Not only had Bei Dou arrived, but also Dong Yang and Tai Yi. These three factions seemed uncertain about who was waiting for whom, but they coincidentally arrived at Nan Que at the same time.

Each faction took its position, gazing at one another from a distance in front of Gui Su Mountain.

The atmosphere was somewhat peculiar.

Neither Bei Dou nor Dong Yang had expected that Ye Yuanqing, the Pilgrim of Tai Yi, would attend this wedding.

If it were Cui Yaocen getting married, the presence of Pilgrims from various factions would have been reasonable.

But for the wedding of Nan Que’s Young Master, Cui Yaocen’s brother, Ye Yuanqing’s attendance caught others unprepared.

Especially Bei Dou.

Ye Yuanqing’s appearance disrupted their plans just like an early wedding would have.

Facing the occasional scrutinizing glances from Tai Yi’s people, Qu Zhuyue maintained a smile, appearing calm and composed.

Behind her stood three men who appeared sleepy-faced.

Initially, this drowsiness spread when Tian Shu Hall Master Dan Xun, who hadn’t slept for three days and three nights, yawned several times.

Dan Xun wore his outer robe loosely draped over his shoulders, languidly rubbing his eyes as he said: “Nan Que intends to make us stand out here as punishment without letting us in, trying to bore us to death.”

He yawned again after speaking.

Tian Ji Hall Master couldn’t resist and followed with a yawn, saying: “What a novel killing technique.”

Kai Yang Hall Master twitched his eyes as he looked at the two men: “Can you stop yawning? It’s contagious!”

As he finished speaking, he also covered his face and yawned.

Fu Yuan, standing behind them, stretched lazily. The Black Fox Mask turned to look at him and sternly prohibited: “No yawning allowed.”

Fu Yuan: “…”

He resisted, but Yin Luo, standing between the two men, couldn’t hold back and yawned. Consequently, Fu Yuan finally gave in as well.

Black Fox Mask: “…”

Chen Zhou watched and laughed.

Tai Yi’s people had been fixated on Bei Dou across from them, but as everyone from the Hall Masters to disciples began yawning one after another, those staring couldn’t help but join in.

Ye Yuanqing looked speechlessly at his daughter, who covered her face to yawn, then laughed and said: “Father, look at those Bei Dou people, haha!”

You’ve been infected yourself. What’s so funny?

“Stop looking at that side, look more at Dong Yang,” Ye Yuanqing advised his daughter. “I brought you here to experience the outside world, not to think about your Senior Brother all day.”

Ye Yiyi huffed: “Why can’t I look at Bei Dou? The young men of Bei Dou are more handsome than those from Dong Yang.”

Ye Yuanqing: “Bei Dou is unacceptable.”

Ye Yiyi protested: “Why not? I think those Hall Masters are still…”

Ye Yuanqing glanced over, his tone carrying a warning: “Ye Yiyi.”

“Hmph.” Ye Yiyi lowered her head in dissatisfaction. “My Senior Brother is still the best.”

Ye Yuanqing felt a headache coming on. Suddenly, his brows furrowed slightly, and with just a glance, he shattered the eavesdropping Wind-Stealing Bird hidden near Tai Yi.

He looked toward Bei Dou and Dong Yang, but both sides appeared undisturbed, revealing nothing.

Qu Zhuyue helped conceal her people’s small actions while glancing back at the three useless men behind her: “Quite bold, placing a Wind-Stealing Bird right in front of someone’s face.”

Kai Yang immediately denied: “It wasn’t me.”

Dan Xun also said, “Not me either.”

Tian Ji exasperatedly replied: “Could it possibly be me then?”

Kai Yang and Dan Xun both turned to look at him. By process of elimination, it had to be you.

Tian Ji’s temple throbbed violently as he turned to glare at Fu Yuan, who smiled back at him.

Yin Luo, who had encouraged Fu Yuan to send the Wind-Stealing Bird to eavesdrop, suppressed his laughter and asked: “What did you hear? That girl was looking at our group the whole time.”

