Chapter 216 – A Wedding? I Don't Agree!
In the imperial capital, Xiao Clan residence.
"Elder Hai, are you alright?"
Ya Fei was supporting Hai Bodong as he walked with some difficulty.
"I'll be fine, just a minor injury. Something's not right—Yun Shan is no longer the man I once knew. I don't know what happened to him, but his personality has clearly changed. Have Teng Shan start preparing. I suspect the Misty Cloud Sect is eyeing the entire Jia Ma Empire—we must prepare early."
Hai Bodong's face was pale, and his aura unstable, but his tone was firm.
"Trying to take the whole empire? Has Misty Cloud Sect gone mad? Even with Yun Shan at the Dou Zong level, how can he possibly suppress all the powers in the capital if they unite?"
Ya Fei was shocked and frowned.
"My instincts don't fail me—especially when my life is at stake. No matter where Yun Shan got his confidence, we have to be ready."
Hai Bodong said seriously.
"Alright, please rest first. I'll—"
She turned to leave, but froze halfway as she saw a familiar figure in white at the door.
"Going where?"
A familiar voice filled with warmth and laughter rang out.
Ya Fei blinked, finally snapping out of her daze.
"Xiao Yuan?"
Before she could speak, Hai Bodong exclaimed in surprise.
"Didn't expect to come home and find Elder Hai injured. You weren't sparring with old Jia again, were you?"
Xiao Yuan walked in, smiling, and gave Ya Fei a gentle pat on the waist before turning to Hai Bodong.
"That old fossil Jia Xing Tian doesn't hit this hard—and wouldn't be able to injure me even if he wanted to!"
Hai Bodong scoffed, clearly annoyed.
"Enough teasing. There's something important I have to tell you."
His tone turned serious.
"What is it?"
Xiao Yuan frowned.
"After you left the empire, the Misty Cloud Sect's former Sect Master Yun Shan emerged from seclusion. He imprisoned Yun Yun and is using her to rope in Gu He. Wedding invitations have already gone out. The ceremony is tomorrow."
Hai Bodong's words made Xiao Yuan's expression darken instantly.
"Yun Shan did this to you?"
"Yeah. I tried to reason with him, but he was completely irrational. Told me to stay out of it and attacked without warning. He hits hard!"
Hai Bodong gave a cold laugh.
"I understand. Leave this to me, Elder Hai. Don't worry—my strength has grown significantly. Even Yun Shan won't be able to stop me. Here—this is a tier-4 healing pill. It'll help you recover. Rest up. I'll ask Ya Fei for the rest."
Xiao Yuan placed a bottle of pills on the table and walked out with Ya Fei.
Watching them go, Hai Bodong nodded to himself.
To appear without me even noticing… Xiao Yuan's strength has grown a lot this year. I knew he was the real deal.
He poured out a pill and swallowed it. As warmth spread through his body, his heart settled.
Outside, Xiao Yuan's expression softened as he smiled.
"Ya Fei-jie, I missed you so much."
He pulled her into his arms and whispered.
"I missed you too."
Ya Fei smiled, resting her head against his chest.
After a moment of warmth, they reluctantly separated.
"Come, tell me what's been going on this past year since I left the capital."
Xiao Yuan took her hand as they walked.
"Mm. About half a month after you left…"
Ya Fei nodded and began explaining the situation.
Today, the empire's power structure had changed. With support from the Miteer family and the fame of Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, the Xiao Clan had grown significantly. Even Xiao Zhan had broken through to Dou Ling, thanks to the resources provided by Miteer.
The Xiao Clan wasn't officially the fourth great family yet, but anyone with eyes could see they were bound to become a major force—possibly even a power in the entire northwest region of the continent.
Meanwhile, Misty Cloud Sect had undergone a major upheaval. Yun Shan emerged from seclusion, stripped Yun Yun of authority, and imprisoned her—claiming she was in isolated cultivation. Elder Hai's investigation made it clear she was being used as a bargaining chip to bind Gu He.
It was obvious now: Misty Cloud Sect had ambitions far beyond their mountain stronghold.
The Shadow Guard had also discovered that Misty Cloud Sect had begun extending its influence and spreading its agents.
Xiao Yuan's heart sank.
He hadn't moved against Misty Cloud Sect a year ago to protect his teacher—and to avoid hurting Yun Yun.
But now… it seemed some things were inevitable.
