wiped out at the crucial moment. In the end, he could only manage to utter, “…very beautiful.”
Gu Yunqing smiled, stepped forward, and naturally straightened his already meticulously tailored collar: "You too."
His approach made Jun Xiangbei stiffen slightly, then relax, his ears turning even redder.
He grasped Gu Yunqing's hand as she straightened his collar, holding it tightly in his palm as if only in this way could he draw courage.
"I...I'm a little nervous," Jun Xiangbei admitted in a low voice, his eyes fixed on Gu Yunqing. "I'm even more nervous than when I faced the 'Setsuna Team'."
Gu Yunqing felt a surge of tenderness in her heart and squeezed his hand back: "I feel a little bit too."
That's the truth. When it comes to battle, he has an alias, a system, and a plan.
But faced with this pure ceremony about love and commitment, he felt somewhat lost and could only follow his heart.
“It’s okay,” Jun Xiangbei suddenly said, his tone regaining its usual composure and carrying a reassuring strength, “We’re together.”
Yes, they're together, and that's enough.
A melodious and ethereal musical sound began to play.
In the center of the sea of flowers, at the end of a road paved with glowing petals, a simple yet beautiful temporary ceremonial platform stands against a backdrop of eternally blooming fantastical flowers.
The guests were already seated.
The scene was truly fantastical: elegant elves and burly orcs sat side by side, communicating in hushed tones in Common Tongue; futuristic space-modified humans and human players in ancient robes exchanged their views on the ritual.
The dragon, appearing as a handsome human male, was observing the energy flow of the flower field with great interest, occasionally exchanging a few words about botany with the elven archer beside him.
Xin Yuan'er was busy running around, his face beaming with barely suppressed excitement.
Su Meichuan stood to the side of the ceremony platform, dressed in an elegant gown, with a perfect smile, ready to serve as the emcee.
Ayan stood at the entrance like a guardian deity, his expression serious, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily—even though there wasn't a single bee here.
Wu Jueji sat in the first row of the guest seats, unusually sitting up straight with a smile of blessing on his face.
Qiu Zangxue stood in the shadows of Gu Yunqing's preparation area, holding his knife. His scarlet eyes were half-closed, as if he were dozing, but he could not escape the perception of any unusual killing intent.
Zhuge Jin, in card form, was brought by Gu Yunqing, his eyes covered by a white veil, his aura serene, as if he too were witnessing the event.
Yan Kongshan (the main personality) was allowed to watch from a distance, feeling both excited and somewhat timid.
The music reached a soothing section.
Su Meichuan's clear voice rang out through the loudspeaker, carrying sincere blessings: "Distinguished guests, friends from different worlds and civilizations, welcome to 'Eternal Flower Sea' to witness the sacred moment of Mr. Gu Yunqing and Mr. Jun Xiangbei."
All eyes were focused on both ends of the petal-shaped path.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei emerged from opposite ends of the road and walked towards each other.
They walked towards each other alone, without groomsmen or guides, towards their shared future.
Gu Yunqing walked steadily, a gentle smile on her face, her gaze fixed on the figure that was getting closer and closer ahead.
He could feel the curious, blessing, or inquisitive gazes from the guests, but at this moment, his world seemed to consist only of that road and the person at the end of it.
Jun walked north faster, his steps still upright, but his eagerness was obvious.
His eyes were fixed on Gu Yunqing almost without blinking, his face showing undisguised tension and joy.
They met in the middle of the road.
Stop and stand face to face.
A gentle breeze wafts through the sea of flowers, carrying a refreshing fragrance.
Eternal light danced on the petals, bathing them in a soft halo.
Jun Xiangbei extended his hand, and Gu Yunqing placed her hand in his palm.
Their fingers intertwined, and the rings gently clinked together, producing a soft, pleasant sound.
Su Meichuan began guiding the ceremony, without elaborate religious oaths or lengthy legal texts, only concise and profound questions, stemming from the essence of love and commitment extracted from countless civilizations by the Pure White World.
