White Cloud's Grand Celebration: Mountains and Rivers Rejoice Together

In the southwestern cloud corridor of the White Cloud Sect, within an exquisite palace called "Guizhen Hall," a gentle morning breeze caresses the scene as the sea of clouds churns.

Qin Yu on the stone steps before the hall, the place he hadn't set foot on for years before. The doors of the Guizhen Hall were tightly closed, yet a familiar fragrance of flowers and trees wafted from the cracks—it was "Emerald Heart Agarwood," Zhao Xinyu's favorite since childhood.

His eyes flickered slightly, his steps unhurried. The moment he pushed open the palace door, light and shadow spilled in, and he saw a man and a woman sitting side by side by the sandalwood window.

Yang Zheng was no longer the naive boy he once was; he wore a plain blue robe and his brows now held a more composed air. Zhao Xinyu, on the other hand, wore a light pink dress, her demeanor elegant and gentle, her eyes still as clear and bright as ever.

The two turned their heads at the same time, and when their eyes fell on that familiar figure, they froze on the spot.

"Qin Yu..."

"Brother Yu?"

The voices rang out almost simultaneously, and before the words were finished, the three of them had already hurried forward. A silent reunion after a long separation quietly unfolded as their eyes and expressions met.

Zhao Xinyu's eyes reddened, but she remained silent, pursing her lips. Yang Zheng lightly punched Qin Ning's shoulder, his smile tinged with tears, "You finally decided to come back?"

Qin Yu smiled and nodded gently, "I'm back."

At that moment, all the world's clamor faded away, leaving only the gentle passage of time.

The warm sunlight streamed into the hall, and Qingfeng lifted the curtains. The three of them sat down again on the soft stools by the window, a pot of fragrant tea steaming gently, the atmosphere just like their first meeting under the cloud-covered corridor years ago, but everything had changed.

Zhao Xinyu sipped her tea, her gaze lingering on Qin Yu's face, and asked softly:

"How have you been all these years...?"

Qin Yu smiled faintly, his expression gentle. "I'm fine. I've been doing what I'm supposed to do, but—there are some people, some places, that I always keep in mind."

Yang Zheng laughed heartily, toying with his teacup, and said, "You are well, but when has our White Cloud Sect not been waiting for your return all these years? You've been gone for several years, and we hardly ever hear from you. Even the sect leader had to go to Divine Abyss to look for you himself."

Zhao Xinyu smiled gently and said reproachfully, "Brother Yang Zheng, don't scare him... Brother Yu has his own things to do too. As long as he's Anran and back, that's good."

Qin Yu looked at the two of them, a warm glint suddenly flashing in his eyes, and said in a low voice, "You two... seem to be doing quite well."

Zhao Xinyu nodded gently, a soft blush rising on her face. "Yes... Brother Yang Zheng has always taken care of me. We cultivate together and teach disciples at the White Cloud Sect. Life has been peaceful and reassuring."

Yang Zheng scratched his head and laughed, "Of course, Qin Yu, I can't let Xinyu suffer while you're not here."

Qin Yu smiled and nodded, his eyes filled with no resentment but rather with relief. "That's good. Your happiness is my greatest peace of mind."

Larks chirped softly on the branches outside the hall, and a ray of sunlight slanted across the three people's shoulders in the courtyard.

The boys sat side by side, the girls smiled and whispered, as if time had flowed backward, or as if it had settled into the tranquility and peace of a long-awaited reunion.

At this moment, the sky is high and the clouds are light, and time is gentle.

The three spoke more slowly, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and a gentle atmosphere filled with subtle affection.

Qin Yu suddenly put down his teacup, glanced at the two of them, and smiled meaningfully.

"By the way, before I came, Sect Master Xiao specifically mentioned... that you two seem to be preparing for marriage?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Xinyu, her cheeks flushing red. She was momentarily speechless, only lowering her head and pursing her lips, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her skirt.

Yang Zheng scratched his head a little embarrassedly, but still looked at Qin Yu generously and smiled:

"We originally planned to finalize this matter after you returned. After all, you are one of the most important people in our lives, and if we're going to get married, you should be the one to witness it."

Zhao Xinyu chimed in softly, "Yes... Yang Zheng and I both feel that something's missing from this wedding if you're not there."

Qin Yu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly, his tone gentle:

"It's so good... to have people like you who still care about me. Seeing you all like this after I came back really makes me feel relieved."

As he spoke, he gently patted Yang Zheng's shoulder, then said softly to Zhao Xinyu, "Don't worry, no matter what day the wedding is, I will definitely be there."

