"Master Zhou has arrived!"
With waves of ecstatic and fervent exclamations, a massive procession soared through the skies.
Standing atop a majestic Azure Luan, Zhou Yi's flawless features appeared as if sculpted by divine hands—strikingly handsome, sharp, and resolute. His tall, imposing frame exuded an aura of towering mountains, as if he alone could support the heavens.
His unparalleled visage was so extraordinary it seemed beyond mortal realms, akin to an ancient deity descending upon the world.
His eyes, a striking contrast of black and white, held the depth of the boundless cosmos, yet carried the gaze of a sovereign looking down upon all existence—a mysterious and terrifying majesty hidden within.
In his right hand, he held onto Ling Qingzhu.
Draped in a crimson bridal gown, Ling Qingzhu's slender figure was graceful beyond compare. Her eyebrows arched like emerald feathers, her skin was as pristine as snow, her waist as delicate as a drawn silk ribbon. Her beauty was ethereal—pure, elegant, and unparalleled in the world.
Standing together, the two were a celestial match, as if forged by destiny itself.
"I've long heard that Master Zhou was handsome, but I never expected him to be this stunning!"
Tang Xinlian's bright, captivating eyes studied Zhou Yi curiously. She had encountered countless prodigies and peerless heroes, yet seeing Zhou Yi still left her utterly awestruck.
Her heart pounded wildly.
It was akin to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang laying eyes upon Yang Yuhuan for the first time.
Despite possessing an imperial harem of three thousand beauties, when Emperor Xuanzong first saw Yang Yuhuan, he was still utterly captivated.
With a single glance and a smile, she outshone all other concubines.
Yet Zhou Yi's charm far surpassed the disparity between an ordinary beauty and Yang Yuhuan herself.
"So she is Ling Qingzhu… She is indeed breathtaking."
Tang Xinlian turned her gaze to Ling Qingzhu.
As the famed Fire Fairy of Chaos Demon Sea, a female prodigy among the heavens, she had naturally heard of Ling Qingzhu—the renowned beauty and exceptional talent of the Eastern Profound Domain.
Unfortunately, their paths had never crossed before today.
Now that she had finally seen her, it was clear that the rumors did not do her justice.
Standing beside Zhou Yi, they truly were the perfect pair.
Zhou Yi: Actually, I make a perfect match with any beauty!
"Big Brother is so handsome!"
In a secluded corner near the Zhou Manor, a small and delicate voice rang out.
A young girl, no more than twelve or thirteen, dressed in a light red outfit, clapped her hands in delight as she gazed at Zhou Yi atop the Azure Luan, her voice filled with innocence and admiration—like a little angel.
Her words elicited warm laughter from those around her, as if her doll-like charm had momentarily eased their fatigue.
Beside her stood a taller young woman, around twenty years old.
With a tall, graceful figure accentuated by her fitted attire, her alluring curves were on full display. Her exquisite features and expressive eyes carried a trace of longing and an underlying sorrow, evoking a sense of tender pity.
These two were none other than Jiang Lei's daughters—Jiang Yinyin, the younger, and Jiang Xue, the elder—from the Eagle Martial Hall of Dayan Dynasty's Eagle City.
"Heh, Xue'er, what a coincidence…"
A young man holding a folding fan approached, appearing to be in his mid-twenties. His features were somewhat androgynous, his lips curled in a smirk filled with derision as he led a small entourage toward them.
"Luo Shan, what are you doing here?"
Jiang Xue's expression turned cold instantly, her icy gaze locking onto him as she spoke in a frigid tone:
"You are not welcome here."
Luo Shan merely chuckled, his gaze lingering on Jiang Xue with a glint of undisguised hunger. He sneered:
"Not welcome? Do you think you are the Lady of Zhou Manor?"
As he spoke, Luo Shan seated himself opposite her, lazily fanning himself, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Take a good look, Jiang Xue. Do you have any idea what kind of man Master Zhou is? His bride is a celestial maiden from the Supreme Nine Heavens Palace!"
"And what are you? Just the daughter of a mere martial hall master. You actually dream of soaring into the heavens and becoming a phoenix?"
