Chapter 146: Wedding
"No more fighting! You really are a monster."
Inside a spacious, high-ceilinged cultivation room within the Elder Hall, Ling Yuan planted her hands on her hips, breathing heavily. Her face was flushed, and she simply gave up.
She saw that she couldn't gain any advantage against Qin Xuan, and was instead completely suppressed.
"Damn it, this bastard is a freak," she muttered, glaring at him. He stood perfectly poised, not even breathing hard, a faint smile on his lips. "Even though there is a 17-level Spirit Power difference between us, I'm completely no match for you in terms of speed, strength, or even combat skills. And this is without you even using that damned sword!"
This was simply infuriating; it was like comparing people and dying of anger. She was a Titled Douluo, but this Spirit Saint moved like a ghost, his every counter and parry deflecting her own powerful, beast-like attacks with infuriating ease.
"Then let's stop here for today. I have something I need to tell you."
Qin Xuan smiled faintly and said, picking up a towel to wipe away the sweat she had worked up.
Well, how should he put it? He had considered all factors for the secret chamber incident—the timing, the security, Jingni's and Mo Ya's roles, the High Priest's potential reaction, and Bibi Dong's psychological state.
But he had only overlooked Ling Yuan.
He had overlooked this wild, passionate woman, whom he had initially treated as a captured thug and had since, through a strange series of events, brought into his harem.
Now, the plan couldn't keep up with the changes.
But since he had taken her body, he needed to give her an explanation. He owed her that much.
"Is it because of the Holy Maiden?" Ling Yuan walked up to Qin Xuan, her expression uncharacteristically serious. Her jade-like slender fingers traced the patterns on his chest.
"Yes." Qin Xuan nodded, not denying it.
"It seems that little girl Bibi Dong has already been taken by you." Ling Yuan wrapped her arms around Qin Xuan's neck, leaning back slightly, her entire body hanging on him. Her playful demeanor had returned, but her eyes were sharp.
Qin Xuan said, "You could say that, but right now she's a thorn, and she could easily prick others, so it's not the right time yet. Due to certain reasons, Bibi Dong has already fallen out with Qian Xunji."
He continued, choosing his words carefully. "In order to completely tie Bibi Dong to the Spirit Hall's war chariot, 'Qian Xunji,' out of desperation, plans to marry Bibi Dong to me. The wedding will be held next month, and Jingni is also one of them. At that time, you might have to bear with it for a while."
Ling Yuan was stunned. Get married?
She then reacted. Her arms unwrapped from his neck, and she pushed Qin Xuan away, hard.
"Get lost, get lost! I'm so much older than you. You want to marry me, but I don't want to marry you! People would probably say I'm an old cow eating young grass."
She turned her back to Qin Xuan, her shoulders visibly tense.
Ling Yuan, who was usually carefree, charming, and passionate, felt an unspeakable sense of grievance welling up in her heart at this moment.
Marrying Jingni first was one thing. Jingni was his Second Offering, his shadow, and their bond was of a different kind. She could accept that.
But what was the deal with that little hussy Bibi Dong?
It was me! she screamed internally. It was me first! It was always me first… whether it was kissing, hugging, going all the way, or even falling in love with this bastard!
"What, feeling upset?" Qin Xuan stepped forward and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Get lost! What am I upset about? I'll eat and drink as usual." Ling Yuan's voice was thick, with an unmistakable nasal tone.
"Still saying you're not upset? With that voice, you're clearly about to cry." Qin Xuan said softly, his tone losing its usual manipulative edge. He was being genuine. "The specific situation is too complicated, and I can't explain it to you. Knowing the truth wouldn't do you any good right now."
He tightened his embrace. "How about this? Once I advance to Titled Douluo, I'll marry you? A grand wedding, just for you."
Ling Yuan's heart stirred upon hearing this. The grievance began to recede, replaced by a flicker of hope. But she still asked with some concern, "Then how long do I have to wait?"
Qin Xuan pondered for a moment and gave the most conservative answer, "Hmm, within 3 years, I will definitely become a Titled Douluo."
"You said that?" Ling Yuan turned in his arms. She didn't really care whether Qin Xuan would become a Titled Douluo within 3 years or not. Although one's appearance generally wouldn't change much after becoming a Titled Douluo, she just didn't want to keep waiting forever.
"Of course." Qin Xuan smiled.
"What if you don't become a Titled Douluo after 3 years?" Ling Yuan pressed, her finger poking his chest.
"Then no matter what, I'll marry you on the first day of the fourth year." Qin Xuan said.
Ling Yuan was satisfied upon hearing this. The pout vanished, replaced by her usual sultry smile.
"Alright, after cultivating for so long, I'm all sweaty and sticky. It's time for a bath."
Qin Xuan said, and without waiting for Ling Yuan's consent, he scooped her up in a princess carry.
"Hey!" she yelped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
He broke through the door of the cultivation room and rushed towards the enormous, steam-filled bathroom reserved for the Elder Hall's highest members.
Mixed bathing has a fatal attraction for creatures like men.
