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A Wedding Amidst Jealousy and Joy
Yesterday, I finally managed to cross the threshold that had been blocking my cultivation and stepped into the Dao Comprehension Realm.
How exactly I crossed over, I can hardly explain. It was only when I witnessed my mother passionately kissing Senior Brother that a surge of extremely complex emotions arose within me, as if some secret place deep in my soul had been deeply touched. When I returned to my room and saw Lingxi expressing her love for me, her fiery gaze and gentle demeanor instantly broke through the last barrier in my heart, and I entered a completely new realm. Even now, I can't accurately describe that wondrous feeling in words. Perhaps it was seeing them truly let go of their restraints and reveal their true selves. If I had to name it, the only word I can think of is "relief."
The sunlight streaming through the window gently fell on the bed, making Lingxi's face look even more beautiful and moving. I gazed at her peaceful sleeping face, my heart full of tenderness. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if she were having a sweet dream.
Unable to resist, I gently kissed her forehead. She murmured softly and slowly opened her eyes. Those beautiful eyes still held the haze of sleep, but also a hint of shyness and affection.
"Husband…" Her voice was like the morning breeze, soft and warm.
I smiled without speaking, gently caressing her delicate body.
A blush rose on Lingxi's cheeks, like peach blossoms in spring. Shyly, she snuggled into my embrace like a gentle kitten.
Just then, my mother's anxious voice sounded in my mind:
"Son, your Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother are fighting..."
What?
I quickly got up and hurriedly tidied my clothes. Lingxi, seeing me get up, immediately asked, "What's wrong, husband?"
"It's nothing, Mother said Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother are fighting. If you're still sleepy, go back to sleep, I'll go take a look."
"I'm not sleepy anymore, I'll go with you."
Lingxi quickly got dressed, insisting on accompanying me.
"What happened?" I asked my mother in my mind.
"It's just... your Second Senior Brother came back this morning and found... I was with your Senior Brother..." Her voice grew quieter.
Alright, the simp stole the warm man's home.
Looks like it's a jealousy fight...
I couldn't help but smile bitterly in my heart. What a mess. I quickened my pace, heading with Lingxi toward where my mother was.
"Son, they're in the training ground..."
I'd forgotten to ask the location.
I quickly changed direction, scooping Lingxi up and leaping toward the training ground.
There, I saw two burly men, both nearly two meters tall, engaged in an intense fistfight. Their muscles bulged, and every collision seemed to crack the air. Their fists whooshed through the air, and the dust at their feet was kicked up in clouds.
Seeing that nothing too serious would happen, I turned my attention to my mother. She was still wearing thin clothes, standing not far away with a complicated expression part worry, part embarrassment. The cold wind made her shiver, and she unconsciously hugged herself. I hurriedly took off my coat and draped it over her shoulders. She turned to look at me, a trace of warmth in her eyes.
"It's still my own son who's best, those two big fools."
Standing beside her, I smiled and said, "Looks like your two beloved disciples have knocked over the vinegar jar."
Mother blushed and spat lightly, "You child, still making jokes!"
By now, Mother had long since reverted to her gentle, feminine self. The "cold-faced sword immortal" was gone after last night's emotional moment... Maybe she never liked being that way.
"Who told you to be so charming? Isn't this fun to watch?"
"Go, go, don't make fun of me."
Lingxi took my arm, smiling gently. "Husband is right, mother-in-law is very charming."
Mother blushed, lightly tapping Lingxi on the head. "You little rascal, ganging up with your husband to bully me. I should've let your Senior Brother have you last night..."
With that, she glanced up at me...
Lingxi quickly fell silent, hiding in my arms, her face red, occasionally peeking up at me before quickly looking down again.
I coughed lightly and said nothing more...
At that moment, a loud crash came from the training ground as Second Senior Brother punched Senior Brother, sending him flying. Senior Brother staggered, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
"Stop it, both of you!"
Both Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother froze, turning slowly to face Mother. She glared at them, trying to sound stern: "How long are you two going to fight?"
Senior Brother wiped the blood from his mouth, looking unwillingly at Second Senior Brother. "Qingshan, I haven't lost yet!"
Second Senior Brother sneered, "Lost or not, you know in your heart."
"Enough!" Mother scolded, "What do you take me for?"
Her voice caught, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes. "You two are the disciples I trust most, and yet..."
I stepped forward, gently putting my arm around her shoulders. "Mom, don't be angry, it's not your fault."
Lingxi also comforted her, "Yes, mother-in-law, don't be upset. Let the two Senior Brothers cool off a bit."
