Chapter 1172: Ancient Wedding Dress

"That's not a sufficient reason," Xu Qing calmly stated, hovering in mid-air and looking down at Zhou Zhengli, who remained in a humble posture below.

The man before him appeared harmless, yet beneath that innocent facade lurked a highly venomous snake. Zhou Zhengli had played a significant role in Xinghuanzi's rise and, consequently, his downfall. Even though Xu Qing didn't believe he would suffer Xinghuanzi's fate, his inherent caution guided his actions. Therefore, even though Zhou Zhengli had offered his reasons, expressed his desire for alliance, and adopted a submissive stance, Xu Qing had no intention of keeping him unless presented with a truly compelling argument. In his current powerful position, if Xu Qing didn't wish for Zhou Zhengli to remain, then remaining would be impossible. Consequently, the surrounding winds grew increasingly icy, and even the pervasive sunlight failed to dispel the pervasive chill.

Zhou Zhengli remained silent. Amidst the biting wind, he slowly lifted his head, his gaze fixed on Xu Qing. Then, he spoke.

"My Lord," he began, "the grand wedding is four days away. Zhong Chi's poison needs to be tested and then popularized, creating a ripple effect within this short timeframe. Li Tianjiao also needs to be monitored to prevent any disloyal intentions. This would save you considerable trouble in the coming days. I understand his nature; I can manage this. Furthermore, Hu Meiren's identity requires someone to establish her narrative, ensuring it becomes accepted knowledge. My position in the Immortal Palace is that of a Scribe Guard, tasked with recording history. Concurrently, Young Master, you also require another companion scholar."

"These tasks primarily involve maintaining the current momentum. However, within these four days, I can do much more for the Young Master than simply maintain it; I can create even greater disruptions. Moreover, there are three old individuals hidden here, observing. I have identified them. You won't need to be distracted; I can leverage the circumstances to eliminate one each day. This will ensure no unpredictable elements remain by the wedding day. Finally, at any moment, if you feel the temporal ripples are insufficient, Young Master, simply command me, and I can publicly die, altering history with my demise. Naturally, surviving for another day would be advantageous to me."

"These are my pleas for being allowed to stay."

Having spoken, Zhou Zhengli bowed his head once more, awaiting Xu Qing's decision.

Xu Qing stared coldly at Zhou Zhengli. After a long pause, he raised a hand and waved. The marriage certificate, glowing with brilliant splendor, immediately flew into his grasp, where he tucked it into his robes. Next, with another gesture, the highly reluctant Qianjun and Biyi—their Immortal Swords—responded with jubilant hums, flying to Xu Qing's sides, continuously flashing with sword-light and singing. Without another glance at Zhou Zhengli, Xu Qing took a step forward, walked past him, and entered the exit of the Sword Furnace. But as he departed, his voice echoed behind Zhou Zhengli.

"Have you ever eaten snake?"

"The more venomous the snake, the more tender its flesh."

Xu Qing departed.

Zhou Zhengli stood unmoving. Only after a long silence, as the surroundings grew quiet, did he slowly straighten himself and turn to look at the spot where Xu Qing had vanished. A grave expression appeared on his face.

"He shares similarities with Xinghuanzi, yet also possesses differences. He is more cautious, and more ruthless…"

"While in his eyes I am a poisonous snake, in my eyes—or in Xinghuanzi's—is he not also a poisonous snake…?"

He took a deep breath. The resolve not to become his enemy solidified further within him.

The chaos of the Heavenly Dao grew ever more turbulent as the wedding day approached and the Aurora Epoch drew near. Day transitioned into night, natural weather patterns shifted, and strong winds persisted without cease. Yet, oddly enough, everything that transpired last night seemed to be forgotten, as if swept clean by the wind. The vanished Fourth True Monarch also reappeared, encountering Xu Qing on his return journey. The moment they met, he was jovial and conversed with his familiar tone, everything appearing normal and consistent with Xu Qing's memories as the host. It seemed this Fourth Senior Brother had no recollection of the preceding events and was unaware that his body had been possessed by another consciousness. This sight caused Xu Qing's thoughts to sink into deep contemplation once more. He had personally witnessed the other's form dissipate within the Sword Furnace.

"This matter…"

Xu Qing narrowed his eyes, gazing at the sky, then bade farewell to his Fourth Senior Brother and returned to Shaoji Palace. He did not venture out again.

Thus, the four days elapsed, one by one. Zhou Zhengli indeed lived up to his word, exerting his utmost effort throughout those four days. He compiled a narrative for Hu Meiren, ensuring her identity transcended that of merely a Nine Shores disciple and became deeply integrated into the annals of this history. He meticulously supervised Li Tianjiao's actions, preventing any potential anomalies from the somewhat reluctant Li Tianjiao. He even persuaded Li Tianjiao to acquiesce. He personally tested Zhong Chi's poisons and actively promoted them, leading to the successful establishment of Zhong Chi's Poison Path Division and the dissemination of Dreamland's toxins throughout the Immortal Palace. Furthermore, he mobilized the power of the Immortal Palace, creating three significant disturbances over these four days, which allowed him to expel three hidden old individuals using the palace's authority. The method used was outright elimination. This added to Xu Qing's Sands of Time and Space. Other than these actions, he made no further moves, nor did he exhibit any behavior that could have caused Xu Qing to misunderstand him. He remained utterly respectful.