Chen Zhou said, “That girl you’re talking about is Ye Yuanqing’s daughter.”

Yin Luo shifted to drape his arm around Chen Zhou’s shoulder and chuckled: “That’s exactly why we should listen! What if the Pilgrim’s daughter has taken a liking to one of us? I heard she declared at Tai Yi that she wants to hold a martial arts competition to find a husband. How efficient would it be if we could skip the competition altogether!”

Chen Zhou irritably raised his elbow to push him away. “She’s looking for a son-in-law to join her family. Do you want to leave Bei Dou for Tai Yi?”

Before Yin Luo could respond, Fu Yuan said, “He has no chance. That girl is thinking about her Senior Brother.”

“Seems like I need to put in some effort to win her over,” Yin Luo mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Chen Zhou gave him a sidelong glance, and seeing he was serious, warned: “Don’t cause trouble.”

Fu Yuan added, “Give up. She’s been looking at Black Fox, not you. Girls don’t like baby-faced guys like you.”

Yin Luo turned to look at Black Fox Mask, pointing at his amorous fox eyes: “You again? How unlucky! And what’s wrong with having a baby face? Baby faces are what girls love most!”

Black Fox Mask, who had been daydreaming about his beloved Linian, was bewildered by the sudden criticism. Coming back to his senses, he said: “A baby face might appeal to girls when you’re fifteen or sixteen, but not when you’re twenty-five or twenty-six.”

Yin Luo: “…”

Chen Zhou and Fu Yuan each restrained one of them to prevent a fight.

Finally, it was the arrival of Nan Que’s people that stopped the “internal conflict” among Bei Dou’s disciples. Cui Yaocen, accompanied by Cui Yuanxi and several hall masters, welcomed the guests from the three super sects into Nan Que, heading toward Eight Departure Peak.

*

Qian Li had originally planned to rest and had no intention of joining the commotion after hearing about Bei Dou’s arrival, thinking he would see them the next day. Unexpectedly, Cui Yaocen brought him along to welcome the guests.

These were all important figures, so he remained alert by Cui Yaocen’s side, determined to memorize every face to avoid the embarrassment of not recognizing someone later, which would disgrace his master.

When Cui Yaocen introduced people, she didn’t leave him out, proudly acknowledging: “This is my disciple, Zhao Qianli.”

Qianli hurriedly bowed to the distinguished guests: “Qianli greets you all.”

Fu Yuan and Black Fox Mask exchanged glances, neither having expected the young man to become Cui Yaocen’s disciple.

The representative from Dong Yang was Song Tianjiu’s brother, Song Tianyi, the current sect leader of Dong Yang. He appeared somewhat simple and uncomfortable in crowded settings, scratching his head awkwardly.

When addressing Qianli, he finally managed a stiff sentence: “Oh, oh, Cui Sheng’s disciple, hello.”

Qianli: “…”

This young Dong Yang Sect Leader seemed unskilled in dealing with strangers.

Dong Yang’s people led their sect leader away with awkward laughter.

Ye Yuanqing brought his daughter to Qianli and said, “The younger generation should get acquainted.”

“Hello, I’m Ye Yiyi,” Ye Yiyi said to Qianli. “My favorite person is my Senior Brother.”

Qianli: “?”

Ye Yuanqing walked away with his daughter, his face darkening.

When it came to Qu Zhuyue’s group, Cui Yaocen remarked casually: “Bei Dou has sent quite a delegation, making Nan Que feel overly honored.”

Qu Zhuyue replied unhurriedly: “With Dong Yang’s Sect Leader personally attending and Tai Yi’s Pilgrim bringing his family, if Bei Dou didn’t send more people, others might think we look down on Nan Que.”

Cui Yaocen slightly narrowed her eyes without responding.

