Chapter 1478: Great Wedding

The cave dwelling.

Before Qin Sang, his external avatar sat cross-legged, facing him.

The Solar Divine Tree floated between them. Divine birds held their heads high and tails aloft, and the aura of the Southern Bright Lihuo occasionally emerged, the glow of the flames illuminating their faces.

Both Qin Sang and his external avatar had their eyes closed.

They had maintained this posture for a month.

At this moment, the external avatar's aura had caught up to Qin Sang's. Its cultivation realm was astonishing, reaching the mid-Nascent Soul stage, not retreating but advancing, even surpassing the talisman puppet.

Qin Sang's second primordial spirit, which refined the soul shadows within the avatar's body, accounted for most of this progress.

The other part was thanks to Liu Li. Qin Sang had borrowed more Ice Soul Adamantite Jades from her. After absorbing them, his strength rapidly increased to a level commensurate with his realm.

Qin Sang thus learned that although Liu Li had failed in her breakthrough many years ago, she had, with stubborn willpower, forcefully withstood the influence of the evil cultivation technique's imprint and successfully cultivated the Ice Soul Divine Light ability.

These Ice Soul Adamantite Jades were no longer of much use to her, which was why Qin Sang could borrow them so easily.

Originally, Bing Yao had obtained a considerable quantity of Ice Soul Adamantite Jades, but it wasn't as abundant as the Azure Sun Demonic Sect, where the entire Divine Adamantite Peak was filled with endless Azure Sun Adamantite Jades.

All the Ice Soul Adamantite Jades had been extracted by Bing Yao, leaving not many for Liu Li.

The Ice Soul Adamantite Jades had ascended with Bing Yao; once consumed, new ones would have to be sought elsewhere.

Supporting Qin Sang was equivalent to supporting herself, so Liu Li, without a word, brought out the remaining Ice Soul Adamantite Essence.

A small portion of soul shadows still remained unrefined within the external avatar.

Qin Sang estimated that even if all of them were refined, there was little hope of breaking through to the late-Nascent Soul stage, unless the Dao Enlightenment Tree could bring him an unexpected surprise.

However, with Qin Sang's current cultivation, possessing a mid-Nascent Soul external avatar was absolutely unimaginable for others, not to mention the profound magical ability to resurrect his main body.

What he needed to do now was to help the external avatar refine the Solar Divine Tree.

In Qin Sang's view, another major use for the external avatar was to provide him with two opportunities to use the Solar Divine Tree.

The Solar Divine Tree could only be used like a Heaven-Shaking Thunder device; it wasn't a spirit treasure and didn't require acknowledging a master or a treasure-control incantation. This simple and brutal method of control meant the external avatar could also wield it.

However, from the moment the external avatar was formed, they had embarked on two entirely different paths.

After forming the external avatar, Qin Sang made a new discovery.

The external avatar didn't necessarily have to cultivate the techniques attached to the original text of the *Cold Nether Returning to Yin* scripture.

Because it was necessary to maintain the avatar's 'illusory Nascent Soul' state to reduce the risk of betrayal, this cultivation method was somewhat mediocre in practice. The external avatar could only refine cold energy and slowly increase its cultivation, illustrating the accompanying pros and cons.

Qin Sang could have the external avatar switch to cultivating other methods.

The cost would be to cancel the 'illusory Nascent Soul' state and convert it into a 'real Nascent Soul'. While this wouldn't affect resurrection, it would further weaken the main body's control over the avatar.

This was a common drawback of secret arts like external avatars and second Nascent Souls.

With the aid of the Jade Buddha, Qin Sang's control over his avatar far exceeded that of others. He only needed to be careful not to let the avatar's cultivation surpass his main body's by too much.

The external avatar had to choose cultivation methods within the path of ice and cold.

The Xuan Tian Palace was not short of such cultivation methods, but Qin Sang was unsure which ones suited it best and temporarily lacked the energy to meticulously choose, so he maintained the status quo.

Their paths were different.

Most of Qin Sang's magical treasures and secret arts, even if the external avatar forcibly used them, could not unleash their full power. After much consideration, besides the Solar Divine Tree, the most suitable were the Gold Sinking Sword and the *Azure Bamboo Sword Scripture*.