"Such unrealistic fantasies should be abandoned before you become a laughingstock."
"Yinyin, we're leaving."
Jiang Xue's face was ice-cold as she grabbed Jiang Yinyin's hand, intending to leave.
"Xue'er, let me tell you something—my father has already broken through to the Grand Completion of the Forming Realm."
Jiang Xue's steps faltered, her face turning pale in an instant.
"Did you hear me, Xue'er? Our Blood Vulture Martial Hall has officially challenged your Eagle Martial Hall. My father and yours will face each other in a life-or-death battle in the arena."
Jiang Xue's delicate frame trembled.
Her father, Jiang Lei, had only reached the Minor Completion of the Forming Realm, whereas Luo Shan's father had achieved Grand Completion—a single step apart, yet a world of difference in strength.
And their sects had long been bitter rivals.
Jiang Lei had brought his daughters to celebrate Zhou Yi's wedding, hoping to establish connections with a powerful benefactor. If they could earn Zhou Yi's favor, it might change their fate.
"Heh, Xue'er, you know how I feel about you. If you agree to be with me, perhaps there will still be a path for Eagle Martial Hall to survive."
Luo Shan's gaze roved over Jiang Xue's alluring figure, his expression predatory, like a wolf cornering a helpless lamb.
"Keep dreaming!"
Jiang Xue trembled with anger, her hands clenched into fists as she dragged Jiang Yinyin away, choosing a different spot to sit.
Luo Shan sneered as he watched them go.
"Hmm… even little Yinyin is quite the beauty."
His eyes gleamed with twisted desire.
"You two won't escape my grasp."
Clenching his fingers together, Luo Shan's eyes shimmered with vile intentions. Once Eagle Martial Hall was destroyed, Jiang Xue and Jiang Yinyin would belong to him, mere playthings at his mercy.
He scoffed at Jiang Lei's vain attempts to seek Zhou Yi's favor.
After all, the number of people trying to curry favor with Zhou Yi today was beyond count.
Not just the factions of the Battle Qi Continent.
Even within the Eastern Profound Domain alone, the princesses of countless dynasties were lining up for a chance to attach themselves to Zhou Yi.
Each of these princesses was a peerless beauty, blessed with talent, and most had already reached the Three Realms of Creation.
And Jiang Xue?
Her father was barely at the Minor Completion of the Qi Formation Realm—an insignificant figure.
Above those princesses stood the true celestial maidens from the greatest sects.
To the emperors of mortal dynasties, those celestial maidens were untouchable beings.
Yet even they sought to forge ties with Zhou Yi.
So who was Jiang Xue?
A mere village flower from some remote corner of the world, daring to compete with noble heiresses and imperial princesses?
In Luo Shan's eyes, she was doomed to fail.
And in the end, she would be his.
"Xue'er! Yinyin!"
Jiang Lei hurried to the two of them and saw Jiang Xue looking distressed. He quickly asked, "What's wrong?"
"Father, it's nothing serious. We just ran into Luo Shan. He was bragging that his father has advanced to the Great Accomplishment stage of the Qi Creation Realm."
Jiang Xue explained.
"The Great Accomplishment stage of the Qi Creation Realm…"
Jiang Lei's expression turned grave. He had just been trying to forge connections with the people around him, but unfortunately, no one paid him any attention.
The three of them found a place to sit. As minor figures, they were naturally positioned at the outermost area of the Zhou Residence. The stronger one's cultivation and status, the closer their seat was to the center of the estate.
"Wow, what an adorable bear!"
Jiang Yinyin's eyes sparkled as she looked at the little creature that had run up to her. She immediately scooped it into her arms, rubbing its soft belly with childlike delight. Her innocent voice rang out like that of a little angel.
"Hm?"
Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue turned their gaze toward her, only to be utterly stunned.
"This… this is…"
Their bodies trembled as they suddenly recalled the identity of this small bear.
Rumor had it that Master Zhou had a beast companion—a creature covered in black and white fur, resembling a bear, both clumsy and cute in appearance. However, its strength was said to be unfathomable, surpassing even the leaders of the greatest sects.
