3 Chapter 3
Floating Cloud City, was in a remote corner of the Blue Wind Empire, a settlement that barely qualified as a city and was more aptly described as a town. Its small size and secluded location rendered it forgotten by most, and its population, economy, and profound strength were among the lowest in the empire.
However, today, Floating Cloud City was abuzz with an unusual fervor. It was the wedding day of Yun Che and Xia Qingyue, a rare occasion that brought an unexpected vibrancy to the typically quiet streets.
While Yun Che's wedding alone might not have stirred much interest, the union with Xia Qingyue, a figure of intrigue and allure, transformed the event into the city's most sensational affair in recent memory.
The Xia Clan's prosperity in Floating Cloud City stemmed not from their prowess in profound arts, but rather from their specialization in trade.
While they might not have been considered wealthy compared to other clans in the Blue Wind Empire, within Floating Cloud City, the Xia Clan held the pinnacle of prosperity.
Their wealth allowed them to employ skilled experts to safeguard their extensive fortunes, ensuring their dominance and security in the city.
Despite their focus on commerce, the Xia Clan was not to be underestimated in terms of strength among the city.
At the helm of the Xia Clan was Xia Hongyi, a shrewd leader with two children, Xia Yuanba and Xia Qingyue.
Unlike their peers, both siblings showed little interest in the family's business affairs, dedicating themselves instead to the pursuit of profound strength.
Xia Hongyi, decided not to opposed their decision to focus solely on their martial training. When Xia Qingyue's exceptional talent surfaced and captivated Floating Cloud City, it only solidified Xia Hongyi's commitment to nurturing her growth and potential within the clan.
Xia Qingyue's extraordinary talent bestowed upon her by the heavens had cast a formidable aura over Floating Cloud City, causing the major families to be mindful in her presence. The vision of her ascending to the Earth Profound Realm, or even reaching the lofty heights of the Sky Profound Realm in the future, loomed as a possibility in their minds.
Such a feat would elevate the Xia Clan not only as the wealthiest but also as the most dominant force in Floating Cloud City.
However, on this auspicious day, the Xia Clan surprised the city by allowing their brightest star to marry Yun Che, a seemingly inconsequential figure with no discernible prospects.
This unconventional match sparked curiosity throughout Floating Cloud City, as spectators gathered along the streets to witness the procession of the Xiao Clan's wedding entourage.
As the Xiao Clan's wedding team made its grand entrance, the once-quiet streets of Floating Cloud City erupted into a bustling scene, with both sides of the thoroughfare teeming with eager onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the city's most anticipated event.
Inside the opulent confines of the carriage, Yun Che reclined comfortably, his acute senses attuned to the murmurs emanating from the surrounding crowd. Amidst the cacophony of envious whispers filled with malice, resentment, and ridicule, he maintained an air of indifference, a serene smile gracing his features.
Despite his profound strength being deemed insignificant, Yun Che possessed a striking appearance that garnered admiration from some of the women in the crowd.
His refined charm, honed through cultivation and healing, exuded an inexplicable allure that captivated those who beheld him.
With his infrequent ventures outside due to his low profound strength, Yun Che's complexion remained fair and flawless, akin to a sculpture made of marble.
While many harbored animosity towards him fueled by jealousy, a begrudging acknowledgment lingered within their hearts, acknowledging his suitability for Xia Qingyue.
The bustling streets bathed in the radiant sunlight provided a picturesque backdrop for the leisurely wedding procession, which proceeded at a relaxed pace.
Over the course of the journey spanning more than five kilometers, would last nearly one and a half hours.
Yun Che utilized the time to hone his visualization arts, discerning each individual sound from the bustling surroundings.
"Brother-in-law!!" Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, a hearty cry pierced through the air as the procession neared the entrance of the Xia Clan's residence.
A towering figure, standing at least two meters tall with the robust physique of a bull, charged towards Yun Che with great energy, causing the ground to quake beneath his thunderous footsteps.
Greeting the imposing figure with a warm smile, Yun Che said, "Yuanba! It's been too long since we last met, yet you've grown even taller and stronger since then."
This boy was Xia Qingyue's little brother, Xia Yuanba, looking at his body, nobody would think that he is only fifteen.
Yuanba's imposing stature, weighing over one hundred fifty kilograms, was not due to excess fat but rather a result of his immense, bulging muscles.
His unique physique endowed him with a dark tan complexion, reminiscent of polished metal, which accentuated his formidable strength.
Despite his cultivation being considered average, at the fourth level of the Elementary Profound Realm, Yuanba's physical prowess surpassed many, enabling him to contend with opponents at higher levels, even those at the sixth level of the Elementary Profound Realm.
