Chapter 427: The Wedding Begins
A month later.
Hanhai City was awash in red, as the entire city celebrated. People filled the streets in festive spirits, for today was the wedding of the Azure Lotus Sect's leader, who had invited the entire city to join the feast!
"What's going on? Why are there so many people in Hanhai City?" asked a recently-arrived visitor, baffled by the bustling atmosphere.
"Don't you know? Today is the wedding of the Azure Lotus Sect's Sect Master, and he's invited all of Hanhai City to the celebration! Every inn and restaurant in the city is fully booked, and residents can eat and drink for free!"
"Incredible! The whole city? The Azure Lotus Sect must be wealthy—decorating all of Hanhai City couldn't have been cheap!"
"Ha, no need to worry about that. One of the Sect Master's four wives is the heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With their wealth, treating an entire city is nothing!"
"Four wives? Impossible! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is the second-strongest sect in the land, how could their heiress share her husband with other women?"
"Believe it. Not only is one of his wives the Seven Treasure Sect's heiress, but the granddaughter of Poison Douluo is also one of his brides. And the other two wives aren't ordinary either; they're said to have close ties with some of the Titled Douluo in the Spirit Hall!"
"Unbelievable…" the visitor gasped, breathless with shock. "Who is this Sect Master of the Azure Lotus Sect, that he could win the hearts of such remarkable women? How have I never heard of him?"
The man who explained the story puffed up proudly. "The Azure Lotus Sect's leader is none other than Dai Yao, the prodigy who killed the Star Luo Emperor and made a name for himself throughout the continent!"
"No wonder…" the visitor muttered, finally understanding.
News of the Azure Lotus Sect Master's wedding had spread across the continent. Spies from the Spirit Hall, the Heaven Dou Empire, and the Star Luo Empire all converged on Hanhai City, along with countless spectators hoping to witness this legendary wedding. The city was packed, and the Great Soul Arena of Hanhai City reaped a windfall.
With so many different powers in attendance, Dai Yao was cautious of potential disruptions at the wedding. Though the sect was filled with powerful protectors, he wasn't willing to take any chances with such an important day. It was a celebration for four brides, and any mishap would become a lifelong regret for them. So he restricted entry to the ceremony itself, inviting only friends and family of his four wives, while hosting a grand feast for all of Hanhai City, leaving any potential enemies without complaint.
As night fell, the Azure Lotus Sect was brilliantly illuminated, its decorations glowing like daylight.
"First, bow to the heavens and the earth!"
An elder of great reputation and respect called out the command, glancing at the "newlyweds" with a curious expression.
Who could blame him? There was only one groom, but four brides. Not even the most outrageous nobles would dare marry four wives at once. But then, with a groom as powerful as Dai Yao, perhaps this was just another one of those rare, exceptional occurrences.
Dai Yao, dressed in bright red, stood with two brides on each side, all in matching red wedding robes with veils hiding their faces.
At the elder's call, Dai Yao took the hands of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing on either side of him, turning to face outside the hall. On Zhu Zhuqing's other side was Feng Wutong, and on Ning Rongrong's side stood Dugu Yan. As Dai Yao turned, the four brides turned with him, lifting their hands to bow toward the dusky evening sky.
Beneath their red veils, all four women smiled shyly. Though the wedding wasn't entirely traditional, it marked the beginning of their shared life with Dai Yao, a bond that would tie them together forever as his wives.
Outside the Sect Master's Hall, applause erupted from friends and well-wishers. Only those closely connected to Dai Yao or the brides were allowed inside.
Among the guests were Ye Nantian and Lan Yuxuan from the Star Luo Royal Academy, as well as Dai Yao's old teammates from Oakland Academy, and even several elders from the Spirit Hall. Some, like Elder Ferdinand and Bishop Salas, came incognito, along with a few high-ranking cardinals. Seeing Dai Yao in his wedding attire, the Spirit Hall elders couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
The once-promising young talent they had guided was now a man starting his own family. Ferdinand and the others shared a warm smile, proud of the young man Dai Yao had become. Though he had left the Spirit Hall, the bond between them was now one of family rather than mere utility.
