Volume Three: Heartache - Wedding (Complete)

The morning glow painted the entire eastern sky with rosy hues, while a strange patch of dark clouds clung to the pale blue expanse.

Today is the wedding day of the Li Family Tianxiang, the eldest son of the Li Tianxiang family and the next head of the family, and Yuwen Rou of the Yuwen Family. The number of wealthy merchants, powerful officials and dignitaries in the capital city has suddenly increased significantly compared to usual, and the restaurants in the capital city are packed!

Zhang Xingfeng woke up early in the morning with a big smile on his face and greeted everyone in the Star Peak Manor. The others, of course, also greeted Zhang Xingfeng with smiles, but they were very puzzled in their hearts.

Lang Feng asked Li Da, who was standing next to him, "Li Da, what's wrong with Second Brother? Today is Yuwen Rou's wedding, why does Second Brother seem so happy?"

Li Da glanced at Lang Feng disdainfully and said, "You don't understand. How would you know if you have no experience? Master is swallowing his bitterness while pretending to be happy on the surface. It's really painful! Master is really... sigh... I won't say anything more. It's a waste of breath to talk to an inexperienced guy like you!"

Lang Feng could only glare angrily at Li Da, unable to refute him. After all, he was over twenty and had never been in a relationship. Lang Feng sighed inwardly: Should I find a wife too?

Zhang Xingfeng sat in the main seat in the back hall. Seeing that everyone seemed to have finished breakfast, he smiled and said, "Hey everyone, please be quiet for a moment. I have something to say. Li Tianxiang and Yuwen Rou are getting married today. As their friend, I definitely have to go and congratulate them. Who wants to come with me?"

Everyone looked at each other, and finally Li Da said, "Master, how could I not go for something like this?"

Li Er said, "Master, since my elder brother went, of course I have to go too! I'm hoping to find a nice girl today! Seeing my elder brother always so affectionate with Xia Shui makes me so envious, haha!"

Lang Feng also stood up and said, "Second brother, me too! Look at me, I'm not young anymore. Let's go see if there's a girl I like today!" After saying that, he and Li Er looked at each other and smiled.

The First Wife stood up, looked at Lang Feng happily, and said, "You little rascal, you only thought of this now? You almost worried your mother to death!"

Zhang Xingfeng suddenly stood up, smiled, and said, "Okay, today Li Da, Li Er, and my eldest brother will go with me. It's decided then." After saying that, he turned and left, leaving the others standing there dumbfounded.

Uncle Zhang said with a somber expression, "Nephew, you seem to be in a lot of trouble. Going to the wedding banquet today doesn't seem to be just a simple matter of drinking at a wedding!"

Zhang Yu said calmly, "We must trust our master. No matter what the situation, he can handle it."

Lang Feng said, "Since my second brother came back from outside, I feel that he has changed a lot, including his temperament. Sometimes he will tell us jokes, sometimes he will play tricks on us, but sometimes he is very strange and it is hard to figure out what he is thinking. I don't know if this is good or bad!"

Everyone watched Zhang Xingfeng's disappearing figure, feeling quite somber.

Li Da suddenly said, "Why worry about so much? I only know that he is my master. No matter what, I will always stand by his side. No matter what he becomes, I firmly believe that my master is right!"

Everyone's eyes lit up. "That's right! Why worry so much? As long as we believe Zhang Xingfeng is right, won't we be free of trouble?"

Zhang Xingfeng leaped onto his tall horse, glanced at the Li Brothers and Lang Feng who had mounted behind him, smiled, and shouted, "Giddy up!"

The four figures quickly disappeared into the street.

The gates of the Li Family were packed with people. Many wanted to enter, but the gates of the Li Family were not for ordinary people. It was clear that many people holding gifts of money were being turned away outside the gates.

Suddenly, the people at the gate saw four tall horses galloping towards them and stopping instantly outside the gate of the Li Family. Four valiant young men walked to the gate.

"Do you have any invitations?" asked a servant of the Li Family standing at the door.

Zhang Xingfeng glanced at the servant indifferently without saying a word.

The servant was furious at Zhang Xingfeng's contemptuous behavior. He had seen many people like Zhang Xingfeng who wanted to enter the gate without an invitation. He immediately shouted at Zhang Xingfeng, "Didn't you hear me? If you don't have an invitation, stand over there and don't block the gate."

