novelraw Chapter 290 - 265: The Wedding
Chapter 290 - 265: The Wedding
Lu Jiangxian had just laid down two strands of Talisman Qi, and the momentum around both of them immediately soared. Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong were both delighted, quickly sitting cross-legged to steady their cultivation level, while the other Li Family members nearby were equally overjoyed. Li Xuanxuan blurted out:
"Two strands of Talisman Qi!"
"The youngsters are truly making us proud."
Li Tongya smiled warmly and nodded. The crowd completed the remaining rituals and finally stepped down from the platform, waiting for the two juniors to settle the talisman qi within them.
After a short while, Li Qinghong opened her eyes first. Her lively gaze swept the surroundings; seeing Li Yuanjiao still seated cross-legged nearby, she slipped quietly down from the platform, cupped her fists to the elders, and smiled:
"Qinghong has received a talisman, named ’Long Sky Risky Sparrow’. Now, my cultivation is at the peak of Fetal Breathing, and I can begin breaking through to Qi Refinement!"
"Excellent!"
Li Xuanling chuckled and responded, gathering his daughter into a warm hug. Li Qinghong then explained all the effects of the ’Long Sky Risky Sparrow Talisman’. Li Tongya listened carefully, then laughed heartily and replied:
"Your talisman qi excels in battle. Our Li Family already had a bow, now with this spear, we need not fear spell battles!"
Everyone naturally joined in the laughter, showering praise, and only then did Li Yuanjiao slowly open his eyes on the stage. He stepped down, delighted:
"Elders, Yuanjiao has received a White Talisman, called ’Cultivating Qi Devouring Spirit’."
"Foundation Establishment White Talisman!"
The crowd had offered a Foundation Establishment demon as sacrifice; typically, a White Talisman would be bestowed, but it was common for the Dharma Mirror to devour the sacrifice and grant only a Talisman Pill instead of Talisman Qi. Everyone’s hearts had been uneasy; upon hearing these words, they rejoiced. Li Yuanjiao continued:
"My cultivation is at the peak of Fetal Breathing, only lacking a trace of nature’s spiritual energy. I sense that the talisman qi still has strength left; when I break through to Qi Cultivation it should give additional support!"
"This talisman qi is excellent for boosting cultivation, flying amidst the clouds, manipulating weather, and greatly aids in gathering qi..."
Li Yuanjiao explained in detail all the information he had gleaned from the talisman qi; Li Tongya nodded and instructed:
"In a few days, when Xiao Guiluan marries in and the wedding rites are concluded, go into seclusion and break through!"
"Understood!"
Seeing Li Yuanjiao obediently agree, Li Tongya nodded and, a bit anxiously, asked:
"Have you decided which cultivation technique to pursue?"
"This junior intends to cultivate the ’River Qi Decision’."
"Very good! Excellent!"
Hearing Li Yuanjiao’s answer, Li Tongya immediately relaxed. He had worried that Li Yuanjiao, like Li Qinghong, would choose to walk the same dangerous path and cultivate the immensely powerful ’Purple Thunder Secret Essence Technique’, causing this lineage to be cut short. But now that Li Yuanjiao had no such intentions, Li Tongya felt he could spare himself a lecture, nodded repeatedly, and laughed:
"Well done, well done."
————
Xiao Family.
The little peak was adorned in red, intensely festive. Shadows occasionally descended from the sky, and the bustling crowd exchanged congratulations. Xiao Guiluan’s courtyard was lavishly decorated; outside, someone shouted congratulations:
"Congratulations! The Li Family is a Sword Immortal Family—not many are as fortunate as Miss!"
"You’re too kind! Thank you, Uncle."
A deep male voice replied; Xiao Guiluan immediately recognized her older brother Xiao Guitu, and couldn’t help but frown, asking:
"Father truly refuses to come?"
The guests beside her shivered and said nothing. Xiao Guiluan sighed softly, her anger thinly veiled, and answered:
"Hopeless."