"Now, bow to your elders!"
The elder's voice resonated again.
Dai Yao turned to face inside the hall. This bow was dedicated to the elders on his side. But with his parents having passed and only his uncle Dai Hengyu remaining as a true elder, the hall felt solemn compared to the crowded festivities outside.
Only a select few were in the hall—the elders of the Azure Lotus Sect, Principal Jackson, the Lord of Hanhai City, and a few close friends of the brides. Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Poison Douluo had yet to appear, as Dai Yao and his brides would soon meet each bride's family personally to offer formal greetings.
The four brides followed Dai Yao's lead, turning to bow toward Dai Hengyu, who sat in the seat of honor.
Watching the "newlyweds," a smile of contentment spread across Dai Hengyu's face as he motioned for them to rise. From a lonely, abandoned youth in the palace to a hero known across the continent, Dai Yao had finally found his happiness. Dai Hengyu felt a deep sense of pride for his nephew, though part of him longed to visit Bai Su's grave and share this good news.
Having no children of his own, he saw Dai Yao as his own flesh and blood. However, knowing that Dai Yao had been the one to kill his brother, the Star Luo Emperor, made his feelings complicated. Yet, on this joyous occasion, he hid any trace of sorrow, sending blessings to Dai Yao and his new wives.
"Now, the couple shall bow to each other!"
The elder called out loudly.
Hearing this, Dai Yao first turned to his right, taking a deep breath and bowing to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. Then he turned to his left to bow to Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan. The four women had previously decided that the order of the ceremony would reflect the order in which they had met Dai Yao, so he bowed to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong first, then to Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan.
As he performed these simple gestures, Dai Yao felt a swell of emotion. His destiny and that of these four remarkable women had been woven together.
The ordinary man he had been in his past life had, on Douluo Continent, found a family of his own.
But his parents could not be here to witness it…
"The ceremony is complete! From this moment forth, you are bound together as husband and wives, supporting each other in honor and hardship. Now, please escort the newlyweds to the back hall!"
The elder announced, his voice brimming with joy.
Unlike ordinary weddings, where guests would usually gather to toast the couple and send them off to the bridal chambers, Dai Yao's wedding was different. After bowing to his brides, he had to greet each of the brides' families—an essential part of the celebration.
Amid laughter and well-wishes, Dai Yao led his four wives toward the back hall, wiping a bead of sweat from his temple. A full day of ceremony had exhausted him more than any battle.
"Brother Yao, take a moment to rest," Ning Rongrong said softly, her voice coming from beneath her red veil.
"Hmph! Don't go feeling sorry for him just yet, Rongrong!" came Dugu Yan's teasing voice from Ning Rongrong's side. "He still hasn't passed the real test! He'll only be our true husband once our families give their approval!"
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong couldn't help but giggle at Dugu Yan's words, their faces glowing with joy.
From childhood, Zhu Zhuqing had accompanied Dai Yao, and now, finally, they were married. Her heart overflowed with happiness. As for Feng Wutong, she had always felt like an ordinary girl who didn't quite deserve him. Yet now that Dai Yao had accepted her as his wife, she found herself embracing her new role, basking in the love and joy she felt.
Inside, she felt a mixture of the mischievous joy of a girl sneaking a taste of sweetness and the deep happiness of being with her true love. At this point, how could her parents object? They were only following formality.
"Don't worry, winning over your parents is in the bag. None of you are slipping out of my grasp now, even if you wanted to!" Dai Yao chuckled.
Dugu Yan gave a soft snort, while gentle laughs came from under Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong's veils, signaling their shared agreement.
Just then, a servant approached Dai Yao respectfully, saying, "Sir, Lord Ning is ready for you."
Dai Yao nodded, took a deep breath, then offered his hand to Ning Rongrong, saying softly, "Rongrong, shall we?"
She gave a slight nod, smiling beneath her red veil. Hand in hand, led by the servant, they entered a grand hall.
Within, Ning Fengzhi sat in the seat of honor, resting on his jade staff, his face bright with joy as he looked at them. Beside him were Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo. Though their expressions were reserved, there was warmth and approval beneath their solemn demeanor.
