Heavenly Marriage

Only Dao Xuan remained, seated cross-legged upon a cloud bed. The Top Three Flowers swayed above his head, while the Five Qi in his chest faced the origin, steadily advancing toward the mid-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.

Fangzhang Immortal Island, where the years drifted by.

Beside the pool of Three Lights Divine Water, immortal mist curled through the air, and spiritual radiance shimmered.

Dao Xuan's mind was calm and focused, like an ancient well without a ripple.

Deep within his primordial spirit, the phantom of the Twelve-petal Pure World White Lotus bloomed in sacred splendor, casting down streams of purifying divine light that washed away the dust within his primordial spirit.

The Myriad Treasures Nine Dragon Seal hung above his head. The phantoms of nine dragons rose and fell around it, sorting the earth veins, suppressing fortune, and drawing the endless Innate Spiritual Energy of Fangzhang Island into Dao Xuan's body like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.

The Taiqing Immortal Art circulated through the heavenly cycle, its yin and yang energies flowing freely as they harmonized water and fire.

The blood and qi of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique roared. Treasure light gleamed around his body, and under the surging wash of his mana, his sinews, bones, flesh, and blood became ever tougher as he advanced toward the mid-stage of the seventh revolution.

Within his Mud Pill Palace, the Top Three Flowers became increasingly solid and resplendent. Dao Rhyme flowed through them as though they had been carved from glazed jade.

The Five Qi in his chest—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—circulated endlessly in five-colored radiance, cycling over and over as they gradually showed the tendency to return to the origin and flow toward the sea.

No one knew how many thousands of years passed.

Then, one day.

Above Fangzhang Island, the Innate Spiritual Energy that had once been peaceful and still suddenly began to boil!

As though swallowed by an invisible giant whale, it formed an enormous spiritual energy vortex and poured madly into Xuan Yuan Palace!

The palace gates remained tightly shut, while Dao Rhyme surged within like the tide.

The two young attendants, Yushu and Xuanji, had long since been alerted. They stood guard outside the palace, their little faces filled with nervous anticipation.

"Master is about to break through!" Yushu clenched his tiny fists.

"He will surely succeed!" Xuanji's gaze was resolute.

Boom—!

A rumble from the depths of Dao Xuan's Dao Body and primordial spirit resounded from within Xuan Yuan Palace!

It was not loud, yet it shook the Divine Soul!

In an instant!

Above Xuan Yuan Palace, three phantom immortal flowers, condensed almost into substance and flowing with Dao Rhyme, shot into the heavens. Their radiance stretched for miles, illuminating Fangzhang Immortal Island!

Five thick pillars of five-colored qi, each like a dragon, burst from Dao Xuan's chest and shot straight into the sky, complementing the Three Flowers!

Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, Five Qi Facing the Origin!

The mid-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm had been reached as naturally as water flowing into a channel!

The palace gates opened without a sound.

Dao Xuan slowly stepped out.

He still wore a Blue Gauze Headband, an Apricot Yellow Eight Trigrams Robe, a Qiankun Silk Sash, and Cloud-Treading Boots.

Yet his aura had become even deeper and more boundless, flawless and complete.

When his eyes opened and closed, divine light remained restrained within them, pure and unstained, as though he could see through all the falsehoods of the world.

"Congratulations, Master, on your advance in cultivation and your attainment of the mid-stage Grand Unity realm!" Yushu and Xuanji were overjoyed and hurried forward to offer their congratulations.

Dao Xuan smiled and nodded.

"I have been in seclusion for a long time, and away from the mountain for even longer."

His gaze turned westward, toward Kunlun Mountain.

"It is time to return and pay respects to my master and my two martial uncles."

"Yushu, Xuanji."

"Your disciples are here!" The two attendants stood solemnly.

"You are to remain at Fangzhang, guard the gates, and tend to the spiritual roots. None without my Talisman Edict may enter."

"We shall obey Master's decree!" The two attendants answered solemnly.

Dao Xuan flicked his sleeve.

"Where are the Five Spirits?"

Roar—!

A clear cry rang out as five-colored auspicious light rose from the forests beyond the island.

The Five Spirit Qilin arrived before Dao Xuan in an instant, treading on auspicious clouds with wind beneath its four hooves. Five-colored auspicious mist curled around its body, making it look exceptionally majestic as it affectionately rubbed against his arm.

"Let us return to Kunlun."

Dao Xuan leaped onto the Five Spirit Qilin's back.

