The bracelet contained an independent space, with terrifying laws pervading the void. Chen Qingyuan's consciousness swept around, and his soul couldn't help but tremble.
Buzz! A law surged, and a tightly closed white umbrella appeared before Chen Qingyuan. The appearance of the white umbrella triggered a restriction within the jade bracelet, and a cold voice came: "Chen Qingyuan, this is a wedding gift for your beloved, and you must attend."
Giving a white umbrella as a wedding gift, isn't this a curse? Listening to the voice, could it be that she's jealous? Chen Qingyuan was embarrassed. He had thought the first thing about their agreement would be difficult, but he didn't expect it to be like this.
A Rejected Proposal
When Chen Qingyuan entered the Heavenly Abyss back then, the woman in red wanted to become his Dao companion and often teased him. To this, Chen Qingyuan stated that he already had a fiancée and directly refused.
It wasn't because the woman in red was unattractive, but because of a promise. If we're talking about appearance, the woman in red was extremely beautiful, unlike anyone in the mortal world, almost indescribable. Bai Xixue of the Dongyi Palace might be beautiful, but she was far inferior to the woman in red. Just her temperament alone created a world of difference.
"How does it feel like she's a bit conniving," Chen Qingyuan muttered to himself. Originally, Chen Qingyuan had let go of everything, considering it all in the past. Who knew she would pull such a move? Chen Qingyuan didn't want to go but had to.
Don't think that leaving the Heavenly Abyss forbidden zone means freedom. If Chen Qingyuan doesn't fulfill the agreement, the consequences would be severe.
Returning to the Sect
After resting for a few days, Chen Qingyuan planned to leave Mingyue City and return to the Xuanqing Sect. Calculating the time, there was still half a year before the alliance marriage between the Heavenly Jade Sect and the Dongyi Palace.
"Senior, I should go now," Chen Qingyuan said, cupping his fists to Li Muyang, who was sitting in the courtyard. "If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come to me," Li Muyang offered a promise. "Okay," Chen Qingyuan didn't stand on ceremony, considering this a lifesaving charm.
After Chen Qingyuan left, Li Muyang looked into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.
Sect Affairs and Return
At the Xuanqing Sect's discussion hall, everyone was discussing the sect's normal affairs, mentioning the alliance marriage between the Heavenly Jade Sect and the Dongyi Palace, planning to send an elder to go through the motions.
The day of the alliance was drawing near, and representatives from many forces had already set out, making the Dongyi Palace increasingly lively. "Junior Uncle has returned!" As soon as Chen Qingyuan reached the gate of the Xuanqing Sect, the guarding disciples reported upwards.
A Careful Concealment
To avoid causing trouble, Chen Qingyuan had concealed his cultivation. As long as he carried the jade bracelet, he could trigger the restrictions within it to mask his spiritual energy fluctuations.
The Sword Immortal had repeatedly instructed that matters of the spirit bone must not be told to anyone, otherwise it would involve extremely terrifying karma that would harm those around him. Moreover, the Sword Immortal was unwilling to expose his whereabouts. Chen Qingyuan couldn't explain how his spirit root was restored and would find a suitable opportunity to tell his senior brothers later.
Reunion and Conversation
"Junior Brother, where have you been for the past half year?" The sect's protective elder, Dong Wenjun, put down everything in his hands and hurried out to meet him.
"Just went out to clear my mind," Chen Qingyuan replied with a light smile. The other elders also came to the backyard, chatting casually with Chen Qingyuan. The last time Chen Qingyuan returned, he hadn't stayed long before going out again, and they hadn't had a chance to sit down and have tea together.
Chen Qingyuan's Return and Sect Dynamics
When Chen Qingyuan first returned, it caused quite a stir. Many sects wanted to meet him and probe for information about the Heavenly Abyss forbidden zone. However, upon hearing that Chen Qingyuan had become a waste and faked his own death, coupled with the Xuanqing Sect's firm stance, other sects refrained from pressing too hard.
Now, with the upcoming alliance between the two sects, the forces of the Fuliu Star Domain shifted their attention to the Xuanqing Sect.
The Northern Wasteland possessed countless star domains. Just in the Fuliu Star Domain, there were over hundreds of thousands of sects. The Xuanqing Sect could be considered a first-tier force with considerable prestige.
Comfort and Camaraderie
"Junior Brother, the woman from Dongyi Palace breaking the marriage contract is her loss. Don't take it too hard. We'll definitely find a way to help you reconstruct your spirit root and restore your former glory," a white-bearded senior brother tried to comfort Chen Qingyuan, assuming he was upset about the sect alliance.
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Xu," Chen Qingyuan's heart warmed, and he smiled.
"We rarely gather like this, so let's not discuss these troubling matters. Let's have a drink," Sect Master Lin Changsheng, seated in the center, stood up and raised his cup.
"Cheers!"
Everyone stood up and drank their wine or tea.