The external avatar didn't yet have a suitable magical treasure. With the main body controlling fire and the avatar controlling swords, the division of labor was clear. Coupled with the several divine abilities recorded in the *Cold Nether Returning to Yin*, the external avatar already possessed considerable strength.

Time flowed slowly.

After an unknown period, the tranquility of the cave dwelling was broken.

Someone outside activated the restrictive formation, respectfully saying, "Senior, the auspicious hour approaches."

Qin Sang opened his eyes, retracted his avatar and the Solar Divine Tree. With a flash of light, he changed his attire and opened the formation.

Listening Snow Tower.

Main Peak.

Outside, it was the depth of winter, and the earth was covered in a blanket of silver snow.

Yet, Listening Snow Tower was warm as spring, adorned with splendid red silks, festive and lively.

Teams of disciples hurried, moving between jade bridges and grand halls, all busy preparing for the upcoming grand ceremony.

Most disciples had beaming faces.

But some had dull eyes and blank expressions, and among them were even a few female disciples.

This day had finally arrived.

Ancestor Liu Li was going to hold a Daoist Couple Ceremony with another man, and all these elaborate preparations for the ceremony had been completed by their own hands.

As the sun set in the west, the various peaks of Listening Snow Tower were bathed in a golden glow.

Qin Sang sat upright in his cave dwelling, watching the Listening Snow Tower disciples busy outside the hall. His gaze drifted to the sky, observing the gradually dimming light.

For a moment, he felt somewhat dazed.

In his mortal life, marriage was the most important event.

Now, it had become part of a transaction.

The Xuan Tian Palace had quite peculiar rules; the Daoist Couple Ceremony was held at night, accompanying a most important ritual.

A lantern ritual for blessings!

The various peaks of Listening Snow Tower were now hung with countless lanterns wrapped in red paper. Once all lit, they would undoubtedly shine with brilliant light.

The sky hadn't yet darkened, and the wicks weren't lit.

However, the disciples responsible for attending the lanterns were already in position, one every certain distance. Their duty was to face west, prepare the lanterns, arrange them according to rules, and keep their flames burning brightly and consistently.

At this moment.

Listening Snow Tower was unusually quiet, from top to bottom. Countless gazes were fixed on the slowly setting sun, mentally calculating the time.

Night fell.

Stars and moon hung high.

Tonight was supposed to bring rain and snow, but Listening Snow Tower had long ago set up a grand formation to disperse the moisture, leaving a clear, star-filled sky.

'Dong!'

Suddenly, a bell rang, breaking all silence.

The disciples' hearts pounded violently. They all looked up in unison towards the main peak, their faces revealing anticipation.

'Dong!'

'Dong!'

The bell rang unhurriedly, for nine full chimes, its sound reverberating throughout the heavens and earth.

Under the watchful eyes of all.

At the summit of the main peak, a female Daoist priestess, adorned in a crimson robe embroidered with gold threads, ascended gracefully as if treading on air. It was Shi Xue, the sect master of Listening Snow Tower, who personally assumed the role of High Priestess for this wedding ceremony.

Her steps were steady, traversing the void as if on level ground. Reaching a height of a hundred zhang, she paused, flicked her horsetail whisk, and clouds and mist arose, imbued with ethereal qi.

The clouds and mist gathered, solidifying into a high altar.

At that time, a team of disciples, holding incense burners and jade plates, flew neatly into the air, offering the five provisions: incense, flowers, lanterns, water, and fruits.

The incense was heavenly incense.

The flowers were Heaven and Earth Harmony Flowers.

The lanterns were Red Luan Lanterns.

The water was Moonlight Nectar.

The fruits were Immortal Peaches of Longevity.

The disciples neatly arranged the offerings and gracefully returned.

Shi Xue ascended to the high altar, offered incense as worship, chanted praises, performed the Nine Palaces Pacing ritual, recited profound scriptures, appearing as ethereal as an immortal.

Throughout Listening Snow Tower, all eyes were focused on Shi Xue alone. Especially the lantern-attending disciples, their expressions were solemn, not daring to show the slightest slackness.

After reciting the scriptures, Shi Xue bowed again and burned incense.

All the lantern attendants seemed to receive a signal, simultaneously raising their palms. In each palm appeared a spirit lantern, its flame igniting and shining brightly.