Understanding his intent, the Five Spirit Qilin raised auspicious clouds beneath its feet and transformed into a streak of five-colored light. It instantly broke through Fangzhang Island's restrictions, departed the East Sea, and headed straight for Kunlun, the sacred mountain and ancestral vein of the primordial world!

The Five Spirit Qilin traveled swiftly, cutting through clouds and mist.

Before long, the towering and endless Kunlun Mountains came into view, grand beyond measure.

Dao Xuan lowered his cloud and landed before the Eight Sceneries Palace.

A young attendant had long been waiting at the entrance.

"Senior Brother Dao Xuan has returned!" Joy appeared on the attendant's face.

"I must trouble you to inform Master," Dao Xuan said with a smile and a nod.

"Master already knows of Senior Brother's return and has ordered you to enter." The attendant stepped aside and gestured him in.

Dao Xuan adjusted his robes and crown before entering the Eight Sceneries Palace.

Inside, Taiqing Laozi sat upon a cloud bed. The Mysterious Yellow Exquisite Pagoda hovered above his head, casting down streams of mysterious yellow qi. His aura was ethereal, as though he had merged with the Dao itself.

The Jade Pure Primordial Heavenly Venerate and the Upper Pure Heavens Master were present as well.

"Disciple Dao Xuan pays respects to Master! Disciple pays respects to Second Martial Uncle and Third Martial Uncle!" Dao Xuan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

The gazes of the Three Pure Ones fell upon Dao Xuan.

A faint smile appeared on Laozi's usually impassive face.

A trace of surprise and approval flashed through Primordial Heavenly Venerate's eyes.

Sect Master Tongtian clapped and laughed openly. "Good! Good lad! How long have you been gone? Yet you have already reached the mid-stage Grand Unity realm! Your foundation is stable, your Dao Rhyme complete. Not bad! Truly not bad!"

Primordial Heavenly Venerate nodded as well. "Your foundation is solid. Though your progress has been swift, it is not superficial. Good."

Laozi slowly spoke in an even voice. "You traveled the primordial world and encountered opportunities. Your Dao heart remained firm, and your foundation suffered no harm. This is your fortune. Good."

Receiving such praise from the Three Pure Ones, Dao Xuan was delighted as well.

"This disciple was merely fortunate enough to obtain a few minor opportunities. I do not deserve such praise from Master and my martial uncles."

"Opportunity is also strength." Sect Master Tongtian laughed. "Sit. Tell us of your experiences these past years."

Dao Xuan sat as instructed and recounted the important events after leaving Kunlun: searching for a Daoist sanctuary, meeting Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun by chance, entering Fangzhang Island, subduing the Dragon Clan, and so on.

Naturally, he did not mention core secrets such as the Chaos Bead, the Pure World White Lotus, and the Ancestral Dragon Pearl, nor did he reveal the specifics of his cultivation techniques.

Even so, the Three Pure Ones were slightly moved by what they heard.

"Fangzhang Immortal Island!" A sharp glint flashed through Sect Master Tongtian's eyes. "That island was formed from a Chaos Fragment and has existed since the creation of the world. It is mysterious beyond measure, yet you found it. Your fortune is indeed profound!"

"Sheltering the Dragon Clan and forming a good bond with them was also a farsighted choice," Primordial Heavenly Venerate commented.

Laozi nodded slightly without saying more, clearly approving of Dao Xuan's actions.

As they spoke.

A young attendant suddenly reported from outside the palace:

"Reporting to the masters, Bai Ze, an envoy of the Demon Clan, seeks an audience outside."

"Bai Ze?" Sect Master Tongtian raised a brow. "The Demon Clan's strategist? What is he here for?"

"Let him enter," Laozi said calmly.

A short while later.

A Daoist slowly entered.

He wore:

A White Crane Pearl Tassel Crown upon his head, a Cloud Pattern Star Robe, a Qiankun Silk Sash at his waist, and Cloud-Treading Boots on his feet.

His face was as fair as jade, with three wisps of clear beard beneath his chin. Wisdom shone in his eyes, while his bearing was refined and elegant, composed and unhurried.

He held a jade-handled whisk in his hand, and auspicious clouds and mist followed his every step.

He was Bai Ze—the foremost of the Demon Clan's ten demon marshals, a being versed in all things and possessed of extraordinary wisdom!

"This lesser demon, Bai Ze, has come by the order of His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor to pay respects to Taiqing Dao Venerate, Jade Pure Dao Venerate, and Upper Pure Dao Venerate!"

Bai Ze bowed deeply, respectful in manner yet neither servile nor overbearing.

"What matter does the Heavenly Emperor have?" Primordial Heavenly Venerate asked.

