Chapter 265: Marriage Matters

As soon as Lu Jiangxian released the two spirit talismans, a palpable surge of power immediately emanated from Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong. Both youths were delighted and quickly sat cross-legged to stabilize their cultivation. The onlookers from the Li family were overjoyed, and Li Xuanxuan exclaimed, "Two spirit talismans!" Li Tongya nodded with a smile, remarking, "Our juniors are truly impressive." The rest of the family completed the remaining rituals before descending from the platform, waiting for the two young ones to fully absorb the talismans.

Before long, Li Qinghong opened her eyes first. Her bright gaze swept around, and seeing Li Yuanjiao still seated cross-legged beside her, she quietly stepped down from the platform. She bowed to the elders and announced with a smile, "Qinghong has received her talisman, named 'Perilous Sparrow of the Long Sky.' My cultivation has now reached the peak of the Embryonic Respiration stage, and I can begin my breakthrough to Qi Refinement!" "Excellent!" Li Xuanling responded with a smile, embracing his daughter. Li Qinghong then described the various effects of the Perilous Sparrow talisman. Li Tongya listened intently, then laughed heartily, replying, "Your talisman excels in combat. Our Li family already possesses a bow, and now we have gained a spear. We will no longer fear battles!" The others naturally offered their praises with smiles. Just then, Li Yuanjiao slowly opened his eyes, stepped down from the platform, and joyfully declared, "Elders, Yuanjiao has received a White Talisman, named 'Spirit-Swallowing Qi Circulation.'"

"A Foundation Establishment White Talisman!" The family had offered sacrifices to a Foundation Establishment demonic beast, expecting a White Talisman in return. However, it was common for the Divine Mirror to consume offerings without bestowing a talisman, only a talisman pellet, so they had felt quite anxious. Hearing Li Yuanjiao's words, they rejoiced. He continued, "My cultivation has reached the peak of the Embryyonic Respiration stage, lacking only a trace of spiritual energy from heaven and earth. Yuanjiao believes this talisman still holds unused power, and when I break through to Qi Refinement, it should provide further cultivation enhancements!" He went on to describe the talisman's various benefits: "This talisman excels at augmenting cultivation, enabling flight on clouds and mists, summoning wind and rain, and offering numerous boons in gathering spiritual energy..." Li Yuanjiao recounted all the information he had gleaned from the talisman. Li Tongya nodded and instructed, "After Xiao Guiluan marries into our family in a few days and the wedding ceremonies are complete, you should go into seclusion for your breakthrough!" "Yes, sir!" Seeing Li Yuanjiao's compliant response, Li Tongya nodded, then asked with some trepidation, "Have you decided which cultivation method you will practice?" "This junior intends to cultivate the *River and Qi Unification Art*." "Good! Good!" Li Tongya immediately felt a sense of relief upon hearing Li Yuanjiao's answer. He had feared that Li Yuanjiao, like Li Qinghong, might pursue a similar path and choose the immensely powerful *Purple Lightning Secret Origin Art*, potentially severing this lineage. Since Li Yuanjiao had no such intention, Li Tongya was spared the need for further persuasion. He nodded repeatedly, smiling, "Excellent, excellent."

At the Xiao family residence, the small peak was adorned in red, making it exceptionally festive. Figures descended periodically, and a bustling crowd exchanged congratulations. Xiao Guiluan's small courtyard was decorated with particular splendor. Outside, someone offered congratulations: "Congratulations! The Li family is a lineage of sword immortals; Miss, you are truly blessed with good fortune!" "You're too kind! Thank you, Uncle." A deep male voice responded. Xiao Guiluan immediately recognized it as her elder brother, Xiao Guitu. She couldn't help but frown and ask, "Is Father truly unwilling to come?" The people below remained silent, trembling. Xiao Guiluan sighed softly, a hint of anger in her voice, and replied, "Hopeless!"

