Chapter 129 - Marry Me Today!
The mere mention of her drew a hint of reverence from Stray Dog.
"Oh?" Yun Xiao glanced downward, exchanging a look with Blue Star.
Did she possess an identity beyond that of the Divine Dawn Empress? A sorceress of the Chen Clan? But why? Why would a supreme Empress hide, acting and waging wars under the guise of an heiress from an Immortal Empire's prominent family?
One thing was clear. Her identity as the Divine Dawn Empress was a closely guarded secret, and that part of her power was sealed away. Other than Yun Xiao and herself, few probably knew.
Whether she was the sorceress of the Chen Clan or the holy maiden of the Forbidden Tower, she was only Chen Xi. After all, if the Grand Temple teachers had recognized her as the Divine Dawn Empress, would they have dared to act?
This mystery was likely intertwined with the Emperor selection method of the Immortal Empire.
"Go on," Yun Xiao said to Stray Dog..
"Go on? That's all there is! Chen Clan's heiress, just that one identity," Stray Dog replied.
"No juicy gossip? Like why she was banished from the Chen Clan a year ago?" Yun Xiao inquired. He wasn't interested in gossip per se, but he was intrigued about why the Divine Dawn Empress would participate in the War of Immortals under another identity. From what he gathered, she was banished from the Chen Clan and descended to the lower realm to become the holy maiden of the Forbidden Tower.
"I'm not too sure, but I heard she offended someone terrifying," Stray Dog replied.
"Who did she offend that not even her father could protect her?" Yun Xiao asked nonchalantly.
"The royal family, Ye Xingchen," Stray Dog hesitated.
"The royals? Another Ye?"
"Can't help it. The Ye Royal Family has been producing talents since ancient times," Stray Dog remarked nostalgically. "I heard that Ye Xingchen was once a lonely prince. His family might have declined, but he himself is quite impressive—exceptionally talented at a young age."
"Is that all?" Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Stray Dog shook his head, taking a deep breath with a peculiar expression, "Then one day, his Dantian lost all its magic power. He suddenly fell into a deep abyss, experiencing the coldness of the world and the fickleness of human nature..." The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.
Blue Star gasped.
"And then?" Yun Xiao asked, his face equally puzzled.
"He was abandoned and his engagement canceled!!" Stray Dog exclaimed.
"Damn!" Red Moon exclaimed, eyes bulging.
"Who called it off?" Yun Xiao asked.
"That one." Stray Dog pointed. Chen Xi was piloting a celestial ship, preparing to crash into the Heavenly Realm.
Whispering into Yun Xiao's ear with a gossip-laden face, Stray Dog said, "Word has it, she went personally to annul the engagement. The entire Ye Royal Family lost face. Since then, the two clans have been at loggerheads, bitter enemies to this day."
"Go on," Yun Xiao prompted, already having an inkling.
"The very night she broke off the engagement, Ye Xingchen's magic power returned. He resumed his path as a cultivator, rising against all odds. He made waves in the Grand Temple, defeating higher-ranked opponents left and right, showing off and putting naysayers in their place. Now, he's the Grand Temple's most prodigious disciple and the future hope of the Ye Royal Family. He's the chosen representative of the human race in this very War of Immortals!" Stray Dog marveled.
"So, why was she expelled from her clan a year ago?" Yun Xiao's gaze drifted to Chen Xi.
"That day, during the Grand Temple's most significant talent battle, Ye Xingchen made a comeback and defeated her resoundingly. In the process, he showcased terrifying skills that could suppress an entire clan. On the spot, he declared that anyone protecting Chen Xi would be his lifelong enemy. The decision in her clan wasn't just up to her father. Given the circumstances, they felt she needed some reflection. Especially since she had missed out on aligning with such a prodigious talent." Stray Dog chuckled mischievously. "Of course, this reflection might just be the outsider's perspective. Now, it seems her expulsion was more of a protective measure. Otherwise, under Ye Xingchen's shining reputation, she would have faced disdain and ridicule wherever she went over the past year."
