Chapter 111: Marriage (1)

The first action he took after the Fourth Heaven's defeat was to release all his allies from the Heavenly Way Prison. At the same time, he sponsored his enemies a stay there for an indefinite amount of time.

Before making any drastic changes to All Heavens and Myriad Realms and completing their Ninth Heaven Saint Dimension Prosperity Project, Zenith Heaven Emperor felt a deep sense of responsibility to uphold his promise to Soft Feather. Determined to solidify their bond, he devised a plan to make her his empress and formalize their union in a manner befitting the ruler of the World.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese customs that served as the foundation for the Heavenly Court, the Zenith Heaven Emperor sought to recreate the splendor of traditional weddings. He believed that embracing the rich cultural heritage of ancient China would not only honor their roots but also imbue their union with a sense of timelessness. He envisioned a journey that would commence at Spirit Butterfly Island, the birthplace of Soft Feather, and culminate within the sacred halls of the Heavenly Court.

With meticulous attention to detail, the preparations for the grand wedding ceremony commenced. After doing some divination he has chosen the 11th of November 2019 as the date for their marriage. This date held significant symbolism, representing harmony, unity, and auspicious beginnings.

As the day of the marriage swiftly approached, the Heavenly Court and Spirit Butterfly Island became a hive of activity. Skilled artisans and craftsmen worked tirelessly to transform both locations into breathtaking environments that would bear witness to this momentous occasion. Elaborate decorations adorned every corner, and flowers, carefully selected for their ethereal beauty, filled the air with their intoxicating fragrance.

Everyone except for one person is happy. That one person being Venerable Spirit Butterfly. He is still not able to let go of his daughter.

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Venerable Spirit Butterfly stood on the balcony of his Spirit Butterfly Island, gazing out at the serene landscape before him. The gentle breeze carried with it a mix of fragrances from the celestial flowers that adorned the surroundings, but despite the beauty that enveloped him, his heart remained heavy with unease.

His wife, approached him quietly, her presence bringing a sense of calm to his troubled mind. She had once been a part of the Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance, however, after achieving their purpose and witnessing the changes taking place, she felt a deep yearning to return to her beloved and focus on nurturing their family.

After standing next to him, she placed a comforting hand on Spirit Butterfly's shoulder. She understood the depth of his emotions, the unyielding attachment he held for their daughter, Soft Feather. Then she began to talk and spoke softly, "Spirit Butterfly, my love, I know the pain you carry within your heart. But we must find a way to let go, for Soft Feather's happiness."

Spirit Butterfly turned to face his wife, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and longing. "How can I let go of our precious daughter? She is the light of my existence, the very essence of my being. It feels like a part of me will be lost forever."

His wife sighed, her voice gentle yet firm. "I understand, my dear. But we must remember that Soft Feather has grown into a remarkable young woman. It is time for her to embark on her own path. We have given her a strong foundation, and now we must trust her to navigate the realms with grace and wisdom."

Tears welled up in Spirit Butterfly's eyes as he struggled to accept the truth. "But what if she encounters danger? What if she faces challenges beyond her strength? How can I bear the thought of her suffering?"

His wife held his hands in hers, her eyes brimming with reassurance. "We have raised her well, Spirit Butterfly. Soft Feather possesses great strength and resilience. She has also found a partner in Zenith Heaven Emperor. Together, they will face whatever challenges lie ahead. We must have faith in their abilities and trust that the heavens will guide and protect them."

Spirit Butterfly let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders slumping. "I know you speak the truth. It is just so hard to let go of the fear and worry that consume me. But for Soft Feather's sake, I will try."

His wife smiled, her love for Spirit Butterfly evident in her gaze. "That is all I ask of you, my dear. We must support Soft Feather in her choices and offer her our unwavering love. And remember, we have the opportunity to bring joy and laughter back into our lives."

Her voice carried a deep sincerity as she continued, "I promise you, Spirit Butterfly, that I will never leave your side again. The purpose of the Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance has been achieved, and now I wish to focus on nurturing our family and creating a harmonious life together."

As she spoke, her thoughts drifted towards her own cultivation. She reflected on the heights she had reached and the limited avenues for further advancement. 'My cultivation has already reached the peak of what is possible,' she thought silently, 'there is nothing more I can achieve without ascending to the position of Heavenly Way. In the current world, the only equals I have are the Holy Man and the Old Heavenly Emperor. Perhaps Heavenly Aspiration and Demon Emperor Hezhi could also be counted.'

With a sense of acceptance she continued her thoughts, 'I may as well stop cultivating and enjoy the rest of my eternal life with my husband as a dutiful wife. Together, we can create a beautiful and loving home, and perhaps even expand our family.'

Turning her attention back to Spirit Butterfly, she began to speak. "My love," her voice trembled with a hint of desperation, her eyes pleading for understanding, "I desire another child with you." Her eyes pleaded with Spirit Butterfly, searching for understanding and acceptance. It was a deep longing that had been growing within her, a yearning to bring new life into their world.

Spirit Butterfly's gaze softened as he looked at his wife, a glimmer of hope shining through his sadness. "Another child? To love and cherish?"

His wife nodded, her voice filled with warmth. "Yes, my love. Together, we will create a loving and nurturing environment for our new child. Soft Feather's departure does not mean we have lost everything. Our family will grow, and our love will expand to embrace this new chapter of our lives."

As Spirit Butterfly contemplated his wife's words, a sense of acceptance began to settle within him. He realized that his daughter's journey was not a loss but a gain, a chance for her to thrive and find her own happiness. With his wife's unwavering support, he found the strength to release his grip on the past and open his heart to the future.

Venerable Spirit Butterfly gently lifted his wife into his arms, carrying her with tender care toward their bed. The room was adorned with soft candlelight, casting a warm glow upon their faces as they prepared to embark on the journey of rekindling their love and creating a new life together.

With each step, Spirit Butterfly felt the weight of his worries and sorrows lifting, replaced by a growing sense of excitement and anticipation.

Without uttering a word, they understood the task before them, the dedication and effort required to bring forth new life. Side by side, they embraced the challenge, committing themselves to the arduous yet rewarding journey of conceiving a child. This intimate act between husband and wife represented a fresh beginning.

As they lay together, she nestled into Spirit Butterfly's embrace, seeking solace and closeness that had been absent for too long. In the quiet intimacy of the moment, she shared her heart's deepest desires, her voice laced with vulnerability and longing.

"I have missed you, Spirit Butterfly," She confessed, her words carrying the weight of years spent apart. "In the silence of my seclusion, I yearned for your presence, for the warmth of your love. There was an emptiness within me that only you could fill."