After the Wedding

"Shuhe." Seeing Kang Dabao leading his new bride past him, Sima Fei called out almost inaudibly.

Fei Shuhe trembled at the sound, startling Kang Dabao so much that he almost instinctively flung his hand away. But then he saw Kuang Liuting, the slender Daoist priest, standing in the main wedding seat, smiling at him.

"If this play goes wrong even slightly today, my Chongming Sect might be wiped out!"

With a forced smile, the Fei Household best man led the newlyweds in bowing to heaven and earth three times, then to Sima Fei and the Daoist Black Shoes, then to the Earl of Earl of Nan'a Kuang Liuting, and finally to the guests.

The guests also offered their congratulations. Kuang Liuting, having enjoyed the performance, nodded and gave some perfunctory advice on how to get along well with his guests.

Before leaving, he gave Fei Nanying a meaningful look. Seeing that the latter was still smiling, he smiled with some satisfaction, mounted the colorful cloud, and flew away.

Only then did the Fei Household's best man dare to put on an expression as if his mother had died, and approached Fei Nanying: "Master, what should we do?"

"Please take your seats, guests." Fei Nanying sighed, inwardly furious. "What else can we do? A bunch of idiots! They managed to fool me, but why didn't they keep it from the Earl of Nan'an too? Well, they're reluctant to marry off their illegitimate daughter, but they've married off their legitimate daughter. If the powerful families of the capital region find out about this, the Fei Household will truly become a laughingstock."

However, the die is cast. The Earl of Nan'an only gave the Fei Household a minor punishment this time, raising the issue high and then letting it go lightly. If the Fei Household still doesn't know what's good for them, then someone really will die.

With the situation beyond repair, Fei Nanying could only bow to the Daoist Black Shoes, his inner feelings becoming even more complicated.

"Now, instead of being enemies, we've become true in-laws." Fei Nanying found it amusing. Seeing that the Daoist Black Shoes had also improved, this Prefectural Magistrate had finally regained some of his former demeanor. He warmly pulled the latter to sit down and join him for a meal.

"That's true. My Shuhe has already been taken by his family, so what's there for him to be angry about?" After looking at the Daoist Black Shoes for a while, Fei Nanying felt much more relaxed. She realized that this marriage to her own niece wasn't so unacceptable after all.

The four grades of Foundation Establishment are: Purple, Gold, Ice, and Green, with Purple being the most valuable and Green the least valuable.

The Azure Leaf Dao Foundation, which is coveted by ordinary minor cultivators, accounts for 90% of all Foundation Establishment True Cultivator, but it is still considered a lowly quality among Foundation Establishment, with little future potential.

Most of these Foundation Establishment True Cultivator spend their entire lives merely lingering at the Foundation Establishment level.

Forget about the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage; in the eyes of those high-level cultivators, they are nothing more than withered bones in a tomb, waiting to die.

Ice Leaf Dao Foundation can be considered one of the best among Foundation Establishment. Few True-Grade Golden Core Foundation Establishment are inferior to Ice Leaf in their Foundation Establishment stage. Even if their Dao Path is not smooth after Foundation Establishment and they need to find a shortcut to become False Core cultivator, their probability will be much higher than that of Green Leaf Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Once one achieves the False Core, the Dao Path to enlightenment is severed, but lifespan is extended by sixty years. One can act as a senior in front of Foundation Establishment cultivators, but be nothing more than a pig or a dog in the eyes of Golden Core cultivators.

As for Golden Leaf and purple leaves, they are only attainable by those with extraordinary fortune, and are rarely seen even in wealthy and powerful families.

The Daoist Black Shoes could achieve the Golden Leaf Dao Foundation that, in the eyes of the world, he already had a chance of reaching the Golden Core stage.

If Kang Dabao is truly his illegitimate son, then it wouldn't be too unfair for Shuhe to become a Golden Core daughter-in-law.

Thinking of this, Fei Nanying instructed the person beside him, "Go back to the courtyard and dismiss Shuhe's maids and servants. Find someone to move Shuhe's small courtyard here."

