"What is this thing?!"
Everyone was utterly stunned by the spectacle before them.
Formation patterns swirled and interlaced across the sky, coalescing into a colossal array that blotted out moon and stars like a heavenly palm.
"This looks similar to that Spirit Contract Array," mused the Sect Master of Xuanwu Sect, his eyes fixed on the celestial formation. As a Title Douluo, he clearly sensed it held no killing intent—only a profound, swirling sea of spiritual power.
Xuan Zi, who understood only half of what he saw, turned to Ye Xuanji—who sat serenely sipping tea.
"Old Ye, what's your disciple up to? This is even grander than the last display!"
"Xuan Zi, just sit back and enjoy the show," Ye Xuanji said, stroking his beard with quiet pride. "That boy of mine inherited every bit of my romantic flair—all to give Xiao Tian the perfect confession."
"Then it's all over…" Xuan Zi muttered under his breath.
But among those seated—every one a pinnacle-rank powerhouse—even a whisper carried like a shout.
"Xuan Zi… what do you mean by that?" Ye Xuanji's face darkened.
"Nothing much," Xuan Zi retorted with a smirk. "I'm just wondering—if you're so romantically gifted… why are you still a virgin at your age?"
Checkmate.
"You old bachelor! I'll fight you right now!" Ye Xuanji roared, half-rising from his seat.
Just as their bickering erupted—
The array above blazed with blinding radiance.
When the light faded… everything had changed.
The night sky had vanished—replaced by nine-colored dawn clouds, spilling across the heavens like celestial brocade, dazzling beyond words.
Amid the sunset's golden glow, dark silhouettes emerged from the sun itself—flying toward the light.
As the flock drew closer, all could see them clearly:
Magpies. Azure Sun Cuckoos. Jade-feathered Songbirds…
A tidal wave of a hundred birds, soaring in perfect formation.
They circled above Chen Junting and Ning Tian, then began arranging themselves—descending from the sky, step by step.
In moments, the Hundred-Bird Stairway was complete.
"Allow me to escort my princess upward," Chen Junting said softly, holding a wide-eyed Ning Tian in his arms.
With each step he took up the feathered stairs, his earlier aura condensed, growing sharper, heavier. By the halfway point, he turned—
"Does anyone want to steal my bride?"
As he spoke, a gigantic Seven Kill Sword erupted from Sea God Lake, slicing the water apart.
Killing intent flooded the air in all directions.
Seventh Soul Skill—Seven Kill True Body!
Then—Chen Junting's will and sword intent coalesced into a colossal phantom, towering behind him. The spectral giant reached down—and gripped the hilt of the Seven Kill True Body.
"If any dare challenge me… I welcome the fight."
Steal the bride? Are you kidding?
Even if you were joking… that sword certainly wasn't.
"Is this Brother Junting's planned segment?!" Huo Yuhao gasped, still holding Wang Dong'er's hand—both utterly awestruck.
Though Tianmeng Ice Silkworm had instantly explained the truth—that it was an illusion, woven with echoes of soul skills—
Huo Yuhao had no desire to dispel it.
Neither did the Elders or guests.
They all recognized the artifice—but when beauty posed no threat, why ruin the dream?
Just as Chen Junting reached the final steps—and the stairway ended—a clear, crystalline phoenix cry echoed in his ears.
All turned toward the horizon.
From the distance, nine resplendent phoenixes—feathered in jeweled plumage—pulled a celestial palanquin through the clouds.
"Are those… actual phoenixes?!" Ma Xiaotao's eyes widened in disbelief. Even her Fire Phoenix True Body paled beside their majestic, ancient grace.
But where did they come from?
Star Dou Forest!
This spectacle was entirely Chen Junting's creation. To prepare this surprise, he'd journeyed to Star Dou Forest and sought Di Tian's aid. With the Beast God's help, he gathered a hundred avian soul beasts—mostly 10- to 100-year types—and nine 10,000-year soul beasts bearing phoenix bloodlines.
Through illusion, their forms now manifested as true phoenixes.
Now, as the nine-phoenix palanquin reached the stairway's summit, Chen Junting gently set Ning Tian down.
"This is… too extravagant," she whispered.
Yet the rosy glow in her eyes betrayed her delight.
Chen Junting brushed a stray golden strand from her face. "You deserve it."
Chirp—!
At the phoenixes' call, two magpies soared from the sunset, weaving between sunbeams. Between them shimmered a nine-hued ribbon, delicate as spun mist.
The birds carried it to Ning Tian—and draped the colorful veil over her head.
Chen Junting offered his arm, guiding her into the palanquin. But as he stepped in himself, he suddenly whirled around.
Behind him, the phantom swordsman mirrored his turn—eyes sweeping the crowd.
"Senior Sister," Chen Junting called to Zhang Lexuan, "may we take our leave?"
His voice snapped the awestruck audience back to reality.
Zhang Lexuan smiled and nodded. "With no challengers stepping forward, I hereby declare—Chen Junting and Ning Tian's 'A Hundred Years of Harmony' is complete! May your love endure through lifetimes—never to part!"
Chirp! ×9
... ×N
Phoenix cries and avian harmonies filled the air—a hundred birds paying homage to the nine sovereigns.
Amid shared smiles and farewell waves, the nine-phoenix palanquin ascended, carrying the couple beyond Shrek City's borders.
As it vanished, the formation dissolved. The nine-colored light faded like a dream.
"That brat… truly something," Ye Xuanji murmured, stroking his beard—though his smile stretched nearly to his ears.
"Inspired youth, indeed," sighed Tian Yang Douluo, struck with awe.
This was a feat they could never replicate.
He glanced sideways at Ye Xuanji.
Why is the gap between people so vast?
The Dou Ling imperial line? Mostly drunken wastrels.
Yet other great sects? Brilliant talent abounds—especially the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, now riding the crest of glory…
—
Shrek City, Nine Treasure Pavilion
Somehow, Chen Junting and Ning Tian had already returned to their room.
They did nothing extravagant—simply sat in quiet closeness. Ning Tian nestled in Chen Junting's embrace, savoring this rare peace.
"Brother Junting…"
"Hmm?"
Her soft murmur broke the stillness.
Chen Junting leaned down—and heard her whisper, earnest and tender:
"I love you… so, so much."
The moment their eyes met, faces close, Ning Tian rose on her toes—pressing her lips to his.
First, a dragonfly's touch—then, unyielding.
Long moments passed—neither willing to part.
Two lovers, long bound in heart, gave themselves fully to love's embrace.
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