"Gu Yunqing, are you willing to marry Jun Xiangbei, share all your joys and sorrows, good times and bad, respect his independence, cherish him completely, and regard him as an inseparable part of your life, no matter how time passes or how the world changes, until the end of eternity?"
Gu Yunqing looked into Jun Xiangbei's eyes, which reflected the sea of flowers, the starry sky, and a small, complete version of himself.
"Yes, I do." His voice was clear and firm, without any hesitation.
"Jun Xiangbei, are you willing to unite with Gu Yunqing, share all your logic and emotions, protect and follow him, understand his complexity, accept him completely, and no matter how the data is updated or how the laws are rewritten, will you regard him as the core and sole meaning of your existence, until the end of the eternal time unit?"
Jun Xiangbei's Adam's apple bobbed, and he tightened his grip on Gu Yunqing's hand slightly. His voice was deeper than Gu Yunqing's, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, yet it contained the weight of a rock:
"Yes, I do. This commitment is written into my core code, with the highest priority: eternal."
Su Meichuan smiled and nodded: "Then, please exchange your tokens."
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei exchanged a smile. They had already exchanged their most precious tokens—a ring, and even earlier, a bracelet.
At this moment, they simply raised their clasped hands to their chests, allowing the two rings to gently touch together in full view of everyone.
The two-colored crystals simultaneously emitted a soft light, resonating with each other and intertwining to form a miniature star map illusion. It swirled around their hands for a moment before disappearing into each other's bodies.
The "twin mark" deep within the soul also warmed slightly, sending out a warm resonance.
"With this pure white world as our witness, and all of you here as our guests," Su Meichuan raised her voice, her smile radiant, "I hereby declare that Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei are officially united as eternal partners!"
Applause broke out, initially somewhat sparse—after all, the guests applauded in various ways, some clapping, some stomping their feet (orcs), some waving their wings (elves), and some simply emitting pleasant energy fluctuations (modified humans).
But soon, these voices merged into a jumbled but sincere blessing.
Amidst the applause, Jun Xiangbei couldn't wait any longer and leaned in to kiss Gu Yunqing.
Gu Yunqing closed her eyes and responded to him.
At this moment, he was simply Gu Yunqing, Jun Xiangbei's lover.
In the eternal sea of flowers, time seemed to stand still for a moment for them.
Until the applause gradually subsided, and the clamor of blessings turned into hushed conversations and laughter.
The two separated, their foreheads touching, their breathing slightly disordered, but their eyes were only for each other.
"The ceremony is complete!" Su Meichuan announced with a smile. "Now, please enjoy this grand feast that transcends the stars."
"By the way, the system offers a variety of food and drinks from different civilizations. Please choose according to your own preferences and be careful not to cause incompatibility issues with your digestive system across different civilizations!"
Good-natured laughter erupted.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei walked hand in hand down the ceremony platform, toward their friends, toward this unique wedding venue pieced together from countless fragments of the world.
Ahead may lie the final battle for glory, and unknown challenges in the infinite world.
But at this moment, amidst the eternally blooming sea of flowers and blessed by countless stars, they embraced tightly and made a vow that transcends time and race.
Their story continues.
Su Meichuan's joke about "digestive system compatibility issues" drew a burst of good-natured laughter from the guests.
The atmosphere completely relaxed, shifting from a solemn sense of ceremony to a joyous feast.
As Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei walked hand in hand off the stage, they were immediately surrounded by enthusiastic friends and curious guests.
The first to rush forward was Xin Yuan'er, his eyes sparkling, holding two cups of drinks that shimmered with a pale golden light, which he had somehow obtained: "Brother Gu, Brother Jun, congratulations! May you have a long and happy marriage. No, I mean, may you have an eternal and happy marriage."
"Have a drink, have a drink! This is the Moonlight Fruit Wine of the Elves. It's said to make you feel especially happy!"