Zhao Xinyu looked up, her eyes a little moist, but she couldn't help but smile and say, "Then it's settled. Brother Ning will be our witness and will also give us a congratulatory gift."

Qin Yu nodded. "Of course. But you two should settle this happy occasion as soon as possible. My mother will be very happy to see you two."

Sunlight streamed through the window, and the three of them smiled at each other. All the past events seemed to melt away in that moment, transforming into a calm and warm glow.

After a moment of silence, Qin Yu smiled and added, "Don't worry, I will not only witness this wedding... but I will also personally prepare a truly unique wedding gift for you."

Yang Zheng was taken aback, then laughed, "You kid... you're not going to give us a divine pill that can cause celestial phenomena later, are you?"

Qin Yu raised an eyebrow slightly, but his tone was quite serious. "I certainly won't give you the divine pill, but I will personally carve a 'Heart Realm Eternal Pact Seal' for you in the name of 'Azure Ring'."

Zhao Xinyu's eyes trembled slightly, clearly it was the first time she had heard this name, and even Yang Zheng looked puzzled.

Qin Yu explained softly, "This 'Eternal Pact Seal' will engrave the traces of your souls, leaving a resonant echo in each other's hearts. In the future, even if you are separated by millions of realms, as long as you have a thought, you can sense each other's safety and emotions... Even if you perish in the destruction of the realm, you can still follow each other's remnant souls."

Upon hearing Zhao Xinyu's eyes almost immediately welled up with tears, her voice trembling. "Qin Yu... you still say it's not some divine pill? This is more precious than anything else."

Yang Zheng nodded silently, his eyes full of sincerity. "Thank you, brother."

Qin Yu smiled faintly and shook his head, "Why are you saying such things to me? Your continued relationship is more important than any gift I could give you."

After a brief separation from Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu, Qin Ning returned to Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence, and it was already nearly dusk.

He entered the inner hall, where his mother, Qin Yu, was chatting and laughing with Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan, enjoying a harmonious time. Seeing Qin Ning return, Qin Yu looked up and smiled, "Yu'er, you're back so soon?"

Qin Yu nodded and replied gently, "I went to see Yang Zheng and Xinyu. They have indeed made up their minds and will be getting married in six days."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yu paused slightly, then her expression relaxed, and a look of joy appeared on her face. "That's wonderful... That child is calm and composed, and Xinyu is an excellent girl. Their marriage is like giving me another pair of children."

Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan exchanged a glance and smiled gently.

Qin Yu solemnly replied, "I will personally officiate at this wedding."

Qin Yu took a sip of tea and said softly, "Then I'll leave it to you. It's the best blessing for your brother."

Six days later.

The entire White Cloud Sect has been completely transformed.

Before dawn, the sect was already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. Brocade was laid along the steps and gold satin was wrapped around the pillars. Red spirit lanterns filled the sky like rosy clouds and fire, casting auspicious shadows in the clouds. Countless guests arrived from all directions by flying boats and cloud carriages, causing a sensation throughout the entire Great Yan Continent.

The sect disciples all changed into crimson robes adorned with gold patterns, their postures upright and their eyes filled with joy.

Above the main hall, a "double happiness" sky curtain constructed of azure cloud spiritual patterns slowly unfolded, making the entire White Cloud Sect resemble a sacred place of sworn brotherhood in the immortal realm on this day.

Qin Yu in the center of the square, his long robe and cloak shimmering with starlight, exuding a composed and noble air. He had already arranged all the ceremonies—from the wedding procession, the wedding ceremony, the sealing of the marriage contract, the bestowal of vows, to the final spiritual ceremony as a testament—all enhanced by a light array formed by the Azure Ring, etching the Heart Realm Eternal Pact Seal " between Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu between heaven and earth.

Mountains and rivers bear witness, the spirit realm offers its blessings.

The bride, Zhao Xinyu, wore a snow-white feather dress with frost-covered jade bells at her temples, her face beautiful and delicate; the groom, Yang Zheng, wore a crimson robe, his appearance handsome and resolute. The two stood hand in hand in the center of the crowd, and as they knelt to worship heaven and earth, a surge of azure light suddenly appeared between heaven and earth, and thousands of spirit cranes circled and cried, as if the entire Great Yan Continent was celebrating this moment.

Offstage, Qin Yu wiped away tears with a smile, feeling both moved and gratified.

Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan stood side by side, their eyes filled with tenderness—this day was not only the wedding of Qin Ning's friend, but also the fulfillment they had longed for.