Xiao Guiluan had been sent up the mountain since childhood, her father never having shown concern or care. All he wanted was for her to break through to Qi Refinement quickly and descend to serve the family; in her heart, he was just a token of her position in the clan. Who could have guessed this man would be so spendthrift and harsh, stingy and without affection? Xiao Guiluan had long given up hoping for his support, relying instead on her own wit and talent to gain favor with several elders of the direct line.
Fortune favored her; after years without daughters marrying out, the Xiao Family finally stirred, and Xiao Guiluan was inevitably chosen as the bride for an alliance. But that man was outrageously foolish—upon hearing the news he raged without end, apparently intending to sever ties with her entirely...
Xiao Guiluan felt no anger, only a surge of sorrow. With no backing from her birth family, she would not fare well in the Li Family either.
She composed herself and adjusted her red dress, the gold trim shimmering subtly in the radiant sun. She gazed at herself in the bronze mirror for a moment, lightly pursed her bright red lips, dusted on some rouge; her already striking features were rendered even more dazzling by the dress and makeup.
"Miss, there are scarcely any in the whole county who can match your beauty!"
The maid at her side clicked her tongue in admiration. Xiao Guiluan merely shook her head slightly, replying gently:
"Enough of that flattery..."
"Sister."
Xiao Guitu entered the courtyard at a gentle pace. He was a direct descendant, but treated his siblings kindly; today, he had come to escort Xiao Guiluan.
"Thank you, Brother!"
Xiao Guiluan thanked him. Xiao Guitu understood her meaning and shook his head, answering:
"No need to worry at home—the marriage has been personally overseen by a Perfected Person, and I’ll support you in the family."
"A Perfected Person is involved?"
Xiao Guiluan’s heart trembled, joy bursting forth; her thoughts raced, and she felt assured, happily answering:
"Thank you for letting me know!"
As the two spoke, a boy of seven or eight approached, also dressed in red-and-gold, cupping in his hands a lustrous, pale jade ring. In childish tones, he said:
"Madam, it’s time to depart."
This jade ring symbolizes auspicious union, a custom in the Lixia region— the bride’s family must send a young boy, carrying the ring, traveling in the bridal procession to hand it personally to the groom, who then gives gifts and silver in thanks; among cultivators, these gifts are spiritual objects and magic artifacts instead.
The boy was personally chosen by Xiao Guiluan: Xiao Xian, the eldest legitimate son of Xiao Jiuqing. Xiao Jiuqing had given spirit stones to supplement Xiao Guiluan’s dowry; reluctant to owe him, Xiao Guiluan chose Xiao Xian, confident that what the Li Family would give would far exceed a few spirit stones—thus repaying the favor.
"Very well."
Xiao Guiluan responded with a warm smile; knowing that a Perfected Person had overseen the marriage bolstered her confidence, and her face radiated joy. Her phoenix eyes narrowed, shimmering with anticipation, and she led little Xiao Xian out of the courtyard, only to find someone still standing in front of the bridal sedan.
This person’s aura was gentle; various medicine pouches hung at his waist, and he held a Pill Scripture, reading while glancing over at Xiao Guiluan’s appearance. He chuckled and said:
"Dressed so beautifully; time to board the sedan!"
"Greetings, Uncle!"
"Greetings, Elder!"
The surrounding crowd instantly fell to their knees, bowing in respect. For a moment, Xiao Guiluan’s mind went blank with astonishment, secretly rejoicing:
"Foundation Establishment escorting the sedan... what a grand display..."
Seeing the crowd trembling in awe, Xiao Yuansi raised his brows and shook his head. He had learned from the Li Family that Li Yuanjiao had secretly been adopted by his junior; concerned by the marriage, and being in the Li Family himself, he had come along to escort her.
Xiao Guiluan nodded repeatedly, hastily picking up little Xiao Xian, sitting down in the bridal sedan, her heart filled only with anticipation—and an undercurrent of nervousness.