"Oh my, isn't this Earl Zhang? Don't you recognize me? I saw Earl Zhang at the Golden Palace the other day. It's a pity I didn't have a chance to say a few words to Earl Zhang that day. Today I finally have the opportunity!" An official in brocade robes walked over and said to Zhang Xingfeng in a friendly manner.

The servant was taken aback. "An earl? Besides the Four Great Families, the earl Lineage is the most powerful. An earl!"

The servant immediately said, "Excuse me, Your Excellency, please come in, please come in!" A count is not someone who will come just because you invite him. Now that he is here, how could we dare not take good care of him?

Zhang Xingfeng didn't bother with the servant, merely glancing at the official with a faint smile before entering the gate with the other three. Lang Feng and his companions also strode in, giving the ill-informed servant a snort that sent a chill down his spine—a servant like him couldn't afford to offend someone of such high status as an earl!

The Li Family truly lives up to its reputation as Aristocratic Clan; their entire mansion is comparable to a palace. The Aristocratic Clan is filled with small bridges, flowing water, winding paths, and pavilions, making everyone who Aristocratic Clan feel relaxed and at ease.

Zhang Xingfeng was secretly amazed when he entered. The building was truly ingenious and could rival the gardens of Suzhou. However, it was a great pity that such a beautiful thing had been taken by the Li Family. Zhang Xingfeng sighed inwardly.

Seeing the middle-aged man accepting the gift money, Zhang Xingfeng smiled and walked over.

The middle-aged man looked at Zhang Xingfeng in front of him and asked in confusion, "Who are you? Please forgive my poor eyesight, could you please tell me...?"

Zhang Xingfeng immediately said, "I am Zhang Xingfeng, an old friend of Li Tianxiang and his soon-to-be wife. I'm here today to have a drink at their wedding, haha!"

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man's body trembled. As someone in the Li Family with access to the higher-ups, he knew very well what the name Zhang Xingfeng meant. But in an instant, the middle-aged man smiled broadly and said, "So it's Earl Zhang! Our Li Family is very pleased! The head of the family has long instructed me to take good care of Earl Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xingfeng was shocked. He had only been granted the title of Earl yesterday, and today even a servant of the Li Family who collected money knew about it. It seemed that the Li Family's intelligence network was indeed very strong.

Zhang Xingfeng, still smiling, said, "Not at all, the Li Family is the most prestigious Aristocratic Clan in the world. How could a mere earl like me accept such hospitality from the Li Family? Haha, by the way, this is my gift money, please accept it." Zhang Xingfeng smiled and placed the silver notes on the table.

The middle-aged man immediately accepted the gift book, turned it to the front, and solemnly wrote, "Earl Zhang Xingfeng, 200,000 taels of silver." After writing it, the middle-aged man immediately stood up, gestured to the people behind him, and an old man immediately appeared and sat in the chair for receiving gifts.

The middle-aged man walked up to Zhang Xingfeng and said, "Earl Zhang, my name is Li Si. May I show you the way Young Master Zhang?"

Zhang Xingfeng looked at Li Si and after a long while said, "That's really too much trouble. Since Mr. Li thinks so highly of me, Zhang Xingfeng, then just call me Xingfeng. If you don't want to, just call me Young Master Zhang. I'm not used to always calling me Young Master Zhang Earl Zhang!"

A flash of admiration crossed Li Si's eyes, and he said with a smile, "Young Master Zhang, please allow me to introduce these gardens to you!"

Seeing Zhang Xingfeng and Li Si arguing, Lang Feng and his companions went off to wander off somewhere else.

"Groom, bride, here!"

Zhang Xingfeng and Li Si turned around at the same time to look into the distance.

With a beaming smile and an elegant demeanor, Li Tianxiang led the groom, who wore a red wedding robe and had his head covered by a red veil. Li Tianxiang exchanged pleasantries with the dignitaries and wealthy tycoons around him, but despite this, he showed no impatience, maintaining a gentle smile that made those he spoke with feel comfortable and earned him widespread praise.

Zhang Xingfeng didn't move, only watching everything with a faint smile on his face. He knew very well that the petite woman in bright red next to Li Tianxiang was Yuwen Rou, but he made no move.

Li Si, standing to the side, was very nervous. The reason she accompanied Zhang Xingfeng was because she was worried that Zhang Xingfeng would go crazy at the wedding, which would make the Li Family lose face. But Zhang Xingfeng seemed very calm now, without even the slightest change. All of this puzzled Li Si, but Li Si believed it was the calm before the storm.

Zhang Xingfeng followed the crowd and walked towards the hall.

