Chapter 428: The Wedding Night
In the hall, on the seats of honor, sat a man and a woman, their faces taut with tension as they occasionally stole nervous glances at two elderly figures nearby. This man and woman were none other than Zhu Zhuqing's parents.
The two imposing figures who kept them on edge were an elder couple from the Spirit Hall: one with an eerie, shadow-like presence and the other possessing a strikingly feminine appearance despite his masculinity—Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo.
"Honored elders, would you like to take a seat?" Zhu Zhuqing's father asked respectfully. Although he was a prominent figure in the Star Luo Empire, he was in the presence of two Titled Douluo, and respect was imperative.
Ghost Douluo's shadowy form moved slightly as he cast a cursory glance at the couple, managing a faint smile without a word. He didn't think highly of the Zhu family, but for Zhu Zhuqing's sake, he granted them some courtesy.
Meanwhile, Chrysanthemum Douluo examined his delicate nails and replied indifferently, "No need for formalities. We're here simply as elders to see my old friend's disciple on her big day. I hope you don't mind."
Even speaking so mildly was a concession due to Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing. Normally, as Titled Douluo, they'd have no patience for Soul Douluo like these.
"Of course not…" Zhu Zhuqing's father forced a smile.
Just then, footsteps echoed from outside. Soon, the doors opened to reveal Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing, both dressed in traditional wedding red. Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes lit up at their appearance, while Zhu Zhuqing's parents looked on with mixed emotions—pride, regret, and a touch of sorrow.
Sensing the familiar presence of Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily stunned. Then, joy filled her face as she exclaimed, "Father, Mother… Master, Grandpa Yue, what brings you here?"
Considering that Dai Yao had left the Spirit Hall, the presence of Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo was indeed a surprise.
Ghost Douluo smiled. "My dear girl, you are my only disciple. How could I miss your wedding?"
Beside him, Chrysanthemum Douluo gazed at them with an appreciative smile. "Dai Yao, not bad! You even thought to inform us. If you hadn't, we would've missed this wonderful event."
"It means a lot that you both came, truly. Though my time in the Spirit Hall was brief, it was an unforgettable chapter for both Zhuqing and me. We wouldn't feel our wedding was complete without your blessing, and I'm deeply grateful that you took the risk to attend." Dai Yao's words were sincere.
In fact, before the wedding, he'd informed the elders from his wives' circles within the Spirit Hall. Even though he had severed ties with the Spirit Hall, their willingness to come to the ceremony—despite the potential consequences with Bibi Dong—touched him deeply.
Moved, Zhu Zhuqing gripped Dai Yao's hand a little tighter, realizing he'd gone to such lengths to ensure her master's presence at their wedding.
Zhu Zhuqing's parents exchanged glances, troubled. Clearly, Dai Yao's relationship with the Spirit Hall was complex, and the founding of the Azure Lotus Sect held more layers than they'd assumed…
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled. "Don't worry about it, kid," said Ghost Douluo. "The Chrysanthemum and I are mainstays in the Hall. Just attending your wedding won't cause any issues with the Supreme Pontiff. Witnessing you two getting married is enough for us."
With that, Ghost Douluo extended his hand, and a swirling gray-black aura appeared in his palm. As the soul power surged, a soul bone with an intense aura appeared in his hand.
"Zhuqing, this is my personal treasure, obtained from a 70,000-year-old soul beast. It's perfectly suited to your spirit. As your master, consider this my wedding gift," he said warmly, offering the soul bone to Zhu Zhuqing.
"No, Master, this is too precious!" Zhu Zhuqing protested, moving to decline.
Ghost Douluo glanced at Dai Yao, knowing that if Dai Yao insisted, Zhu Zhuqing would accept it. Catching this glance, Dai Yao sighed inwardly, took the soul bone from Ghost Douluo, and placed it in Zhu Zhuqing's hands, saying firmly, "Zhuqing, accept it."
