Chapter 12

Floating Cloud City.

The vibrant small city woke up with a festive atmosphere permeating every household, restaurant, and tavern. The news regarding the marriage between The Xia Clan and The Xiao clan caused a storm in the upper echelon of the city, as many lords had the intention of proposing a marriage between their heirs and the Xia Clan Daughter, and many felt insulted when they realized the groom was none other than The Xiao Clan Cripple Xiao Che. The Xia clan during the past few years has gotten stronger and more prosperous, no one knows how they did it, but no one dared to provoke them lest they provoke the ire of the numerous strong Female practitioners who had been visiting the Clan frequently. Now that their plans have been thwarted, they can only watch in bitterness as The Floating Cloud Pearl marries The Xiao Clan Trash.

'' Hiccup… I mean look at me, I'm sixteen years old, I'm handsome, have fair skin and have reached the nascent profound realm, why didn't I get to marry Xia Clan's daughter, Hiccup… That trash Xiao Che! I used to beat him up every time I saw him and now… Hiccup '' 

A drunk young master kept rambling about in the tavern, he couldn't accept what was happening and no one in the tavern did as they nodded in agreement and a large stir broke out

'' The Xia clan gave no face to our clans, they have become arrogant Since they had gotten the support of those Profound Practitioners. ''

'' Yeah, Yeah you're Right. They must know their place ''

The discussion kept going and heating up inside the tavern, they complained and drank alcohol to quench their sorrows but they knew they couldn't do anything when their clans could only offer words of congratulations and remain silent.

In the meantime Inside The Xia Clan mansion.

Within the main courtyard, a gazebo sat in the middle, surrounded by lotus ponds and water walkways, extending in four directions toward the surrounding pavilions. The pair of father and daughter sat in tranquility on stone chairs, calmly observing the koi fish as they nibbled on lotus flowers.

Xia Hongyi broke the silence, he held his daughter's hand and said

'' Yue'er I'm sorry that you have to do this for my sake, but you should know that reputation doesn't matter to me when it comes to your happiness… If you want me to cancel this marriage it doesn't matter what the city says, say only the word and I'll do it. ''

Qingyue held her father's hand with her warm pals and smiled slightly 

'' It's okay father, I can't bring shame to our clan. When a promise is given, it must be delivered, This is what you have always taught me, we cannot back out even if it is inconvenient to us. ''

She turned to the lake and continued '' Besides, I owe my life to Uncle Xiao Ying. He was your sworn brother, He saved my life using all of his profound energy, and as a result of that… He died in an ambush… we owe Uncle Xiao Ying too much, your honor, my honor, and the Xia Clan's honor are on the line ''

Xia Hongyi's heart ached when he remembered Xiao Ying and even more so for his daughter. '' He was a great man… you are right daughter, as much as it pains me to have you go through this with no choice in the matter, we have to honor this promise and repay our debt… ''

Qingyue calmly nodded her head, She had become more beautiful over the years in Frozen Cloud Asgard, Her skin was flawless without blemish, and her eyes were so clear and deep that they could suck a man's soul inside, Her hair reached down to her waist and shone with lustrously.

'' But where's your brother? I haven't seen him since last year'' Hongyi Asked.

At the mention of her brother, Qingyue looked a bit worried and shook her head

'' I don't know where he is, it has been almost eight months since he went on a journey, at first we had been frequently exchanging messages but over the last two months I haven't heard anything from him, I know that no one can harm him… but it worries me still… I hope that he takes the news well and comes back fast, tomorrow is the wedding day ''

Hongyi felt the same way and hoped that his son would come back safe.

'' Let's go daughter there are a lot of things to prepare for tomorrow, we have to give you a big wedding after all '' 

Qingyue assented as she held her father's arm and departed from the courtyard.

—------------------

Today was a big day for The Xia Clan, their daughter was going to marry into the Xiao clan. Lord Xia wanted to give his daughter the best marriage she deserved, so he woke up early to make sure the preparations were done in order, and no mistakes were allowed to happen.

The servants quickly moved from one courtyard to another, decorating the whole mansion in red, preparing the golden horse-drawn carriage with red flowers and beautiful white horses.

'' Move this to the front of the courtyard and make sure nothing breaks '' Xia Hongyi ordered the servants as he moved about making sure everything was right. 