The Daoist Black Shoes was still angry with Fei Nanying, so he made an excuse to leave and directed the Dong Sisters, along with Zhang Le and Zhou Xinran, to bring Fei Shuhe into the bridal chamber, which had been converted from the small courtyard.

As soon as Kuang Liuting left, the atmosphere in the wedding banquet hall became quiet, and the guests' thoughts subtly began to change.

Since the Earl of Earl of Nan'an was present on the wedding day, and the Fei Household was marrying off their eldest daughter, and there was also that Daoist Black Shoes, although he had just Foundation Establishment, he was clearly quite capable and could be a reliable backer.

If Kang Dabao was merely a worthless scrap of horse in the Central Prefecture court, easily discarded, then the current Sect Leader Kang Da is now a pillar of the state court.

Everyone knew the fate of the Niu and Yue families. Before the Two Instruments Sect explicitly issued an order to make things difficult for the state court, these local powerful families might secretly crack down on the henchmen who colluded with the state court, but they would never dare to directly antagonize the state court.

The abilities of that Earl of Nan'an have already been described by others. Although he is only at the Foundation Establishment stage, even ordinary Golden Core Early Stage would find it extremely difficult to deal with him.

Such a person is far beyond the reach of the pampered sons of the imperial family who hold prestigious titles and honors.

To put it somewhat presumptuously, Kuang Liuting's Dao Path is so vast that, if everything goes smoothly, he might not even be able to dream of that position.

Furthermore, even horse bones are being treated this way.

Even if their own strength is lacking, compared to this small Chongming Sect, how could they not be considered a thoroughbred horse? If in the future...

The people in the room had different appearances, but they all possessed clever minds. So, before long, the atmosphere in the room became lively again.

Before Kang Dabao, who was sitting blankly at the main table, could react, he was overwhelmed by the guests who came to offer toasts.

The Sect Leader Kang Da had never heard so many flattering words in his life. The people in front of him were all people he rarely saw. Even Foundation Establishment True Cultivator lined up to congratulate him. As a mere Qi Refinement, who would dare to refuse a toast from him?

Pei Yi, Yuan Jin, and Zhou Yixiu collapsed early on, unable to keep up. In the end, they couldn't drink anymore, and even Kang Rongquan was dragged in to drink on their behalf, getting the chubby boy all red from the alcohol.

Seeing this, the Daoist Black Shoes was both angry and amused. He hurriedly asked the Fei Household's best man to announce that the auspicious time had arrived, but the fellow did not move at all. He then turned his head to glance at Fei Nanying, but saw that the latter did not react either.

Seeing even his own disciples from the Hemu Dao offering wine, the Daoist Black Shoes, amused and annoyed, simply waved his sleeve and scolded them away. In the end, having no other choice, he had to join the ranks of those trying to fend off the drinks.

Kang Dabao, who had failed to feign drunkenness, was plied with alcohol and, in a daze, was carried on the back of Jiang Qing, who had successfully faked drunkenness, and taken to the courtyard.

"Senior brother, I will settle this score with the Fei Household sooner or later." The tall and handsome young man murmured. He had grown up on the back of this fat senior brother, and he should remember this humiliation in his heart and seek revenge in the future.

Jiang Qing entered the courtyard and saw Fei Shuhe still wearing her wedding dress, sitting upright on the stone bench in the courtyard. She called out softly, "Sister-in-law."

The latter responded somewhat sheepishly, looking lost and helpless, without making any move.

Jiang Qing then ignored her, pushed open the door, placed Kang Dabao on the bed, stood guard outside, and without looking at the female cultivators in the courtyard, sat cross-legged and began to meditate.

The following morning.

"Senior brother, it's your wedding night, such a joyous day! What are you doing standing outside the door, Little Sanzi? You're way past the age of bed-pressing!" Yuan Jin complained from the courtyard.

"That sister-in-law doesn't act like one. I'm worried about what might happen to my senior brother," Jiang Qing replied in a muffled voice.

