Wedding Invitation

On the 20th of August, Duàn Yì's seventh day on the mountain, he not only cultivated his basic swordsmanship to a point of extreme proficiency and solidity but also succeeded in transforming the intangible into the tangible, condensing his first wisp of internal energy, marking a significant advancement in his strength.

However, although this True Qi was pure, it was too peaceful and lacked aggression, not qualifying as Ice True Qi at all.

That evening, at the Hour of the Boar, Duàn Yì followed the cultivation method for Ice True Qi, successfully absorbing a wisp of Yin and cold energy from the heavens and earth into his body. This transformed the nature of his True Qi, allowing it to be considered Ice True Qi in the truest sense.

In the future, Duàn Yì could continue to strengthen the power of his Ice True Qi by absorbing Yin and cold energy in this manner; it was a process that required patience and time.

For the next three days, Duàn Yì's routine consisted of meditating on his internal energy, practicing swordsmanship and Minor Capturing Hand, and wandering the mountain to find suitable herbs and prey to supplement his internal energy cultivation.

Hunting was naturally fruitful; after all, it was a dense mountain forest teeming with birds and beasts. Furthermore, since cultivating True Qi, Duàn Yì's limbs had become nimble, his senses sharp, and he had a sharp weapon in hand, making it not too difficult.

It was just that although Duàn Yì had learned about the quality and characteristics of some medicinal herbs from Bái Xī Wén, he had found nothing, and he wasn't sure if the Golden Cauldron Sect had already dug them all up, which was quite regrettable.

On this particular morning, after Duàn Yì and Bái Xī Wén had finished their meal, they heard a clear and resonant voice from outside the grand residence, echoing within and without:

"Martial Nephew Zhào Yù seeks an audience with Martial Uncle Bái."

Duàn Yì had never heard this name before and didn't think much of it. However, Bái Xī Wén seemed displeased. He nodded at Duàn Yì, signaling him to escort the visitor to the reception hall.

Wielding the Ten Refinements Sword, Duàn Yì walked lightly. He opened the vermilion gate of the residence and saw a young man in his early twenties, around the same age as Yuè Jiāo Nú, standing before the house.

He wore a light yellow outer robe that made him appear tall and well-proportioned. His long hair was gathered and secured on top of his head in a standard Hunyuan bun. He was also extremely handsome, with long brows, thin lips, and eyes like stars. He exuded a cheerful and approachable demeanor, truly an outstanding individual.

Hiss, no wonder Brother Bái was so reluctant. He once said he hated people who were more handsome than him. Someone so elegant and refined would surely leave him in the dust, wouldn't he?

Duàn Yì seemed to understand why Bái Xī Wén had been unhappy upon hearing Zhào Yù's name. The root of the issue lay here. He couldn't help but look at the other man again.

Upon seeing Duàn Yì, Zhào Yù was also slightly taken aback. Although the young man's clothes were humble, his appearance was refined and handsome, his demeanor steady, and his eyes were particularly bright and spirited. Could this be the young man rumored to be seeking his relatives on the mountain?

"Big Brother Bái is waiting for you inside. Follow me."

After saying this with a hint of coolness, Duàn Yì led Zhào Yù towards the reception hall. There was no conversation between them on the way.

One reason was naturally that Duàn Yì did not want to get involved with anyone from the Golden Cauldron Sect, lest he create a scenario where a friend turns into an enemy when he eventually gains the power for revenge.

At the same time, he was also worried about his background being seen through, thus falling into danger.

Secondly, although Zhào Yù appeared to have outstanding character and a sunny disposition, making him approachable like a big brother next door, Duàn Yì always felt he was a bit hypocritical and affected, resisting him from the bottom of his heart. He wasn't sure if it was just a misperception.

Bái Xī Wén was seated on the main wooden chair, sipping hot tea. Without looking up, he asked, "What business does the Sect Leader have for you?"

Zhào Yù had anticipated Bái Xī Wén's attitude and did not feel embarrassed. He simply took out a large red wedding invitation from his bosom, held it with both hands, and bowed, saying, "On the eighth day of the ninth month, it will be the wedding day of my master and the Palace Mistress of the Moon Worship Palace. My master has specifically dispatched Zhào Yù to deliver this invitation to Martial Uncle. I hope Martial Uncle will be sure to attend."

Duàn Yì, who had been standing to the side like a wooden figure, felt his heart skip a beat upon hearing the news of Qū Dōng Liú and Yuè Bì Nǔ's impending marriage, and he felt a sense of worry.

His worry was not for himself, but rather if Yuè Jiāo Nú, upon hearing this news, would disregard his previous orders and cause trouble at the wedding banquet, which would then be dangerous.

