Rich Woman Hug Me

Night fell.

Across the grasslands, candlelight flickered and bonfires sprang up everywhere.

Grand ceremonial music drifted through the air, mingled with cheers and laughter.

A gentle evening breeze carried the scents of wine, roasted meat, and grain for over a hundred miles.

The local immortal folk, especially the women, were remarkably capable; though they knew the sect's days were numbered and carried a trace of sorrow in their hearts, they still sang and danced on the surface, seven hundred people making enough noise to sound like seven thousand.

Even the refugees from afar were infected by the mood; women clapped along, beggars swayed to the rhythm, and a group of sallow, thin children joined in the commotion.

Little Bamboo Spring Mountain.

On the east side of the summit, Ning Zhongzi's bedchamber.

Before dressing and applying makeup for Liu Xuanye, Ning Zhongzi had to dress the groom first.

She had personally commissioned the wedding attire overnight.

She tied red silk ribbons onto the Bamboo Spring Sect's green robes, sewed on red lapels and cuffs, and hung a red tasseled sword knot from his blade.

It looked incredibly elegant, yet adorned with just the right touch of festivity.

Lu Ya felt a strange sensation.

What was it like to get married on the third day after transmigrating?

This was his first marriage.

He had expected it to be a mere formality, but seeing the lively scene outside, he suddenly felt a thrill.

"It's very lively out there."

Lu Ya was genuinely curious.

Ning Zhongzi was adjusting Lu Ya's lapels, embroidering the red edges and trimming the loose threads.

She worked with meticulous care.

Even with her body pressed close to Lu Ya's, there was no sense of estrangement.

Three days felt like they had been family for three years, or even thirty.

"It is thanks to you that we have such liveliness today."

"Is there anything extra I need to do during the wedding ceremony?"

"An immortal's wedding need not be overly formal. Senior Brother, just handle it as you see fit. The important thing is that after the ceremony, I will publicly announce your city-building plan."

"Understood."

Lu Ya nodded, then asked casually:

"Who was that half-fox woman from earlier?"

"She is the Sect Resident Envoy sent by Black Stone. Her background and motives are very complex; she is a woman even more ominous than the Sect Master. Senior Brother, you must not provoke her."

"Understood."

Lu Ya agreed with his lips, but thought to himself.

Isn't this reverse psychology just a hint for me to go and provoke her?

You want me to probe the truth about this woman?

Not happening.

The wedding banquet began.

The master of ceremonies was an old man with the cultivation of a one-star Immortal Monarch; he was tall and thin, full of vigor, with a solemn expression and a rather transcendent, immortal air.

At least, that was how it appeared to mortal eyes.

Under the guidance of the Old Master of Ceremonies, four strong local women carried a large wooden barrel onto the Bamboo Platform.

Inside the barrel was the Immortal Beer that Lu Ya and Ning Zhongzi had brewed overnight.

Although the time was tight, with max-level cultivation combined with max-level brewing skills, it wasn't much of a problem.

With a voice that sounded like flowing mountain water yet remained powerful and vigorous, the Old Master of Ceremonies introduced the drink to the guests:

"This is the Iced Malt Ale personally brewed for you all by Elder Lu. The raw material is the Immortal Wheat from this land. Because it was brewed overnight, only one barrel was produced. Everyone shall have one bowl, and in addition, each person will receive a flask of Immortal Brewed Rice Wine from East Floating City."

Most of the guests were women who were not particularly interested in alcohol, drinking only on festive occasions.

The Wine Fox Immortal was different.

She was a master of the wine path.

Full of anticipation for the fine liquor, she soon received the tray of drinks handed to her by a local woman.

On the tray sat a full flask of Immortal Rice Brew and a bowl of Malt Ale.

Sitting cross-legged on her large gourd, the Wine Fox Immortal narrowed her eyes, turning the Immortal Rice Brew flask over in her hands, appraising the porcelain material, the craftsmanship, and the runes and calligraphy engraved upon it.

She flicked the stopper open, twitched her nose, and closed her eyes to savor the scent, filled with a sense of solemn ritual.

Only then did she take a delightful sip of the Immortal Rice Brew.

Hmm... very fragrant.

Top-tier goods from East Floating City; Ning Zhongzi is certainly willing to spend a fortune.

Thinking this, she downed it in one gulp, finding it quite flavorful.

She then looked at the other bowl of so-called malt ale.

