Under the support of two bridesmaids, Xia Qingyue finally appeared before Xiao Che. She wore a magnificent red phoenix crown that draped her face with a curtain of intricate pearl beads, completely obscuring her features and expression from view. Her long, glossy black hair was elegantly coiled at the back, adorned with a grand red wedding gown made of four-joy cloud-patterned brocade. The gown accentuated her slender waist, tied with a delicate jade belt that hung with fine pearl tassels. On her feet were golden-threaded shoes, completing an outfit so splendid it almost overshadowed the brilliance of the sun.
Supported by her bridesmaids, Xia Qingyue moved gracefully toward Xiao Che beside the flower-laden sedan chair, each step light and elegant as if she were walking on clouds. What might have been mundane movement in another person transformed into ethereal beauty under her poise, captivating even Xiao Che himself.
When Xia Qingyue reached the sedan chair, the bridesmaids released their hold and stepped back. Following the traditional customs of the Cangfeng Empire, the groom was to assist the bride into the sedan. Xiao Che took a step forward and extended his hand, while Xia Qingyue lifted hers delicately... However, just as her hand was about to touch his, a piercing cold shot through Xiao Che's hand, freezing his entire right arm stiff and immobile. Xia Qingyue's hand hovered briefly above his, then she entered the sedan with graceful ease. To the observers, it seemed as though she had been gently supported by Xiao Che.
The icy sensation gradually subsided, leaving Xiao Che standing calmly with no outward reaction save for a brief furrowing of his brows when the cold first struck. His demeanor remained composed and silent.
Had anyone dared to lift the dense bead curtain covering Xia Qingyue's face at this moment, they would have noticed a flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly replaced by an indifferent coolness.
Xiao Che mounted his horse, and the bridal procession turned around in grand fashion, followed closely by the Xia family's entourage, heading directly toward the Xiao residence.
After another hour and a half, the procession returned to the gates of the Xiao household. The journey there and back had been lengthy but uneventful, devoid of any dramatic attempts at abduction—a disappointment to those who had hoped for such excitement.
Elder Xiao Lie stood personally at the entrance, greeting the arriving guests. Few had come specifically for Xiao Che; most were here out of respect for Elder Xiao Lie or the Xia family. With Xiao Lie's influence in Flowing Cloud City and the extensive connections of the Xia family, the number of guests was impressive. Outside the Xiao gates, countless onlookers gathered, blocking the streets entirely, all eager to witness the marriage of Flowing Cloud City's foremost beauty.
The sedan carrying Xia Qingyue came to a gentle halt amidst the clamor. A corner of the curtain was lifted, and her maid, Xia Dongling, softly announced, "Miss, we've arrived."
A hand emerged, and Xia Qingyue descended gracefully with Xia Dongling's assistance. The moment she stepped out of the sedan, the previously deafening noise abruptly fell silent, replaced by sharp intakes of breath.
It was nearing noon, and the sunlight was particularly bright and warm. It illuminated her phoenix crown and embroidered robes, enhancing her already radiant beauty. Adorned with an elaborate four-panel phoenix crown, her high bun embellished with exquisite gold hairpins and dangling phoenix-shaped gold ornaments, she wore a grand red brocade wedding gown with matching wide silk sash and golden-threaded shoes. The long strings of pearls hanging from her crown swayed lightly, revealing glimpses of her delicate eyebrows, porcelain skin, and enchanting eyes. Even without fully exposing her face, she radiated celestial beauty, like a goddess descended from the heavens.
Breathless gasps filled the air as countless spectators found themselves momentarily entranced, unable to tear their eyes away. This was the allure of Xia Qingyue—her unearthly charm and grace alone were enough to captivate everyone present.
A red silk ribbon was wrapped around Xia Qingyue's hand by Xia Dongling, its other end tied to Xiao Che's hand. With a smile, Xiao Che led the way, guiding Xia Qingyue across the fire basin, over the saddle, and into the Xiao residence through the main hall.
Upon entering the Xiao estate, the noise continued unabated. Xiao Che's expression remained unchanged as he walked steadily ahead, eager for the ceremony to conclude swiftly.
This was the central hall of the Xiao Clan, a place reserved only for weddings of the clan's patriarchs or elders. For this occasion, it had been lavishly decorated. Everywhere one looked, carved beams were inlaid with yellow crystal, walls adorned with intricate paintings of dragons playing with pearls interspersed with rare pearls, and a crimson carpet stretched straight through the center of the hall, leading up to the gilded steps. The dazzling decorations reflected the light, making the hall appear even more resplendent. Of course, the Xiao family wouldn't have spent such extravagance on Xiao Che alone—this was all courtesy of the Xia family. Xia Hongyi spared no expense for his daughter's wedding.
