In the valley of Fanhua, smoke rose gracefully from the chimneys, giving the distant impression of a simple family preparing dinner.
Hua Caiyi knocked gently on the door. A heavy voice from inside responded, "Caiyi, you've finally returned! Why were you gone so long this time? Did you encounter trouble?"
Hua Caiyi replied, "Indeed, Master, I faced grave danger and nearly lost my life. Thankfully, the master of Yufeng Manor risked his life to save me."
Gu Yuntian asked, "Is the master of Yufeng Manor outside as well?"
Chang Jingyun cupped his hands in greeting, "I apologize for arriving unannounced. Please forgive my intrusion, Senior."
The heavy voice from inside continued, "It's not the first time. Caiyi, check if dinner is ready. As for you, Master Chang, come inside. I have a few things to discuss with you."
Before entering, Chang Jingyun lightly patted Hua Caiyi's shoulder, signaling her not to worry. Yet, unease lingered in her heart. After all, Chang Jingyun was from Yufeng Manor, and Gu Yuntian had never been fond of dealing with the six major clans. He had already made an exception once, but this time, words alone might not suffice.
Inside, the voices were quiet. Even with her ear pressed against the door, Hua Caiyi couldn't make out the conversation between the two.
Chang Jingyun stood behind the screen, explaining his intentions. He wasn't familiar with Gu Yuntian's temperament and had already mentally prepared for various outcomes before stepping inside.
Gu Yuntian reclined on a chaise longue, speaking calmly, "And what makes you think I would agree to let my disciple marry you?"
Chang Jingyun responded, "I swear to you, Senior Gu, from now on, the safety of Fanhua Valley will be the same as that of Yufeng Manor."
Gu Yuntian chuckled, "Such naïveté. Even if I were to trust your words, do you think the other five great clans would let you off so easily?"
Chang Jingyun was taken aback by this response. In his eyes, Gu Yuntian had always been a reclusive master of medicine, uninterested in worldly disputes. Yet, his words revealed a deep understanding of the martial world's intricacies.
Chang Jingyun bowed once more, "Even if I must oppose the other five clans, I will marry Caiyi. I only ask for your blessing, Senior Gu."
Slowly, Gu Yuntian rose from the chaise longue and moved to stand in front of the screen. Chang Jingyun dared not lift his gaze, his eyes fixed on the ground the entire time. Gu Yuntian approached him and suddenly said, "If I refuse, my dear disciple would resent me for the rest of her life, blaming me for ruining her happiness. But I know little of your character. Here, take this 'Scattered Breath Pill,' a unique poison from Fanhua Valley. Once ingested, it will cause sudden breathlessness, leading to death by asphyxiation. If you truly wish to marry Caiyi, then swallow this pill."
Chang Jingyun stared at the pill in Gu Yuntian's hand, hesitating for a moment. What could his true intentions be? Was this a test?
Seeing Chang Jingyun's hesitation, Gu Yuntian mocked, "What's wrong? Afraid?"
Taking a deep breath, Chang Jingyun picked up the pill and swallowed it.
Gu Yuntian remarked, "A real man stands by his actions. It seems Caiyi didn't choose wrongly. Come to Fanhua Valley every Mid-Autumn, and I'll give you an antidote to delay the poison. However, should you ever betray Caiyi, then prepare for a painful death when the poison takes its course."
As the setting sun cast a crimson glow over Fanhua Valley, Chang Jingyun emerged from the door. Hua Caiyi immediately rushed to him, worry in her voice, "Did Master give you a hard time?"
Chang Jingyun smiled and shook his head. He kept the matter of the Scattered Breath Pill to himself, not wanting Hua Caiyi to worry now or ever.
At that moment, a servant approached and announced loudly from the doorway, "Master, dinner is ready!"
From inside, the sound of coughing could be heard. Hua Caiyi hurried into the room and asked, "Master, have you been taking your medicine regularly?"
Gu Yuntian replied, "It's the same old illness. Taking medicine on time won't help. I won't be joining you for dinner today. You and Master Chang go ahead and eat. After you finish, bring me a portion."