At the last grand wedding, this very beast had swallowed a demonic king comparable to the Samsara Realm in a single bite.
Its power was terrifying beyond words.
Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue glanced around, only to realize that no one else seemed to notice the small bear's presence. This puzzled them.
Could it be that others simply couldn't see it? Or was this black-and-white cub not actually Master Zhou's beast companion?
In truth, this was one of the bear's little tricks.
After becoming famous, countless people wished to approach it.
But, of course, not just anyone was allowed to touch it.
Thus, whenever it went out to play, it concealed its presence. Due to the immense gap in power, most people would instinctively overlook it.
Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue felt anxious, unsure of what to do.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yinyin continued to play with the bear, completely engrossed in her joy.
"Jiang Yinyin, the eldest senior sister among the Eight Masters of the Ancient Era, the Lord of Life and Death!"
From the crowd, Zhou Yi's sharp gaze fell upon the seemingly unremarkable trio. Judging by their names, he quickly deduced their identities.
During the first great war between Heaven and Earth, the Lord of Life and Death had been gravely wounded and saved by the Lord of Devouring. However, she eventually succumbed to her injuries and fell into the cycle of reincarnation.
In this life, she was reborn as Jiang Yinyin, the youngest daughter of Jiang Lei, the owner of the Eagle Martial Hall in the Great Desolate Prefecture of the Great Yan Dynasty. Her elder sister was Jiang Xue.
Zhou Yi had a deep impression of Jiang Xue and rather liked her.
Keeping this in mind, Zhou Yi led Ling Qingzhu toward the main hall.
The wedding ceremony proceeded smoothly.
Ling Qingzhu was sent into the bridal chamber.
Zhou Yi entertained the guests.
This event marked his formal introduction to all the major powers of the Tianxuan Continent, including the demon clans.
After the banquet concluded, Zhou Yi returned to the bridal chamber.
Tonight, Ling Qingzhu looked exceptionally beautiful.
No beauty surpasses that of a bride on her wedding day.
The ancients did not deceive us.
The night was tranquil, the stars dazzling.
A bright moon shyly hid behind the clouds, as though veiling its bashful gaze.
Inside the bridal chamber, the flames of the red dragon-phoenix candles flickered, their melting wax dripping like silent tears.
The long night was filled with romance.
—
The next day.
The assembled guests gradually departed.
Inside the bridal chamber.
Zhou Yi slowly awoke, gazing at the delicate figure nestled in his arms. Ling Qingzhu's cheeks were flushed, and her cultivation had advanced yet again.
This was thanks to her harmonious synergy with him.
Otherwise, such a significant breakthrough would have been impossible.
The sun had already risen high in the sky, its radiant light slipping through the windows, casting a glow upon Ling Qingzhu's serene face.
Traces of tears still lingered at the corners of her eyes, as if she had been unable to withstand his fervor. A faint, lingering blush colored her cheeks, making her look as if she were drunk.
Zhou Yi observed her quietly for a while before chuckling softly. He gently placed her to the side and carefully got out of bed.
—
Outside the estate.
Jiang Yinyin bounced around joyfully, still hugging the bear tightly. Meanwhile, Jiang Xue and Jiang Lei wore troubled expressions, wondering how to approach Zhou Yi.
"Gun Gun!"
At that moment, a warm and magnetic voice rang out.
Zhou Yi appeared before Jiang Yinyin, calling out to the bear.
"Awoo~"
The round little creature instantly leaped into Zhou Yi's arms with surprising agility.
Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue's minds went blank, as if struck by lightning.
They had unexpectedly come face to face with Zhou Yi himself.
That small bear was indeed the legendary beast of unimaginable power!
"Jiang Lei (Jiang Xue), greetings, Master Zhou!"
The two quickly came to their senses and bowed respectfully.
"Yinyin greets Big Brother!"
Jiang Yinyin followed suit, addressing Zhou Yi in an innocent tone.
Her words startled Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue, who feared that Zhou Yi might take offense.
Just as they were about to plead for forgiveness—
Zhou Yi raised a hand, smiling.
"No need for such formalities."