'' Lord Xia, You don't have to do this, leave it to the servant, I'm sure that they won't disappoint you. '' Said Li Niu who made Xia mansion his home.

'' I know but I can't help it, it is my precious daughter who's marrying, everything must be rightly arranged '' Hongyi replied without turning back and continuing with his work. 

'' Sigh.. '' Li Niu sighed and didn't continue pressuring him ' I wonder if the young master can make it in time for the wedding '

Suddenly a rumbling sound filled the sky, a figure or something was coming fast from the south splitting the clouds in its wake. Everything stopped within the courtyard as they lifted their heads and saw a figure flying closer and closer to Floating Cloud City. Sensing the disturbance that was quickly approaching, numerous females rose above the Xia mansion. In no time the figure reached Floating Cloud City and continued in the direction of the mansion, and before anyone could react the figure disappeared and appeared inside the courtyard without stirring any dust or causing any disturbance.

Xia Hongyi was lost for words when his son silently appeared before him, he appeared to be taller than before almost reaching 1.90 meters in height, his bulging muscles couldn't be hidden behind his black robe as his long black hair freely hung behind his back.

'' Yuanba… it's good that you made it in time son '' Hongyi began

Radhan didn't react to his father's words as he turned his head and observed the various wedding decorations filling the mansion. He stood silent for a few seconds taking it all in then said in a low voice 

'' Why wasn't i informed of this beforehand father? Why do I get to know that Qingyue is going to marry just days before the date? Why didn't you consult me father? '' 

Radhan's Voice kept rising with each question he asked, he felt indigent about the whole unexpected matter.

Xia Hongyi felt a little bit guilty as he said '' I'm sorry Yuanba, your sister tried hard to reach you but to no avail. ''

Radhan tried his best to calm down as he asked '' I know that I haven't been available for the past few months, but couldn't you wait for me to come and discuss it, with me? ''

'' No, we couldn't… the groom's family urged me to make preparations, to fulfill my promise to them'' 

Radhan frowned as he asked '' What promise are you talking about? ''

Hongyi sighed and replied '' I promised my sworn brother Xiao Ying long ago that I would marry my daughter to his son, and now they have reached sixteen and become adults i can't delay the matter anymore ''

'' Xiao Ying? Do you mean to marry my sister to that boy Xiao Che? '' Radhan felt his anger rising as he shouted

'' DO YOU REALIZE THAT BOY CAN'T CULTIVATE IN HIS LIFE? ARE YOU TRYING TO PAIR MY SISTER WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN'T ACCOMPANY HER EVEN THROUGH A QUARTER OF HER LIFE? AND WHO'S WORTHY OF HER? YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THERE'S NO ONE IN THIS TOWN OR EMPIRE WORTHY OF HER HAND ''

The courtyard fell silent as the servants and Li Niu didn't dare to utter a word in front of the angry young lord

Xia Hongyi's temper rose for the first time in many years as he shouted in return.

'' DO YOU THINK I WANT TO MAKE MY DAUGHTER GO THROUGH THIS? I CAN'T GO BACK ON MY WORD AND YOU SHOULD KNOW MORE THAN ANYONE THAT OUR XIA CLAN CAN'T GO BACK ON THEIR WORD ''

Radhan's words were stuck in his mouth as he was about to retort when suddenly Qingyue entered the courtyard

'' Yuanba I know that you're angry regarding the suddenness of the matter… but don't raise your voice against father." Qingyue stood in front of the quarreling Father and son and said firmly.

At his sister's voice, Radhan realized that he made a mistake and bowed to his father '' I'm sorry father, i didn't intend to disrespect you. ''

'' But the whole situation is a mess why would she need to marry a cripple? ''

Qingyue looked at her brother in the eyes and said with a serious tone of voice 

'' Yuanba it's my choice, Father didn't force me and no one can force me to do anything I don't want to do, but I can't let other people call us dishonorable and go back on our word. You don't want to shame our clan and father, do you? ''

Radhan took a deep breath and calmed himself a little after hearing her words. But the expression on his face still indicated that he was upset.

Qingyue, when she saw this, smiled gently as she felt his care for her, she reached with her hand and straightened the cloth crease on his neck. And said softly.