'Go!'

A female disciple, barely a teenager, her face full of tension, meticulously completed a hand seal with her other hand and gently pressed it towards the spirit lantern.

The spirit lantern's flame trembled, then suddenly split into a hundred fire snakes, scattering in all directions like celestial maidens strewing flowers, falling precisely into the lanterns and igniting wick after wick.

The female disciple's peripheral vision swept around, and seeing no errors, she felt a slight relief, then immediately resumed a solemn expression, for their duty was not yet over.

In an instant.

Countless lanterns in Listening Snow Tower lit up simultaneously, their red light illuminating the sky!

Under the illumination of the lanterns, the dragon and phoenix patterns carved on their surfaces seemed to come alive. They broke free from the paper, their movements slightly stiff, clearly appearing to be paper cutouts transformed.

The dragons and phoenixes did not move far from the lanterns. Instead, they connected head-to-tail, encircling the lanterns, jointly guarding them, and supporting the lanterns as they slowly rose.

These lanterns only rose a zhang high, but they grew increasingly brighter.

The lanterns resembled fire trees, with clouds and mist shimmering in the azure sky, accompanied by immortal spirits.

The various peaks of Listening Snow Tower had seemingly transformed into a long river of lights.

The solemnity of the lit lanterns, a deed of immense merit.

Illuminating all heavens above, and all lands below.

In all directions and through all nine nights, light is seen.

The Red Luan Lantern Ritual!

The female disciple was dazzled and mesmerized, staring blankly at the unprecedented beautiful spectacle, unable to pull herself away. She nearly forgot her important duty, and envy was irrepressibly revealed in her eyes.

The Red Luan Lantern Ritual was the highest-grade ceremony of Listening Snow Tower, only qualified to be enjoyed by someone of Ancestor Liu Li's status.

And even if she were to marry, at most her master would bear witness, holding a wedding slightly grander than a mortal's, but it would be impossible for the entire sect to celebrate with her.

At this moment, looking down from high in the sky presented another kind of beauty.

With the main peak of Listening Snow Peak as its center.

The Red Luan Lantern Ritual was divided into eastern and western sections. The western section was phoenix-shaped, each lamp flame like a phoenix's fiery feather, swaying as if feathers were dancing, stirring up layers of light waves.

The eastern section was long and winding, presenting a dragon shape, its scales glittering and its posture agile.

Shi Xue stood on the cloud altar, her steps illusory, her hand seals constantly changing. Suddenly, she pointed two fingers at the main lantern offered on the cloud altar, and a stream of light shot from her fingertips.

The main lantern lit up, as if a formation's core had been activated.

The main lantern gathered thousands of lights, its fiery glow soaring straight into the sky!

At this moment, the starry river in the sky trembled. Stars actually resonated with the Red Luan Lantern Ritual, shining brightly, with four stars standing out, becoming even more luminous.

One of them was astonishingly bright, surpassing the full moon, dazzling in the sea of stars.

This was the Red Luan Star!

When the Red Luan Star stirs, it signifies the palace of husband and wife.

Of course, this was not truly a star being stirred, but an extraordinary phenomenon created by the grand formation and the Red Luan Lantern Ritual, its influence limited to the vicinity of Listening Snow Tower; other regions of the North Sea could not see it.

Starlight poured down like a torrent, falling from the nine heavens and converging with the main lantern.

For a time, countless illusory scenes appeared in the night sky, with images such as bluebirds and luan-flying swords, as if the Red Luan Star Lord had descended to bestow blessings.

The starlight infused the lanterns, affecting the entire Red Luan Lantern Ritual. The lights brightened many times over, and the dragons and phoenixes formed by the ritual seemed on the verge of coming alive at any moment.

At this moment, even from very far outside Listening Snow Tower, one could see the dazzling bright lanterns and twinkling starlight, a truly astonishing sight.

Shi Xue bowed again.

Suddenly, an auspicious cloud drifted gracefully into view.

On the cloud stood two women; one of them was Luo Wan.

The other young woman was likely her junior, with cultivation only at the late Core Formation stage. Between her brows lay a hint of spring charm, but at this moment, she dared not be wanton, completely restraining it.