Sect Unity and History
The Xuanqing Sect was remarkably united, unlike other factions that were cutthroat and purely profit-driven. Of course, there were occasional minor conflicts within the sect, but they were easily resolved.
The unity of the sect's leadership was entirely orchestrated by the Supreme Elder, who had spent considerable effort. The core elders sitting here today had all benefited from the Supreme Elder's kindness.
About two hundred years ago, the Supreme Elder brought back an infant and took him as a closed-door disciple. Shortly after, the Supreme Elder passed away. Since then, the elders had cherished the male infant, ostensibly treating him as a junior brother but essentially loving him like a son or nephew, as close as blood relatives.
In truth, the Supreme Elder had only ever taken one disciple - Chen Qingyuan. The elders called Chen Qingyuan "Junior Brother" because they respectfully referred to the Supreme Elder as their "Senior Uncle".
An Unexpected Request
"Senior Brother, I want to attend the sect alliance ceremony," Chen Qingyuan announced after several rounds of drinks.
The hall fell silent, and everyone turned their eyes to Chen Qingyuan, unsure how to respond.
Lin Changsheng asked, "Why?"
Everyone stared at Chen Qingyuan with confused and stunned expressions.
"There's nothing to avoid," Chen Qingyuan stated directly.
The others contemplated and found it understandable.
"Are you sure about this?" Lin Changsheng's eyes were filled with concern.
"I'm sure," Chen Qingyuan smiled softly.
"Then you'll go with Senior Brother Yan," Lin Changsheng considered for a moment and nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Senior Brother," Chen Qingyuan expressed his gratitude.
The Journey and Preparation
The Xuanqing Sect dispatched Elder Yan Minghai to the Heavenly Jade Sect with a gift. Regardless of how awkward their relationship might be, they still needed to maintain appearances.
Two months later, Yan Minghai and Chen Qingyuan, along with a dozen others, set out.
On a spiritual ship, Yan Minghai wore a deep gray long robe, standing seven feet tall with slightly graying hair.
"Junior Brother, recently the Sect Master has been busy searching for famous physicians for your condition. But whenever your medical situation is described, no physician is willing to help, believing your case is hopeless," Yan Minghai stood beside Chen Qingyuan, protecting him with a mystical light.
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother," Chen Qingyuan was aware of these efforts and remembered them.
"Alas!" Yan Minghai sighed, "Back then, you were peerless, famous throughout the Northern Wasteland. Now look at your situation. If we had known, we would have stopped you from going to the Heavenly Abyss, even if we had to tie you down."
"Senior Brother Yan, don't worry. Perhaps this is my destiny," Chen Qingyuan couldn't reveal his experiences in the Heavenly Abyss forbidden zone to anyone, to avoid bringing disaster. Some things were best kept to oneself.
Arrival at Heavenly Jade Sect
Soon, the Xuanqing Sect's battle ship arrived in the Heavenly Jade Sect's territory.
Looking around, the void was filled with various spiritual ships and treasured artifacts, with flags of different sects flying, creating an impressive sight.
The Heavenly Jade Sect was located in a misty mountain range, with ancient trees rooted in rocks, rising into the clouds and blocking the sky.
At the mountain's base, magnificent spiritual beasts stood: fierce creatures, a dark green giant serpent hovering in the sky, birds with burning flames, winged white horses, and more.
With just over three months until the sect alliance ceremony, representatives from various sects could enter the Heavenly Jade Sect or wait in their own battle ships.
Navigating Sect Politics
"Junior Brother, let's stay here for now. We'll go through the motions when the time comes," Yan Minghai planned to remain in the ship to care for Chen Qingyuan's feelings.
"Senior Brother, we've already entered the Heavenly Jade Sect's territory. As the Xuanqing Sect's representative, if you don't make an appearance, it might seem inappropriate. Go greet the other sect representatives. I can manage on my own," Chen Qingyuan didn't want to cause Yan Minghai difficulty.
"That doesn't seem right," Yan Minghai hesitated.
The Xuanqing Sect's battle ship was visible to everyone. If Yan Minghai didn't show himself, it might appear arrogant and damage their reputation.
"It's fine. I have my limits. Don't worry," Chen Qingyuan gave Yan Minghai a reassuring look.
After thinking for a while, Yan Minghai nodded: "Alright, stay in the cabin and don't go out during this time."
"Okay," Chen Qingyuan watched Yan Minghai leave.
Even for a prestigious sect like Xuanqing, maintaining good relationships with other top-tier forces was crucial, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts was important.
Thus, while this was the alliance ceremony between Heavenly Jade Sect and Dongyi Palace, it also provided an opportunity for various sects to gather, communicate, and build goodwill.
Not long after, someone approached the Xuanqing Sect's battle ship, accompanied by a voice: "Chen Qingyuan, how dare you come to this sect alliance ceremony? Aren't you afraid of embarrassing yourself?"
The words carried a hint of mockery, clearly intended to ridicule Chen Qingyuan and take pleasure in his potential humiliation.