Chapter 4: Eternal Eighteen

Three days later, Li Daoxuan and Su Youruo were to hold their wedding.

In fact, according to Su Youruo's preference, there was no need for elaborate preparations for a secular wedding. They both cared little for the formalities. Having chosen each other out of love, a simple affair would suffice.

However, Li Daoxuan insisted on following local customs and arranging a grand celebration. It was a small wish of his.

In his previous life, he had been alone and never had the chance to marry or have children. Upon arriving in this world, he immersed himself in cultivation. Now, he finally had the opportunity to fulfill that longing.

At this moment, the entire Li family was bustling with preparations, leaving Li Daoxuan and Su Youruo with some rare free time. They sat facing each other in the backyard.

Li Daoxuan casually asked, "Xiao Su, do you have any preferences for the wedding?"

Su Youruo smiled gently, "I'll go with your choices."

"Alright! By the way, do you wish to invite any guests?"

Li Daoxuan had refrained from inquiring about Su Youruo's background, fearing it might stir up painful memories.

As expected, Su Youruo's expression tightened slightly as she replied, "I have no remaining relatives, and as for friends... I won't be inviting any."

Li Daoxuan noticed the slight tremor in Su Youruo's voice.

Quickly regaining her composure, Su Youruo smiled, "By the way, whom do you plan to invite?"

"I spent some time at the Heavenly Dao Sect. Unfortunately, my talent in cultivation... was too mediocre, and I could only become an outer disciple. I wasn't even worthy of finding a master."

"As for inviting fellow disciples, let's forget about that."

Li Daoxuan also felt a pang of bitterness. He had hoped to find a senior to preside over the wedding, but it seemed unlikely.

"Oh!" Su Youruo was understanding and didn't press Li Daoxuan further.

In fact, both of them had an unspoken agreement not to pry into each other's pasts. What they were sure of was their deep love for each other, and that was enough.

Li Daoxuan gazed tenderly at Su Youruo before hesitantly asking, "Xiao Su, can I ask another small question?"

"Of course, you can ask anything!" Su Youruo's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Whether I answer or not depends on my mood!"

"You... you, Xiao Su, have you learned to tease now?" Li Daoxuan clutched his chest in mock pain, causing Su Youruo to burst into laughter.

"Hehe! I learned it all from you!"

"Ah! I've brought this upon myself! I deserve it!"

"Xiao Su, how old are you this year?"

Seeing Li Daoxuan's cautious demeanor, sipping tea to calm his nerves, Su Youruo burst into laughter and casually remarked, "Maybe... around five hundred years old!"

"Pffft! Cough~ cough~ cough~"

"How... how old? I didn't hear clearly. Can you... can you say it again?" Li Daoxuan's voice trembled in shock. The age in this world could indeed be deceiving.

"Su... Su Granny~~~ Are you sure you didn't misspeak?"

"Hahaha...!"

Su Youruo couldn't contain herself and laughed heartily, tears streaming down her face.

Finally realizing Su Youruo's jest, Li Daoxuan exclaimed, "Oh! Little Miss Granny, you nearly scared me to death."

"Hahaha..."

"So, how old are you really?"

"Eighteen!"

"Hmm! Eighteen, huh? That's great! Really great!"

However, Su Youruo's next statement nearly floored Li Daoxuan.

"A woman is forever eighteen!"

"Pfft!"

"Hahaha... Alright! I won't tease you anymore. Actually, I..."

Li Daoxuan quickly stood up and interrupted, "Stop! I was wrong. I know a woman's age is a secret."

Su Youruo: "..."

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed, and the wedding day had arrived at last.

The weather was perfect, with clear skies and a gentle breeze—ideal for a wedding!

Li Daoxuan's wedding, while relatively simple with some elements like the groom's procession omitted, was still grand and filled with joy and festivity!

News of Li Daoxuan's identity as a celestial master had spread throughout Heavenly River City, and everyone of status and influence was aware.

Fortunately, Li Daoxuan had prepared an abundance of banquet tables.

On this day, neighbors and dignitaries from Heavenly River City arrived.

"Mr. Zhang from Heavenly River City presents a pair of night pearls! Congratulations to Master Li on his wedding!"

"..."

"The City Lord of Heavenly River City presents..."

The generous gifts left the guests astonished and impressed.

Just as all the guests who could attend had arrived, the wedding was about to proceed to the next step—the worship of heaven and earth.

However, at that moment, a group of soldiers burst in, carrying large boxes and shouting as they ran.

"The Great Zhou Royal Family congratulates Master Li on his wedding and presents a gift of one thousand taels of gold, one hundred rolls of brocade, and ten boxes of jewelry..."

"Hiss! The royal family is so generous!"

"The royal family has always been generous!"

"I suppose it's because Master Li holds face, otherwise they wouldn't..."

The guests were amazed, and Li Daoxuan, who was about to worship, was also stunned. He had no connection with the Great Zhou Royal Family, so why were they sending gifts?

However, Li Daoxuan quickly understood that he didn't care much for these things, so he didn't refuse.

"Worship of heaven and earth!"

"Second worship..."

"..."

The wedding proceeded smoothly and joyfully until evening. Many tried to get Li Daoxuan drunk, but he was cunning.

Having reached the Qi Refining Stage, he could hardly get drunk, but Li Daoxuan pretended to be intoxicated.

Supported by Xiao Man and Xiao Yu, Li Daoxuan was led back to the bridal chamber. As soon as the door closed, he straightened up.

"Ah! Young... Young Master, aren't you drunk?" Xiao Man was astonished.

Li Daoxuan rubbed Xiao Man's head and said, "Xiao Man, you're still young and haven't experienced the hardships of life."

"Hahaha... You both go rest!"

Xiao Man and Xiao Yu exchanged glances before Xiao Yu gently pulled the still dazed Xiao Man out.

Entering the inner chamber, Li Daoxuan saw his bride adorned in a phoenix crown and a red veil beside the bed. He hesitated for a moment before approaching, feeling excitement welling up within him.

"Li... Li Big Brother, is... is it really you?"

Even Su Youruo, who had weathered many storms, couldn't help but feel a bit f

lustered.

"Madam, why are you still calling me Li Big Brother?"

"Hus... Husband!"

"Ah! Say it again, let me hear it."

Su Youruo: "..."