Chapter 0: 66. The Wedding Day
Marriage, is said to be the ritual of dusk.
As the red sun set in the west, the entire Tian Kun Dynasty Imperial City was adorned with lanterns and decorations, filled with joy. After all, it was the current Human Emperor marrying off his daughter. The common people of the entire Imperial City celebrated as if greeting the New Year.
Qin Gou rode a tiger cub spiritual beast, followed by a procession playing celebratory music. He circled the Imperial City once according to Tian Kun Dynasty etiquette. During this time, countless citizens stood on the streets, looking on with admiration and shouting “Long live the Son-in-law!” while waving fragrant fresh flowers at Qin Gou.
“Greetings, Son-in-law.”
Finally arriving at the Imperial Palace, Qin Gou dismounted the spiritual beast and, surrounded by a crowd of colorful and graceful palace maids, proceeded towards the main hall.
Inside the hall, all the guests, including princes, imperial consorts, and other royal relatives, were already seated, with laughter and chatter echoing endlessly. The Tian Kun Human Emperor’s eyes sparkled with joy as he engaged in a lively conversation with Yi Chengying.
Qin Gou couldn’t find Mu Man’er’s figure. Perhaps it was not yet the auspicious hour, and the bride couldn’t make an appearance yet.
“Our Son-in-law has arrived?” The Tian Kun Human Emperor shifted his attention to Qin Gou, examining him from head to toe in his crimson robe. He nodded with satisfaction and said, “Indeed, you are a man of distinguished appearance, worthy of being the young hero of our Tian Kun Dynasty. Entrusting the Sword-bearing Princess to such a fine man, I am relieved.”
Qin Gou smiled knowingly and replied, “My heart is entirely devoted to the Princess, and I will certainly not disappoint the Human Emperor.”
The guests also responded very supportively, saying, “His Majesty the Human Emperor is truly blessed to have such a pair of adopted daughter and esteemed son-in-law.”
The Tian Kun Human Emperor laughed heartily, speaking to Qin Gou with the earnestness of a kind elder, “If you dare to bully or neglect Man’er in the future, I, your father, will not let you off.”
Qin Gou’s immediate impulse was to punch the Tian Kun Human Emperor’s nose.
Bullying Man’er? This was truly a case of the thief shouting “Stop thief!” How could one person be so shamelessly brazen? It truly opened Qin Gou’s eyes.
For a moment, Qin Gou’s gaze was intense, and his tone was firm, “I promise the Human Emperor, whoever dares to bully Man’er, I will kill their entire family.”
Qin Gou’s sharp words added an inappropriate chill to the festive atmosphere of the whole event.
The Tian Kun Human Emperor also paused for a moment before reacting. He smiled slightly, patted Qin Gou’s shoulder, and said, “Indeed, you are young and impetuous. However, what you said truly resonates with me. Man’er is such a noble girl, how can she possibly endure any grievance?”
Qin Gou was deeply moved and said, “In that case, does the Human Emperor not think my words earlier were a bit too harsh? I feel like I might have said something wrong.”
The Tian Kun Human Emperor waved his hand and burst into laughter, “What is wrong with an esteemed son-in-law protecting his beloved wife? Moreover, Man’er’s identity is already special. If you truly have to kill someone to protect Man’er, I will be the first to support you! No, I will not only support you spiritually, but we father-in-law and son-in-law will fight side-by-side. You kill half, I kill half! We’ll cut our flesh to serve as wine and astonish ghosts and gods with our conversation, eradicating the entire clan of any bold and reckless individuals who dare to offend us. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!”
Qin Gou clenched his fists, overwhelmed with gratitude, “My parents gave me life, but the Human Emperor truly knows me! Your Majesty’s clear likes and dislikes make you worthy of being a wise ruler of this generation! This subject will certainly engrave Your Majesty’s words in my heart and resolutely implement them, not daring to forget!”
“Esteemed Son-in-law!”
“Your Majesty, the Great Emperor!”
“The Emperor and I truly hit it off immediately!” The Tian Kun Human Emperor clasped Qin Gou’s hand firmly.
“I regret not meeting His Majesty sooner!”
Their eyes met with utmost sincerity, and their hands were clasped together. It was a harmonious scene of fatherly love and filial piety, drawing endless praise from the guests.
“Hahaha!”
“Hehehe…”
Qin Gou and the Tian Kun Human Emperor burst into laughter simultaneously, each with their own hidden agenda, looking so intimate it was as if they were about to hold hands and dance a duet.
“The auspicious hour has arrived!” the master of ceremonies announced decisively, interrupting their joyous laughter. “We request the Sword-bearing Princess!”
If it weren’t for the gravity of the occasion, the Tian Kun Human Emperor would have cursed loudly at this moment. Auspicious hour? What a timing! This insensible fellow, can’t he see that I’m having a great time chatting with my good brother… I mean, my esteemed son-in-law!
A clear and pleasant chime of jade pendants echoed in the wind. Mu Man’er, dressed in a phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes, was supported by several palace maids. Her jade-like feet moved gracefully, her steps elegant and poised.
A semi-transparent red veil covered her head, faintly revealing her delicate and charming face, which was a mix of shyness and a sweet smile. Her eyes, as bright as the moon, peered through the gossamer-thin red veil, crossing all barriers to land on the groom. A silent affection flowed like a gentle stream, with all the sweetness and joy hidden within her unspoken words.
“Hmm? What’s wrong with this wench’s eyes? Did a bug get in? Why is she looking around so aimlessly?”
The Celestial Master rubbed his chin, utterly bewildered. However, Man’er’s attire was indeed eye-opening.
When Man’er was in her true body form as a little loli, she was already exquisitely carved, delicate, and incredibly cute. Now, grown into a young girl exuding an alluring youthful aura, she was even more radiant. Today, wearing a phoenix coronet and sweeping robes, wrapped in a fiery red wedding gown, she possessed an even more delicate and captivating charm that was breathtaking and supremely beautiful.
This made Qin Gou inevitably curious: if Mu Man’er’s true form were to wear this attire, what a sweet and lovely demeanor she would have?
Wait, stop! This thought seems a bit dangerous! What am I thinking? Only a Demon Master would be so presumptuous!
“Please have all guests be seated. The bride and groom will stand side-by-side in the center,” the master of ceremonies controlled the scene methodically.
Qin Gou immediately stood in line with Mu Man’er, glancing at the young girl beside him intentionally or unintentionally. He unexpectedly noticed that her shoulders were trembling slightly at a very small amplitude, and Qin Gou himself couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.
What’s going on? We agreed this was just a grand play, so why am I getting so excited myself?
However, this was the first wedding ceremony of his life, both in his previous and current life, and it was with his youngest disciple. This feeling was indeed peculiar and hard to describe.
“First bow to heaven and earth!” the master of ceremonies proclaimed loudly.
Qin Gou and Mu Man’er walked out of the main hall and bowed deeply towards the vast, boundless sky.
Above the main hall, a figure shrouded in a black robe and wearing a bamboo hat observed Qin Gou’s every move as usual. With arms crossed, his voice, smooth and rich like aged wine, carried a distinct flavor: “I’m angry!”