Luo Wan was not so constrained, her face still bearing an enchanting smile.

Some Listening Snow Tower disciples inadvertently looked up, saw Luo Wan, and instantly their eyes widened, unable to look away.

Just then.

Several figures flew out from the various peaks of Listening Snow Tower, each with an aura no weaker than Luo Wan's. These were several Nascent Soul cultivators of Listening Snow Tower, who had all rushed back to attend the grand ceremony.

At this time, they would receive guests on behalf of Qin Sang and Liu Li.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, greetings."

One of them went straight to greet Luo Wan.

"On the joyous day of Junior Sister Liu Li, I had to come. This Palace also wishes to see what kind of person the groom is, to be able to capture Junior Sister Liu Li's heart."

Luo Wan said with a smile.

The person laughed heartily, "Fellow Daoist, please don't be impatient. Why not first enjoy the exquisite nectar and immortal delicacies? You'll surely get your fill later..."

As he spoke, the host and two guests flew together towards Shi Xue.

Halfway through their flight, more guests arrived.

In the distance, auspicious clouds surged, and fragrant carriages and immortal birds arrived in dazzling succession.

Distinguished guests filled the gates, celebrating the grand event together.

Seeing this, the Nascent Soul cultivators of Listening Snow Tower ordered their disciples to arrange Luo Wan's seating, then excused themselves and became busy.

Luo Wan flew to the front of the cloud altar.

The scenery here had already changed dramatically.

Exquisite fragrances lingered, and auspicious mists were vibrant.

The disciples of Listening Snow Tower moved busily, traversing the area.

The guiding disciple hastily pulled over a cloud-bed. Immediately, immortal cranes carried pots, and flower spirits offered fruits.

Rosy clouds served as tables, and rainbow mists formed stools.

A hundred flavors of delicacies, immortal fruits and nectar.

Luo Wan sat down casually, glanced at Shi Xue standing before the cloud altar, and teased via spiritual message: "Old hag, I underestimated your courage. You actually dared to let Junior Sister Liu Li cultivate that technique."

She had mistaken that Liu Li had cultivated the *Divine Maiden Heart Scripture*.

Though not entirely accurate, it wasn't far off.

Shi Xue had no time to bother with her, as guests were already arriving in droves.

Although fellow Daoists from outside the Xuan Tian Palace had not been invited, the Xuan Tian Palace's influence was vast. All its factions, regardless of size, had to be treated equally, with no lapse in etiquette, thus there were many guests.

For a time, the skies above Listening Snow Tower buzzed with activity, welcoming and seeing off guests, with no shortage of Nascent Soul figures.

Nascent Soul ancestors, rarely seen on ordinary days, arrived one after another.

One congratulated: "Great joy! Great joy!"

Another said: "Congratulations! Congratulations!"

Above the main peak, clouds gathered, all filled with guests.

There was no need to adhere to strict seating arrangements; everyone sat casually. If they met an acquaintance, they would join their cloud-beds together, chatting and laughing freely.

Everyone was beaming with joy, creating a truly festive scene.

Suddenly, someone announced the arrival of a guest.

"The Grand Elder has arrived!"

Everyone immediately fell silent and rose to welcome them.

Then, the Grand Elder, several other elders, and the sect master of Purple Cloud Pavilion arrived together, all with smiles on their faces.

Hall Master Jiang stepped forward to greet them.

Everyone exchanged greetings.

Tong Lingyu's beautiful eyes flickered as she asked with a smile, "Why are the two newlyweds not yet present?"

Hall Master Jiang looked at the time: "The auspicious hour has not yet arrived. Elders, please be seated first and sample our Listening Snow Tower's wondrous Nine Splendor Coiled Jade Peaches."

"We've long heard of Listening Snow Tower's foremost treasure, rumored to only be brought out for the most grand ceremonies. This humble Daoist and my senior brother have never had the chance to taste them."

Two young men in Daoist robes walked over. One of them was handsome and quite young, showing no timidity facing these important figures of Xuan Tian Palace.

Both of them were surprisingly at the mid-Nascent Soul stage of cultivation!

Hall Master Jiang's eyes flickered. He cupped his hands and said, "I have indeed neglected Sect Master Shang and Fellow Daoist Yue. I shall have my disciples pick a basket and send it to Heavenly Mountain."