An invisible force lifted the three of them up.
"Master Zhou, Yinyin is still young and speaks without thinking. Please forgive her."
"It's fine. I think 'Big Brother' sounds quite nice. Even Gun Gun likes her."
Zhou Yi chuckled, showing no displeasure.
Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue sighed in relief.
Facing someone of Zhou Yi's status was overwhelming, yet he seemed approachable and easygoing.
Jiang Xue stole a glance at Zhou Yi, her face turning red. She quickly lowered her head, her heart pounding wildly.
So handsome.
So powerful.
And so kind…
"Master Zhou's humility and generosity are truly admirable!"
Jiang Lei, noticing his daughter's reaction, took a deep breath and said, "My daughter, Jiang Xue, holds immense admiration for Master Zhou. She wishes for nothing more than to serve by your side as a humble maid. If you would allow it, she would be eternally grateful."
Jiang Xue's face turned crimson, her head hanging low, her heart racing.
It was so direct.
Yet she did not dislike it. In fact, she felt nervous, expectant, and anxious all at once.
"Miss Xue is noble in character and stunningly beautiful. I am quite fond of her."
Zhou Yi stated openly, "Three months from now, shall I take Miss Xue as my wife?"
Jiang Lei was momentarily stunned before erupting with joy.
He had not expected such a miraculous outcome.
"Everything shall be as Master Zhou wishes!"
Jiang Lei suppressed his excitement as he responded.
Jiang Xue's heart pounded like a deer in a trap.
She was getting married!
To Master Zhou!
Tension.
Anticipation.
Unease.
Once Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue had settled matters here, they eagerly departed to make their preparations.
Zhou Yi instructed the Amethyst Winged Lion King to escort them—not just as transportation but also as protection.
After all, Jiang Lei was too weak.
He was only at the Qi Creation Realm.
As for Jiang Xue and Jiang Yinyin, there was even less to say.
They had virtually no combat strength.
Zhou Yi had encountered many people like Jiang Lei and Jiang Xue. He set their wedding date together with others—three months from now.
For example, Su Rou of the Great Qing Dynasty.
The three sisters of the Gu Clan: Gu Mengqi, Gu Yan, and Gu Ya.
As the news spread, discussions erupted everywhere. Countless people were envious of Jiang Xue, Su Rou, and the others.
"I never thought Jiang Xue would catch the attention of Master Zhou. She's truly fortunate! Just a while ago, I even saw her being bullied by Luo Shan."
In the crowd, a nondescript young man overheard the news about Jiang Xue. Remembering a conversation he'd previously witnessed between Jiang Xue and Luo Shan, he sighed.
"What did you say?"
An elderly man with a weathered face suddenly appeared before him.
Not just the old man—several other powerful figures emerged as well.
Their overwhelming presence felt like an abyss, vast and unfathomable.
Even though the young man had some talent and had stepped into the Form Creation Realm, he still felt his heart pounding in terror.
"Nirvana Realm!"
"At least Nirvana Realm powerhouses!"
His body trembled. Fear gripped him.
Just yesterday, he'd seen countless experts—let alone Nirvana Realm cultivators, who weren't even considered top-tier.
He had even seen Life-and-Death Profound Realm, Samsara Realm, and Dou Saint experts from the Dou Qi Continent. But those people had paid him no heed.
He had only dared to watch them from afar.
But now, these Nirvana Realm powerhouses stood directly in front of him, their gazes burning with intensity.
"Who is Luo Shan? What is his connection to Miss Jiang?"
The elderly man locked his sharp gaze onto the young man and questioned.
"Senior, I don't know much. I just happened to be sitting next to Miss Jiang at the time. She was so stunning—like a celestial maiden—so she left a deep impression on me."
"Tell me everything you know!"
"I overheard their conversation. It seemed that Miss Jiang was the daughter of the master of the Eagle Martial Hall, while Luo Shan was the son of the master of the Blood Vulture Martial Hall."
"Luo Shan's father recently advanced to Greater Mastery of the Qi Creation Realm, surpassing Miss Jiang's father. Luo Shan intended to use the threat of Eagle Martial Hall's destruction to force Miss Jiang into marrying him!"