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, holding the soul bone uncertainly. Dai Yao, sighing again, drew two herbs from his spatial artifact. As Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo watched in curiosity, he offered the herbs to them. They could feel a subtle yet undeniable pull from these plants—a sensation of rejuvenation.
"These are rare herbs that can extend life. Please accept them as a token of my gratitude. Otherwise, Zhuqing won't feel right accepting the soul bone," Dai Yao explained.
Although these weren't immortal-grade herbs, their effects were significant.
Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo's expressions softened as they realized the herb's vitality. After a brief glance at each other, they accepted with a nod. "Very well, then. We'll take these. Zhuqing, that means you can accept the soul bone now too," Ghost Douluo said with a smile.
Finally, Zhu Zhuqing took the soul bone, placing it into her spatial artifact before bowing to the two elders to show her gratitude.
Pleased, Ghost Douluo let out a hearty laugh. "Now that I've seen the two of you wed, I can leave without regret. Farewell!"
For him, speaking this much in one day was a rarity. With a mere flash, he disappeared, while Chrysanthemum Douluo gave a light nod to Dai Yao before vanishing as well.
Both Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing felt a twinge of melancholy as the elders left. They had risked much just to attend the wedding, offer blessings, and give gifts before departing—a gesture of true honor.
With a sigh, Dai Yao turned to Zhu Zhuqing's parents, though his warmth toward them paled in comparison. It was hard for him to feel much more than surface-level respect, given how they had once treated Zhu Zhuqing.
Sensing Dai Yao's shift in tone, Zhu Zhuqing's parents felt a pang of regret, but they knew they'd brought it upon themselves. Had they shown support to Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing when things were difficult, things might have been different now.
Dai Yao exchanged a few polite words with them. After Zhu Zhuqing's brief conversation with her parents, he led her back to the rear hall before taking Feng Wutong to meet her family.
"Wutong, shall we?" Dai Yao said gently.
Under her veil, Feng Wutong nodded, her face radiant with happiness. Holding hands, they followed the servant to the next hall.
Inside, an elderly couple dressed plainly sat on the seats of honor, nerves etched across their faces. Despite the man and woman beside them making every effort to conceal their formidable aura, the elderly couple could sense an air of majesty, far greater than anything they'd ever known.
The old couple were none other than Feng Wutong's parents.
And the man and woman by their side were the Titled Douluo, Qingluan Douluo and Lingyuan Douluo.
"Honored Spirit Masters Lingyuan and Qingluan," Dai Yao greeted, cupping his hands with a warm smile.
Lingyuan Douluo looked at him curiously before pulling Feng Wutong aside to share a few private words. Qingluan Douluo, meanwhile, smiled at Dai Yao. "Dai Yao, no need for formalities. Lingyuan and I are only here to see you briefly; we'll be taking our leave soon."
Dai Yao nodded in understanding. As a member of the Worship Hall, Qingluan was caught between the brewing tension with the Supreme Pontiff's Hall. Even though Bibi Dong had concealed the news of Dai Yao's departure, the high-ranking members of the Spirit Hall knew. They couldn't risk being closely associated with him now; just visiting the Azure Lotus Sect was already a big enough gesture.
After a brief chat with Qingluan Douluo, Dai Yao turned and, holding Feng Wutong's hand, addressed her parents, who sat nervously on the main seats. "It's an honor to meet you, Father and Mother."
Although Feng Wutong's parents were commoners, they were her family and thus his as well. Dai Yao showed them the same respect as any other parent.
Seeing his courteous demeanor, Feng Wutong's parents finally relaxed. They were well aware of his remarkable status and felt fortunate their daughter was by his side. As simple villagers, they had feared they wouldn't be welcome in his world.
"Yes, yes! May I take a good look at you, child?" her mother asked, smiling nervously yet eagerly.
Dai Yao nodded, leading Feng Wutong closer to her. He clasped her mother's hand warmly. "Father…Mother…" Feng Wutong's voice caught with emotion. This day, one of the most important of her life, had been made all the more precious by Dai Yao's thoughtfulness in inviting her parents and treating them with such respect.