Still, this was also a blessing in disguise. If things went as expected, the Hall of Souls agent embedded in Misty Cloud Sect was likely that Dou Zong known as Protector Wu.
He was strong—but Yao Lao was stronger now.
"Ya Fei-jie, don't go to the wedding tomorrow. Stay at the manor and wait for me."
Xiao Yuan said seriously.
"Don't act rashly—be careful."
She was worried, and couldn't help but remind him.
"Don't worry. I've got a plan. I'm sorry I can't stay longer—this was supposed to be time for us. But I need to deal with this first."
Xiao Yuan said apologetically.
"I'm not some naive little girl. Honestly, I don't want to see Sect Master Yun Yun forced to marry someone she doesn't love—especially not under the control of her so-called 'elders'."
Ya Fei smiled softly.
"This marriage won't happen."
Xiao Yuan nodded, embracing her one last time.
"I have some things to prepare. Wait for me."
"Alright."
Ya Fei nodded, watching him go, then sighed deeply.
—
That day, Misty Cloud Sect was filled with celebration. Red decorations blanketed the mountain, casting a festive glow.
Yun Yun's wedding was a huge event. Her fiancé, Gu He, was a highly respected figure, and the sect had invited all major powers. This would be the most grand wedding in years.
In this jubilant mood, many forgot recent conflicts. Misty Cloud Sect was seen as invincible—especially with Yun Shan as the empire's only Dou Zong.
From dawn, the festive music echoed across the mountain. As the sun rose higher, the atmosphere became even more festive.
In a main hall, only Yun Shan and Gu He sat.
"Gu He, after today, you'll be one of us. If anything ever happens to me, the Misty Cloud Sect may need to rely on you."
Yun Shan smiled warmly.
"You're in your prime, Sect Master. Let's not speak such ominous words."
Gu He smiled modestly.
"Yun'er was deceived by that brat from the Xiao Clan, but she's still my disciple. I can't let her do as she pleases. You'll need to be patient with her."
Yun Shan said calmly.
"I understand, Sect Master. I'll treat her well. And once the wedding is over, please lift the seal on her. I'd like to take her out to see the world. Maybe she'll understand your intentions in time."
Gu He said gently.
Yun Shan nodded. "Of course. I raised her myself—this isn't easy for me either."
Gu He bowed respectfully, then left.
Yun Shan's smile faded. A glint of cold light flashed in his old eyes.
—
As the sun reached its peak, the celebration reached its height. The sect's grand plaza was covered in red, and Misty Cloud Sect disciples in red robes formed a crimson sea.
A massive wedding platform had been built. At the top, Yun Shan sat smiling, chatting with various guests who had come to offer congratulations.
Below, Gu He, clad in bright red robes, stood smiling, returning greetings.
"The bride arrives!"
A clear voice rang out. The crowd quieted. All eyes turned to see a veiled woman in a red wedding gown slowly approaching, surrounded by beautiful handmaidens.
Laughter and congratulations filled the air. Even those who didn't know Yun Yun personally admired Gu He's fortune.
But no one noticed the subtle stiffness in the bride's steps—as if she were a puppet.
Gu He accepted the ceremonial red ribbon from the handmaid and led the bride toward the platform.
"Haha! Today, my beloved disciple is getting married. Thank you all for coming from far and wide. The Misty Cloud Sect is honored."
Yun Shan stood and laughed heartily.
Applause and cheers rang out across the plaza.
"Yun'er will be the next Sect Master. And Gu He is more than worthy—so it's a perfect match,"
Yun Shan continued, smiling.
Gu He nodded, but whenever he glanced at the silent bride, his smile faded slightly.
"Today, before all the powers of the Jia Ma Empire, I declare—my disciple Yun Yun shall marry Gu He!"
A new wave of applause surged.
Yun Shan raised his hand.
"The auspicious hour has arrived—begin the ceremony!"
In that moment, the joy reached its peak.
"Shhh!"
Suddenly, a sharp wind tore through the sky. A cyan sword light shot toward the platform.
Startled, the crowd gasped. Yun Shan's expression darkened. He leapt down, waved his sleeve, and blasted the sword light apart with powerful Dou Qi.
CLANG!
The shockwave wrecked the nearby decorations.
"Heh. Sect Master Yun Shan—what's the rush? I don't agree to this wedding."
A voice rang out.
On the platform, Yun Yun—who had remained stiff and lifeless—suddenly trembled. She looked up in disbelief, her gaze locking on the sky.
(END CHAPTER)
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