'' Yuanba, you know I could've been dead if it weren't for Uncle Xiao saving me. ''

Radhan turned his head to the side. He couldn't let his sister see the distress on his face at the mention of her dying young, he didn't want to think about it, his sister meant the world to him.

Qingyue fell silent looking at him and continued '' He lost his life because of me, I'll forever remember this debt, and you too should honor his death by respecting my choice in fulfilling this promise ''

'' Besides, we are marrying only by name, we still have a long journey ahead of us. You didn't think that I would stop here, did you ? ''

Radhan silently contemplated her words, then turned and began walking toward the courtyard exit.

Qingyue, knowing her brother's personality, knew that he calmed down a little and shouted at him '' Go and prepare, make sure to wear nice clothing, i want to see you beside me when i go out ''

Radhan didn't turn back as he waved his hand and made his way out, He walked toward his old courtyard, he arrived beside the old willow tree, and sat wearily under its shade, he lowered his head observing the shadow of the willow moving with the wind and muttered to himself

'' Haa… one simply cannot force his loved ones even if he was the lord of the heavens… She had never been this headstrong with me before… what did I expect? She has already grown up and can make her own decisions, but this sacrifice… i don't want her to take it… if only i could find a way to make things right… but alas… '' He stopped his words and sighed.

'' But there's one thing I can do '' with that he stood up and disappeared.

—-------------------

The Xiao Clan compound

Xiao Che stood in front of the mirror admiring his looks and the beautiful red wedding robe, his aunt left for him to wear and thought to himself.

' I never expected that I'd reincarnate once again… and wake up on my wedding day with The Xia Clan's daughter ' He smiled when he remembered how beautiful Xia Qingyue is.

I guess my luck in this life is already paying off from the start… but my profound veins… i can't remain a cripple for life like this, I must find a way to recover '

He lifted his left hand and looked at the circular imprint on his palm as it flashed with a green light. 

' Fortunately, I have the Sky Poison Pearl with me, with it there's hope, I'll definitely find a solution ' 

He resolutely clinched his fist in determination when a voice suddenly came behind him.

'' That's a nice treasure, hidden in your palm ''

With the fall of the unfamiliar voice Xiao Che's face paled in shock, he hid his hand inside his robe as he turned around to find a hulking boy sitting behind him on his bed.

'' Who are you? What are you doing here? '' Xiao Che asked aggressively while feeling fearful at how the intruder managed to get inside without him knowing and discovering the secret of the Sky Poison Pearl.

Radhan looked calmly at the boy with his hand folded on his chest, and he was not impressed by the boy's appearance as he looked physically weak, and felt he could kill with a single finger, moreover, he seemed to suffer from some sort of ailment. Judging from his pale complexion. 

' He's nothing impressive, but the boy is hiding some secrets… the aura I felt from his palm must be from some treasure… and a priceless treasure at that. ' Radhan furrowed his brows in thought then stood up looking down at the boy's eyes.

'' Have you already forgotten about me?" You're the lucky brat who's going to marry my sister, should I feel insulted and take that treasure from your hand? '' 

Xiao Che felt alarmed at the mention of taking his Pearl. Killing intent flashed behind his eyes as he swang a hidden knife inside his sleeve at the boy's throat, he didn't care if it was his brother-in-law he had to keep his secret hidden. 

Radhan watched the boy's action and let it unfold. The boy flashed a vicious grin when the knife touched his neck, but in the next second, he became horrified when the knife fell to the ground after bouncing from Radhan's neck dealing no damage.

'' You know that was an annoying and rude thing to do when I'm trying to be polite. Radhan lied through his teeth he didn't intend to be polite from the start.

He exerted a minuscule amount of pressure on him, and the boy's legs began to shake and almost buckled but he gritted his teeth and resisted.

'' Interesting… at least you have some backbone," Radhan remarked leisurely, but in the next second his face took on a vicious appearance as he stated.

'' Listen here brat, I don't care about your treasure or whatever you do with it, the only thing I care about is my sister. I never agreed to this marriage, and until I see you become worthy of her I never will. You better behave well toward her, Never disappoint her, or else I'll cut off your balls and feed them to you, DO YOU UNDERSTAND? ''

Radhan's last word rang inside Xiao Che's head and caused his head to ring as he nodded, doing his best to not piss off his brother-in-law.