Bai Ze respectfully presented a gilded jade invitation adorned with patterns of Solar True Fire, which emanated brilliant divine radiance.

"Reporting to the three Dao Venerates, His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, moved by the Heavenly Dao and following the harmony of yin and yang, shall hold a grand Heavenly Marriage ceremony thirty years hence at the Lingxiao Treasure Hall beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, joining with the two goddesses of the Lunar Star, Changxi and Xihe!"

"This shall be the first Heavenly Marriage between heaven and earth, and its significance is extraordinary!"

"His Majesty has specially commanded this lesser demon to invite the great powers of the primordial world to attend and celebrate this grand occasion!"

"This is the invitation. We respectfully request the three Dao Venerates to honor us with your presence!"

An attendant accepted the invitation and presented it before Laozi.

Laozi glanced over it but gave no response.

Sect Master Tongtian sneered. "Dijun is certainly in high spirits. The conflict between the witches and demons burns fiercely, yet he still has the mind to take wives?"

Bai Ze's expression did not change. He smiled and said, "Upper Pure Dao Venerate sees clearly. The Heavenly Marriage follows the Heavenly Dao. The union of yin and yang shall naturally bring down merit, and it will also display the majesty of our Heavenly Court."

Primordial Heavenly Venerate said indifferently, "The Witch Clan is savage. Would they restrain themselves merely because of a wedding?"

"Jade Pure Dao Venerate is correct." Bai Ze remained composed. "But this is His Majesty's intention and also a grand event for the primordial world. His Majesty sincerely invites all great powers to attend."

Laozi finally spoke, his voice calm and undisturbed. "We cultivate in tranquility and do not enjoy noise."

Bai Ze understood at once. "The Dao Venerates are pure and detached; this lesser demon understands. His Majesty has also said that if the Dao Venerates find it inconvenient to attend personally, sending an outstanding disciple to witness the ceremony would likewise be an honor for the Heavenly Court."

The Three Pure Ones exchanged glances.

Primordial Heavenly Venerate looked at Dao Xuan. "Dao Xuan, now that you have returned and broken through to the mid-stage Grand Unity realm, go in our stead."

Sect Master Tongtian added, "Indeed. It would not hurt to go to the Heavenly Court and see the spectacle."

Laozi nodded faintly.

Dao Xuan rose to his feet. "This disciple obeys."

Bai Ze looked at Dao Xuan, and a glimmer of wisdom flashed through his eyes. Smiling, he said, "You must be Dao Xuan, the esteemed disciple of Taiqing Dao Venerate? You truly possess the bearing of an immortal and an exceptional presence! Thirty years hence, the Heavenly Court shall await your arrival!"

"I must trouble Fellow Daoist Bai Ze," Dao Xuan said with a bow.

Having completed his task, Bai Ze exchanged a few more pleasantries before taking his leave.

After Bai Ze departed.

Sect Master Tongtian shook his head. "Dijun truly seeks to gather fortune and display his power through this Heavenly Marriage. But the Witch Clan is not easy to contend with. Those Twelve Ancestral Witches are all rash brutes. I fear this wedding may not remain peaceful."

Primordial Heavenly Venerate said, "The conflict between witches and demons is a great calamity of heaven and earth, impossible to avoid. This Heavenly Marriage may be its fuse or merely an interlude, but it will ultimately not change the greater trend. Dao Xuan, simply attend the ceremony. Do not become involved."

Laozi closed his eyes and slowly said, "Observe quietly and adapt to events."

"This disciple understands," Dao Xuan replied.

Afterward, Dao Xuan sought guidance from the Three Pure Ones on several difficulties in cultivation, and all three instructed him with great care.

After remaining at Kunlun for several days, Dao Xuan bade farewell to his master and martial uncles and returned to his own cave abode at Kunlun.

He began considering a wedding gift.

Dijun's Heavenly Marriage was to the two goddesses of the Lunar Star. Ordinary treasures would likely not catch their eyes.

A precious treasure? He was reluctant to part with one, and it would seem overly flattering.

Something too modest? That would damage the Three Pure Ones' dignity.

"It must be respectable, yet original as well..."

Dao Xuan pondered for a moment, then lowered his gaze to his sleeve.

With a thought, he took out a jade casket.

Inside lay several lotus seeds.

They had not come from the Pure World White Lotus, but from the third-petal and sixth-petal white lotuses he had previously cultivated using Three Lights Divine Water.

These lotus seeds contained a trace of purifying Dao Rhyme and the life-giving vitality of Three Lights Divine Water. Though they were not innate, they were still exceptionally spiritual.

