Chapter 8: Wedding Day (2)

New characters in this chapter:

Si Ming

Is a character of profound knowledge and subtle power, shrouded in an air of mystery and serenity. He is the best—and only—friend of Zhan Luo, though their bond is one of deep understanding and mutual respect rather than the casual camaraderie typical of many friendships. Si Ming's role as the Keeper of Fates in the Immortal Realm is both revered and burdensome. He is the one responsible for recording and determining the destinies of mortals, including the immortals who descend to the Mortal Realm to cultivate and improve their strength. With an intricate understanding of the delicate balance of fate, he wields a tremendous amount of power over the lives of countless beings.

Si Ming's ability to foresee glimpses of the future makes him a unique and invaluable ally, but it is also a burden. He knows too much—perhaps more than he would like to—and it is this knowledge that often leaves him with a quiet, introspective sorrow. He has seen the paths his friends and loved ones may take, but knowing the future does not grant him the ability to change it.

He is both a guide and a prisoner of his own role, understanding that while he may guide others toward their fate, he is helpless to avoid the one that he himself is bound to.

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Zhan Luo stood outside the reunion hall, waiting for Ruo Yin's carriage to arrive. His mind was preoccupied with the upcoming ceremony, but his old friend, Si Ming, had a different agenda.

"Who would have guessed that our dear High God Zhan Luo would one day get married?" Si Ming teased, a playful grin on his face. "You've certainly broken the hearts of many maidens, my friend!"

Si Ming's act of mock heartbreak continued, as he exaggerated the lament for the countless women he spoke for. Zhan Luo, unamused, shot back, "If you're so concerned about those poor hearts, perhaps you should go mend them yourself."

Si Ming chuckled, draping his arm over Zhan Luo's shoulder. "Come now, my friend," he said. "You know I'm the Writer of Fate. I shape the destinies of mortals, and even glimpse the future of immortals—just pieces of it. As for true love, I'll leave that to others. Flings are one thing, but real love? No, thank you! What if one of those heartbroken maidens comes along and falls for me for real? I can't have that."

Zhan Luo raised an eyebrow. "I hope one day, Si Ming, that you find your true love—and she shatters your heart into little pieces."

Si Ming's eyes widened, his voice taking on mock offense. "What a cruel thing to say! What have I done to deserve such a wish?"

Zhan Luo smirked. "Well, for one, you're being extra annoying today. If I liked being annoyed, I'd still be at the Celestial Palace. And weren't you supposed to announce when my soon-to-be wife arrives, instead of wasting time bickering with me? And let's not forget—you should know by now, I don't believe in fate. I write my own destiny, not leave it to some scripted fate."

Si Ming's playful demeanor shifted. "So, you're still upset about what I said, huh? About your love dying because of you?"

Zhan Luo went silent, his gaze hardening.

Si Ming leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a whisper, so no one else could hear. "But let's not forget why you agreed to marry this 'nobody' princess. It's all a political maneuver, isn't it? To stop the Demon Lord from planting a spy in the Sky Clan? You don't love her. So what's the harm?"

Anger flashed in Zhan Luo's eyes. In one swift motion, he grabbed Si Ming by the collar. "Call her a 'nobody' again, and I'll show you exactly where your fate lies."

Si Ming quickly realized he'd crossed a line. He hadn't known Zhan Luo held any real feelings for Ruo Yin. After all, Zhan Luo had always been known for his cold demeanor—on the battlefield and in matters of the heart.

"Maybe that was a bit too much..." Si Ming muttered, stepping back. His teasing had gone too far, especially given the change he'd witnessed in Zhan Luo since meeting Ruo Yin again.

Just then, Si Ming noticed the red carriage approaching. He quickly darted inside to announce the bride's arrival, narrowly avoiding Zhan Luo's simmering anger.

Zhan Luo stood still for a moment, regaining his composure. He wasn't sure why he had reacted so strongly. He wasn't in love with Ruo Yin—was he? But since their reunion, she had been on his mind more often than not.

Zhan Luo had noticed something different about Ruo Yin. Their meeting before had nothing to do with his interest in her. She was stubborn, certainly, but unlike the other female immortals who sought attention, Ruo Yin seemed to want to be seen as an equal. Strong, independent, and not easily swayed by others. That intrigued him.

As the carriage slowed to a stop, Zhan Luo stepped forward, ready to help Ruo Yin exit. But to his surprise, she didn't take his hand. Instead, she stepped out on her own, brushing the wrinkles from her wedding robes before taking his arm with quiet confidence.

"So, this is how we're going to play?" Zhan Luo mused, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He could tell already—this female immortal would keep him entertained.

As they walked toward the reunion hall, the pristine white marble hall glimmered with gold accents, perfectly complementing the wedding attire—Ruo Yin's white gown with red embroidery and Zhan Luo's dark blue robes with golden threads. It was a beautiful union of both clans.

Once they reached the throne chairs, where the Sky Emperor and Empress awaited, Zhan Luo noticed that Ruo Yin's grip on his arm tightened. He could sense her nerves. Without thinking, he reached out with his free hand and patted hers gently to offer some comfort.

"Thanks," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"You're welcome," Zhan Luo replied softly.

The vows were exchanged without issue, and soon, congratulations filled the air as the ceremony concluded. Afterward, the guests ushered the newlyweds into their room for the traditional consummation of the marriage. But since Zhan Luo didn't have a manor in the Sky Clan, the couple would be using a guest room, and that wasn't deemed auspicious. Therefore, they were ushered back to Kunlun Mountain.

Ruo Yin bid farewell to the Demon Lord, who was staying behind in the Sky Clan for a few more days of celebration.

"You make me so proud," You Xie said, his tone full of praise as she prepared to leave.

Ruo Yin only nodded in response, annoyed by how many times You Xie had repeated that same sentiment. She kept her veil on, hiding her discontent, before making her way to reunite with Zhan Luo.

The couple was then sent back to Kunlun Mountain, where Si Ming had prepared their newlywed room. As they arrived, both Zhan Luo and Ruo Yin let out a sigh of relief, mirroring each other in a quiet moment of shared exhaustion.

For a few minutes, neither spoke. Finally, Zhan Luo broke the silence. "You must be tired. You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor."

Ruo Yin's eyes widened. "No—"

Before she could finish, she realized the War Deity had misunderstood her. Flustered, she quickly tried to correct herself. "What I meant was, you don't have to sleep on the floor... Wait, that still doesn't sound right..." She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, thankful her veil hid her face.

She cleared her throat. "I could sleep elsewhere. Don't you have a guest room?"

Zhan Luo, ever calm, reached up and gently lifted her veil, revealing her flushed face. He looked at her, amused.

"My dear wife, do you really think the deities won't come barging in tomorrow to check if we've truly consummated the marriage?" Zhan Luo said, his voice warm but teasing. "Thankfully, I've put a protective barrier around the mountain, but still, I wouldn't count on it."

Ruo Yin was speechless, unsure how to respond. She didn't know how to feel as Zhan Luo's words registered.

"It will be easier to fool them if we're close, don't you think?" Zhan Luo added with a grin. "But don't worry, the only time I'll be in your bed will be tomorrow morning when we need to deceive them. Now, sleep tight."

He kissed her gently on the forehead before walking away toward his own chambers.

Ruo Yin stood there, stunned. It took her a few moments before she realized that Zhan Luo had already left her sight. She also realized that she didn't know where the sleeping chambers were.

"You stupid idiot!" she screamed in frustration. "How am I supposed to sleep tight if you don't even guide me to our room?!"