"What are you saying? But you're right," Yuan Jin rebuked, then nodded slightly, before asking, "Where is my sister-in-law?"

"Sister -Da Dong invited you to stay in an empty room last night. Second Brother just woke up?" Jiang Qing sat on the ground and tilted his head to look at him.

Yuan Jin smiled sheepishly, "I never expected the wine sent by the Fei Household to be so potent. I haven't been this drunk in years. Senior Brother Pei is still asleep. Junior Brother Zhou is quite drunk; he'll probably need to take some medicine. I just asked my niece Xinran to wait in Senior Brother Pei's courtyard so he can go to the Alchemy Chamber to find medicine for Junior Brother Zhou when he wakes up."

At this point, Yuan Jin mentioned Kang Rongquan, the chubby baby who couldn't be woken up no matter how he called him.

The Chongming Sect and his son were in this awkward situation after the wedding banquet amused them somewhat, and they looked at each other and laughed again.

As the two were chatting and laughing, Kang Dabao, dressed in casual clothes, pushed open the door and came out. He simply nodded to his two junior brothers.

"Senior brother is awake. Would you like something to eat? I had Shilun cook some braised pork knuckle," Yuan Jin said with concern.

"No rush," Kang Dabao unusually lost interest in the pork knuckle and asked instead, "Where is she?"

"In the old room where Zhang Le used to live." Jiang Qing pointed and was about to get up to lead the way, but Kang Dabao stopped him. "You two go and rest, I have my own plans."

"Yes." Both of them knew that Kang Dabao was a man of his own mind, so they walked straight out of the courtyard.

Kang Dabao straightened his clothes, walked slowly to the door, and gently knocked. A light, melodious voice came from inside. "Sect Leader Kang, please come in."

Pushing open the door, Fei Shuhe had changed into an ordinary outfit, looking even more beautiful and charming than yesterday.

The adorable little sparrow from yesterday perched on my pale fingertip, oblivious to everything, innocently chirping "Congratulations, congratulations!"

"This humble abode is empty and unassuming; I have failed to honor your noble lady," Kang Dabao said respectfully, standing at a distance in a corner after entering the room.

The current Sect Leader Kang Da doesn't dare to try to get close to these girls, who knows if these girls from prominent families have any means to protect their chastity.

If one is not careful, one might end up dying in bed.

If he really had a choice, he would still prefer to marry the daughter of the Fei Household's ancestral lineage. Even if she was less attractive and of lower birth, at least the Sect Leader Kang Da would have the courage to try her luck.

"Elegant and refined, Sect Leader Kang is too modest." Fei Shuhe gently swayed her head, poised and graceful, her eyes sparkling with confidence, without a trace of affectation.

Just one night later, this elegant and poised lady had completely calmed down, showing no signs of the panic she had displayed the day before.

Although she was staying at a separate residence, she acted as if she were the hostess, smiling and waving her hand to invite Kang Dabao to sit down.

"Shuhe was sudden, and I apologize for disturbing Sect Leader Kang. I hope we can support each other in the future." The young woman's voice was clear and melodious, and her cherry lips and pearly teeth seemed to exude a pleasant fragrance, which stirred the imagination.

"Why not try forcing myself on him?" The Sect Leader Kang Da never imagined that he, who was always so cautious and prudent, would have such a moment of wickedness.

"Didn't the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an give the Fei Household a warning yesterday? They should be obediently letting others criticize them, right?" Kang Dabao felt something was wrong at this moment. His mind seemed to be starting to blur, but the desire in his heart was growing stronger.

This gave him a sense of unease, and he knew something was wrong, but his eyes seemed glued to Fei Shuhe, unwilling to look away for even a moment.

"Ding-a-ling." Fei Shuhe had somehow produced a silver Law Artifact, which rang softly.

The moment the bell rang, Sect Leader Kang Da's eyes cleared, his lust subsided, and a hint of wariness appeared in his gaze as he looked at Fei Shuhe.