"Hall Master Jiang, you're too polite. My junior brother was just joking..."

The one who spoke was precisely Shang Lu, the sect master of the Heavenly Mountain lineage. His tone was gentle as he greeted everyone one by one, then led the cultivator surnamed Yue towards a cloud-bed.

Everyone watched their retreating figures, some frowning, some deep in thought.

As time passed, fewer and fewer new guests arrived.

Shi Xue found an opening and approached Hall Master Jiang, carefully transmitting her voice: "Uncle-master, is that person surnamed Yue the genius you spoke of?"

Hall Master Jiang sighed: "Precisely. When this young man first entered the Nascent Soul stage, I already thought highly of him. I never expected him to actually achieve it, breaking through to mid-Nascent Soul after only a hundred years of secluded cultivation! Furthermore, after Shang Lu's failure in the last competition, this is his last chance, and he certainly won't miss it. The Heavenly Mountain lineage alone has two such individuals! The Heavenly Mountain lineage is becoming increasingly dazzling; their overall strength has even surpassed that of the Xuan Tian lineage, lacking only a 'sea-stabilizing needle'."

With the two from the Heavenly Mountain lineage joining forces, Qin Sang would not merely be facing one more competitor. If he encountered them within the restrictive formation, he would not only be suppressed by the formation but also have to fight two against one!

"Shang Lu forcefully raised his cultivation with a secret art back then, but failed to qualify, and it damaged his foundation. I wonder if he's recovered. My brother-in-law's divine abilities are extraordinary; he shouldn't fear them."

Shi Xue said consolingly, though she too felt a little uncertain.

After a brief exchange, the two immediately separated.

The guests sat on cloud-beds, bathed in starlight, chatting and laughing, toasting each other, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

At this point.

Shi Xue looked up, checked the time, and stepped towards the cloud altar at the very center.

The guests noticed her movements and all fell silent.

Numerous cloud-beds moved, separating either south or north, revealing a wide path in the middle.

Shi Xue stood firm before the cloud altar and flicked her horsetail whisk.

Two Daoist boys attending the incense sang out in unison.

"The auspicious hour has arrived!"

The sound echoed far and wide.

The lights on the surrounding mountains shook in unison. The pure starlight at the heart of each flame suddenly flew out, dotting the air, slowly rising, and drifting towards the two ends of the Red Luan Lantern Ritual, gradually revealing the nascent forms of dragon and phoenix phantoms.

At this moment.

The disciples who had been waiting outside Qin Sang's cave dwelling became busy.

Some took out spirit talismans, patted them gently, and they transformed into golden-armored warriors.

A Core Formation stage disciple opened a spirit beast bag, and a gust of demonic wind blew forth. A flood dragon actually flew out, baring its fangs and claws, circling above everyone's heads.

The flood dragon's eyes showed no ferocity or malice; it had been tamed into a spirit beast. Without its master's command, it obediently remained in mid-air, not daring to roar loudly.

That disciple raised a hand and pointed forward, and the flood dragon flapped its tail, flying out towards beyond the mountain.

At the same time, a sky-covering stream of fire surged from the west. The dragon phantom formed by starlight charged swiftly, its aura astonishing. The flood dragon let out a whimper from its throat, actually showing a hint of fear.

But under its master's suppression, the flood dragon dared not retreat. It bit the bullet and charged forward, directly meeting the dragon phantom.

'Poof!'

The seemingly aggressive dragon phantom was actually illusory. It was scattered by the flood dragon in an instant. Yet, the starlight dispersed without disorder, and with each fluctuation, they integrated into the flood dragon's body.

In a flash, the flood dragon's appearance changed dramatically, transforming into a true dragon.

It was covered in dragon scales, bore dragon horns on its head, soared through clouds and mist, and exuded a majestic vigor.

"Roar!"

A dragon's roar, earth-shaking, caused all guests to turn their heads.

Immediately after, an unyielding phoenix cry sounded from the west, harmonizing with the dragon's roar, like true divine beasts, leaving everyone amazed.

At this moment, the two young girls who had been attending at the entrance exchanged glances, giggled, and sang in unison, "Groom, please board the dragon carriage."