“If we're lucky, maybe some dual cultivation will skyrocket our powers,” the sly glint in Red Moon's eyes suggested.
The burly youth with violet eyes, seeing Yun Xiao's determination, cautioned in a hushed tone, “She's disappeared for a year and her return implies trouble. Being her ally, you’re bound to face countless unforeseen challenges and threats. Be vigilant and keep the flame of the Sword Cultivators alive.”
“Thank you for the advice, Dog Bro,” Yun Xiao replied, bowing slightly in gratitude.
“Think nothing of it!” Stray Dog brewed some tea, tossing in a handful of goji berries. “Cheers, my friend!” They clinked their cups together in farewell.
Just then, the celestial ship burst into a dazzling golden world. As Yun Xiao stood at the helm, he felt as if he were plunging straight into the sun. The world's barriers shattered and through the kaleidoscope of lights and shadows, a vast tapestry of the Heavenly Realm unfolded before him.
Endless swirling mists greeted his sight, thick and enveloping. Through the dense fog, golden palaces with glinting runes stood majestically, their splendor seemingly infinite. It was a realm that made the Sea of Swords look minuscule in comparison.
“So, this is the Heavenly Realm that mortals dream of...” Yun Xiao whispered, awestruck.
He inhaled deeply, and the air felt like nectar, invigorating his entire being. Every fiber of his body tingled with a newfound energy. “What a marvelous place!”
But with wondrous places come formidable foes. The vastness of the Heavenly Realm, with its gravity, solemnity, and majesty, silenced him. He dared not even breathe too loudly in the face of such grandeur.
BOOM! The celestial ship touched down, and Chen Xi gracefully descended.
"Shall we?" Her gaze, masked by a white tiger face, turned to Yun Xiao.
"Let's." As Yun Xiao landed beside her, the pair—one in a white robe, the other in a white dress—looked like a match made in heaven. Even their very aura was uncannily similar.
This suggested that Chen Xi was remarkably like him, unlike Zhao Xuanran. But Zhao Xuanran, with her contrasting nature to Yun Xiao, had a certain appeal that complemented him perfectly.
"That guy's got guts!" Stray Dog chuckled, shaking his head with a mixture of amusement and admiration, before heading off in the opposite direction.
The others swiftly dispersed, fearing they'd get caught in any confrontation between Chen Xi and the Grand Temple.
Along the way, Yun Xiao, soaking in the sights, spotted magnificent immortal towers floating amidst the clouds. Rivers flowed in the skies, vibrant fires danced on the ground, and countless 'Immortals' in shimmering, jewel-adorned clothes smiled and glided by, a sight to behold.
This was the capital of the Immortal Empire, the Heavenly Realm!
Ninety-nine territories held up the splendor of the Heavenly Realm. Take Stray Dog, for instance, from the Martial Realm—definitely a notch above the Sword Realm.
Yun Xiao and Chen Xi traveled side by side, wordlessly. The Heavenly Realm was veiled in mist and lacked the earthly hustle and bustle.
Soon, clusters of radiant white palaces appeared before Yun Xiao. Flanking the grand entrance were two dragon-wrapped pillars, atop which hung an imposing plaque engraved with dancing dragons and fluttering phoenixes.
"Chen Heavenly Mansion!"
They'd reached her home. The moment her silhouette appeared before the mansion, the white-armored guards instantly recognized her.
"The sinner!" Their expressions changed, and after that shout, one darted inside to alert the others.
HUM! The entire Chen Heavenly Mansion seemed to vibrate subtly, the atmosphere immediately turning tense and explosive. Clearly, she wasn't welcome.
But Chen Xi seemed unbothered. She suddenly turned to Yun Xiao, her eyes a spectacle—left one thundering, the right aflame.
In a flash, storms of thunder and fire spiraled around Yun Xiao.
"What's this about?" Yun Xiao queried, a hint of annoyance creasing his brow.
Chen Xi's gaze burned into his, her cherry lips parting slightly, "Marry me. Today."
"..." Yun Xiao's eyes went wide, not expecting this answer at all.