"The auspicious time has arrived!" the master of ceremonies shouted.

Li Tianxiang and Yuwen Rou slowly walked to the center of the hall.

Yuwen Rou was in turmoil: Was there no chance left? Was she now a Li Family? I was sorry, so sorry for how I treated you that day. Never mind, she was now Li Tianxiang's wife. What was the point of thinking about this?

Yuwen Rou suddenly felt a pang of pain in her heart, and her pretty face beneath the red veil turned deathly pale, though no one noticed. It took her a while to Yuwen Rou.

Li Tianxiang's eyes suddenly lit up. He had already seen Zhang Xingfeng. Instead, a smile appeared on his face, and he said loudly to Zhang Xingfeng, "Brother Zhang, I didn't expect you to come to my wedding. I'm really happy. We'll definitely drink until we drop today!"

Zhang Xingfeng also smiled and said, "How could I not come to Brother Li's happy occasion? I'm here to congratulate you both and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together until you grow old."

Yuwen Rou felt a pang of pain in her heart. She couldn't believe that Zhang Xingfeng, who had gone mad for her and fought against the Li Family for her, would turn out like this today. Every word Zhang Xingfeng uttered felt like a knife stabbing into her chest.

At this moment, the Yuwen Family Head and the Li Family Head entered through a side door of the hall, walked happily to the main seats, and sat on either side.

Li Tianxiang and Yuwen Rou immediately stood at attention respectfully.

"First bow to Heaven and Earth"

When Zhang Xingfeng saw the two begin to exchange vows, he initially thought he would feel relieved, but instead, he felt a strange bitterness in his heart. He seemed to be in a daze. When he came to his senses, Li Tianxiang and Yuwen Rou had already entered the bridal chamber.

Li Tianxiang came out shortly after, and everyone had already started sitting at the dining table. Li Tianxiang carried a wine pot in one hand and a wine glass in the other, and began to take turns drinking with everyone.

Zhang Xingfeng was also drinking and exchanging the same meaningless pleasantries with the high-ranking officials and wealthy people next to him as Li Tianxiang. In this way, Zhang Xingfeng was unconsciously drinking and talking, and finally Li Tianxiang walked up to Zhang Xingfeng's table.

Li Tianxiang is very happy today. Not only did he marry his goddess, but he also made his rival Zhang Xingfeng suffer. He feels so uncomfortable and unhappy!

Li Tianxiang poured a cup of wine from the wine pot in his left hand into the wine cup in his right hand, and looked at Zhang Xingfeng with a hearty laugh, saying, "Brother Zhang, I'm so happy today, so incredibly happy! I didn't expect you to come to my and Rou's wedding banquet. Alright, now I'll toast you, Brother Zhang. You must drink it, or you'll be disrespecting me!"

Zhang Xingfeng stood up cheerfully and said, "Of course, I will definitely drink this glass of wine. But before I drink, I have something else to do!"

Li Tianxiang laughed and said, "What's up? Tell me quickly, and then we brothers will have a good drink!"

A strange smile briefly appeared on Zhang Xingfeng's lips, but he quickly returned to his original smile.

"Brother Li, today is your joyous day. I have a gift for you, the Phoenix Seeking Phoenix. Although this jade artifact is nothing special in the eyes of the Li Family, on par with the Dragon Soaring Jade, it is the most valuable thing I can offer. I wonder if Brother Li would accept it?"

As Zhang Xingfeng spoke, he took out the Phoenix Seeking Phoenix Seeking Phoenix from his pocket and placed it in his palm so that everyone around could see it.

Although it was daytime, everyone could see the faint green glow emanating from Phoenix Seeking Phoenix's body. The seemingly natural patterns and flawless jade-like appearance caused the surrounding dignitaries to widen their eyes.

"This is carved from the legendary Flawless Jade. Even disregarding the jade itself, the carving technique alone is the best I have ever seen in my life. Earl Zhang is truly generous!"

"You should know that Earl Zhang is the owner of Dragon Soaring Jade Shop, and he was the Third Young Master of the Zhang Family twelve years ago. He built such a large business at the age of six, he was really amazing!"

Hearing everyone around him siding with Zhang Xingfeng, Li Tianxiang's face flushed red and then paled. Both the Li Family and Yuwen Family knew that the "Phoenix Seeking Phoenix Seeking Phoenix" was Zhang Xingfeng's betrothal gift to Yuwen Rou. Today was his and Yuwen Rou's wedding day, yet Zhang Xingfeng was using that betrothal gift as a present. What did this mean?