On their shoulders, Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly and shimmering lights adorned the landscape, while the Silent Spirit Snow Fox lay quietly. Even the Dragon Girl Yunyi appeared, standing solemnly behind Qin Yu, her eyes revealing a hint of approval.

At this moment, Qin Yu stood quietly on the high platform, gazing at the distant sky.

He knew this was not the end, but a moment of tenderness on the journey.

In the square, all spirits paid homage.

The Lingyao Grand Plaza in front of the main hall of the White Cloud Sect has now transformed into a sacred domain of divine light. The plaza is paved with seventh-order cloud patterns, and in the center is a "Soul Marriage Platform" that leads straight to the heavens. It is a hundred feet high and floats in the air. Ninety-nine golden chains are wrapped around it, all of which were personally engraved by Qin Yu with the power of the Azure Ring.

At all four corners of the plaza, ten thousand disciples stood in formation to offer their congratulations, their expressions solemn yet joyful. They wore the formal battle robes of the White Cloud Sect, their backs adorned with sect emblems, and spoke in unison:

Congratulations to Young Master Yang and Fairy Zhao on your spiritual union, may your hearts be intertwined and your glory shine forever in the Cloud Sect!

The sound was like thunder, shattering the auspicious clouds in the sky.

Immediately afterwards, the "Four Spirit Ceremonial Beast Diagram" floating above the square slowly unfolded, revealing the four guardian beasts of the White Cloud Sect— the White-Feathered Qilin, the Black Black-Gold Crane, the Crimson Radiance Tiger, and the Azure Radiance Luan —all symbolizing blessings, gathering auspicious spiritual light to shower down upon the earth.

Thousands of clouds intertwined in the sky, and streaks of light carved out blessings and wedding symbols, encircling the wedding altar like a celestial scroll.

Guests gathered in large numbers, some standing on cloud boats and others riding spirit carriages; they were all nobles from various affiliated forces and clans of the White Cloud Sect. Cultivators from all walks of life rose to offer their congratulations.

Among them, many sect elders cupped their hands and said aloud:

"On the day of the wedding of Young Master Yang, a true disciple of the White Cloud Sect, may the heavens bear witness and may your sect's glory shine forever!"

"The return of the Zhao Clan's fairy maiden to her clan is truly a joyous occasion for heaven and earth, and a blessing for all races!"

Countless lower-ranking disciples of the White Cloud Sect were overcome with excitement, silently wishing they could say:

"So this is the backbone of the White Cloud Sect in this generation... The hope for the future is so strong and peaceful."

Amidst blessings and divine light, Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu completed their final ceremony on the marriage platform. Qin Ning, with the power of the Azure Ring Seal, personally bestowed the "Heart Realm Spirit Oath" upon the two—the oath pattern, like a butterfly, landed between their brows, its light enduring, binding their souls together.

Suddenly, a thousand cranes descended from the sky, circling and dancing, adorning the divine radiance; and between the mountains and seas, all the spirit arrays of the White Cloud Sect resounded in unison, emitting the sound of the Xuan Bell. The nine tones proclaimed to the Great Yan Continent: the White Cloud Sect Grand Ceremony is complete, souls swear an oath, and a new path is born.

The nine tolls of the celestial bell gradually subsided, and silence descended upon all directions.

The floating "Soul Marriage Platform" slowly sank down at this moment, connecting with the center of the square, transforming into a sacred Soul Oath Altar. On both sides of the altar, spirit-patterned lotus lanterns rose up, and thousands of golden rays of light fell from the void, like a curtain of starlight.

We bow to Heaven and Earth, our Soul Pact forever.

The Grand Elder of Ceremonies, with a solemn voice and holding a white jade tablet, recited in a deep voice:

"I bow to Heaven and Earth! -- I am grateful for the Taiyan Great Dao and inherit its essence."

Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu were dressed in their wedding attire. The man was dressed in a robe with azure clouds and gold patterns, looking handsome and dashing, while the woman was dressed in white with emerald hues, exuding an ethereal aura. The two bowed deeply, facing the sky.

The clouds and seas of the heavens trembled, and the light of the heavens slowly descended, shining upon the two of them, as if resonating with the destiny of the Dao.

"I bow twice to my parents! -- I am grateful for their nurturing grace, and our souls are of the same lineage."

At the top of the altar, Yang Zheng's father, Yang Sheng, and his mother Wu Rou, sat solemnly on the high platform to the east, their eyes filled with both tears and joy.

On the high platform to the west, Zhao Xinyu's father, Zhao Ming, and mother, Cheng Yan, quietly watched their daughter, their eyes moist and silent, yet tears were already welling up in their eyes.

Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu again, and their relatives all rose to return the greeting. Although the Zhao Clan had experienced turmoil in the past, they had finally achieved a happy ending today.

"Three bows to Soul Pact! -- Soul Seal in this life, never to betray each other!"

The two turned to face each other, their eyes reflecting each other's images. That bow needed no elaborate ceremony, only the deepest understanding between their souls.

The altar suddenly lit up with soul runes, and a "Soul Pact Reflection Seal" appeared in the palms of the two, moving at their will, intertwining and merging, its light like a dream.

The entire White Cloud Sect was in an uproar at this moment:

"The ceremony is complete!"

Golden light shone brightly, and colorful curtains were sprinkled from the sky. Countless disciples offered their congratulations in loud voices, and the distinguished guests on the cloud boat applauded and cheered. Qin Yu, Qin Yu, Qian Ruishan, Mu Qingwan and other relatives stood with smiles, watching the two newlyweds step down from the altar, their hands clasped together, their hearts resonating with each other.

This is the grandest ceremony on the Great Yan Continent since the Spirit Firmament War.

More than just a wedding ceremony, it's the end and the beginning of a new chapter in destiny, a blessing of belonging, vows, and the future.

Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu became soulmates, swearing an oath to never betray each other.

Behind the main banquet hall, a faint black mist rose quietly, without any hint of gloom, but its "mysterious aura" made people unconsciously feel solemn.

Dragon Girl Yunyi walked slowly, her skirt trailing on the ground like splashed ink. A black robe wrapped around her figure, which seemed to be sculpted by nature. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyebrows and eyes were as white as snow, but her eyes were deep and dark, as if they held the frost of a thousand years.

She walked to Qin Yu's side and spoke softly:

"This is the ceremony of a human wedding... In all my years of experience as a dragon soul, I have never witnessed such a gentle and beautiful occasion."

Everyone was already captivated by her extraordinary aura, feeling that this woman was like a black moon goddess descended from the sky, impossible to look directly at.

Yunyi glanced calmly at Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu, who were sitting at the table treating each other with utmost respect, and said in a gentle voice, "Their souls are so perfectly aligned. I can feel it—their destinies have already been intertwined."

"If a great calamity were to befall us in the future, I would be willing to Realm Breaking for them, to repay the debt of this night."

Her words instantly shocked all the Taiyan elders!

A dragon god's daughter, whose soul could subdue all beasts, actually swore an oath with her life to protect the bonds of humankind.

Qin Yu smiled calmly and patted her shoulder lightly, "You've only just entered the world today, there's no need to rush into making vows."

Yunyi, slightly embarrassed, replied, "Yes."

⸻

Just then, a faint hissing and gurgling sound of scrambling came from the other side of the banquet.

But then I saw--

The Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly "Cai'er" and the Silent Spirit Snow Fox "Xueli" are fighting over a silver fruit spirit cake on a small table.

Cai'er's voice was clear and crisp. "I saw it first! You nine-tailed fox, you acted way too fast!"

Xueli flicked her tail and said in a soft, sweet voice, "Hmph, the pastry rolled right in front of me when I jumped onto the table. Who said it's yours just because you saw it first?"

"I'm a divine beast, and divine beasts have to follow rules!"

"Aren't you a mythical beast too?"

"But I'm good-looking."

"I look good too!"

Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and even Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu couldn't help but glance at them and burst out laughing.

Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan each slapped the two little ones on the forehead, their expressions a mixture of doting affection and helplessness.

Qin Yu smiled and nodded, a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. "Your generation is truly fortunate. You've had so much more laughter than we did back then."

⸻

The night was deep, the wine was intoxicating, but the memorial banquet was not yet over.

During the banquet, Qin Yu frequently drank with old friends from the White Cloud Sect and guests from Spirit Firmament, as old friends gathered again like wind and clouds.

An envoy from the White Cloud Sect said to him, "Young Master Qin, after tonight, no one on the Great Yan Continent will dare to act rashly."

"You have erected an indestructible dome for all living beings."

Qin Yu merely raised his glass slightly, his eyes as calm as still autumn water.

"I cannot support all realms... but I can ensure that those I care about will live a carefree life."

⸻

As the banquet ended, ten thousand soul lamps rose into the sky, like an inverted Milky Way, illuminating the entire Taiyan night sky. Everyone looked up, completely captivated and speechless.

Mu Qingwan whispered closer to Qin Ning, "If there's a future, let's... have a lively time like this too, okay?"

Qian Ruishan grasped his hand, her eyes also slightly red. "Let's do it together."

Qin Yu looked at them, his expression as gentle as ever, and nodded slowly.

"Yes, definitely."