Bowing respectfully, Dai Yao greeted them, "Greetings, Father-in-law, Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa."
Ning Fengzhi's smile widened, nodding with satisfaction as he said, "Good, Dai Yao. From this day forward, you are officially my son-in-law. The Azure Lotus Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will stand as the closest of allies. Dai Yao, Rongrong's mother passed when she was young, and under her uncles' indulgence, she developed a bit of a mischievous streak."
He continued, "I hope you'll be understanding. Today, I entrust her to you fully."
"Father!" Ning Rongrong protested, stamping her foot in mild annoyance. She'd left her spoiled ways behind when she met Dai Yao, and her character had long since matured.
Had it not been her wedding day, with her veil still concealing her face, she might have rushed forward to playfully tug at her father's arm.
The sight amused the Seven Treasure Sect members, many of whom remembered her as an incorrigible young girl. Seeing her now, refined and calm, was like watching a miracle.
"Don't worry, Uncle Ning. I'll take good care of Rongrong," Dai Yao promised sincerely.
Just then, Bone Douluo stepped forward, fixing Dai Yao with a piercing stare. "Dai Yao, in strength, talent, looks, and character, you meet every condition we'd hope for in a husband for Rongrong. But marrying four women at once—that's a great compromise for Rongrong. But since she loves you, Sword Douluo and I will reluctantly accept this. However, if you ever mistreat her, don't think I'll show any mercy."
He added sternly, "I know that even a Level 96 tiger may not match your strength, but I am no mere tiger. Can you give me your word on this?"
Ning Rongrong was about to speak up on Dai Yao's behalf, but he gently raised a hand to quiet her. He understood that the Titled Douluo were only speaking out of concern for Ning Rongrong. As her husband, he wanted her family's blessing.
Seeing this, Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo exchanged glances, feeling a twinge of sadness. Their precious girl seemed so willing to defer to Dai Yao—wouldn't she end up being easily influenced in her married life? They felt reassured that they were standing up for her.
Dai Yao listened patiently to Bone Douluo's words, then nodded solemnly. "Bone Grandpa, Sword Grandpa, I promise I won't let Rongrong suffer."
Satisfied, Bone Douluo nodded. Though simple, Dai Yao's words and respectful attitude gave him confidence.
"Very well, then. Escort Rongrong back to her room, and you may continue with the wedding," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
After the servant led Ning Rongrong away, Dai Yao bid farewell to her elders from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and returned to the rear hall. There, he chatted briefly with his other three brides before taking Zhu Zhuqing's hand and heading to meet her family.
"Rongrong's family didn't give you any trouble, did they?" Zhu Zhuqing asked softly as they walked.
Hearing her concern, Dai Yao's heart stirred. Zhu Zhuqing had accepted so much to be by his side, embracing his ever-growing circle of close companions. He replied gently, "Uncle Ning and the two Titled Douluo are good people. They didn't make things difficult."
"Good," Zhu Zhuqing sighed in relief.
"Zhuqing," Dai Yao continued, "I want to apologize to you. You were the first to make a marriage pact with me, and yet now I…"
Before he could finish, Zhu Zhuqing placed her delicate finger gently on his lips, whispering, "No, Yao. It's true I was the first to make a promise to you, but remember, I once wanted to kill you. If it weren't for you, I'd still be trapped in that awful fate, caught in a struggle with my sister. You took me away from all of that and gave me a new life."
"I've always known you were destined for greatness. Even if you did nothing, women would still flock to you like moths to a flame. I knew I couldn't stop them from pursuing you. Rather than making things miserable for us all, I chose to accept them, so you could focus on your greater purpose."
Dai Yao's heart trembled, struck by her words. Zhu Zhuqing's love was far more selfless than anything he'd ever offered her. Though he'd helped her greatly, even transforming her spirit with the Violet Lotus, it seemed trivial in comparison to what she had given him in return.
In that moment, Dai Yao vowed to always respect Zhu Zhuqing. Any woman who came after her would need her approval first.
"Come on," he said with a soft smile.
Before long, they approached the grand hall where her family awaited. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Zhu Zhuqing, who gave a small nod under her veil, following him into the room where her family waited.
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