At the highest point of the hall, Xiao Lie and Xia Hongyi sat smiling warmly as they watched Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue approach. Along both sides of the red carpet, purple sandalwood tables lined three rows each, occupied by dignitaries including the Xiao Clan Patriarch Xiao Yunhai and the other four elders. As Xiao Che entered with apparent cheerfulness, their expressions remained neutral, but deep within their eyes lay unmistakable disdain.
To the cultivation-focused Xiao Clan, having Xiao Che—a direct descendant with a naturally damaged Xuan Meridian—was nothing short of disgraceful. If not for being Elder Xiao Lie's grandson, he would have long been expelled to work in some distant estate instead of staying within the Xiao Clan… And if he hadn't married the illustrious Xia Qingyue, these elders wouldn't have bothered attending, let alone acknowledging the event.
In the minds of the Xiao Clan members, Xiao Che was synonymous with "waste," barely worth remembering. In the world of Tianxuan Continent, without power, there was no dignity—even within the same family. Such was the reality.
Among the younger generation of the Xiao Clan, their expressions were remarkably uniform. When their gazes fell upon Xia Qingyue, they revealed unrestrained admiration; when they shifted to Xiao Che, jealousy flared intensely. How could someone considered less than even an outsider in the Xiao Clan dare marry the unparalleled gem of Flowing Cloud City? Watching the couple walk hand-in-hand into matrimonial bliss was nearly unbearable, akin to swallowing a live fly.
The master of ceremonies, Xiao De, the head steward responsible for the Xiao Clan's logistics, began the official proceedings.
Starting with introductions of the newlyweds and welcoming the honored guests, Xiao Che maintained an unwavering calm, paying little attention to the details. His mind was preoccupied with a lingering question…
What was the sudden chill that coursed through his hand when Xia Qingyue's hand neared his at the Xia residence? Could it be some form of Xuan Art? Yet, no such art was known within Flowing Cloud City. Reaching the tenth level of Initial Xuan Realm at sixteen was undoubtedly astonishing, marking Xia Qingyue as a prodigy… But considering her current rank, still within the basic levels of Initial Xuan, how could she silently release such intense coldness, paralyzing his entire arm? What kind of Xuan Art could wield such formidable power at such a low level?
Or… Had Xia Qingyue, who reached the tenth level of Initial Xuan at sixteen, concealed her true strength?
At this moment, the ceremonial recitation ceased. After a brief pause, the voice of the master of ceremonies rose dramatically:
"First bow—to heaven and earth!"
Xiao Che promptly refocused, glancing sideways at Xia Qingyue before simultaneously bowing together.
"Second bow—to the elders!"
They turned and respectfully bowed toward Xiao Lie and Xia Hongyi. Xiao Lie smiled approvingly, looking affectionately at Xiao Che and his new granddaughter-in-law, while Xia Hongyi also grinned broadly, showing no dissatisfaction whatsoever with the union.
"Third bow—to each other!"
Xiao Che turned toward Xia Qingyue, who pivoted toward him almost instantaneously, their movements fluid and decisive. This lack of hesitation infuriated many young members of the Xiao Clan secretly. They had assumed Xia Qingyue would never willingly marry someone as disabled as Xiao Che, believing this outcome must have been forced by the Xia family. However, much to their dismay, Xia Qingyue conducted herself impeccably throughout, giving no indication of resistance.
As they bowed to each other, Xiao Che caught a fleeting glimpse of her gaze through the partially scattered pearl curtain—cold and emotionless, devoid of any feeling.
At this point, thunderous applause, laughter, and cheers should have erupted. Instead, only sparse claps echoed awkwardly through the hall.
"Hoho, congratulations to Elder Five and Brother Xia," said Xiao Yunhai, rising to speak. He was in his early forties, with a mild appearance.
"Indeed, Elder Five deserves our heartfelt congratulations," interjected Elder One, Xiao Li, his tone dripping with sarcasm, audible to anyone.
Elder Two, Xiao Bo, chuckled dryly before slowly adding, "With Elder Five gaining such a remarkable daughter-in-law, our entire Xiao Clan feels greatly honored. The Xia family has always been involved in commerce, and finding such a son-in-law is indeed commendable. Congratulations!"
The atmosphere in the hall immediately grew colder. Though they mouthed "congratulations," the mockery in their words was clear to anyone but a fool.