Li Tianxiang, true to form, actually smiled and said, "Brother Li Tianxiang, I never expected you to give me and Rou such a valuable gift. I am truly flattered. Alright, I'll accept the gift, but you absolutely must drink this wine!" Li Tianxiang smiled as he accepted Phoenix Seeking Phoenix and raised the cup in his hand.

Zhang Xingfeng glanced at the smiling Li Tianxiang and laughed too, then gulped down the wine in his glass, savoring its fiery taste! Li Tianxiang simultaneously poured the wine into his mouth.

"Bravo!" A chorus of cheers and applause erupted from the surrounding area.

Zhang Xingfeng calmly transmitted his voice to Li Tianxiang and said, "Li Tianxiang, I'm warning you, if anything unexpected happens to Rou in the future, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Li Tianxiang also transmitted his voice to Zhang Xingfeng, saying, "Don't worry, no one can run wild on my Li Family's territory!"

Just as the atmosphere was getting lively, an explosion rang out in the middle of nearly a hundred tables.

"Bang!..."

Li Tianxiang shuddered and exclaimed, "Fire Thunder!"

The Fire Thunder is an extremely powerful weapon developed by the Jiangnan Lei Family. Its explosion could kill even Innate Master. The guests here are far from being Innate Master; there aren't many even ninth-rank martial artists. They are all high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals.

Watching one after another, high-ranking and powerful officials die under the Fire Thunder, Li Tianxiang was going crazy. The Li Family was not afraid of the deaths of one or two of these people, but the deaths of dozens or hundreds of them were something that even the first Aristocratic Clan among the Four Great Families could not bear!

As soon as the Fire Thunder sounded, Zhang Xingfeng used his unparalleled skill to instantly reach outside the blast radius. He leisurely watched the irritable Li Tianxiang swiftly rescue the dignitaries, occasionally interrupting Zhang Xingfeng Li Tianxiang's rescue efforts, though Li Tianxiang, with his skill, was completely unaware of Zhang Xingfeng's actions.

Li Tianxiang's eyes flashed with a fierce light. Today was supposed to be his joyous day, yet this had happened, and more trouble was to come. These dead men were all powerful figures who wielded considerable influence in their respective regions. Now that they were dead, wouldn't their brothers and relatives seek revenge? Although the Li Family was also a victim, at least the people died within their Li Family. Frustrated, Li Tianxiang roared, "Take that bastard who set up this place to the dungeon! Everyone search it! I want to see who's got the guts to do this!"

Just as Li Tianxiang was getting angry, suddenly more than a dozen of the Li Family's servants rushed towards the terrified tycoons, killing more than a dozen important figures in an instant.

Zhang Xingfeng made his move. He moved like the wind, disappearing into every corner. In the blink of an eye, more than a dozen assassins were dead, leaving only one survivor.

Zhang Xingfeng walked leisurely to Li Tianxiang, threw the weapon in his hand in front of Li Tianxiang, and said with a heavy heart, "Brother Li, I never expected such a thing to happen. This survivor must be thoroughly interrogated to see who had such audacity. Too many people have died today!"

Li Tianxiang gestured to the Li Family beside him, and the men took the survivor away. Li Tianxiang said to Zhang Xingfeng, "I am truly grateful to Brother Zhang today, otherwise, I'm afraid even more people would have died." Li Tianxiang was also very frustrated. He never expected that there would be traitors among the ever-loyal Jingwei of the Li Family, and more than a dozen of them. He wondered if there were any more among them.

Many important figures rushed to Zhang Xingfeng's side to thank Zhang Xingfeng, saying that they might have died if it weren't for Zhang Xingfeng! They all confided in Zhang Xingfeng, even guaranteeing that anyone who opposed Zhang Xingfeng would be opposing them, which unexpectedly gave Zhang Xingfeng a lot of powerful support.

The wedding was ruined, and many people left early. Zhang Xingfeng also said goodbye to Li Tianxiang and left with Lang Feng and the others, who had gained nothing.

Just as Zhang Xingfeng left, Yuwen Rou's personal maid Yun'er, ran to Li Tianxiang's side in a panic and said, "Young Master, Young Master, something terrible has happened!"

Li Tianxiang was already very annoyed, and seeing Yun'er like this only made him angrier. He shouted, "What is it? Can't you see I'm busy?"

Yun'er cried out, "Miss, Miss is vomiting blood!"

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