"Phew, what a skillful maneuver." Kang Dabao felt a chill run down his spine, realizing he had been completely manipulated.

The woman before him was no delicate, gentle beauty. Compared to her, it was hard to say who was the tyrant.

"That's only right." Knowing that this was a show of force from the other party, Sect Leader Kang Da felt no resentment and simply replied respectfully, following Fei Shuhe's words.

"There's one more thing I need to ask of Sect Leader Kang. Shuhe will be moving her family's small courtyard here someday, and I would appreciate it if Fei Shuhe Sect Leader Kang could find a place for her then." A hint of satisfaction appeared in Fei Shuhe's eyes.

The rough man in front of her at least knew how to behave properly and wasn't a complete fool, which saved her a lot of trouble.

From now on, they can move out of this place and live their own lives. To outsiders, they will be a married couple, but to their families, they will be two separate households. Once the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an has achieved the Golden Core Formation and settled down in Cloud Horn Prefecture, there might be a turning point in this matter.

"Our sect's formation has a small area, and we may not be able to find a suitable location in time. I, Kang, will have my disciples search for it first before giving a reply."

"Shuhe's courtyard has its own magic array; just find an open space."

"That makes things simple," Kang Dabao couldn't be more eager to get away from this lady. If this kind of noble lady were to move her courtyard here, she would probably bring far more cultivators Chongming Sect.

If they all flock to the Chongming Sect's gates, to which sect will the Chongming Sect belong then? It would be best if we found a place not far apart, closed our doors, and lived our own lives.

"Then we won't trouble you any longer, young lady. I'll have someone bring you some clean food and water later." The couple bid farewell politely, truly treating each other with the utmost respect.

After leaving the courtyard, Jiang Qing and Yuan Jin, still worried, waited for Kang Dabao to come out at the door while munching on pork knuckles.

"Senior brother, are you alright?" Jiang Qing asked with concern.

"It's alright. Find a place for Le'er to tell her, and she'll move out soon. In the meantime, just treat her like an extra ancestor in the clan."

The two felt much relieved after hearing this. Kang Dabao was finally free of a worry and snatched the pork knuckle from Yuan Jin's hand to start gnawing on it.

Yuan Jin tried to snatch Jiang Qing's things again, but Jiang Qing saw that his hands were covered in drool and quickly fled to an empty space.

Only ten days later, the Foundation Establishment master who had been hired by the Fei Household to move the main hall returned to the Chongming Sect.

"Fall!" Kang Dabao and his disciples watched as a courtyard floating in the sky crashed down with Method Formula by a Foundation Establishment Master. The dust that was raised was collected by the magic array and did not spread.

Although this was the second time the disciples had witnessed this Mountain-Moving Technique, they were still somewhat shocked.

Kang Dabao entrusted Yuan Jin with the task of finding a place for Fei Shuhe's courtyard. The latter found a place for Fei Shuhe on an unnamed low peak not far from Little Ring Mountain.

Fei Shuhe first consulted a geomancer. Although this Second Tier geomancer was paid a hefty sum, his expertise far surpassed that of the geomancer that Sect Leader Kang Da had previously sought out to delineate the geomantic veins for the Chongming Sect.

It only took ten days to repair a First-Tier Supreme-Grade Spirit Vein, enough for Fei Shuhe and her group of beautiful women to cultivate with, which is why she chose to move the entire courtyard here today.

Having finally gotten rid of this powerful figure, Kang Dabao felt much relieved.

Thanks to the selfless teachings of the Daoist Black Shoes, Sect Leader Kang Da is now only a matter of time before he breaks through to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer.

However, because I've been involved in a lot of messy things lately, I haven't been able to calm down and focus on my cultivation, which is quite frustrating.

Now that he was all alone in that little courtyard again, he was naturally happy.

Thank you to JianV for the 10,000 coins reward (I was supposed to add an extra chapter, but I'm really tired from Lao Bai and can't write much, so I'll have to postpone it for now).

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