The Eighth Day of the First Month

On the eighth day of the ninth month, it was the wedding day of Qu Dongliu, the sect leader of the Golden Cauldron Sect, and Yue Biyun, the mistress of the Moon Worship Palace.

As dawn broke, the disciples on the mountain had already climbed out of their warm beds, dressed, and were busy with their assigned tasks.

Some were helping in the back kitchen. Today's celebration was divided into two banquets, lunch and dinner, with thirty-five tables for each, each table featuring nineteen dishes, including soups, pastries, and both cold and hot dishes, for the sect members and disciples to enjoy. Thus, time was tight and the task was heavy, requiring them to start early in the morning.

Other disciples were busy in the warehouse, hanging up the red cloths and "double happiness" characters that had been prepared in advance in every corner of the mountain gate. Although they couldn't invite fellow martial artists from all over the Martial Arts World, they wanted to spread the festive atmosphere within their own sect.

As for Duan Yi, he had long since formed the habit of sleeping late and waking early to practice his Qi, so he woke up even earlier than the average disciple.

Wearing casual clothes, he walked out of the large residence as usual. Amidst the mountain trees, he inhaled and nurtured his internal energy with the natural, fresh fragrance, feeling strands of True Qi generate, moistening his meridians and flesh, and then converging into his Dantian, becoming increasingly profound.

Afterward, he practiced his swordsmanship, Lightness Skill, Minor Capturing Hand, and other martial arts. As his proficiency grew, he only returned to his residence when the sky had fully brightened.

He cleansed himself with clear water, changing into a dry and comfortable blue silk robe. A red silk ribbon tied his long hair, keeping it neatly styled to the sides. Coupled with his flawless face, he could only be described as perfect.

Entering the inner hall, Duan Yi saw Bai Xiwen, also in new clothes, drinking millet porridge by the dining table. He looked refined, but the vertical lines between his brows revealed a hint of melancholy.

"Sigh, Brother Bai, don't worry. I told you long ago that Sister Yue wouldn't act rashly."

Duan Yi thought Bai Xiwen was worried that Yue Jiaonu would come to cause trouble, so he wanted to reassure him.

However, Bai Xiwen shook his head, put down the porcelain bowl in his hand, and said in a deep voice, "Qu Dongliu notified me last night that the mountain might not be entirely peaceful today. When you go out later, wear your sword at your waist to prevent any unforeseen incidents."

A sword was a deadly weapon, and while carrying it could serve as self-defense, it was not quite in line with the rules on such a joyous occasion. Therefore, Duan Yi had left his Ten Refinements Sword in his room early that morning.

Now that Bai Xiwen allowed him to carry his sword, there were no more reservations. Duan Yi was also happy, as most of his martial arts relied on his sword. Without his sword in hand, he always felt a lack of security.

Afterward, Duan Yi sat down to eat. He saw a brocade box on an empty chair by the dining table and was a bit puzzled.

"What's this?"

"Regardless of anything else, Qu Dongliu is my senior brother. Since he's getting married, I must give him a wedding gift. Inside is a white jade statue of the Sending Offspring Guanyin."

Duan Yi dared not ask further. He had been on the mountain for some time and understood the essence of the Pure Yang Divine Skill. Once married and consummated, this skill would be largely ruined. He didn't understand the deeper meaning behind Bai Xiwen's gift.

However, this time he was mistaken. When people get married, wishing for many descendants is a common sentiment. Why must there be more profound implications?

The two tidied themselves up and headed up the mountain together, Bai Xiwen in front and Duan Yi following behind, holding the gift box.

The Golden Cauldron Sect disciples they encountered were all beaming with joy, wearing large red flowers on the edges of their yellow outer robes. Upon seeing the two, they greeted them as "Uncle Bai" and "Junior Brother Duan."

Bai Xiwen's expression was as usual; he was clearly accustomed to it. Duan Yi, however, was somewhat surprised, wondering when he had gained such a reputation that every disciple he met could recognize him.