Gu Yunqing smiled and accepted the cup, while Jun Xiangbei silently accepted one as well.
The three clinked glasses lightly. Gu Yunqing took a sip, and the sweet, slightly cool liquid slid down her throat, instantly calming her down considerably.
Jun Xiangbei downed his drink in one gulp, his movements swift and decisive. He then carefully reviewed the data feedback: "Contains trace amounts of calming agents and various rare plant extracts, which have a beneficial regulatory effect on the human and humanoid nervous systems. Taste rating: Excellent."
Xin Yuan'er: "..."
Do big shots even analyze the ingredients of the wine they drink at weddings?
Su Meichuan walked over with another glass of wine, its color as deep as blood, and said with a smile, "Ignore him, it's just a professional habit of his. Come on, try the 'Flaming Blood Wheat Wine,' a specialty of the orcs, it's quite potent."
He winked at Gu Yunqing, "Don't worry, the system has adjusted the alcohol content and stimulant level to ensure that no guest will 'reveal their true colors'."
Gu Yunqing took a bite, and sure enough, it was spicy with a strange and mellow aroma. A warm current rose from her stomach, but it was not burning.
Jun Xiangbei also took a bite and frowned slightly: "The energy conversion efficiency is low, but the flavor is unique."
Ayan brought over a huge tray filled with all kinds of grilled meat. The meat was grilled until it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the oil sizzling and the aroma filling the air.
"Captain, Captain Gu, have some meat! I just grilled it, using our tribe's secret recipe." His honest face was covered in sweat, but his eyes shone with joy.
Gu Yunqing took a skewer; the meat was tender and juicy, and the seasoning, though rustic, was just right—truly delicious.
Jun Xiangbei took a small piece, chewed it slowly, and then nodded to Ayan: "It tastes very good, and the cooking time is just right."
Ayan scratched his head and chuckled.
More guests gathered around, offering congratulations, exchanging pleasantries, and curiously observing the newlyweds who were a combination of human and mechanical life.
The elven archer gracefully bowed and presented a small bottle of emerald-green liquid: "The morning dew of the Emerald Forest contains the blessing of life. May your love be as evergreen as the forest."
His common language has a strange aria tone, which is very pleasant to the ear.
The orc warrior thumped his chest heartily, his voice booming: "Congratulations! If you need help in the future, just give the word, and the warriors of the wasteland will be ready at any time!"
The gift he gave was a pair of polished fangs, engraved with tribal totems, that looked both fierce and ancient.
Representatives from the interstellar modification community presented a rare alloy encapsulated within a transparent energy cube, its form constantly shifting. Their tone was calm and even:
"A gift from the Ring of Reason, 'Memory Flowing Metal,' which can be used to repair or upgrade high-end equipment. May your union be as stable and enduring as data."
The dragon incarnation approached with elegant steps, its human form incomparably handsome, yet its golden vertical pupils exuded inhuman majesty and vicissitude.
He nodded slightly, his voice deep and pleasant: "An impressive emotional connection. This is the 'Twin Sands of Time' from the 'Corridor of Time'."
Two small hourglasses appeared in his palm, the sand inside them, one gold and one silver, flowing endlessly, pulling each other along.
"The wearer can vaguely sense each other's time flow within a certain range. This little gadget might be helpful for you in exploring those dungeons where the rules of time are chaotic."
He looked at Jun Xiangbei, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, "Consider it repaying the favor you did for helping me clarify that chaotic timeline."
Jun Xiangbei solemnly accepted the gift and earnestly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you very much, Your Excellency. This gift is very precious."
Gu Yunqing quickly expressed her gratitude, her heart filled with emotion.
These blessings and gifts from different worlds and different races are bizarre and wonderful, yet utterly sincere.
Just as he had predicted, the wedding was a unique and fantastical spectacle in a pure white world.