Looking at Gu Yuntian's weary face, Hua Caiyi's heart ached with guilt. She had grown up in Fanhua Valley, and now, at a time when Gu Yuntian needed her most, she was choosing to marry, leaving a sense of unfilial duty weighing heavily on her.
Sensing her emotions, Gu Yuntian, eyes closed, said, "There's no need to feel guilty, nor do you owe me anything. I couldn't possibly keep you by my side forever. One day, you will leave, and I will grow old and depart this world. That Master Chang seems like a reliable man. All I ask is that you return to Fanhua Valley every Mid-Autumn, and I will be content."
Tears welled up in Hua Caiyi's eyes as she choked out, "It's my fault for being unfilial. I promise, Master, after I marry, I will continue to study medicine diligently and will never let your years of teaching go to waste."
Gu Yuntian waved his hand dismissively, coldly saying, "Go on, go on!"
After dinner, Hua Caiyi carried the food to Gu Yuntian's room, only to find him sorting medicinal herbs. The scene brought back memories of the days when Gu Yuntian had patiently taught her how to distinguish each herb.
"Master, the food is ready. You should eat while it's still warm."
Gu Yuntian set the herbs aside, turning to look at Hua Caiyi. His eyes, though filled with reluctance, held words of advice he could no longer hold back.
"Caiyi, there's something I can't tell you openly, but I must warn you. If you truly marry Chang Jingyun, you may one day find yourself in a difficult and precarious situation."
Curious, Hua Caiyi asked, "Are you referring to the longstanding grudges between Han Zhen Sect, Fanhua Valley, and the six major clans?"
Gu Yuntian replied, "It's not as simple as you think. This matter is far more complicated."
It was the first time Hua Caiyi had seen her master hesitate in his words. Though her curiosity was piqued, she refrained from probing further, simply saying, "Since you can't speak of it, I won't ask. If that day ever comes, I'll choose not to take sides."
Gu Yuntian asked in return, "Are you certain you can remain neutral?"
Hua Caiyi vowed, "I swear to the heavens that in this lifetime, I will never do anything to betray Fanhua Valley."
"Caiyi, remember your oath today! Should you ever break it, you will face an eternity of suffering."
On this day, the grand wedding of Chang Jingyun and Hua Caiyi was finally upon them. Due to Hua Caiyi's unique status, Chang Jingyun had only invited guests from Xuanjian Manor and Fanhua Valley, to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
Yet, despite their precautions, an unexpected guest arrived uninvited. The master of Muchen Manor, Song Yuanmo, brazenly appeared, ignoring the skeptical looks of those around him as he greeted everyone with a chilling smile.
In the spirit of treating all guests with respect, Chang Jingyun greeted him courteously, cupping his hands, "It is an honor that Master Song has traveled so far. Forgive me for any slight!"
Song Yuanmo replied, "How could I miss the wedding of Master Chang? The six major clans have always been on good terms. I couldn't resist coming to celebrate and enjoy a cup of wedding wine."
Chang Jingyun responded, "Master Song speaks the truth. It was my mistake for not inviting you sooner. Please, take the seat of honor!" He then instructed his chief disciple, Zhai Yue, to guide Song Yuanmo to his seat.
However, Song Yuanmo was not appeased. His gaze fell upon Hua Caiyi, who was adorned in her red bridal veil. Her graceful figure hinted at the beauty hidden beneath, though her face remained unseen.
Song Yuanmo couldn't help but remark, "I wonder, which family's lady is fortunate enough to win Master Chang's favor? Surely, it must be a rare blessing across lifetimes!"
Chang Jingyun recognized the veiled provocation in Song Yuanmo's words. Clearly, Song had already investigated Hua Caiyi's identity, and his presence today was meant to stir trouble.
Not wanting to put Chang Jingyun in a difficult position, Hua Caiyi spoke up, "I am but a humble girl from a local herbal shop. It is indeed my honor to have met Master Chang."
Song Yuanmo let out an exaggerated "Oh" and continued, "Judging by your voice, it's as melodious as a songstress from Qingsi Tower. I can only imagine that beneath the veil lies a stunning beauty."