'' Good, I don't need to say anything else. '' with that the pressure vanished, Xiao Che breathed a sigh of relief and took a moment to catch his breath. He lifted his head in determination and said.

'' I promise, I won't disappoint her. And one day I'll prove myself worthy of her ''

Radhan didn't reply, the boy's words to him were empty, what can he do when he has no profound veins? Unless he meets an extremely fortuitous encounter that could change his life, but what are the chances? he was destined to forever rot in Floating Cloud City. He turned his back about to depart but then paused and said 

'' Go wash up you look rather unsightly." Then he was gone.

Xiao Che's face twitched at the snide remark, He turned to the mirror and saw himself dripping with sweat.

' Fortunately, he didn't covet the Sky Profound Pearl, but what kind of person wouldn't want a miraculous tressure like it… ' Xiao Che looked at his palm with a complex expression. 

' What a monster. What the hell happened to him during the past few years '

—-----------------------

In the evening the city was buzzing with activity and a festive atmosphere when the Xiao clan procession arrived at the front of The Xia clan gate. Xiao Che dismounted and was warmly welcomed into the courtyard by Xia Hongyi and the servants.

'' Wait for a little while, she'll be coming soon '' Hongyi informed him. 

After a few minutes of waiting, Qingyue came out escorted by her brother and quickly entered the Carriage, she was wearing a Red phoenix wedding dress, and her brother wore a a black robe laced with violet streaks. 

He approached the wedding procession and looked meaningfully at Xiao Che, at which he did his best to avoid his eyes.

'' Go and escort your bride '' Radhan stated in neither a happy nor sad tone.

'' Thank you brother-in-law '' Radhan's face twitched a little at the ' brother-in-law ' word but kept his silence. 

Xiao Che quickly mounted his horse and arrived beside the carriage. At his signal, they began their march back to their home. Singing and cheering broke out, and drummers and flute players accompanied them as they made their way out into the city, people followed them to celebrate the occasion and maybe if they were lucky, they could take a look at Floating Cloud City's beauty, and they were unlucky.

Xiao Che behaved himself rather well in their home when he felt the piercing look, someone was giving him behind his back.

It didn't take a long time for them to reach The Xiao Clan compound, Xiao Che dismounted in front of the great hall and went to the carriage side. Qingyue exited gracefully and accepted the hand offered by her husband-to-be, as they made their way in surrounded by cheers and in parts whispers and sneers.

When they entered everyone had their eyes on Qingyue, they almost forgot to breathe after seeing her beauty for the first time, and then the discussion became more intense and jealousy almost seeped out of their eyes at Xiao Che.

Radhan closed his eyes, an uncomfortable feeling washed over his chest when he heard the whispers in the crowd.

'' Trash, Absolute trash.. How can they marry her to this failure?"

'' It must be because of his grandfather Xiao lie I heard he's the strongest person in their clan ''

Amidst their words two bridal maids tied the bride and groom's hands with a red sash then they made their way in to stand in front of the man who was in charge of the wedding ceremony.

Radhan made his way and sat beside his father on the highest seat, his figure and his hard expression made a lot of the people present turn their heads and give him a second look.

The wedding ceremony began with a few congratulatory words and ended with them bowing three times, one for heaven and earth the second for the elders, and the third toward their partners. After it ended cheering broke out and people came to congratulate the couple's family. Radhan stayed late until the husband and wife departed for their bridal chamber. He wasn't worried about that brat touching his sister as she would turn him into an ice sculpture but still his heart felt heavy. He departed silently through the crowds and went back home alone. Once he arrived at his courtyard he ordered the accompanying Frozen Cloud Disciples to not disturb him. He'll be entering a secluded meditation session.

Once he sealed his courtyard, he sat cross-legged in front of the tree and began cultivating to ease his mind.

The energy from the fusion of the primordial energy and The Rage God's blood wasn't completely consumed it'll take some time for him to assimilate it completely, His Great way of the Buddha had already reached the sixth stage and he should start comprehending the seventh stage, although it was impossible for any mortal to reach beyond the sixth stage, He was no mortal and he has the Divine body of Great Rage.