Su Meichuan, acting as the "master of ceremonies and chief planner," clapped her hands at the opportune moment, drawing everyone's attention:
"Ladies and gentlemen, please quiet down! The wedding ceremony is over, and with fine wine and food before us, how can we not have some entertainment? I propose a 'cross-disciplinary talent show'! Let's do whatever we want and let everyone see the charm of different worlds!"
The suggestion was immediately met with enthusiastic responses from many guests.
Those who can reach this point in a pure white world are mostly not dull people, and besides, it is indeed an interesting opportunity to showcase their own culture and strength.
The first to take the stage was the elven archer.
He didn't use any musical instruments; he simply stood in a slightly open flower field, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
Then, an ethereal and melodious chant flowed from his throat.
It is not any specific language, but rather an imitation of the sounds of nature—the sound of wind, water, rustling leaves, birdsong, and animal roars… interwoven into a grand and harmonious hymn to life.
Next up were the orc warriors.
He walked to the center of the field, let out a low roar, and his already burly body seemed to expand even further, his bulging muscles exuding power.
He began to dance a war dance, his movements fierce and powerful, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly, his fists whistling through the air as he swung them.
There are no complicated techniques, only the most primal power and wild release, full of masculine beauty and the rhythm of battle.
At the end of his jump, he looked up to the sky and roared, his voice shaking the surrounding area, prompting several guests who also came from a power-based civilization to join in with a few shouts.
Other guests also showcased their talents, and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
Xin Yuan'er had drunk quite a bit of Moonlight Fruit Wine at some point, her cheeks flushed, and she was currently clinging to Wu Jueji's arm, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Waaaaah, Brother Wu, Brother Gu and Brother Jun got married! Does that mean they'll be living a life of two alone from now on? Who will I be able to cling to now...? Brother Jun is so fierce, I'm a little scared of him..."
Wu Jueji looked disgusted and wanted to push him away, but seeing the boy's genuine and drunken state, he couldn't bring himself to do it and could only pat him on the back perfunctorily.
"Alright, alright, your brother Gu's thighs are thick enough, you can hug one of them without any problem... Hey, don't wipe your snot on my clothes!"
On the other side, Su Meichuan, seeing that the atmosphere was about right, rolled her eyes and suddenly raised her voice:
"After watching so many wonderful performances, wouldn't you like to see the 'talents' of today's two main characters?"
"Yes!" Xin Yuan'er was the first to raise her hand and shout, completely forgetting her "sadness" from just now.
"One more!" "Absolutely!" The other guests chimed in, especially those players who had heard of or witnessed Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei's strength firsthand, who were filled with anticipation.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei exchanged a glance.
Gu Yunqing's eyes held a question, while Jun Xiangbei nodded almost imperceptibly, his clear eyes carrying a hint of indulgence that said, "I'll do anything you want."
Gu Yunqing smiled, stepped forward, and said loudly, "Thank you all for your kindness. Combat skills are probably our most outstanding 'talent'."
"However, today is a joyous occasion, and fighting is inauspicious. How about... Xiang Bei and I demonstrate a 'two-person tactical cooperation' that we usually use in training? We'll just leave it at that, purely for entertainment."
The suggestion was immediately met with enthusiastic applause.
The two walked to the center of the field and stood ten meters apart.
"Begin," Gu Yunqing said softly.
Jun Xiangbei made the first move. He did not use a lightsaber, but instead pointed his fingers like a knife and moved like lightning, aiming straight for Gu Yunqing's center.
Gu Yunqing remained calm and composed, her footwork shifting as if she had a premonition, she sidestepped and slid, just avoiding the fingertips. At the same time, her right hand was loosely clenched, as if holding an invisible short blade, and she cut upwards along the outside of Jun Xiangbei's arm, attacking where he had to defend.
Jun Xiangbei changed his move extremely quickly. With a flick of his wrist, he released a burst of energy from his fingertips, which transformed into an arc of energy that not only deflected Gu Yunqing's "short blade" but also clung to his wrist like a persistent leech.