His remark, likening her to a mere courtesan, angered Chang Jingyun, who prepared to confront him. However, Hua Caiyi stopped him, gently shaking her head, signaling him not to act rashly.
At that moment, Gu Yuntian suddenly stepped forward and slapped Song Yuanmo across the face, fury in his voice, "How dare you insult my disciple? She is not someone for the likes of you to belittle."
Song Yuanmo, holding his cheek in shock, glared at Gu Yuntian, "You old fool! You'll pay for this!" He raised his hand to strike back, but Gu Yuntian easily subdued him with just a few swift moves.
This turn of events surprised Chang Jingyun once again. It turned out that Gu Yuntian was not only a master of medicine but also possessed formidable martial skills, hidden beneath his calm exterior.
Realizing he couldn't win through force, Song Yuanmo resorted to verbal assaults instead.
"I see it all clearly now!" He sneered at Chang Jingyun, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Master Chang, I merely came for a drink, yet this is how you treat your guests. And to think, you've married the disciple of Fanhua Valley's master. Are you ready to stand against the other five major clans?"
Duan Qinyu, from Xuanjian Manor, was also present, and hearing Song Yuanmo's words, he quickly intervened. "Master Song, today is a joyous occasion for Master Chang's wedding. Please mind your words."
Song Yuanmo scoffed, "So, Master Duan, are you too prepared to defy the other sects? As a member of the six great clans, instead of severing ties with Fanhua Valley, you're aiding them! How will you answer to your master and your grandmaster?"
Duan Qinyu retorted, "The grandmaster you speak of belongs to Muchen Manor, not Xuanjian Manor. My only master is the founder of our clan, Qi Zeng."
Seeing that he couldn't gain the upper hand verbally, Song Yuanmo redirected his fury toward others. He spotted a small, frail child in the crowd and, with a swift motion, used his palm to draw the boy toward him, gripping his neck tightly.
Chang Jingyun was alarmed and shouted in anger, "Song Yuanmo, release my disciple at once!"
It turned out that the frail child was Chang Jingyun's newly accepted disciple, Xia Zhaoyun.
Song Yuanmo, however, showed no intention of letting go. Instead, he sneered, "I've seen your four disciples before. Since when did you acquire another one?"
"When I take on disciples is none of your concern! Let him go now!"
Suddenly, a sinister idea formed in Song Yuanmo's mind. With a wicked smile, he said to Chang Jingyun, "If you want me to release your disciple, then kill Gu Yuntian first."
Everyone present was disgusted by Song Yuanmo's despicable act, using the life of a child as leverage on a wedding day.
Xia Zhaoyun, filled with pride and defiance, struggled to say, "Master, don't worry about me. You must never yield to someone like him."
Seeing Xia Zhaoyun's stubbornness, Song Yuanmo sneered, "When did Chang Jingyun take on such a courageous disciple?" He then looked down at Xia Zhaoyun and taunted, "It's a pity you've chosen the wrong master. He would rather save that old man's life than yours. Such a shame!"
Chang Jingyun could no longer tolerate Song Yuanmo's outrageous behavior and prepared to strike. Just then, a gust of wind blew from the entrance, and a lone woman dressed in red appeared at the door.
Song Yuanmo's gaze was fixed on the figure at the entrance, neglecting the boy in his grip. By the time he realized what had happened, Xia Zhaoyun was already safely in Chang Jingyun's arms. The woman at the entrance was none other than Meng Haitan.
Meng Haitan stepped forward and said, "Today is my nephew's wedding, and yet, you failed to send an invitation to your aunt. How very improper of you!"
Hua Caiyi hurriedly lifted her veil and stepped forward to apologize, "It was my mistake, Aunt. I hope you can forgive me!"
In truth, the decision not to send an invitation to Meng Haitan had been Gu Yuntian's idea, though Meng Haitan was well aware of this. However, her expression showed no real displeasure.
When Song Yuanmo realized it was Meng Haitan, fear from his recent defeat at her hands atop Liyun Peak resurfaced in his mind. Knowing full well that today, at Yufeng Manor, he had no advantage, he quickly fled the scene with his disciples.