Chapter 1626: This Life Only Has Myself Left

Ying Xiaoxiao had truly grown into a young woman. Her figure was remarkably slender; she was only half a fist shorter than the tall Chu Feng, standing gracefully with lustrous silver hair flowing down to her waist. Yet, her face was streaked with tears, filled with profound sorrow.

In the celebratory atmosphere of that day, she was overwhelmed with sadness. She clutched a corner of Chu Feng’s sleeve, unable to express her reluctance to part, feeling an ineffable pain and attachment.

Though many onlookers gazed their way, she did not let go. She knew that releasing him now might mean they would be worlds apart for the rest of their lives, perhaps never to meet again.

Such a letting go implied a complete emotional separation, a life destined for distant glances, an eternal parting, with no shared future in the latter half of their lives.

Tears silently streamed down her cheeks. She said nothing more, only looked at Chu Feng, a pitiful sight, like a wounded young beast, full of helplessness and sorrow.

Chu Feng’s heart immediately grew heavy. He raised an arm and used his sleeve to wipe the tears from her face, unsure how to offer comfort.

For while human emotions are rich, some cannot be divided. If he made a promise now, what position would that put Zhou Xi in? Especially on this day, it would cause immense pain.

More and more people noticed the unusual scene. Many cultivators nearby looked over, clearly deeming it inappropriate, fearing it would disrupt the wedding.

Ying Zhexian walked over. She gently embraced her trembling sister’s shoulders, whispering words of comfort, wanting to lead her away.

Ying Xiaoxiao’s face was exquisitely flawless, but her eyes were red, and her long eyelashes were wet with tears. She was deeply saddened and didn’t want to let go, yet her fingers silently released their grip in the end.

“I’m not trying to cause trouble here, nor will I ruin your wedding with Sister Xi. I genuinely can’t bear to part, my heart… it aches so much.” Her voice choked, her face pale and utterly helpless.

Then, more tears fell, but she resolutely and determinedly turned her back, ready to leave with her sister. She didn’t want to trouble Chu Feng or bring any mishaps to this globally anticipated wedding.

She simply couldn’t hold back her true emotions a moment ago.

Even though she knew that this turning away meant their bond was severed for this life, that there would be no future, no longer any past aspirations, and that those affections were destined to remain only in the deepest recesses of her heart, leaving her to walk alone for the rest of her days.

Chu Feng longed to say something to her, but he opened his mouth and found no words. What could he promise? He had no right, nor could he deliver. On this day, his wedding to another, what confidence, what right did he have to make solemn vows to the tearful girl slowly turning away from him?

Ying Zhexian embraced her sister, then glanced at Chu Feng, signaling that she would protect Xiaoxiao. Chu Feng nodded silently, hoping she would take good care of Ying Xiaoxiao.

As for Ying Zhexian, his initial resentment had long dissipated. Upon reflection, from another perspective, there was a reason why Ying Zhexian had revealed his identity back then. At that time, the divine mirror of the Yang Realm was suspended, and had he gone there, his identity would inevitably have been exposed. Ying Zhexian knew he would show a flaw; rather than that, she had to first protect her own family and ensure the forces of the Yang Realm believed she was not colluding with Demon Chu. Chu Feng believed that Ying Zhexian’s internal struggle at that moment must have been incredibly painful, but she ultimately had only one choice.

At this moment, Ying Wudi also approached. He wasn't scowling as he had in the past, nor did he express any blame. His face expressionless, he took his sister's other shoulder, intending to lead her away.

Chu Feng’s mood suddenly became incredibly heavy. He felt as if a mountain was pressing down on his heart; even in the past, when facing formidable enemies from all heavens, he had never felt such suppression. He could sense that after Xiaoxiao left, he might never again see that clever, lively, silver-haired girl in this life, nor hear her call him ‘Brother Chu Feng.’

After Ying Xiaoxiao turned away, she spoke no more. Tears continued to fall, and then she finally took a step. She wanted to flee, fearing she would inevitably burst into loud sobs, alerting everyone and causing the wedding to be criticized. She didn’t want Chu Feng to be subjected to judgment. She wanted to escape, to leave far away, never to be seen again in this life.

