A thunderous voice, laced with power and indignation, echoed across the square:
"I do not agree to this marriage!"
The festive atmosphere was instantly broken.
A murmur rippled through the gathered nobles like wind through tall grass. Many turned eagerly, eyes gleaming with anticipation, as if the real spectacle had only just begun.
From the crowd emerged a man with a commanding presence. He appeared to be in his late forties, but his broad shoulders and solid frame gave the impression of a seasoned warrior still in his prime. His expression was stern, carved from years of discipline and pride. He had steel-grey sideburns that framed his otherwise youthful face, and his sharp, hawk-like eyes scanned the venue with barely contained fury. The long, embroidered robes he wore bore the unmistakable crest of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
This was Yu Luomian, Vice Clan Leader of one of the Blue Lightning Tyrant dragon Clan.
His arrival caused a stir, some guests recognized him immediately and whispered to each other. Others straightened in their seats, knowing full well that this was no ordinary objection.
Liu Erlong, still in her bridal wear, turned toward the familiar voice. Her breath caught as she recognized the man.
"Father?" she said, startled. "What are you doing here?"
Yu Luomian's gaze met his daughter's. For a brief moment, his hardened features softened.
"It's not your fault, Erlong," he said calmly, but there was iron behind his voice. "But if I hadn't arrived in time, this bastard would've gone through with this farce—and that would've been a disaster."
He pointed directly at Yu Xiaogang, who stood stunned beside the bride, his face pale.
Yu Luomian's expression returned to cold anger as he continued, "You may be her friend and teammate. You may even think you love her. But this union cannot happen."
From behind Yu Luomian, several Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan guards stepped forward in formation, their uniforms crisp and crested with the clan's symbol.
Though Yu Luomian's words were aimed at Yu Xiaogang, his mind raced in silence:
'I nearly didn't make it. If I had been even half a day late, it would've been too late to stop this. But why were there so many obstacles on the road?'
'Three forty-thousand-year-old soul beasts… poisonous creatures swarming the forest paths… someone was clearly trying to delay me. Could a Titled Douluo be behind this?'
'Whoever spread the news of this wedding wanted it to happen. Someone powerful… someone dangerous.'
His eyes narrowed slightly with gratitude as he tilted his head toward the young man following behind him, graceful, composed, and wearing elegant white and green robes embroidered with glazed tiles. The symbol of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan gleamed on his chest.
Ning Fengzhi, the clan master himself, had arrived with him.
' If Ning Fengzhi had not invited to travel with me, I would have failed to reach here in time.'
----
On the other side of the marriage altar, Yu Xiaogang's face turned deathly pale the moment Yu Luomian stepped into view.
He recognized him instantly.
His heartbeat thundered in his ears as cold sweat trickled down his back. His legs felt unsteady, and the confident air he wore just moments ago began to collapse under the weight of his uncle's presence.
Then came Liu Erlong's voice, sharp and biting.
"What authority do you have to interfere with my life and my marriage?"
Yu Luomian's expression darkened, and his voice rose with fury.
"Girl, I am your father!" he barked. "And as your father, it is my responsibility to ensure the man you choose as your life partner is neither a coward nor a disgrace!"
There was a tremor in his voice—not of fear, but deep-seated emotion.
"I know you're angry," he added, slightly softer. "Angry that I wasn't there when your mother was ill… But that doesn't give me the luxury of letting you ruin your future with this man."
He gestured toward Yu Xiaogang, contempt clear in his eyes.
Liu Erlong's eyes blazed with fury. Her fists clenched at her sides, and she opened her mouth to say something.
But before she could, Flender quickly stepped between them.
"Uncle Luomian, please," he said with a calm but respectful tone. "I believe there's a misunderstanding. Yu Xiaogang is not what you think. He may not be strong in battle, but his brilliance in soul theory has changed the way many of us view cultivation. He's my friend, and more than that, he's a good man."
Flender placed his hand over his heart as a gesture of sincerity.
But Yu Luomian was unmoved.
He took a step forward, placing a firm hand on Flender's shoulder.
Flender's body instinctively tensed—the grip was powerful, filled with soul power. He immediately recognized the strength behind it.
'Soul Douluo... just like Erlong once mentioned…' he realized.
Yu Luomian narrowed his eyes and said flatly, "I know who you are—Flender, of the Golden Iron Triangle. I've heard of your strength, and I respect your friendship with my daughter."
His grip tightened just slightly.
"But I don't need anyone to educate me about my own nephew."