Qianli felt the atmosphere was distinctly less relaxed than with the previous two factions. As he pondered this, Cui Yuanxi politely said: “You’ve all come from afar and must be tired. Please follow me to the Western Hall to rest.”

Just as Cui Yuanxi turned around, he saw Jiang Ying standing under the eaves wearing a cape. She appeared to have just woken up, rubbing her eyes as she walked toward them, saying: “Yuanxi…”

Cui Yaocen’s expression changed slightly, while Cui Yuanxi’s pupils contracted, nearly failing to control himself from sending Jiang Ying back to her room.

“Oh, so many people,” Jiang Ying seemed startled when she clearly saw the situation, immediately stopping. Ye Yiyi, who had been carried away by Ye Yuanqing, waved at her. “Wow, is that Nan Que’s bride? She’s so beautiful! Father, put me down, let me share in the joyous occasion. Soon it will be my turn with Senior Brother!”

Ye Yuanqing simply sealed her mouth, preventing her from speaking further.

At Ye Yiyi’s exclamation, Dong Yang’s people who were walking ahead also turned to look.

Bei Dou’s people showed various expressions when looking at Jiang Ying’s face. Cui Yaocen kept her attention on Qu Zhuyue but noticed she merely glanced at Jiang Ying before averting her gaze, showing no concern whatsoever.

Yin Luo and Chen Zhou walked arm in arm, laughing: “The bride is quite beautiful.”

Chen Zhou responded casually: “Yes, quite beautiful.”

Cui Yuanxi stood still, his expression gloomy. As Fu Yuan passed by him, he commented lightly: “Such beauty should be seen more often to make us truly envy the groom.”

Black Fox Mask said nothing, merely giving a derisive laugh.

So sarcastic.

Jiang Ying displayed an apologetic expression but didn’t respond to anyone, retreating slowly. She only needed Bei Dou’s people to see her; that was enough.

According to Cui Yuanxi and Cui Yaocen’s plans, they absolutely wouldn’t have allowed Jiang Ying to appear and let Bei Dou’s people encounter her, especially Cui Yuanxi, who already feared Bei Dou would come to take someone away. Now with Jiang Ying’s appearance, his worries intensified.

“Young Master Cui?” Dan Xun yawned and turned to call to Cui Yuanxi, who was still standing behind. “Why have you stopped?”

Cui Yuanxi’s hands clenched tightly within his sleeves before he composed himself and walked forward.

After he caught up, Dan Xun added slowly: “Your Nan Que bride closely resembles one of our Bei Dou disciples.”

Cui Yuanxi told himself not to panic. Bei Dou had seen Jiang Ying’s appearance, and it would be strange if they didn’t mention it; speaking up was normal.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Cui Yuanxi said with a faint smile.

“She does look similar,” Qu Zhuyue also smiled. “At first glance, I thought this disciple had returned alive from Bei Jing Gui Yuan. Fortunately, I watched her grow up since childhood, so I know the bride we just saw wasn’t her.”

Cui Yuanxi unconsciously lowered his head. “So it was a disciple who perished in Bei Jing Gui Yuan. My condolences to you all.”

“We’re not the most grieved. I heard she had a betrothed, a devoted lover. The most heartbroken must be this unseen faithful man,” Yin Luo said with smiling eyes. “Sister Qing Ying is probably still waiting underground for this devoted lover. We at Bei Dou have unanimously decided that once we find this person, we must immediately fulfill their promise to be together for life.”

Qianli asked in confusion: “One has already passed away, how can you fulfill this?”

Yin Luo laughed: “That’s simple! Of course, by killing the devoted lover to accompany my junior sister below.”

Qianli was stunned. Before he could remark on Bei Dou’s fierce ways, Fu Yuan thoughtfully added: “But then again, if that man didn’t keep his promise and instead married another woman, becoming unfaithful, we couldn’t let him off so easily.”

Yin Luo nodded vigorously: “Right, right! If he changed from a devoted lover to an unfaithful man, he certainly couldn’t die too quickly.”