"Senior, that's all I know!"
The young man had barely finished speaking when he realized the Nirvana Realm experts had already vanished.
In his hands, several priceless treasures had appeared.
Tianxuan Continent.
Great Flame Dynasty.
The Blood Vulture Martial Hall Master, Luo Jiu, was returning home with his son Luo Shan and their entourage. Their faces were filled with satisfaction.
Luo Jiu had just established a connection with the Wang Clan—one of the Great Flame Dynasty's Four Great Families.
Moreover, he had advanced to the Greater Mastery of the Qi Creation Realm.
Once they returned and wiped out the Eagle Martial Hall, Great Eagle City would belong solely to them.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Suddenly, numerous figures materialized in their path, blocking their way.
Their overwhelming auras pressed down on Luo Jiu and his men, making their hearts pound in terror.
"Junior Luo Jiu of the Blood Vulture Martial Hall greets the esteemed seniors. May I ask what instructions you have for me?" Luo Jiu said respectfully.
"You intend to destroy the Eagle Martial Hall and eliminate Jiang Lei?"
An elder with a shadowy expression and eyes glowing with a sinister light spoke coldly.
Luo Jiu's mind blanked for a moment, and he instinctively responded, "That's right. Once the Eagle Martial Hall is gone, my Blood Vulture Martial Hall will rule Great Eagle City alone!"
"You intend to marry Miss Jiang?"
As the shadowy elder interrogated Luo Jiu, a middle-aged scholar turned his gaze to Luo Shan and barked,
"Speak!"
Luo Shan trembled. His mind went blank. He blurted out instinctively:
"That's right! That bitch always acts so pure in front of me. Once I drag her home, I'll show her her place. And her little sister Jiang Yinyin too—"
"Insulting Miss Jiang? Die!"
The scholar snorted coldly. A massive hand of Yuan Power reached out to seize Luo Shan and Luo Jiu.
"You dare?!"
"They're mine!"
As the scholar attacked, the surrounding figures also made their moves.
At this moment—
Luo Jiu and Luo Shan had become treasures.
A crowd of Nirvana Realm powerhouses fought over them.
Luo Jiu and Luo Shan finally snapped back to their senses.
As they witnessed the world around them shattering from the battle, fear gripped their souls.
"What the hell is going on?!"
"How did we attract so many powerhouses trying to kill us?!"
Luo Jiu wanted to cry but had no tears. He was utterly bewildered.
"Scram! Luo Jiu and his son's heads belong to me—Bloodhand Butcher! I will present them as a gift to Miss Jiang!"
A crimson light surged forth, forming a massive palm.
In a single strike, it sent the others flying and beheaded Luo Jiu and Luo Shan.
At that moment—
Luo Jiu finally understood.
Jiang Xue had latched onto an incredibly powerful backer.
For so many powerhouses to go this mad over her, there was only one possibility—she had gained Zhou Yi's favor!
And they—
Had become mere gifts for others to curry favor with her.
Zhou Yi was unaware of these events.
And even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
But he could certainly guess.
Once one's status, power, and influence reached a certain level, figures like Luo Jiu and Luo Shan became insignificant ants, unworthy of his attention.
He didn't even need to say a word.
There were plenty of people eager to deal with them on his behalf.
Jiang Lei, Jiang Xue, and Jiang Yinyin returned to the martial hall—only to find countless people lining up to pay their respects.
Luo Jiu was dead.
A mighty Nirvana Realm expert had personally delivered his severed head as a gift.
Jiang Xue felt as if she were in a dream.
The immense burden weighing on her heart had vanished just like that?
One by one, those she had once looked up to groveled before her, trying to win her favor.
All of this—
Simply because she was about to marry Zhou Yi.
And it wasn't just the Jiang family.
Every family whose daughter was engaged to Zhou Yi experienced a complete transformation.
Their enemies?
Countless powerhouses rushed to exterminate them.
Their rivals?
Rushed over with lavish gifts, begging for forgiveness—
Fearing that if they were too slow, someone else would destroy them first.
-------
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