Gongs and drums shook the heavens; firecrackers erupted in unison.
Red banners fluttered, and people thronged like a sea.
Though Shushan had always been bustling thanks to Crimson Cotton Peak, it had never before seen the sea of clouds so completely filled as it was today.
"Today... we have gathered here..."
From atop the high platform, Lin Bei's voice carried in all directions. "To celebrate my good brother Chu Liang and the Shushan fairy Jiang Yue Bai! As well as my senior brother Xu Ziyang and the merfolk princess Baozhu Liange..."
"These two couples are joined in marriage!"
"The day is getting late, and there are plenty of people here. I trust the brides and grooms have changed into their wedding clothes!" Lin Bei swept out a hand. "Let us welcome the two couples of newlyweds as they make their dazzling entrance!"
Bells, drums, and ceremonial music rang out together. Mist drifted through the air as two dragons and two phoenixes bore the four newlyweds slowly down to the ground.
The reason for this joint wedding was that Xu Ziyang and Baozhu Liange's planned wedding date happened to be close to the one Chu Liang had chosen. His own wedding was bound to be extraordinarily grand, and if the dates were too close, the other ceremony would easily pale in comparison. Besides, the guests he and Xu Ziyang intended to invite were largely the same, so he simply suggested holding them together.
There was another important reason as well: having company gave one courage.
"Come, please have the four newlyweds step forward," said Lin Bei.
Chu Liang wore splendid crimson ceremonial robes, while Xu Ziyang wore dark-red sword attire. Both had clearly dressed with great care, their sword-like brows and cloud-like hair making them strikingly handsome.
After descending from the