Fu Yuan turned to him: “Death by a thousand cuts?”

Yin Luo shook his head: “Dismembered into ten thousand pieces?”

Black Fox Mask asked Cui Yuanxi: “What does Young Master Cui think?”

Cui Yuanxi kept his head lowered, walking in the shadows, his expression becoming obscure. He twisted his lips slightly: “I shouldn’t offer suggestions regarding the grievances of Bei Dou’s disciples.”

Yin Luo clicked his tongue in boredom and turned to Chen Zhou: “What do you think?”

Chen Zhou replied irritably: “You two have already mentioned death by a thousand cuts and dismemberment into ten thousand pieces. What else can I say?”

Yin Luo exclaimed: “How can you have nothing to say! You used to be full of wicked ideas, the best at devising torments!”

Chen Zhou lifted his eyelids lazily: “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve lost my memory.”

Yin Luo removed his hand from Chen Zhou’s shoulder, shaking his head with a sigh: “Forget it, you poor amnesiac.”

Bei Dou’s elders allowed their disciples to discuss these brutal topics without caring how Nan Que’s people reacted. Cui Yaocen walked ahead with Ye Yuanqing but kept constant attention on Bei Dou behind her. Hearing Fu Yuan and Yin Luo’s words, her expression grew increasingly displeased.

So sarcastic and insinuating, clearly targeting her Nan Que!

Cui Yuanxi, accompanying Bei Dou, was repeatedly drawn into their questioning about his opinions, his tone gradually shifting from indifferent to gloomy. Qianli felt the atmosphere becoming increasingly oppressive. After escorting everyone to the Western Hall, he was the first to slip away.

After distancing himself from the Young Master and Bei Dou’s group, the pressure above his head instantly vanished, making even the air seem wonderful again.

*

Bei Dou’s group arrived deep in the night. By the time they had settled into their accommodations and rested, another hour had passed, and dawn began to break in the distance.

Those who needed rest had retired.

Cui Yuanxi couldn’t sleep. He didn’t even have time to scold Jiang Ying for suddenly appearing and letting Bei Dou discover her. Instead, he hurriedly rushed to Boundary Peak, wanting to spend every hour of the day guarding Qing Ying’s side.

When Cui Yaocen discovered this, she became furious at her brother’s stupidity at such a critical time. She beat and scolded this disappointing brother, forcibly removing him from Boundary Peak, and ordered: “Before the wedding ends, don’t even think about seeing her again!”

Bei Dou’s arrival inexplicably made Nan Que’s people increasingly cautious.

Cui Yaocen was certain Bei Dou came with ill intentions this time, but she was confident they wouldn’t dare act rashly, as they couldn’t afford to anger the Pilgrim.

Perhaps they would only continue verbal provocations like tonight, gaining some advantage in words alone.

Qu Zhuyue opened her window to see the flower trees blooming splendidly in the courtyard. She leaned by the window, but her gaze fell on the stone lamp glowing beneath the flower trees. Tian Ji and Kai Yang knocked and entered her room.

“Dan Xun was too tired and went to sleep,” Tian Ji said.

Qu Zhuyue: “Let him sleep.”

Dan Xun had been both busy and exhausted in Zhu Que State recently and indeed needed rest.

Kai Yang stood guard by the door and only spoke after reinforcing the sound-isolation formation: “Unexpected that Ye Yuanqing would come too.”

“This situation was somewhat anticipated, but with the Divine Wood Bow, we can hold Ye Yuanqing for a while after Cui Yaocen leaves,” Qu Zhuyue said calmly. “Besides, he might not intervene.”

Tian Ji followed her gaze toward the window: “What does our invisible friend say about this development?”

As his words fell, a slightly red-tinged shadow slowly floated out from the stone lamp’s light, forming a human shape looking toward the window. With refined courtesy, it said: “Rest assured, everyone. When the time comes, Ye Yuanqing will also leave Nan Que.”