From a young age, Xiao Guiluan had been sent to the mountains. Her father had never shown her any care or concern, only wishing for her to quickly break through to Qi Refinement and descend to serve the family. Xiao Guiluan had only considered him a means to establish her standing within the clan. However, the man was extravagant and notoriously ungrateful. Xiao Guiluan had to abandon that hope, instead relying on her own efforts to demonstrate her intelligence and agility before the direct lineage elders. Fortuitously, after many years without an external marriage, the Xiao family finally made a move. Xiao Guiluan was, without surprise, chosen as the daughter to be married out. Yet, that man was terrifyingly foolish; upon hearing the news, he flew into a rage and seemed intent on disowning her. Xiao Guiluan felt no anger, only an inescapable sadness in her heart. If her birth family couldn't support her, her life in the Li family would be difficult.

Composing herself, Xiao Guiluan adjusted her red dress, its golden edges shimmering softly in the bright sunlight. She gazed at the bronze mirror before her for a moment, her red lips lightly pressed together as she applied some rouge. The young woman's already striking beauty became truly astonishing, enhanced by her attire and makeup. "Miss, there are few in this commandery whose beauty can compare!" an attendant beside her exclaimed in admiration. Xiao Guiluan merely shook her head slightly and said softly, "Please don't flatter me..." "Sister." Xiao Guitu slowly entered the courtyard. Though he was a direct descendant, he was kind to all his younger siblings, and today he had come to see Xiao Guiluan off. "Thank you, brother!" Xiao Guiluan expressed her gratitude. Xiao Guitu, understanding her unspoken meaning, shook his head and replied, "Don't worry about the family. The union of our two families was personally sanctioned by a True Immortal. I will offer my full support at home." "Sanctioned by a True Immortal?" Xiao Guiluan's heart trembled, and joy instantly surged through her. Her mind raced with sudden clarity and confidence. She exclaimed happily, "Thank you for telling me, brother!"

As the two chatted, a boy of about ten years old approached from behind. He was also dressed in red with gold embroidery, and in his hands, he held a translucent, pale white jade ring. In a childish voice, he announced, "Madam, it's time to depart." This jade ring symbolized a joyous union, a custom in the Lixia region where the bride's family must send a young boy, holding the jade ring, to accompany the carriage. He would personally deliver it to the groom, who would in turn offer money and valuables as thanks; for cultivators, this would be spiritual items and magical artifacts. Xiao Guiluan had personally chosen the boy, Xiao Xian, the eldest son of Xiao Jiuqing. Xiao Jiuqing had given some spirit stones to make up for deficiencies in Xiao Guiluan's dowry. Not wanting to owe Xiao Jiuqing, Xiao Guiluan had chosen Xiao Xian, knowing that the gifts from the Li family would certainly be worth more than those few spirit stones, thus repaying the favor. "Alright," Xiao Guiluan responded with a joyful smile. Knowing that a True Immortal had personally sanctioned the marriage gave her newfound confidence, and her face lit up with happiness. Her phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly, gleaming with anticipation. Leading young Xiao Xian, she exited the courtyard, only to find another person standing before the sedan chair.

The man had a gentle aura about him. A string of medicine pouches hung from his waist, and he was examining a pill manual he held in his hand. He looked at Xiao Guiluan's appearance and smiled, "You're beautifully dressed. Please get into the sedan chair!" "Greetings, Uncle!" "Greetings, Senior!" The surrounding crowd immediately dropped to their knees, bowing in deference. Xiao Guiluan's mind went blank for a moment, then she thought with surprised delight, "A Foundation Establishment cultivator leading the sedan... what an impressive display..." Seeing everyone around trembling, Xiao Yuansi raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He knew from the Li family that Li Yuanjiao had secretly been adopted by his junior martial brother, which made him increasingly invested in this marriage. Being at the Li family already, he naturally came to escort the bride. Xiao Guiluan nodded repeatedly, quickly picked up young Xiao Xian, and sat inside the sedan chair, her heart filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.