Jiudao, as a Dao Ancestor, was present and naturally perceived everything with utmost clarity. He saw Chu Feng's predicament, Ying Xiaoxiao's deep sorrow, and even the expressions and inner emotions of everyone else present.

He sighed softly, saying, "Ah, youth. How much time can be relived? How many people sigh with regret in the latter half of their lives?"

"However, in the long river of history, beneath the brilliant starry universe, what do personal honor, disgrace, joy, and sorrow truly amount to? Which rising legendary figure doesn't have a past, regrets, and sorrows? Look forward. Under the vast sky, amidst the roaring turn of history books, all personal gains and losses, honor and disgrace, can be disregarded."

"There was once an Emperor's son who sacrificed for his father, and a clear-hearted fairy who waited bitterly for half a lifetime under the desolate moonlight. There were also masters who, to protect their homeland, embraced invincible enemies and departed with them, falling into eternal darkness. Furthermore, ancient Emperors, after ages of glory, resolutely cast aside all worldly affections and severed ties with loved ones, venturing alone into dark lairs. Millennia later, no one remembered them, only faint footprints remained, speaking of past sorrow and desolation, their ancient deeds silently forgotten."

"Brilliant merits illuminate but one era, and dazzling achievements eventually dim. As epochs change, who can forever remain named? Countless accomplishments are buried in earth and dust. Young ones, hold your heads high, be proud, and look forward with spirited radiance."

Jiudao rambled on, speaking to himself.

Finally, he sighed again, "Alas, since I have seen it, how can I remain indifferent? How can my heart bear it? I will help you untangle this messy entanglement."

"As a Dao Ancestor, governing the current Dao principles, today I shall use public power for private means, to connect you all. I simply cannot bear to see such bitter emotions and grievances. But in the future, it will be up to you. All karmic ties will eventually find their resolution."

After speaking, Jiudao began to perform his ritual. Only those with fiery golden eyes and peerless experts could detect faint signs. In the void, red patterns interwove, extending towards Chu Feng, then wrapping around Ying Xiaoxiao, and further expanding into the distance.

"Oh, you truly carry significant karma within you. I find it slightly difficult even to move you?" Jiudao exclaimed, looking at Chu Feng, his heart shaking violently.

The Dog Emperor sensed his emotion and also looked at Chu Feng, its heart stirring, its eyes reflecting a strange look.

"I will help you; today I shall be a matchmaker in the mortal realm," the New Emperor Gu Qing also intervened, his face wreathed in smiles, emanating kindness. Even the weeping Ying Xiaoxiao, upon seeing him, felt a sense of calm and reassurance, for reasons unknown to her.

The two Dao Ancestors made their move. Streaks of crimson patterns entwined around several individuals. They used their great divine abilities to guide the threads of karma, the red lines binding the people involved. Undoubtedly, the two old men were subtly altering destiny, intervening in certain matters, and thus adding faint threads of karmic red lines to this world.

"Logically speaking, interfering with a small Primordial-level cultivator like you should not affect us in any way," Jiudao said. "But if there are any unforeseen consequences, it would indirectly prove that you will indeed be extraordinary in the future. Don't forget to repay my great karma then."

Though he said this, he didn't take it seriously at all. He didn't believe Chu Feng could achieve much; time was running out, and the younger generation had no time to rise. Even if he and Gu Qing were to die in battle, their forms and spirits dissipating, and all heavens plunged into darkness, all worlds sinking into oblivion and ice, what could Chu Feng do if he miraculously survived? There would be no chance for him to repay them any karma.

Chu Feng knew that it was truly difficult for Dao Ancestors to interfere in the trivial matters of juniors. Beings of that level usually did not turn their gaze to the personal karmic entanglements of younger individuals. Although he didn’t know what exactly was happening, he could feel their benevolence and was immensely grateful to both of them.

At this moment, Ying Xiaoxiao suddenly quieted. She felt much of the gloom and sadness in her heart dissipate. She was guided into a quiet palace, offered no resistance, and did not leave.

