Chapter 5: A Fateful Wedding and Fierce Rivals

‘The Immortal Jade Pavilion, led by Dao Venerable Zhou, simply showed kindness to my Fire Domain.’

Xiao Yan’s expression was clearly pained at the mention of “kindness.”

‘Kindness? Who would believe that? I only want to tear that Zhou Ci to shreds!’

“So it was…”

Before Jun Jinghong could finish her sentence, a clamor erupted in the streets.

It turned out that Dao Venerable Zhou and Xian Yuan, both adorned in crimson wedding attire, had appeared on the thoroughfare.

This was a wedding custom understood by the Immortal Jade Pavilion, where the bride and groom paraded through the city to symbolize their mutual resolve.

“Save me, save me!”

Xian Yuan, walking alongside Zhou Ci, felt a desperate urge to die.

Yet, he found himself utterly unable to escape, his movements bound by Zhou Ci’s potent spiritual power.

“My husband, from today onward, I am your woman. You must not be unfaithful, lest this Cier do something… unpredictable.”

Zhou Ci spoke with an expression of pure bliss, a deeper flush blooming across her cheeks.

“Do you even hear yourself? Don’t utter such terrifying words with that serene expression.”

Xian Yuan’s hair stood on end, a shiver running down his spine; only a ghost knew what he had endured these past few days.

The memory of Zhou Ci personally preparing an Eight Delicacy Chicken a few days prior, severing the live bird’s head with a single chop, was still vividly seared into his mind.

****

At this moment, Jun Jinghong and Xiao Yan, observing the scene from the inn’s upper floor, both wore darkened expressions.

However, in the very next instant, someone had already charged forward.

“How dare you, a dignified Dao Venerable Zhou, steal my husband! Have you no shame?”

A furious roar echoed through the heavens, and a ripple spread across the sky.

In an instant, a woman materialized in mid-air, clad in a white gown adorned with golden ornaments that amplified her majestic aura.

Her skin was as white as snow, her silver hair, coupled with a blood-red mole between her brows, bestowed upon her a unique allure.

The woman exuded an incredibly profound aura, like a boundless galaxy, as if all creation lay within her grasp.

Her sudden appearance astonished everyone present.

“Why is she here?”

Jun Jinghong frowned, her gaze fixed on the woman, as memories surged through her mind.

This woman was Rou Jianqian, the Lord of the Immortal Court in the Qiyuan Realm.

The Immortal Court ranked among the top three powers in the Crow Feather Region (TL Note: A significant region in the Qiyuan Realm).

Immortals were no exception to the rankings, and Rou Jianqian was at least tens of millions of years old.

‘Xian Yuan, have you no shame?!’

Jun Jinghong’s expression tightened with a hint of anger, and she genuinely wanted to drag Xian Yuan away and sacrifice him to her sword.

However, recalling her ultimate objective, she dismissed the foolish notion.

She decided to observe the situation first, acknowledging the immense disparity in power; a Heavenly Immortal would be instantly annihilated by a Dao Venerable.

“Rou Jianqian, are you tired of living? How dare you interfere with this venerable one’s wedding!” Zhou Ci declared, her face darkening.

“Heh, heh. I have no desire to waste words with you. Hand over my husband, or don’t blame me for showing you no deference.”

Rou Jianqian cast a contemptuous glance at Zhou Ci.

“Hmph! Since when was he your husband? Have you two married? To call him husband without being wed—who truly lacks shame here?”

“Hahahaha! How utterly ludicrous, Zhou Ci. I advise you to obediently release Xian Yuan. You haven’t even performed the Heaven and Earth obeisance ceremony, yet you dare speak so boldly!”

“My apologies, but he is *my* husband, not yours!”

Without another word, Zhou Ci immediately cupped Xian Yuan’s face and pressed her lips to his, delivering a direct kiss.

“You seek death!”

This furious cry did not come from Rou Jianqian, but from Emperor Yan, Xiao Yan!

Xiao Yan, on the third floor of the inn, had truly reached her limit.

Her mood had already been foul, and now with another rival appearing, it was utterly dreadful.

Witnessing Zhou Ci’s brazen action pushed her past the point of endurance.

‘Xian Yuan, why must you be so fickle? Regardless, only I can marry you!’

In an instant, an exotic flame erupted forth—the Grand Void Immortal Flame!

It was one of the top five exotic flames on the Exotic Flame Ranking, and among the closest to attaining the status of a Divine Flame.

The Immortal Flame transformed into a ferocious, gigantic python of searing fire, lunging menacingly, its gaping maw poised to swallow Zhou Ci whole.

“The Grand Void Immortal Flame! This woman is actually Emperor Yan!”

Everyone gasped in astonishment.

They had already partaken in much gossip (TL Note: “Eating melon” refers to following drama or gossip) while watching the spectacle today, but this ‘melon’ was growing ever larger!

The colossal python, formed from the Immortal Flame, opened its fangs and lunged at Zhou Ci.

“Senior Zhou, quickly dodge!”

A cultivator hastily warned Zhou Ci.

“Hmph!”

Zhou Ci let out a cold snort, then pointed a finger into the air without the slightest ripple of spiritual power.

The gigantic python, formed by the Grand Void Immortal Flame, instantly disintegrated, scattering into the heavens and earth.

The disparity in their cultivation was as vast as the bright moon compared to a grain of rice.

Nevertheless, Xiao Yan remained defiant, hovering in the air, the exotic flames circling her growing ever more violent, their brilliance eclipsing the sun and moon.

“Both of you listen to me! Xian Yuan is *my* husband, not either of yours!”

Xiao Yan roared furiously.

In that instant, another huge piece of gossip stunned the onlookers, causing many to stare at Xian Yuan.

‘Brother, you’re incredible,’ they thought. ‘These are all major figures and powerful experts from the Crow Feather Region, and you actually managed to capture their hearts!’

Meanwhile, Jun Jinghong’s expression turned grim; she finally understood why Xiao Yan had appeared.

‘Xian Yuan, if you don’t give me a satisfactory explanation, I will surely kill you!’

Jun Jinghong also drew her Grand Void Sword, glaring angrily at the various women, and ascended into the sky.

“You wish to get involved as well?!”

Rou Jianqian turned her gaze to Jun Jinghong, her eyes filled with icy killing intent.

‘Do you, a mere Heavenly Immortal, truly intend to fight against a Quasi-Saint like me?’ she thought.