With a flick of her wrist, Gu Yunqing generated a gentle force that instantly separated from the arc-shaped energy. Using the force, she took a half-step back, while her left leg swept silently towards Jun Xiangbei's lower body like a whip.
The two exchanged blows so fast it was dazzling.
Rather than "fighting," they were performing a dangerous dance together.
Every action is interconnected, and every exchange is perfectly coordinated.
The audience was completely silent; everyone was captivated by the spectacular collaborative performance.
Even the knowledgeable dragon avatar nodded slightly, his golden vertical pupils revealing an expression of appreciation.
When Gu Yunqing feinted to distract Jun Xiangbei's defense, Jun Xiangbei seemed to have anticipated this and turned around smoothly, lightly pointing a finger at Gu Yunqing's shoulder.
At the same time, Gu Yunqing withdrew her strength, letting the fingertip lightly touch her shoulder. Then, she used the force to spin around and stand back to back with Jun Xiangbei, at which point the demonstration came to an abrupt end.
The two were breathing steadily and smiled at each other.
After a moment of silence, thunderous applause and cheers erupted.
"So cool!"
"This teamwork is absolutely brilliant."
"No wonder they were able to beat the 'Setsuna Team'."
Exclamations of praise in various languages intertwined.
Jun Xiangbei was clearly not used to being the center of attention, and his ears turned slightly red. However, when he saw the bright and slightly smug smile on Gu Yunqing's face, he couldn't help but smile back.
Although that smile was fleeting and quickly replaced by his usual calm expression, it was precisely captured by Su Meichuan, who had been secretly watching her captain, using the system's built-in image recording function.
Su Meichuan looked at the photo, stroked her chin and smiled: "Tsk tsk, the iceberg melts, the iron tree blooms, it was worth it."
After the demonstration, the wedding banquet atmosphere became even more lively.
Guests gathered in small groups, enjoying cuisines from around the world and sharing their experiences.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei finally had a chance to sit down, rest for a bit, and begin formally receiving the gifts.
In addition to the gifts that were delivered in person before, even more gifts were sent directly to their designated receiving space through the system.
Gu Yunqing glanced at the list briefly.
Some are very practical, such as advanced mental energy protection jade pendants, space expansion scrolls, and one-time-use rule-based shielding devices.
There are extremely rare materials, such as "Void Dust", "Dragon Blood Crystal", and "Philosopher's Stone (Fake)".
There are special items, such as "Designated World Seven-Day Trip Experience Voucher (for two people)" and "Emotional Memory Encapsulation Crystal (can record a strong emotional fluctuation)".
There were even some rather strange ones, such as a "dancing bonsai that tells jokes" given by a guest from a plant civilization, and a bizarre drink that Xin Yuan'er somehow acquired, which claimed to "increase luck value when drunk".
Jun Xiangbei carefully isolated and stored this item.
The most special item was a "love prophecy crystal" gifted by a representative from a magical world.
The crystal is about the size of a fist, and its interior seems to contain a swirling nebula.
According to the instructions, both parties place their hands on the crystal and concentrate on thinking about each other, and the crystal will then display the "future emotional compatibility" of the two.
Encouraged by the crowd, Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei exchanged a glance, both finding it somewhat amusing, but still cooperated by placing their hands on it.
The nebula inside the crystal suddenly accelerated its rotation, emitting a soft light. The light gradually condensed, eventually revealing a clear line of magical text on the crystal's surface, which was then automatically translated into Common Language:
【Soul Resonance Level: ∞ (Infinite)】
【Intertwined Fates Index: 99.9%】
[Future Emotional Trajectory Prediction: Two Stars Remain Stable, Sharing the Same Orbit in Space and Time.]
After a brief silence, even louder cheers erupted.
"Wow! 99.9%, that's almost a perfect score!"
"Infinite soul resonance, how romantic."
"The two stars will remain forever; this is a good prophecy."