From a tender age, Yun Che and Yuanba forged a strong bond, akin to brothers. They shared countless childhood adventures and mischievous antics, solidifying their friendship.
Yuanba had transformed from a frail, bullied child to a robust powerhouse at the age of eight when he experienced a remarkable growth spurt.
His height, weight, and appetite surged dramatically, accompanied by a staggering increase in strength. Now, at fifteen years old, while his facial features retained a youthful charm, his towering physical presence gathered attention where he went.
After hearing Yun He's remark, Xia Yuanba ran his hand through his hair, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "This... even I can't help it. My father nags me about my diet every day, but starving myself would be worse than any punishment."
At just fifteen years old, Yuanba's towering frame seemed too large for his age, a fact that only hinted at his potential adult size. Yun Che couldn't help but chuckle inwardly; he knew all too well about Yuanba's insatiable appetite. Born into the wealthy Xia Clan, Yuanba's voracious eating habits would have bankrupted an ordinary family in no time.
"Hehe, brother-in-law, today you can finally become my brother-in-law." Xia Yuanba's smile was genuine, brimming with anticipation for this long-awaited moment. With his sister's formidable strength, Yuanba believed that Yun Che would command respect from anyone who dared to underestimate him.
"Hurry up and come in, my sister is already ready. Oh wait, I'll go open the door." With a sense of urgency, Yuanba dashed towards the Xia Clan entrance, moving with the grace of a mountain in motion.
As Yun Che approached the door, he greeted the figure waiting there with a warm smile. "Haha, after all this time you still call me uncle?" Xia Hongyi's stature was unassuming, with a slight paunch and an air of simplicity about him. Yet, despite his unremarkable appearance, no one in Floating Cloud City dared to underestimate him.
Yun Che politely replied, "Father-in-law."
Despite Yun Che's crippled profound veins, Xia Hongyi had upheld the agreement made with his father, ensuring Xia Qingyue would marry into the Xiao family once she reached sixteen.
"Haha, good!" Xia Hongyi's hearty laughter filled the air as he nodded approvingly.
Placing a hand on Yun Che's shoulder, he continued, "Che'er, from this day forward, Xia Qingyue is yours. Though you may not be a great hero, being Xiao Ying's son brings me comfort in entrusting my daughter to you. Your father, Xiao Ying, was a remarkable man, and I have no regrets in calling him my sworn brother. He was passionate and righteous, and I believe you carry his spirit. Despite your current limitations, I have faith that you will not remain ordinary. Take care of my daughter."
With a solemn nod, Yun Che assured, "Father-in-law, you have my word."
Although Xia Hongyi had honored the agreement, his opinion of Yun Che remained unchanged; he saw him as a weak and insignificant individual, unworthy of high regard.
As Xia Qingyue emerged, flanked by two bridesmaids, she was a vision of elegance and regality in her resplendent attire. Adorned with a magnificent red phoenix coronet atop her head, a delicate curtain of beads cascaded down to veil her face, concealing her expression from view.
Her lustrous black hair cascaded behind her, framing her face like a halo. Clad in a scarlet robe embellished with the auspicious "four happiness" cloud pattern, her slender waist was accentuated by a jade charm adorning her belt, with pearls cascading from its tassels to match her golden shoes.
With each step she took, Xia Qingyue moved with a grace that seemed to defy gravity, her movements light and ethereal as if she were traversing across clouds. To an observer, it appeared as though she were hovering and exuded an otherworldly aura akin to a celestial being riding atop a cloud.
As Xia Qingyue reached Yun Che's side, her presence was a quiet dignity, her every movement calculated and deliberate. Finally, she stood before the carriage, the bridesmaids gracefully stepping back and bowing in deference.
According to the Blue Wind Empire's wedding customs, it was now the groom's duty to escort the bride onto the bridal chair.
Yun Che remained inside the carriage, making no move to assist Xia Qingyue.
The Xia Clan's wedding party followed suit and headed in the direction of the Xiao Clan. With the procession underway, an hour and a half later, they arrived back at the main entrance of the Xiao Clan's estate.
The journey had been uneventful, much to the disappointment of those who had anticipated some dramatic twist.
At the doorway stood Xiao Lie, ready to welcome the guests. While many attendees had gathered, it was evident that most had come to pay their respects to Xiao Lie and the prestigious Xia Clan, rather than solely for Yun Che.
Outside the Xiao Clan's entrance, the streets were teeming with people, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the marriage of Floating Cloud City's renowned beauty.
Amidst a bustling crowd, Xia Qingyue's bridal carriage glided to a graceful halt. With a delicate touch, her maid Xia Dongling parted a corner of the curtain, announcing their arrival softly, "Miss, we have arrived."
Subsequently, Xia Dongling extended her hand, assisting Xia Qingyue as she emerged from the carriage.