At the same time, Duàn Yì was also a bit puzzled. Sending a wedding invitation, the relationship between Qū Dōng Liú and Bái Xī Wén seemed a bit off.

For ordinary people, Qū Dōng Liú's wedding invitation was proof of friendship and regard, something to be happy about.

However, Qū Dōng Liú and Bái Xī Wén were fellow disciples, their relationship akin to brothers. Sending a wedding invitation to one's own kin was precisely an expression of distancing and discord, wasn't it?

"Oh? He's finally marrying Yuè Bì Nǔ. Will he send out invitations widely for this, inviting martial artists from Wei Prefecture and even Hebei Province?

He should know how dishonorable his actions are,"

Bái Xī Wén put down his teacup, reached out, and with an invisible surge of energy, the large red invitation in Zhào Yù's hand was drawn into Bái Xī Wén's grasp. His tone was unfriendly.

"Ahem, my master's marriage this time did not invite outsiders. Only the Golden Cauldron Sect and the Moon Worship Palace families will be participating. Martial Uncle Bái can rest assured."

Zhào Yù clearly knew what the "dishonorable" matter referred to. His expression was slightly awkward, and his gaze flickered.

The dignified leader of a sect, seducing a female disciple of a sect known for its purity and chastity, and then usurping the position—it was neither good to say nor pleasant to hear.

Even many people on the mountain were displeased with this, let alone just Bái Xī Wén?

"At least he knows what's important. Alright, I know about this matter. I will attend when the time comes. You may leave."

Just as Zhào Yù was about to turn and leave upon hearing this, Bái Xī Wén called him back.

"Wait. My cousin here has just arrived on the mountain. He was quite strapped for cash before. Later, you'll bring people to make him some decent clothes. I will bring him with me to the wedding banquet."

Duàn Yì showed no particular reaction, while Zhào Yù appeared somewhat surprised. He glanced at Duàn Yì again before nodding and leaving.

For a moment, only Bái Xī Wén and Duàn Yì remained in the hall, neither speaking.

"Since you are Jiāo Nú's brother, you should know about her background and why she was being hunted, right?"

Bái Xī Wén placed the wedding invitation on a nearby table, stood up, and walked in front of Duàn Yì, asking him. His expression was calm and gentle, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking at the moment.

However, the calmer he appeared, the more pressure he exerted.

"I've heard a little. I heard it was a storm stirred up by your senior martial brother, the Sect Leader Qū, and that Palace Mistress Yuè of the Moon Worship Palace, driven by love. Elder Sister Yuè didn't tell me the specifics."

Duàn Yì was unsure of Bái Xī Wén's intention in asking him about this matter. Was it a test, or was he speaking from the heart?

However, regardless of which it was, he could not reveal the slightest anomaly. Even if these two were his enemies in name, he could not.

"Whether you truly only know a little or not.

I ask you, if Jiāo Nú finds out that my senior martial brother is marrying that slut Yuè Bì Nǔ, will she rush over regardless of everything?"

Bái Xī Wén's originally slightly dark complexion gradually became ruddy and luminous, clearly circulating his internal energy, which surged towards the crown of his head. Watching this, Duàn Yì felt increasingly uneasy.

Duàn Yì recalled his interactions with Yuè Jiāo Nú, considering himself Yán Susu's only living blood relative. Since she had agreed to let him risk his life to learn martial arts at the Golden Cauldron Sect, she wouldn't easily go back on the orders he had previously given her.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Setting aside whether Sister Yuè has a way to learn about Sect Leader Qū and Palace Mistress Yuè's marriage, I guarantee that even if she gets this news, she absolutely won't come to the mountain to cause trouble. Instead, she will remain hidden and wait for the day we agreed to meet."

This statement was decisive and delivered in one breath, calming Bái Xī Wén's previously turbulent and worried heart.

"Good kid, I hope you're right. Otherwise, even I might not be able to protect her."

Bái Xī Wén finally confirmed that Duàn Yì's identity was definitely not simple; he couldn't possibly be just a youth who had a chance encounter with Yuè Jiāo Nú.

Who was Yuè Jiāo Nú?

She wasn't very smart, but she was foolishly loyal and terrifyingly stubborn.

Hatred had taken root in her heart, etched into her bones, a hatred that would never cease until death. Especially since she wasn't good at enduring, the fact that she could remain inactive upon hearing the news of Qū Dōng Liú and Yuè Bì Nǔ's marriage indicated something unusual.

And Duàn Yì was the crucial point in this abnormality, although Bái Xī Wén couldn't figure out the specifics yet.

However, he didn't plan to investigate further, as Yuè Jiāo Nú was truly important to him.

If things turned out to be disadvantageous for Duàn Yì, he not only feared falling out with Yuè Jiāo Nú forever but also feared never seeing her again in this lifetime.