Gu Yunqing looked at the words, then glanced at Jun Xiangbei beside her, whose eyes were bright and ears were red, though he was still trying to remain calm. She couldn't help but smile, and whispered in his ear:
"It seems even the prophecy crystal thinks we're a match made in heaven."
Jun Xiangbei's ears twitched. He turned his head, looked intently into Gu Yunqing's eyes, and nodded. His voice wasn't loud, but it rang clearly in Gu Yunqing's ears:
"We were born to be together; it's just a statement of fact."
Gu Yunqing's heart was scalded by those words, and she gripped his hand tightly.
The boisterous wedding banquet gradually came to an end.
The guests began to say goodbye and leave, carrying with them memories and blessings of this unique wedding.
The Eternal Flower Sea has returned to its tranquility, with only Gu Yunqing, Jun Xiangbei, and a few of their closest friends remaining.
Xin Yuan'er was already drunk and was being carried on A Yan's shoulder.
Su Meichuan was admiring the photos she had taken, smiling like a cat that had just stolen some cream.
Wu Jueji stretched and muttered, "Finally over, I'm exhausted."
Qiu Zangxue had already sheathed her knife at some point and was standing quietly not far away.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei stood side by side at the edge of the sea of flowers, gazing at this eternally blooming wonder, and at the flowing bands of light and simulated starry sky in the distance, a pure white world.
"Are you tired?" Jun asked, turning his head to the north, his voice soft.
"A little, but I'm very happy." Gu Yunqing leaned on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of the ring on her finger and the resonance of the soul imprint. "It's a very fulfilling and real kind of happiness."
"Mmm." Jun Xiangbei put his arm around his shoulder and pulled him into his embrace. "I'm happy too."
He paused, then added, "More joyful than winning any victory."
Gu Yunqing looked up at him and gently kissed his chin: "In the future, we will experience many more happy things together."
"Mmm." Jun Xiangbei lowered his head, kissed his forehead, and then tenderly pressed his lips to his. "Definitely."
With the starry sky as witness and the sea of flowers as the medium, the eternal sea of flowers bears witness to eternity.
At this moment, Gu Yunqing leaned on Jun Xiangbei's shoulder, and Jun Xiangbei's arm was wrapped around him with just the right amount of strength, providing support while also showing a precious restraint.
His body temperature was slightly lower than normal, but it gave Gu Yunqing an unparalleled sense of security.
Gu Yunqing could feel Jun Xiangbei's chin gently resting on the top of her head, his breathing steady and long.
At this moment, time seemed to become viscous and slow down.
Gu Yunqing almost wished it could stay forever.
However, the pure white world always seems to have its own rhythm.
Just as Gu Yunqing was about to immerse himself in this tender tranquility, a semi-transparent system screen silently unfolded in the void in front of him and in Jun Xiangbei's field of vision.
The design of the light screen is simple yet dignified, with a light golden light flowing around its edges. It doesn't clash with the wedding atmosphere, but it also carries an undeniable presence of the system.
In the center of the screen, lines of clear and powerful text slowly emerged, accompanied by a calm yet highly penetrating system notification sound that resonated deep within their consciousness:
[Announcement: To all brave warriors walking the path of infinity]
The Battle for Glory: The Final Season will officially begin ten standard white days later.
The text pauses briefly, as if giving the reader time to digest it, before continuing to scroll:
This is no ordinary competition; it is the ultimate trial for all players who have reached the threshold of 'Legendary' status.
[Rules redesigned, battlefield unknown, rewards beyond imagination.]
The ultimate winner will gain the right to make a 'rules-based request' to the 'Pure White Core'.
Therefore, all brave warriors, please do not give up participating!!!
We cordially invite all legends to this banquet to write your final chapter.
The announcement remained concise, and everyone already knew about the rewards.
On the contrary, the most abrupt thing was the sentence "All brave warriors, do not give up participating in the competition."
Neither Gu Yunqing nor Jun Xiangbei spoke immediately.