In this timeline, the final four days leading up to the grand wedding passed without a hitch. There were no ripples or complications.

Finally, the day of the grand wedding between Immortal Phoenix Fairy and the Young Lord of Aurora arrived.

From dawn on this day, the Heavenly Dao ceased its operations, and all heavenly mechanisms stalled. Consequently, both the sun and moon appeared in the sky, shining in harmonious brilliance. Looking up, it appeared as an auspicious omen, radiating endless splendor. Inside the Immortal Palace, the scene was equally festive: lanterns and colorful decorations adorned every corner, and smiles graced every face. The emotional atmosphere and the surrounding ambiance were both exceptionally vibrant. Laughter and praises resounded ceaselessly. And as Xu Qing emerged from Shaoji Palace, escorted by a retinue of ceremonial officials, jubilant cheers erupted from beyond the palace gates.

Today, Xu Qing's attire was naturally different from his usual wear. His vibrant long robe was embroidered with nine golden dragons, each so lifelike it seemed poised to ascend to the heavens at any moment. The robe's collar and cuffs were adorned with exquisite immortal jade and spirit shells, symbolizing the dignity and high status of the Immortal Lord's son. On his head, he wore a spirit crown encrusted with immortal treasures, which glittered brilliantly under the light of the heavens. Wherever he passed, sounds of joy, laughter, and congratulations rose and fell in continuous waves.

"Congratulations, Young Lord!"

"Haha, today is the Young Lord's grand wedding! The Young Lord and Young Mistress are truly a match made in heaven."

"Young Lord, after the wedding, please don't be as you were before. We've watched you grow up, witnessed your marriage, and eagerly await your succession to the position of Immortal Lord."

"We wish the Young Lord that every day of your future life journey be filled with love and laughter, and that you and the Young Mistress grow old together, forever united in heart!"

A chorus of blessings, imbued with warmth and anticipation, echoed in Xu Qing's ears. Despite his mental preparations, Xu Qing found himself momentarily dazed by the sheer magnitude of the occasion. Finally, surrounded by an ever-growing crowd and amidst the echoing peal of bells, Xu Qing arrived before the Grand Aurora Hall.

Today, a grand banquet was laid out here. Though no outsiders were present, all the cultivators of the Immortal Palace had gathered. The festivities were equally bustling and grand. Xu Qing's gaze swept across the hall, spotting Zhong Chi grinning, the one-armed Li Tianjiao with a stern expression, and Zhou Zhengli, who remained in his humble stance. He also saw Hu Meiren, her face etched with resentment. At the highest point, the Aurora Immortal Lord stood, his face uncharacteristically relaxed and smiling. After their eyes met, he waved at Xu Qing. The Immortal Lord was dressed in remarkably elaborate and traditional attire today. Clearly, he held this day in great importance.

Witnessing all this, Xu Qing took a deep breath, suppressed his racing thoughts, and swiftly drew closer. The moment Xu Qing stood before him, the Aurora Immortal Lord's gaze softened, and he raised a hand to adjust Xu Qing's red wedding robe.

"If your mother could witness this moment, she would be as content as I am."

Moved, Xu Qing started to speak, but the Aurora Immortal Lord gently patted his head, a benevolent expression on his face. "Let's not dwell on these things. Your wife has arrived."

In the distance, crimson clouds swirled, bathed in boundless rosy light. Immortal Phoenix Fairy, resplendent in her wedding gown, emerged from the void, accompanied by her attendants. The exquisite wedding gown of deep red silk was richly embroidered with golden phoenixes and clouds, as if she were draped in the morning glow. It symbolized her noble status as the Young Lord's future wife, as dignified as a phoenix. Her dark hair was coiled and adorned with a phoenix coronet and ceremonial veil, from which long strands cascaded, shimmering with the golden glow of spiritual beads. With each graceful step, her skirt swayed gently, like a blooming peony, as she walked steadily toward Xu Qing.

Xu Qing hesitated. From behind, the Immortal Lord gave him a gentle push, and he began to move forward. With every step, cheers erupted from all around him. With every step, auspicious omens arose from all directions. Countless eyes, at this very moment, converged upon the two figures drawing ever closer.

Simultaneously, beyond the spacetime of the Immortal Palace, more precisely in the current world, on the Divine Blood River—a vast distance from the Immortal Ruins—the river churned. A dilapidated black ferry boat was navigating its surface. The exact number of ferry boats on the Divine Blood River remains unknown. However, one certainty is that passengers who have used the ferry twice very rarely encounter the same ferryman. At this moment, the ferry boat carried no passengers, only the ferryman in a coir raincoat, who, with aged hands, silently propelled the boat forward on the blood river. It seemed as if years had passed, time flowing by without beginning or end.

But today, at this very moment, something seemed to have shifted. A wind swept from the river, rippling its surface, and also stirring the almost withered heartstrings of the ferryman... Slowly, she lifted her head. The aurora from the sky flowed across her, revealing the face beneath her bamboo hat... It was an old woman, her face deeply lined with wrinkles, showing signs of endless trials. She gazed silently in the direction of the Immortal Ruins, her eyes gradually filling with reminiscence and profound complexity. Finally, she murmured softly.

"You're back..."

A gust of wind stirred her coir raincoat, faintly revealing an ancient, reddish wedding dress beneath.