It's like the relationship between 'married women' and those surnamed Cao.
And places like bathrooms, with their hot water, steam, and slippery surfaces, are inherently prone to some stories unfolding.
Just think, because of Bibi Dong's matter, the two had just had an unpleasant, emotionally charged argument, making them prone to impulsive actions.
At this moment, if you add a little physical contact, a lot of steam, and the release of all that pent-up tension... wouldn't that just be…
One month later.
In the early morning, the sun shone upon the earth, and the warm air brought dryness and vibrant life. All things revived in the bright sunlight, and a new day began.
Today, the Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji, was extremely prominent.
After all, Spirit Hall was an absolutely pivotal force on the Douluo Continent. The Supreme Pontiff's wedding—a strategic marriage to the daughter of a high-ranking Elder to solidify his (shaky) position—naturally attracted countless forces to offer congratulations.
But there was another person who was even more prominent.
That was Qin Xuan.
Because he was not only marrying the Second Offering, Jingni, who had displayed overwhelming and terrifying power in the Sect Competition. He was also marrying the former top genius of Spirit Hall, the Holy Maiden, Bibi Dong.
Both women, no matter who they were, were among the top beauties on the Douluo Continent. Such blessings, to marry two peerless women on the same day, made countless others envious to the point of madness.
And when the weddings of Qin Xuan and 'Qian Xunji' were held simultaneously, the grand occasion was unprecedented.
Inside the Supreme Pontiff Palace.
Qin Xuan and 'Qian Xunji,' both dressed in grand, identical red wedding attire embroidered with golden threads, were in the main hall, receiving the endless stream of guests attending their wedding banquet.
Spirit City was a sea of celebration. It was adorned with lanterns and streamers. Red silk and fresh flowers were draped from every building. Banners depicting the Six-Winged Angel fluttered alongside symbols of congratulations. Tables laden with fresh fruits and wine were set up all around the main plaza for the common Spirit Masters.
The streets were bustling with people, copper drums and gongs clanged, and firecrackers exploded in a lively, deafening scene.
The wedding's grandeur surpassed even that of the Sect Competition. There were not many restrictions, and almost all large and small Sects on the Douluo Continent were invited. In addition, there were envoys and representatives sent by the two great Empires and other Duchies.
From this, one could see the terrifying influence of Spirit Hall.
"Your Holiness, Your Majesty the Second Offering, congratulations on this joyous day."
Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, wore a luxurious sky-blue robe and a Seven-Treasure Glazed Tile purple-gold crown symbolizing his status. He smiled, his voice like a spring breeze, as he came forward to greet 'Qian Xunji' and Qin Xuan.
Behind him was an old man with white hair and beard, a youthful face, and a vigorous appearance. His eyes were sharp, and his hands rested on the hilt of a sword that never left his side. He was Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, one of the two great Guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and currently its strongest power, a Level 95 Titled Douluo.
A month had passed, and Ning Fengzhi seemed to have forgotten the humiliation of the previous Sect Competition. His appearance was still as gentle, elegant, and dashing as ever; the perfect mask of a Sect Master.
Sword Douluo had also recovered to his peak state from his battle with Qin Xuan, and his aura had become even more unfathomable. Qin Xuan could feel that the battle had benefited him. It was believed that within ten years, he would definitely break through to Level 96, reaching the level of a Spirit Hall Offering and becoming a true Peak Douluo.
"Sect Master Ning, you are too kind. Second Brother, please lead Sect Master Ning to his seat." 'Qian Xunji' said with a magnanimous, pontifical smile.
"Sect Master Ning, please."
"Your Majesty, please!"
"Please!"
Today was a joyous day, so Qin Xuan did not give Ning Fengzhi a cold shoulder. To do so would be slapping his own face. He led the two towards the highest-ranked banquet tables in the middle of the hall.
These few tables were reserved for the representatives of the Upper Three Sects and the Two Great Empires. The Lower Four Sects, and representatives of some Duchies, as well as Sects with Spirit Douluo, were arranged at another set of tables.
Those who came were also the same people from the Sect Competition.
The only conspicuous absence was the Clear Sky Sect. Their Sect Master, Tang Tian, was severely injured, and Tang Hao, because he was 'confirmed' as Qin Xuan's nephew, was unwilling to endure the humiliation of attending and did not come.
Tang Xiao and Tang Hao were both the Clear Sky Twin Stars and were inseparable. Since Tang Hao wasn't coming, Tang Xiao naturally wouldn't either. After sending Tang Tian back to the Sect, they had left early for training, their hearts burning with humiliation.
Therefore, the representatives attending the wedding fell to several Spirit Douluo Elders of the Clear Sky Sect, who all wore forced smiles and looked deeply uncomfortable.
After the guests from the Upper Three Sects and the Two Great Empires had arrived, Qin Xuan and 'Qian Xunji' still did not return to their assigned seats. It wasn't to receive the people from the Lower Four Sects and the Duchies.
Instead, they were waiting for the most important guest of honor at this wedding.
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