Qin Sang stood up and walked out of the grand hall.

Before the grand hall, everyone's gaze subconsciously fell upon Qin Sang. On such a joyous day, Qin Sang presumably wouldn't get angry, so these disciples dared to look freely.

He had not removed his Thousand Fox Mask, constantly manifesting his appearance from a previous life. Although not breathtakingly beautiful, his temperament, refined through years of cultivation and hardship, was extraordinary and incomparable to others.

"This man is indeed worthy of Ancestor Liu Li."

The two female disciples stared blankly for a while, and this thought simultaneously surfaced in their minds, causing their faces to flush with shyness.

As Qin Sang walked out of the grand hall, the flood dragon had already prostrated itself on the ground, a dragon carriage harnessed to its back.

He glanced towards the main peak, then boarded the dragon carriage.

Golden-armored warriors lined up in two rows, holding ceremonial instruments, standing before the dragon carriage. At the very front were four fair-skinned, adorable boys and girls, smiling merrily, each carrying an incense burner.

Burning True Descent Incense.

The children led the way, and the groom emerged, riding the dragon.

At the same time.

From the west, waves of fragrant wind wafted. Likewise, four child attendants, carrying incense burners burning with Hundred Harmony Incense, led a procession of spirits transformed from flower fairies, approaching enchantingly.

Each flower fairy was charming and beautiful, their jade arms scattering petals, forming a path of flowers, their exotic fragrance filling the air.

But none of these flower fairies could compare to the woman on the phoenix palanquin.

Liu Li had removed her veil, her exceptionally beautiful countenance truly revealed to the world, without a single flaw.

She had shed her plain robes, her hair styled in a high cloud bun, wearing a luminous cloud brocade skirt and a five-colored cloud shawl. Though she wore no makeup, she still dazzled and captivated all who saw her.

Even the Queen Mother marrying off her daughter could be no grander.

Above the main peak.

The guests were silent as doves. They looked left and right, their eyes unable to take it all in. They saw the man on the dragon carriage, wearing a jade crown and a crane-feather cloak, with a distinguished and radiant demeanor. Truly, they were a perfect match.

Indeed, it was a propitious union of dragon and phoenix, a match made in heaven!

Both parties stepped through the air and flew towards the cloud altar.

Just then, Qin Sang, seated on the dragon carriage, recalled Shi Xue's instructions. His eyes flickered as he silently activated the *Azure Bamboo Sword Scripture*.

The sound of sword chants resounded through the sky, immediately overpowering the dragon's roar and phoenix's cry.

Above the dragon carriage, strange fluctuations appeared in the void, actually manifesting an ethereal sword, similar in shape to the Gold Sinking Sword, its sword qi soaring skyward.

Fortunately, those around the dragon carriage and the golden-armored warriors were protected by Qin Sang; otherwise, they would surely have been affected by the sword intent and scattered in disarray.

The next moment.

From the west, a phoenix-shaped treasure sword phantom also appeared, its sound melodious, actively harmonizing.

The guests knew that a good show was about to begin and immediately sat up straight.

The two ethereal swords vibrated simultaneously, flying one step ahead of the two individuals to the sky above the main peak, intertwining with each other until their sword intents merged, becoming indistinguishable.

This was not merely sword intent; it also contained the Dao Rhythms of Qin Sang and Liu Li, a harmonious resonance of the Great Dao.

They naturally could not have been so perfectly matched. Instead, Liu Li had intentionally loosened a trace of the evil cultivation technique's imprint, creating the illusion of a Daoist couple to deceive others.

In the eyes of others, the Dao Rhythms of the two were so perfectly matched, blending seamlessly, truly a pair made in heaven. They could find no fault whatsoever.

However, Liu Li had to resist the evil cultivation technique's imprint to prevent her mind from truly being affected.

Just then.

A lingering flute melody suddenly resounded from among the seats.

One saw Luo Wan, who had taken out a jade flute and placed it to her crimson lips. The flute melody was crisp and purified the heart. It was hard to imagine she could play such a pure tune.

Luo Wan winked at Shi Xue.

The flute melody rose gracefully, also containing a trace of Dao Rhyme, actively drifting towards the sword phantom in the air.

Others seemed to awaken from a dream.