"I have it!"

A bright light flashed through Dao Xuan's eyes.

He took out the plumpest and most radiant lotus seed from a sixth-petal white lotus.

He then drew out a thread of pure Solar True Fire origin—obtained from the Chaos Bead's inner space—and a thread of Taiyin Moon Essence origin—obtained from Fangzhang Island's moonlight spring.

"Yin and yang unite; sun and moon shine together!"

Dao Xuan formed hand seals and chanted an incantation.

With supreme mana, he carefully fused the Solar True Fire origin and Taiyin Moon Essence origin into the lotus seed!

Buzz!

The lotus seed trembled gently as light flowed over its surface!

The originally pure white lotus seed now glowed pale gold-red on one side, like a miniature sun, while the other side shimmered with cool moon-white light, like condensed moonlight!

Gold-red and moon-white intertwined, forming a perfect yin-yang fish pattern that slowly flowed across the seed's surface, exuding harmonious and profound Dao Rhyme!

"This lotus seed contains the essence of the sun, moon, yin, and yang, along with a trace of purifying vitality. It symbolizes the union of the Heavenly Marriage, the mutual aid of yin and yang, and endless life!"

Dao Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

He then brought out a piece of warm jade and personally carved it into an exquisite jade casket.

The casket had two layers. The upper layer held the Yin-Yang Lotus Seed.

The lower layer contained a small pool of Three Lights Divine Water, within which a newly sprouted Conjoined Twin Lotus seedling flourished with vitality.

Upon the jade casket's lid, Dao Xuan used his finger as a brush to carve eight ancient Daoist characters: "Sun and Moon Shine Together, Heaven and Earth in Eternal Harmony."

"A modest gift, but one rich in sentiment—and fitting for a Heavenly Marriage."

Dao Xuan smiled faintly and put away the jade casket.

Thirty years were but the flick of a finger to the great powers of the primordial world.

Then, one day.

Dao Xuan rode the Five Spirit Qilin and departed Kunlun.

The Five Spirit Qilin trod upon auspicious clouds, wind rising beneath its four hooves as it charged straight into the nine heavens!

Passing through layer upon layer of astral winds, thunder, and fire, he crossed the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The view before him suddenly opened up!

There stood the South Heavenly Gate, deep green and fashioned from glazed crystal, gleaming brightly and adorned with precious jade; Ten Thousand Golden Lights Roll Red Neon, Thousand Auspicious Qi Spray Purple Mist!

On either side stood dozens of Heaven-Guarding Marshals, helms and armor donned, halberds in hand and banners at their backs, their bearing stern and imposing.

Beyond the South Heavenly Gate lay the splendid sights of the Heavenly Court.

Thirty-three celestial palaces and seventy-two layers of treasure halls stood in neat succession, magnificent in gold and jade, wreathed in auspicious clouds as immortal music drifted through the air.

Countless immortal officials, divine generals, and great powers of the primordial world gathered from every direction—some riding auspicious clouds, some mounted on strange beasts, others controlling magical treasures. Immortal light and auspicious qi cast the entire Heavenly Court into a dreamlike glow!

Dao Xuan presented his invitation, and an immortal official respectfully led the way through layer after layer of palace halls until they reached the vast square before the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Countless cloud tables and jade seats had already been arranged across the square.

Nectar and Jade Liquid, immortal fruits, and exquisite delicacies filled the tables in dazzling abundance.

Many familiar faces were already seated.

Zhenyuanzi and Old Ancestor Hongyun arrived together. When they saw Dao Xuan, they greeted him with smiles.

The two Western Daoists, Jieyin and Zhunti, sat in a corner, their appearances solemn and dignified.

Empress Nuwa sat high at one side of the seat of honor, graceful and regal.

The great deity Fuxi sat beside her as well.

Old Ancestor Minghe remained hidden in a corner, his bloody radiance restrained.

Kunpeng sat in the foremost seat among the demon commanders, his expression cold and grim.

Many other great powers of the primordial world were also present, some seated alone and others conversing, each possessing an extraordinary bearing.

Dao Xuan found the cloud table marked "Kunlun" and sat down, quietly awaiting the auspicious hour.

His gaze swept across the magnificent scene, yet he recalled the words of his master and martial uncles.

"Like boiling oil over a blazing fire, like flowers added to brocade... beneath this scene of utmost prosperity, undercurrents are surging."

He lifted a cup of Nectar and Jade Liquid and took a light sip.

Let us see how this heavenly wedding unfolds.