It was her first time hearing of malt ale.

Observing it closely, the spiritual energy was negligible, the pale yellow liquid was bubbling strangely, and it emitted a bizarre odor reminiscent of urine.

"Iced Malt Ale?"

"What is this strange smell?"

"What could possibly be good about unranked malt ale?"

"Is this all that woman Ning Zhongzi prepared?"

While examining it, Wine Fox Immortal kept muttering to herself.

Perhaps because they were both beast immortals, Muyu Feifei felt a sense of kinship with Wine Fox Immortal and had long since become familiar with her; at this moment, she licked her little lips and sat atop the large gourd.

"This is the wine brewed by the Little Martial Uncle, I really want to drink it."

"Stinky wet nurse, we are almost six hundred years old, yet she refuses to let us drink."

"Saying something about not corrupting the children of the immortal commoners..."

"I think she's just stingy!"

The two little girls were filled with righteous indignation.

Wine Fox Immortal curled her lip, looking disdainful as she said:

"What is there to enjoy about wine brewed from Mortal Wheat? If it weren't for the sake of investigation... ahem, researching the brewing process, would I drink this horse piss?"

Having said that, she raised the bowl and took a sip with a look of utter disgust.

Suddenly, a ripple of expression crossed her beautiful, round face.

Muyu Feifei licked her little lips and hurriedly asked:

"Is it good?"

"It's terrible."

Wine Fox Immortal furrowed her brows, her expression one of extreme agony.

Agony so intense she felt like ascending to the heavens...

Her bright, fox-like eyes darted around, and she suddenly pulled a bag of Immortal Crystal from her bosom, tossing it to Muyu Feifei:

"As the Sect Resident Envoy, I cannot let the immortal commoners suffer such grievances. You two go and ask if there are any women or children who aren't drinking; I will trade Immortal Crystal for their wine. One Immortal Crystal per bowl, and for every bowl you trade, I will give you an extra Immortal Crystal as a commission. Go, quickly."

Upon hearing this, the two little girls jumped for joy.

"Got it! Senior, you are truly magnificent."

"You're so much better than those humans!"

They scampered off in a flash.

They returned in a flash.

Because it was a wedding feast and served in bowls, everyone drank quickly. The two little girls only managed to collect a dozen bowls of malt ale, which they handed over to Wine Fox Immortal with some reluctance.

They sighed at the cold-heartedness of their wet nurse, finding comfort only in the warmth of the Immortal Crystal in their hands.

"You two did a great job!"

Wine Fox Immortal couldn't bear to drink it immediately; she carefully poured it into her wine gourd, intending to savor it in private...

To research it.

On the Bamboo Platform.

Before long.

Under the guidance of the Old Master of Ceremonies, a massive, roasted Hunting Falcon was carried up.

"This is a congratulatory gift sent by Deacon Black Stone of the East Floating Immortal Court—an Immortal Master-level Hunting Falcon, to congratulate Sect Master Liu and Elder Lu on their union!"

The immortal commoners were suddenly stunned.

Are the Hunting Falcons of the Immortal Court meant to be eaten?

"Wow, it smells so good..."

"The Immortal Court is so generous!"

"Won't there be problems if we eat an Immortal Master-level spirit beast?"

The Master of Ceremonies hurriedly explained.

"Although it is an Immortal Master-level Hunting Falcon, this falcon was roasted personally by Elder Lu, so even mortals can eat it freely without worrying about their bodies being unable to handle it."

The Wine Fox Immortal was a bit dazed.

An Immortal Falcon as a congratulatory gift?

Elder Lu Ya personally roasting it?

What on earth was going on?

"Wait... where did you get an Immortal Falcon? Black Stone wouldn't have the guts for this, would he?"

Muyu Feifei toyed with the Immortal Crystal in her hand, holding it up to the bonfire and squinting as she watched the flames through the gem.

Following Ning Zhongzi's instructions, she kept their stories consistent:

"Two Immortal Court deacons made a mistake and mortgaged their mounts to the Bamboo Spring Sect."

Immortal Court deacons making mistakes and mortgaging their mounts to a sect?

The Wine Fox Immortal had roamed the world for thousands of years, yet this was the first time she had heard of such an absurd thing, and she couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"Does that guy really dare to roast and eat an Immortal Court Hunting Falcon?"

Muyu Feifei nodded with a knowing look.

"Pretty detestable, right?"