Mother took a deep breath. "Hmph, you two big idiots, fight if you want, beat each other to death for all I care..."
With that, she turned and left. I had Lingxi accompany her back, while I stayed to watch the two Senior Brothers.
With my current strength, I could easily control them both.
From what I'd just seen, both Senior Brothers had reached around the Golden Core stage. It seemed that under Mother's Beast Desire Technique, this "beastification" ability was quite powerful.
Seeing them still unwilling to give in, I sighed heavily. "Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, I know how you feel, and I'm sure you know how Mother feels too... I think... fighting like this, have you thought about Mother? Have you thought about me?" The two of them froze, looking like children caught doing something wrong.
I knew my tone was serious. I softened it and continued, "I believe you've heard about me from Mother... but if you keep this up..." I paused, glancing at them. "I really don't want anything unpleasant to happen between us brothers... I hope you'll think it over... As for the future... I believe we'll be a loving family."
Well, for my not-so-bright head, that's all I could say. I'd inherited memories and still felt affection for Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother, hoping to resolve things as a family.
Sigh, these two men who grew up together, now fighting over Mother like two wild beasts competing for territory and mates.
Male animal instincts were on full display, using strength and anger to assert dominance, forgetting reason and friendship.
"Junior Brother, we were wrong," the two said, apologizing to me.
"As long as you two stop fighting, everything else will work itself out. Look at how upset you've made Mother... sometimes she cares about you two even more than me, her own son..."
They understood what I meant; their faces reddened, looking awkward.
"Junior Brother..."
"Alright, Senior Brothers... let's not say any more. You're still my good Senior Brothers, and Mother is still your gentle Mistress..."
"Alright, we'll listen to you..."
"Yeah... we'll listen to you..."
They both replied.
"Then, could you two go cook? I'm starving... and I bet Mother is too. Do you want her to go hungry?"
Hearing this, they hurried off to the kitchen.
I shook my head never expected today to turn out like this.
I strolled slowly around the training ground, pondering the challenges ahead.
Now, I possessed the Longevity Technique and the recipe for the Longevity Pill. Should I build my own faction? But what if I attracted ingrates and suffered backlash? That could be a ticking time bomb. So I had to be very careful in choosing people.
My real wish was simple: not to dominate, but to protect Mother, Lingxi, and those around me. Now that I'd reached the Dao Comprehension Realm, aside from the highest Destiny Realm and a few experienced Dao Comprehension experts, I should be able to hold my own. My only weakness was lack of combat experience.
In this world, there aren't many I can truly trust: Mother, Lingxi, Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, and if you count Ye Wuhui (now Old Hao) and Daoist Qingxuan, only six people...
After thinking it over, I realized that only by becoming strong myself could I be truly reliable. That way, even if others targeted me, they'd have to think twice.
From what I learned at the martial arts tournament, the Longevity Sect and the imperial court hoped to integrate cultivators. Once you enter someone else's "house," there are more rules to follow, and more instability...
Just then, my mother's voice sounded in my mind:
"Son, how was Mom's acting just now?"
"Huh? Acting?"
"Hehehe, fooled you too, didn't I?"
Thinking back, I realized Mother could definitely have stopped the Senior Brothers if not, she would have...
But why did she do it?
I couldn't figure it out.
"Mom... why did you do that?"
"...Not telling you. Are they done fighting?"
"I talked to them, it's fine now. They're probably making food and will call you to eat..."
"Mhm, your Second Senior Brother bought everything needed for your wedding with Lingxi, even had the wedding clothes made overnight. Lingxi looks beautiful now."
I slapped my forehead almost forgot, tomorrow is my wedding day...
I quickly got up, leapt out of the training ground, and went to Mother's room.
The wedding dress was tailored just for her.
It was made of bright red silk, embroidered with intricate golden patterns. The sleeves were wide and flowing, each movement like a cloud. A sash embroidered with mandarin ducks cinched her slender waist perfectly. The lower part, like a cheongsam, had a slit at just the right spot to show her slender, straight legs.
At this moment, Lingxi looked like a fairy from a painting, so beautiful I couldn't look away.
"Husband... do I look good?"
I gently took her hand, her skin as soft as petals, trembling ever so slightly.
"You look beautiful." My voice was gentle and firm.
She looked down at the gorgeous red dress, her eyes reddening.
"Actually... I never dared imagine getting married before..." Her voice grew softer. "I was afraid... afraid others would dislike me..."
My heart clenched, my hand unconsciously pausing. Lingxi continued, "Those things in the past..."