Time passed quickly it had been seven days since he entered his secluded meditation and today he exited the courtyard and made his way to the dining hall, where the servants kept bringing out food for him to devour. Before long he was finished after devouring the share of tens of people.

'' Yuanba, it's good to see you again '' Xia Hongyi entered the hall and smiled when his son ate well.

'' Good morning father. I hope you have been doing well '' Radhan stood up and greeted his father. Over the last few days he thought a lot about what happened and let everything go, he couldn't change what was already destined to happen.

'' You haven't visited your sister yet since she got married, how about you come with me? I heard that the Xiao sect is coming to the Xiao clan to visit, I feel something is off about the matter, so let's go and see what's going to happen ''

Radhan thought about it and agreed, and so they departed to the Xiao Clan as soon they arrived they found a huge crown inside the Xiao Clan, they made their way inside to the front and found a luxuriously clothed youth, in confrontation with Xiao Lingxi and her grandfather, beside them was Xiao Che and his sister.

As he kept listening to their rambling, it seemed to him that they were accusing the girl of stealing Profound opening powder, the whole matter looked sketchy, and some goal was behind the fiasco.

The accusations continued with the interventions of several elders until Xiao Che took the stage, He directly flipped the table and showed not only his aunt didn't do it she was also framed by the Xiao Clan.

' I must admit that He's rather intelligent ' Radhan thought when suddenly that young master ordered those lackeys to capture the aunt and the nephew pair. Only for them to be stopped by Xiao Lie

Then the matter took an unexpected turn when that young master dared Xiao Lie to swear that Xiao Che was his biological Grandson. The old man froze and didn't talk for a long time. Then the xiao sect young master exposed the whole matter

Under the urging of the crowd and his grandson, Xiao Lie knew he couldn't hide the truth anymore, so he told him about what happened… Xiao Che received the revelation in shock, while the clan members took turns to shame the grandfather and shouted for his grandson to get lost.

At one point before Xiao Che departed, the young master said since the marriage between Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue was a mistake, they should correct the matter by making her marry another member or worse the Xiao Sect young master.

At this point, Radhan's anger has reached a boiling point as broke from the crowd and said '' Enough!! Qingyue come with me ''

Noticing someone was interrupting his scheme, Xiao Kuangyun's face became twisted as he shouted

'' And who might you be? how dare you interfere in our Xiao sect affairs! ''

Radhan looked at him and then walked slowly toward him. 

The man sneered at his approach and ordered '' Men capture him for me ''

Two men quickly moved toward Radhan intending to capture him, but before they could reach him a violet light flashed, and the ground beneath the men's feet cracked, then they hit the ground unconscious.

Radhan arrived before the young master and struck him with his palm, the movement looked slow and heavy to everyone's eye, and before they could blink their eyes it landed squarely on his cheek.

BOOM!! 

The young master's head disappeared leaving a headless corpse falling to the ground 

'' YOUNG MASTER!!! '' an old man sitting in the back shouted in rage a quickly moved to attack Radhan.

The old man's cultivation was in the earth profound realm, he flashed next to him and struck with his fist, Radhan didn't even deign to look at him as he struck with his other palm, pulverizing the old man's head.

The Great Hall fell silent as everyone stared in horror at the massacre before them.

'' You-Youu! Do you know what you've done The Xiao sect won't let you off!! ''

The Xiao clan leader shouted as he trembled in fear

Radhan ignored everyone, he looked at his sister and said with a tone that accepts no rejection '' Let's go before I kill everyone here. ''

Qingyue knew her brother was extremely upset right now and he might do so if they pushed him to do so. So she quickly moved to his side and was about to depart when Xiao Che's voice reached behind them. Qingyue turned back to him as he addressed her

'' Qingyue I'm sorry to have you go through this matter…. It's a big mistake that shouldn't happened '' 

He remained silent for a second as he looked at her then took out a paper and handed it to her 

'' This is our marriage agreement. I'll give it to you if you want to stay as my wife then keep it, and if you want to end everything you can destroy it I won't blame you, I'll leave the choice to you ''

After saying his word he turned and left from the Xiao Clan entrance, with his back looking extremely lost and lonely.

'' Let's go. '' 

Radhan sighed and departed with his father and sister under everyone's terrified eyes.