"Don't be too modest. Although you've practiced martial arts for a short time, your skills are not weak. Not only on the mountain but also below, many people know your name, Duan Yi. Lin Bohui's accumulated reputation has all been transferred to you."

Although Bai Xiwen was walking ahead, he seemed to see through Duan Yi's thoughts and explained.

Duan Yi pondered for a moment and understood. It was likely not just because he had defeated Lin Bohui, but also because Bai Xiwen himself was renowned, and he had gained some fame by association.

Arriving at the mountain peak, they saw that a large open space had been cleared outside the Golden Cauldron Grand Hall, with tables set up, one after another, forming five rows, spaced about ten feet apart.

On all four sides stood imposing sect disciples, expressionless and solemn, uniformly dressed in bright red robes with "Great Joy" printed on their chests. Duan Yi felt a surge of embarrassment, wondering what those disciples were thinking.

Looking at the Golden Cauldron Grand Hall above, red streamers crisscrossed the eaves of the hall, like flying dragons winding around the beams, exuding an extraordinary aura. Not only was the festive atmosphere stronger, but there was also a greater sense of solemnity.

Without stopping, Duan Yi followed Bai Xiwen into the Golden Cauldron Grand Hall.

By this time, the high-ranking officials and disciples of the Golden Cauldron Sect had already gathered inside the hall, seated in rows. Only the bride and groom were absent.

As Bai Xiwen arrived, those who were sitting and bantering with each other immediately stood up and greeted him. After all, he was the foremost expert of the Golden Cauldron Sect, commanding great respect. Among any crowd, he would undoubtedly be the most eye-catching, even surpassing Qu Dongliu.

The seven deputy sect leaders and elders, who were seated, also broke into smiles and led Bai Xiwen to the head seats. They had all been taught by the same master and had been together for many years, maintaining close relationships.

Duan Yi was left to hand the gift box to Zhao Yu, who was in charge of all miscellaneous affairs, record the congratulatory gift, and offer his congratulations.

Zhao Yu was also dressed in vibrant red today, looking handsome and elegant. He responded to Duan Yi with a perfunctory politeness, devoid of any false closeness, and then arranged for him to sit in a corner of the hall.

This surprised Duan Yi. Although this person was not on good terms with him, he was quite cunning and had a smiling tiger demeanor. By rights, he shouldn't have such an attitude. Duan Yi became more vigilant.

However, it was merely a change in attitude, nothing more. Duan Yi paid only slight attention before being beckoned to sit by a few people nearby, who were also acquaintances.

Inside the hall, everyone present could be considered the closest individuals of the Golden Cauldron lineage, but there were exceptions.

For instance, Duan Yi, and beside him Granny An and Eunuch Qiu. The elderly couple were present as external personnel to protect Helan Yue'er.

Therefore, in this corner sat Helan Yue'er, Granny An, and Eunuch Qiu. There was also another person, Leng Qingmei, the senior sister of Ruan Dong.

This woman was gentle, generous, and charming, leaving a deep impression on Duan Yi.

Today, she wore a light pink silk dress, with a plain face. A jade hairpin adorned her black hair. Although her appearance was not as delicate as Helan Yue'er beside her, her grace and charm far surpassed it.

"It's been a few days, Junior Brother Duan. It seems you've made further progress. You truly live up to the praise of the sect leader as a martial arts prodigy. When you have a chance, please share some of your cultivation secrets with your senior sister."

This woman was still very gracious and composed, showing no resentment towards Duan Yi due to Ruan Dong's matter. She said with a gentle smile.

Duan Yi felt much more at ease. After sitting down, he chatted with her. Helan Yue'er also chimed in occasionally, lest the two of them exclude her.

For a while, the hall remained noisy until a loud, long shout was heard, which finally silenced everyone.

"The Sect Leader has arrived! The Palace Mistress has arrived!"