Some, like Qin Sang and Liu Li, manifested sword phantoms, pointing their fingers towards mid-air, with sword chants following.

Others performed Daoist arts, emitting illusory sounds.

Some reached out and grabbed a rough stone from the ground, casually grinding it into a chime or stone drum, and regardless of others' gazes, began to thump it, swaying their heads, quite engrossed.

Even more, one person grabbed an immortal crane that was serving wine, plucked a few feathers, rubbed them between their fingers, and seven strings woven from feathers appeared before them, which they began to pluck casually.

The immortal crane, however, cried out in pain and fright, kicking over a jade pot and knocking over a table, eliciting a burst of laughter.

Various marvelous sounds mingled together. They might not have been melodious, but they possessed a profound and lingering charm.

To the ears of low-level cultivators, it was no less than immortal music!

This was the guests' congratulatory ritual!

They were forcefully injecting a trace of their own Dao Rhyme, simultaneously causing disruption and pressure, to help the two new Daoist couples harmonize their own Daos and seek the most compatible level.

With so many Nascent Soul cultivators collaborating, if a true Daoist couple received such an opportunity, they would greatly benefit.

Unfortunately, these efforts not only brought little benefit to Qin Sang and Liu Li but also placed a greater burden on Liu Li, who could only struggle to endure.

Qin Sang's gaze pierced through the sea of lanterns. Seeing those pure eyes, he let out a silent sigh.

The aerial phenomena became increasingly astonishing.

The low-level disciples devoted themselves to experiencing all this. For Nascent Soul ancestors to display their Dao Rhymes, even grasping a trace of it would be a tremendous opportunity for them.

The lantern-attending disciples, meanwhile, were extremely busy.

They wanted to focus on comprehending like the others, but the phenomena affected the surrounding environment, causing strong winds to blow.

This was not simple wind; the lanterns began to sway violently, and they had to keep a close watch on them to prevent the Red Luan Lantern Ritual from being damaged.

Being unable to focus on both tasks simultaneously, they grew incredibly anxious.

Meanwhile, the child attendants on both sides, utterly oblivious, cheerfully led the dragon carriage and phoenix palanquin to the front of the cloud altar.

The child attendants, flower fairies, and golden-armored warriors stopped and moved aside.

The dragon and phoenix prostrated.

Their eyes met.

In an instant, all sounds ceased abruptly. The Nascent Soul cultivators withdrew their respective techniques, smiling as they gazed at the two newlyweds.

Both parties rose simultaneously, stepped down from the dragon carriage and phoenix palanquin, met in the very center, and stood hand in hand.

Above, only the two sword phantoms of Qin Sang and Liu Li remained.

Suddenly, the sword chants became loud and clear, and sword intent surged. They displayed their respective sword arts. Qin Sang feigned using the *Azure Bamboo Sword Scripture*, while Liu Li wielded a sword art from Listening Snow Tower.

This was Qin Sang and Liu Li's return courtesy to the guests.

All guests were solemn, including the Nascent Soul cultivators, focusing intently on comprehending.

The two sword phantoms circled upwards, then descended from the sky again, exploding in mid-air.

Stars fell like rain.

Qin Sang and Liu Li gazed at each other for a long time amidst the starry rain, then walked hand in hand towards Shi Xue.

On a cloud.

"What do you think?"

The cultivator surnamed Yue scrutinized Qin Sang with a critical gaze.

Shang Lu still had his eyes closed, and said silently, "Not weak, but I'll only know after a test..."

Shi Xue watched them approach step by step with a smile, offering heavenly incense.

"Go."

Next was the ceremony of paying respects to heaven and earth.

They did not need to honor parents, masters, or the sect; they only needed to bow to heaven and earth, and the Great Dao. The meaning of a Daoist couple was to be of one heart and mind, traveling the Great Dao together.

At this moment, however, a discordant voice arose.

"Wait!"

Shang Lu suddenly stood up to stop them.

A clamor immediately arose among the guests. Everyone had heard a rumor that decades ago, Shang Lu had pursued Liu Li, but was firmly rejected.

Shi Xue's face changed drastically. She stared intently at Shang Lu, "Sect Master Shang, today is my Junior Sister's joyous day!"