"It shows absolutely no respect for us Immortal Beasts."

"..."

The Wine Fox Immortal felt she couldn't keep up with the two girls' train of thought.

On the Bamboo Platform.

The chef sliced the Immortal Falcon, placed the meat onto plates, and had the women of Clear Spring Village distribute them to every guest.

The plate of falcon meat soon reached the Wine Fox Immortal.

Even Muyu Feifei received two plates.

Each plate held ten slices, totaling about a pound of meat.

The two girls didn't even hesitate, swallowing the plates and the meat whole.

In an instant, their seas of energy churned, and a wave of spiritual power slammed into their Immortal Platform—

With two booming sounds, both of them leveled up simultaneously!

They had risen from one-star Immortal Monarchs to two-star Immortal Monarchs!

The Wine Fox Immortal, watching from the side, was completely stunned.

This was actually possible?

In the Wine Fox Immortal's view, these two Tiger Immortal girls had very mediocre talent; it was already a miracle they had been enlightened, and it was highly likely they would remain one-star Immortal Monarchs for the rest of their lives.

And now, they just leveled up by eating a piece of meat?

Even eating Immortal Pills like candy shouldn't be able to do that, right?

The Wine Fox Immortal, a dignified three-star Immortal Sect Master, was completely flabbergasted by the two little Immortal Monarchs before her.

"Are you sure you aren't putting on a show for me?"

Muyu Feifei was quite honest.

"We already ate half a roasted falcon yesterday, but the seasoning wasn't as good as today's. It didn't have the same kick, and unfortunately, we could only eat a few slices..."

The Wine Fox Immortal, half-doubting, stopped caring about the Immortal Court spirit beast and grabbed a slice of meat, diving right in.

The aroma of the meat rippled through her mouth; tender, crispy, savory, spicy, and fragrant, all dancing together in an instant.

What was even more miraculous was that the spiritual essence of the Immortal Master-level Immortal Falcon diffused into her Immortal Platform and sea of energy without the slightest loss. Her whole body felt warm, and she felt as if she were about to ascend to heaven.

If this were Immortal Sect-level falcon meat, wouldn't she have leveled up directly?

Wiping the fine sweat from the valley between her breasts, the Wine Fox Immortal's curiosity about Lu Ya exploded.

Just what kind of deity are you?

It didn't take long.

The pairing ceremony officially began.

Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Liu Xuanye, accompanied by Ning Zhongzi, and Lu Ya, accompanied by the old village chief of Clear Spring Village, slowly ascended the Bamboo Platform from the bamboo stairs on either side.

Liu Xuanye wore a bamboo-woven green conical hat, with a thin layer of red gauze draped over it like a waterfall. A Red Silk Sash was tied around her waist, and a woven red tassel hung from her sword.

She looked festive for the wedding, yet she didn't lose the ethereal grace of an immortal.

Her figure was like green bamboo, carrying an inherent, awe-inspiring Sword Qi. Her curves were elegant, as if outlined by nature and carved by gods and ghosts.

The Wine Fox Immortal didn't even glance at Liu Xuanye.

Back at the East Floating Immortal Academy, the Wine Fox Immortal had snuck into the private baths, hoping to bathe with Liu Xuanye, only to be pierced through her Immortal Platform by a single sword strike—a wound that hadn't fully healed to this day...

If not for that injury, she would have been an Immortal Venerable long ago.

Wanting to look but not daring to, the Wine Fox Immortal had no choice but to shift her gaze, staring solely at Lu Ya.

She looked again and again.

"What is this? This guy is nothing but plain and ordinary, far worse than Sister Liu Xuanye!"

"And he doesn't look like he's hiding his strength either. Did he capture Sister Liu Xuanye with gourmet food?"

"And what was up with that bamboo slip from earlier?"

The Wine Fox Immortal could not make heads or tails of it, so she had to take a fierce gulp of Immortal Nectar and continue watching.

The immortal citizens had no expectations for Lu Ya to begin with, but upon seeing his appearance, they found him unexpectedly handsome, his dignified immortal aura no less than that of any other immortal.

"Drink the nuptial wine—"

Under the guidance of the officiant, Lu Ya and Liu Xuanye drank the nuptial wine in turn, bowed to each other's elders, and after simply going through the motions, they prepared to step down from the stage.

After all, the drunkard's heart was not in the cup; the Partner Sealing Ceremony was merely a formality, intended to announce to the public that Liu Xuanye's husband-killing constitution could be suppressed.