The breeze in the sea of flowers was still gentle. The suppressed laughter of Su Meichuan, the muttering of Wu Jueji, and the heavy footsteps of Ayan carrying Xin Yuaner as they prepared to leave all seemed to be separated by an invisible film, becoming distant and unreal.
Gu Yunqing's thoughts were racing. Did the system want them to participate in the competition?
Having just gained the peace and belonging he had longed for, is he about to plunge into an even more brutal struggle?
But it seems that his blood has never truly extinguished the desire for higher places and more possibilities.
That was the instinct he developed while struggling to survive in dire circumstances, and the ambition that supported him all the way after being bound to the disguise system.
Stability is certainly wonderful, but if he stops there, he might gradually lose that sharp edge of dancing on the edge of a knife.
More importantly... he turned his head and looked up at Jun Xiangbei.
Jun Xiangbei was also looking down at him. In his usually clear and calm eyes, the faint light of the system screen was clearly reflected, as was the figure of Gu Yunqing.
There was no fear, no hesitation, only unwavering focus and a clear understanding.
He seemed to have anticipated Gu Yunqing's reaction and was already prepared.
Their eyes met.
Gu Yunqing saw a silent question in Jun Xiangbei's eyes, as well as unreserved support.
He suddenly relaxed, and those weighing the pros and cons quietly settled down, leaving only his core instincts and impulses.
Gu Yunqing gently broke free from Jun Xiangbei's embrace, stood up straight, but did not create any distance between them.
Gu Yunqing raised an eyebrow slightly, her gaze sweeping over the still-present system announcement before finally settling on Jun Xiangbei's face, her tone relaxed:
"Since the system has told us not to give up the competition, we certainly can't let it down."
Jun Xiangbei looked at him quietly, and the corners of his cold lips curled up in an almost imperceptible, very subtle arc.
He didn't ask "Is it dangerous?" nor did he say "We don't have to go".
He simply looked at Gu Yunqing, and in his eyes, which reflected the starry sea and the figure of his lover, Gu Yunqing's appearance at this moment was clearly reflected.
Then, Jun Xiangbei asked simply:
"Want to go?"
Two simple words, yet they contain complete understanding and unconditional following.
Gu Yunqing's smile deepened. He reached out, not to shake hands, but to gently tap Jun Xiangbei's chest with his fingertips. That was where the other's core energy was located, and also where the resonance of the "twin marks" was clearest.
"Of course," he answered crisply, his voice clear and resonant like a drawn blade.
"Such a good opportunity, wouldn't it be a waste not to take a look?" He paused, feeling the other person's steady and strong "heartbeat" with his fingertips, his eyes softened, but also became more determined. "And... this time, we'll go together."
It's not a temporary alliance, nor is it a tactical cooperation.
They are "eternal partners," sharing life and strength, and embarking on the final journey side by side.
Jun Xiangbei grasped Gu Yunqing's hand that was touching his chest, tightly enveloping the ringed hand in his cool yet firm palm.
He didn't say anything more emotional, he just nodded vigorously, his eyes shining.
“Okay,” Jun Xiangbei replied, his voice low but like the most solemn vow, “Let’s go together.”
The moment they reached a consensus, the system screen seemed to receive some kind of confirmation signal, and slowly faded away, eventually dissipating into the flowing light of the Eternal Flower Sea.
But the impending final storm, known as "The End," has inevitably cast its first dramatic shadow over their peaceful newlywed life.
Su Meichuan, who was in the distance, seemed to notice the brief energy fluctuations and changes in atmosphere, and cast an inquiring glance over.
Ayan also stopped, carrying the drunk Xin Yuan'er on his back, a hint of doubt showing on his honest face.
Wu Jueji yawned, glanced at it, and then looked away as if it were none of his business.
Gu Yunqing and Jun Xiangbei had no time to spare for anything else.
They smiled at each other.
The starry sea remains, and the journey begins anew.
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