Qin Sang paused, then let out a silent laugh. A fake marriage could still involve a 'bride-snatching' scene?

Shang Lu ignored Shi Xue, looking at Liu Li, and said, "I, Shang, have long known Junior Sister Liu Li's intentions and dare not hope for a change of heart. However, I am somewhat displeased to lose to this unknown Daoist Qingfeng. It inevitably leaves my Dao heart unsettled. Only by having a match and witnessing Daoist's abilities can my thoughts become clear. I hope Daoist will grant my request."

At this point, his gaze had already fallen upon Qin Sang, his eyes like lightning, his fighting intent surging.

Shi Xue was furious, "Shang Lu, are you insane! Don't think I don't know your true purpose!"

Shang Lu did not argue. Looking at the indifferent Qin Sang, he said playfully, "I heard Daoist once entered a demon's nest alone, possessing extraordinary courage. Could it be that you are afraid?"

A deathly silence fell over the hall.

Those who enjoyed a good spectacle were filled with excitement, their gazes shifting back and forth between Qin Sang and Shang Lu. Naturally, their hearts leaned towards Shang Lu, wishing for him to teach Qin Sang, this outsider who had snatched the beauty, a good lesson.

Tong Lingyu's brow furrowed slightly; she was just about to speak.

From a cloud-bed not far away, a vigorous voice suddenly resounded: "Sect Master Shang also possesses a sincere heart, enough to move heaven and earth."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice.

This person was surprisingly Hall Master Yin of the Imperial Domain Hall, whose status was the highest among all hall masters, surpassing Hall Master Jiang!

The sect master of the Xuan Tian lineage sat below him.

The Palace Master had been in secluded cultivation for many years, so he was effectively the controller of the Xuan Tian lineage. His words indicated the Xuan Tian lineage's support for Shang Lu.

At this moment, the two strongest main lineages of Xuan Tian Palace both supported Shang Lu!

"Hall Master Yin is right."

"A sparring match is fine, just to the point. With so many people watching here, neither party will be allowed to get injured."

Such voices rose and fell, clearly forming a wave of support.

Tong Lingyu's gaze swept across the faces of those who spoke, her expression unreadable, her thoughts unknown.

Hall Master Jiang held back the furious Shi Xue, whispering to her.

At this moment, Liu Li suddenly released Qin Sang's hand and said coldly, "I'll fight you!"

Shang Lu was startled, then smiled bitterly, "Junior Sister, your cultivation is one stage lower than mine. I admire you wholeheartedly, how could I fight you? And Daoist Qingfeng wouldn't be content to hide behind a woman, would he?"

Liu Li's gaze was icy, her tone filled with murderous intent: "If you harm a single hair on him, I swear to fight you to the death for the rest of my life. You might as well kill me first."

As soon as these words were spoken, a great uproar ensued.

Everyone was stunned by Liu Li's decisiveness. Within Xuan Tian Palace, even when falling out, they would not be so resolute.

Shi Xue and Hall Master Jiang were also stunned.

Qin Sang was greatly surprised. After a moment of silence, he transmitted a message to Liu Li: "I can actually make a move."

He knew full well that Shang Lu couldn't genuinely be lovesick. His objective was clear: he was certainly trying to stir up trouble and probe his background for the sake of the Washing Pool.

Qin Sang had many trump cards; even exposing a few wouldn't matter.

Liu Li was one realm below Shang Lu. Although the Ice Soul Divine Light was powerful, Shang Lu, as a lineage master, certainly wouldn't lack magical treasures or divine abilities.

Liu Li said, "This has nothing to do with you... if you make a move, it's easy for the elders to see through you."

She deliberately left no room for retreat, to force Shang Lu to back down.

Even if it came to a real fight, she wasn't afraid.

Qin Sang sighed softly. Although it was a fake marriage, it was so grand and attracted so much attention. How could he remain uninvolved?

It wouldn't matter if his identity was exposed; he already had stronger trump cards.

"There's no need for that."

Qin Sang first transmitted a message to Shi Xue and the others, then held Liu Li's jade hand and said calmly, "This humble Daoist and Liu Li are now Daoist companions. From now on, we are one. Regardless of any difficulties or opponents, we will face them together, through life and death. Sect Master Shang, have you considered this carefully?"