Chu Feng looked towards the distant sky. Such events had occurred on his wedding day. Although no commotion was caused, some people had still witnessed it. He sighed softly.

In a brief retrospective glance, he seemed to see the figures of some people: Lin Nuoyi, Qin Luoyin, Ying Xiaoxiao, Yaoyao… flickering through his memory. Some had come, while others hadn't been seen in a long time. He wondered if they would ever meet again in this life.

The wedding continued. More and more guests arrived. There were many pairs of newlyweds, but undoubtedly, Chu Feng's ceremony was the most dazzling, with quite a few Immortal Kings in attendance.

As for the wedding gifts, they were truly piled high like mountains, all rare treasures, various unique artifacts, and even peerless scriptures. From the yellowed pages, Grand Dao runes spontaneously manifested, clearly indicating items of world-shaking significance. Even as paper scriptures, they were difficult to destroy and could exist eternally; their astonishing contents were the primary reason.

"Hmm, some of these gifts look familiar?"

Among them, the six portions of Grand Universe-level anomalous soil provided by Li were particularly eye-catching. These items might not have been the most precious, but they were definitely strategic evolutionary resources. The main reason was that these materials were incredibly difficult to gather, even one portion was considered a rare treasure within Immortal King families, let alone collecting all six at once.

Taiyi, one of the dark sources from the Yang Realm, his face darkened. It took him a long time to finally utter, "One portion of that precious soil is from my family!"

Upon hearing this, Nantuo’s expression instantly changed. He whispered, "If you hadn't said anything, I would only be suspicious. But now I'm certain: one of those azure Grand Universe-level immortal soils was my former collection!"

In an instant, an old monster from the Western Heaven organization also twitched, his face ugly, because one of the golden Grand Universe-level anomalous soils was his. "Darkie Li! After the last resurgence, his so-called 'strand of obsession' fighting various powerful figures was just a front! He entangled us while his clones were busy stealing and plundering everywhere. He's so utterly black-hearted, smoke billows from his head, completely devoid of morals! Our pure lands were all raided!"

Then, an ancient monstrous being from a certain forbidden zone also spoke eerily, "One portion is from my home." Even the lair of such a supreme True Immortal-level being, known as a prehistoric forbidden zone, had been dug up.

Immediately, a group of aggrieved victims gathered, seething with indignation. They had lost more than just Grand Universe-level immortal soils; there were other precious treasures too! Last time, before the Soul River battle, Li, the great dark hand, had been secretly raiding homes, pilfering a considerable amount of good stuff. But without evidence, the group had been left to suffer in silence.

"No wonder Darkie Li is so generous; he cobbled all this together by plundering other people's family fortunes! By his father, he's being generous with others' wealth!"

"Shh, keep your voice down! A teacher for a day is a father for life. His master is a Dao Ancestor now; are you looking for trouble? Besides, he himself is already an Immortal King!"

The group felt frustrated and exasperated, yet utterly helpless. Li, the great dark hand, was truly detestable, but there was nothing they could do. After all, a Dao Ancestor was the officiant today; who would dare cause trouble here?

Today, there were simply too many guests from all sides. The Holy Master and Uncle Ming were also present, drinking and watching Chu Feng from afar, with both contentment and a hint of regret. Truthfully, they had wished to drink the wedding wine of him and Yaoyao. Unfortunately, that niece had no aspirations for the mortal world; with her extraordinary talent, she only desired to dedicate herself to the path of evolution.

The Stone Fox Heavenly Venerate also arrived. Although his former master, a powerful figure of the Yuan clan, might be present, he didn't care. After their complete severing of ties years ago, would the Yuan clan dare trouble him here now? Beside him was an enchanting and charming beauty, his descendant, the Ten-tailed Heavenly Fox.

"I think the red karmic threads woven by the Dao Ancestor will have a great influence on the future," she said. "Consider it, why not join in too? Throw yourself into the karma."

"Hmph!" The fox clan, especially the Nine-tailed Heavenly Foxes, were naturally alluring; a mere scoff was enough to stir one's heart, let alone from a Ten-tailed Heavenly Fox.