I cut her off, "Shh... don't say it."
I looked into her eyes. "Lingxi, the past is over. From now on, you are my only wife. No one will ever dislike you."
I saw a crystal tear slide down her cheek.
"Husband..."
I wiped her face gently.
"Don't cry."
Her tears flowed even more, but she smiled with relief. "Thank you... thank you for accepting me..."
I hugged her, gently stroking her back. "Thank you for marrying me..."
She sobbed in my arms, soaking my clothes.
After a long while, she calmed down, nuzzling against me. "Husband... tomorrow I'll be the happiest bride in the world."
"Your husband will make sure you're the happiest bride..."
Hearing Mother's teasing, both Lingxi and I felt our faces heat up...
That night,
Lingxi changed back into her usual clothes, standing in front of the mirror lost in thought. I hugged her from behind.
"What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking..." She turned and leaned into my arms. "From tomorrow, I'll really be your wife."
Her voice was full of sweet laughter.
"It's like a dream."
...
At dusk the next day, the evening glow painted the sect in fiery red. Inside and out, lanterns and red silk fluttered, filling the air with festivity.
The dozen or so villagers from the foot of the mountain arrived early, dressed in their best, bringing sincere blessings and carefully prepared gifts. Children played and laughed, their voices ringing out. The adults sat together, smiling and chatting about the long-awaited wedding.
Since Lingxi lived in the sect, there was no need for a formal bridal procession.
I led Lingxi by the hand into the ceremonial hall.
Inside, Mother and Daoist Qingxuan sat in the place of honor.
Mother, seeing us enter, looked at Ye Wuhui (now disguised as Old Hao) and said, "Old Hao, you're half a master to my son. Today, you sit here." She pointed to the seat beside her.
Old Hao was stunned, his eyes flashing with joy and excitement, his body even trembling a little. This was a moment he'd never dared hope for, after a lifetime of secretly loving Mother. He quickly nodded, his voice trembling, "Is... is that alright?"
I smiled at him and nodded.
Old Hao, seeing my approval, sat down.
Looks like women really do like handsome men.
"Wow, Old Hao, what luck! Sitting next to Sword Immortal Lin..." villagers teased.
Old Hao's face turned red...
Second Senior Brother called out, "Bride and groom, perform the washing ceremony!"
Lingxi and I washed our hands and faces to show respect.
"Perform the shared meal ceremony!"
We sat facing each other, eating from the same dish, symbolizing sharing joy and hardship as a couple.
"Perform the nuptial cup ceremony!"
The attendant brought nuptial wine. Lingxi and I each took a cup, linked arms, and drank, symbolizing eternal union.
A villager laughed, "The newlyweds are a perfect match!"
Everyone agreed.
"Bow to heaven and earth!" Second Senior Brother called.
"First bow: to heaven and earth, grateful for this fated union!"
Lingxi and I bowed devoutly.
"Second bow: to the elders, thanks for raising us!"
We turned and bowed to Mother, Daoist Qingxuan, and Ye Wuhui.
Mother's eyes were full of tears. "May you have harmony and grow old together."
Daoist Qingxuan nodded. "Children, support each other in the days ahead."
Old Hao was too moved to speak...
"Bow to each other: from now on, mutual respect and eternal unity!"
Lingxi and I bowed to each other, ceremony complete.
A villager praised, "Sword Immortal Lin is radiant today, stunning as ever!"
Another added, "Old Hao is lucky to sit there!"
Old Hao just grinned.
Senior Brother came over, holding a cup of wine and smiling. "Junior Brother, today's your big day drink this first!" He handed me the cup.
I smiled, took it, and drank it down. Second Senior Brother immediately offered another, "And this one! Wishing you a sweet marriage and many children!"
I drank both. Senior Brother poured another, "One more for you!"
Mother scolded, "Don't get your Junior Brother drunk, he still has to consummate the marriage tonight!"
Everyone laughed...
Seeing this, Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother stopped toasting me and turned to Old Hao, a flash of jealousy in their eyes. They looked at Old Hao, "Old Hao, Junior Brother still has his wedding night, so he can't drink more, but you're sitting next to Mistress today, let's toast you!"
Old Hao, still excited, smiled and drank. Second Senior Brother poured another, "One more, thanks for taking care of Junior Brother!"
Mother frowned, "Alright, enough drinking."
"No worries, I'll drink for Lin Lu."
Old Hao laughed happily.
A child ran over, shouting, "The bride is as beautiful as a fairy!"
Everyone cheered, the atmosphere growing even more lively. At the banquet, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air.
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