Only in this way could they attract immortal citizens from other regions to do business or settle in the Bamboo Spring Sect.

Under the influence of the protective bamboo slip, the guests present felt nothing out of the ordinary, and even the elderly officiant standing nearby continued his speech with vigor and high spirits.

Just at this moment—

The Wine Fox Immortal suddenly stood up from her Hanging Gourd, spread her legs, pointed at Lu Ya, and shouted:

"What kind of wedding ceremony is this? Facing such a beautiful immortal wife, the groom is being far too perfunctory, isn't he? Could it be that he looks down on our Sister Liu Xuanye?"

Ning Zhongzi hurriedly shouted:

"Stop this nonsense!"

"Nonsense?"

The Wine Fox Immortal burst into laughter, and the vast spiritual pressure of an Immortal Sect Master instantly enveloped the entire Bamboo Platform.

"I am the Immortal Court Sect Envoy, representing the Immortal Court and even the Heavenly Dao. If the Bamboo Spring Sect wants to prove its innocence and dispel everyone's doubts, I'm afraid just going through the motions won't convince the masses, will it?"

The entire venue fell into dead silence.

The officiant broke out in a cold sweat.

Ning Zhongzi suppressed her urge to act and looked at Lu Ya.

Beneath the red gauze hat, Liu Xuanye stood like a suspended sword, her expression unreadable.

Muyu Feifei felt that the atmosphere was a bit off, so she quickly jumped off the Hanging Gourd to distance herself from the Wine Fox Immortal.

Suddenly, Lu Ya asked with great interest:

"You represent the Heavenly Dao?"

"The Immortal Court is the Heavenly Dao."

The Wine Fox Immortal's eyes were clear and cold, her words ringing out with conviction.

"Is that so?"

Lu Ya suddenly raised his sword and made a light stroke forward.

Liu Xuanye's green hat split in two and drifted to the ground, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful face.

It was a face of immortal beauty that seemed to have stepped out of a poem or painting—dignified and heroic, yet youthful, adorned with light vermilion makeup, appearing like a goddess under the flickering candlelight.

Her dark hair was coiled like hanging clouds, her brows were like ink-washed lines slanting into her temples, and her clear eyes, shimmering like stars in a lake, stared straight at Lu Ya, revealing a rare hint of tenderness.

"Oh no."

After stealing a glance at Liu Xuanye, the Wine Fox Immortal felt a sense of impending doom and deep regret; in the blink of an eye, her old wounds flared up, and her blood began to surge in reverse.

She immediately closed her eyes to meditate, her face turning deathly pale, and sweat poured uncontrollably from her forehead.

The guests were stunned, shocked by Liu Xuanye's peerless beauty, and some could not help but exclaim:

"The bride is so beautiful..."

In an instant, they were silenced by the local immortal citizens, who feared triggering some unexpected reaction.

To think there was such a beautiful woman in this world!

In that single moment, Lu Ya suffered Ten Thousand Swords Piercing the Heart.

Gazing at his stunning immortal wife, he felt as if he were being gnawed by ten thousand ants, instantly falling into an abyss of no return.

Liu Xuanye, who always presented herself as cold and heartless, actually had a moment of tenderness.

Who could withstand this?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Lu Ya thought. The Wine Fox Immortal was right; going through the motions was meaningless. He would not actively pursue anything, but if things came to him, he would never back down.

Is this what I call liking her?

I'm just... I'm doing this for the sect!

Liu Xuanye's sword-like brows furrowed slightly, as if she had sensed something. Without a second thought, she instinctively flashed backward three steps, fearing she might hurt Lu Ya.

Only then did she realize that tonight was her wedding ceremony and Lu Ya was her fated immortal partner. A sense of unreality washed over her, and her body suddenly stiffened, not knowing what to do next.

Lu Ya sensed Liu Xuanye's awkwardness and found it unexpectedly endearing. He had a sudden urge to say, "Rich lady, hold me," but ultimately held back; after all, this was a high-profile wedding ceremony, and the sense of occasion was paramount.

Enduring the Ten Thousand Swords Piercing the Heart.

Lu Ya raised his hand and swept it upward.

With an irresistible force projected through the air, he swept Liu Xuanye up into his arms.

Before Liu Xuanye could react, Lu Ya leaned down and kissed her in an incredibly domineering fashion...

The night sky cracked open.