Watching this tender scene, Lingyuan Douluo and Qingluan Douluo were also moved. It was hard to believe that a simple village family had raised a young woman who now shone like a golden phoenix.
With teary eyes, Feng Wutong's mother looked to Dai Yao, her voice trembling as she said, "Son-in-law, we know that you're someone of great importance. Our daughter is blessed to be by your side. We only ask one thing—please, never abandon her…"
Dai Yao squeezed her hand gently, his tone firm. "Mother, you have my word. I will never let Wutong down."
"Oh…thank you, thank you," she said, visibly comforted.
"Rest assured," added Qingluan Douluo with a chuckle. "Lingyuan and I are both Wutong's mentors. If this young man dares mistreat her, he'll have to answer to us."
Dai Yao smiled, shaking his head lightly at the not-so-subtle warning. But he had no need to worry about such things—his heart had already pledged to be true to Feng Wutong.
Feng Wutong's father then spoke up, his voice calm yet firm. "Son-in-law, we're simple folks. We can't get used to living so lavishly here. Once the two of you have completed your marriage rites, her mother and I will return to our village. But if you ever decide to visit, we'll make sure to prepare the best meal for you."
Seeing Dai Yao's respectful manner put him entirely at ease. Although the people here treated them with honor, he knew it was all due to his son-in-law's influence. He preferred the simpler life of farming and sharing stories with old friends. This life of luxury felt too strange to him.
Feng Wutong had wanted her parents to stay in the Azure Lotus Sect, but she knew their hearts belonged to their little village. Though the thought of parting tugged at her heart, she understood that this was best for them.
"Of course, Father. I'll come visit when I can," Dai Yao promised sincerely.
After escorting Feng Wutong to her room, Dai Yao took a deep breath to ease his fatigue before heading back to the main hall. There, he found his last bride waiting—Dugu Yan, with her red veil still in place. Gently taking her hand, he murmured, "I'm sorry."
Dugu Yan, understanding his guilt over seeing her family last, wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead and softly asked, "You must be exhausted?"
Her tenderness warmed Dai Yao's heart, and he chuckled. "I'll be fine. Let's go see Grandpa Dugu."
Dugu Yan slipped her hand into his, nodding softly. Under the watchful gaze of Luzi, the couple followed her to Dugu Bo's room.
True to his unpredictable nature, Dugu Bo kept things unconventional. Normally, he doted on Dugu Yan deeply, but on such a significant day, he simply told Dai Yao to "take good care of Yan Yan" and then vanished.
Dugu Yan was annoyed. How could he be so nonchalant on her wedding day?
Dai Yao, however, found it rather humorous. He understood Dugu Bo's intentions—since Dugu Yan had once been vulnerable, Dugu Bo had stood by her side to prevent her from being wronged. But now, seeing her married to Dai Yao, he felt reassured and left her in his care.
After escorting Dugu Yan back to her room, Dai Yao returned to the main hall. All four brides had retired to their rooms, leaving him alone in the hall.
Yet he now faced a dilemma.
Each of his wives awaited him in separate rooms. Choosing one would mean leaving the others alone on this significant night—something he couldn't bear to do. To ensure fairness, he could simply skip the tradition altogether, vowing to treat each with equal care in the future.
As he mulled over his predicament, he suddenly sensed something unusual in his pocket.
Reaching in, he pulled out a small note. Unfolding it, he found four familiar words: "Come to my room." The handwriting was unmistakably Dugu Yan's.
"Could Yan Yan be trying to monopolize my first night by leaving this note?" Dai Yao thought, puzzled. But knowing her personality, that didn't seem likely. With a sigh, he decided to go to her room first.
Arriving at her door, he pushed it open—only to freeze in shock at the sight before him. The room was a sea of vibrant red, adorned with celebratory decorations: red window clings, a gauzy red bed curtain, and, most striking of all, three figures seated on the bed, each veiled in red.
"See? I told you Dai Yao would come here first!" a playful, alluring voice rang out—Dugu Yan's.
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