Not far away, Qin Luoyin also arrived. In a side hall, she was speaking softly to the clean-faced young Taoist priest, radiating maternal warmth and obvious affection.

"Congratulations to you," the Dog Emperor nudged the Corpse.

The Corpse was absent-minded, unresponsive, and after a long moment, asked, "What is there to celebrate?"

"Never mind that the little Taoist priest's father is the main character today," the Dog Emperor chuckled mischievously. "Look, even his mother has come."

"None of your damn business! What does this have to do with me? What joy is there?!" The Corpse retorted with an ill-tempered expression.

Around them, a group of old monsters wore expressions of amusement, watching the show.

The Dog Emperor brazenly said, "How is it none of your business? Today, you can be said to have received a blessing in your old age, with both parents present! At your advanced age, to still have such good fortune is truly pitifully blessed by heaven. It's a karmic blessing that countless people couldn't cultivate over many lifetimes."

Nearby, the group of old monsters were dumbfounded, then unable to hold back, they all burst out laughing. The Corpse's composure instantly crumbled, his face as black as a pot bottom, and he grabbed a weapon, ready to fight the Dog Emperor to the death. Even Jiudao and Gu Qing's mouths twitched as they secretly chuckled.

The Dog Emperor and the Corpse began to squabble noisily. However, those who knew them were accustomed to it, as these two had been bickering since ancient times. It would be abnormal if they ever got along peacefully.

"A blessing in old age, with both parents present! Are you still not satisfied?" the Dog Emperor yelled.

The Corpse couldn't stand it, truly on the verge of a breakdown. This dead dog always spoke "sweetly," able to infuriate people without consequence. It was truly a master of bringing up sensitive topics.

Floating islands, grand palaces and jade towers stretched as far as the eye could see. Celestial music echoed, brilliant petals fluttered down from the sky, auspicious birds danced, and propitious beasts guarded all directions. The banquet had begun, personally hosted by the Dao Ancestors, making it an unprecedented spectacle. Pair after pair of newlyweds arrived successively.

Zhou Xi also arrived, clad in a red gown and wearing a phoenix crown, radiating like blossoming crimson clouds, emitting a serene and peaceful glow, with auspicious energy surging around her. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Beside her was a somewhat naive, purple-haired girl, none other than Zilluan. She was supporting Zhou Xi as they walked towards Chu Feng, her face full of joy.

Chu Feng was surprised. After parting ways with Zilluan, he had left her with Yu Shang. How was she accompanying Zhou Xi today? He couldn't help but send a telepathic message.

Evidently, Zilluan was delighted. "I think I’ve gotten used to being a maid," she replied. "It’s really good this way. I can see you every day, which is the best." She was carefree, looking very happy and a little silly. Chu Feng had threatened and frightened her before, yet she had joyfully chosen to stay, leaving him somewhat speechless. This time, he raised his hand again, but ultimately lowered it, not giving her a tap on the forehead as he used to.

Chu Feng took Zhou Xi's hand, and together they went to toast their relatives, friends, and the various kings, and most importantly, to thank the two Dao Ancestors. Zhou Xi's figure was graceful, ethereal like an immortal lotus, her slender body glowing. She was truly of ice and jade, exquisitely beautiful, almost illusory, a beauty that could overthrow cities and nations. Every glance was enchanting, her lively large eyes blinked, and a faint blush colored her fair cheeks. Undeniably, among all the newlyweds, she and Chu Feng were the most radiant pair, drawing all eyes.

"Heh heh... What a truly auspicious day. The Heavenly Court is newly established, and through the newlyweds' banquet, a joyous atmosphere is being spread throughout the heavens. But aren't the heavens clearly decaying, nearing their end? Is this to boost morale, or to ward off ill fortune?"

From the edge of the sky, mist churned, and an ill-intentioned voice echoed.

"Who dares to cause trouble?!" an Immortal King bellowed.

Not only were the various newlyweds slightly angered, but Gu Qing's face also darkened. Someone causing trouble at such an occasion was also an act of disrespect towards him, the Dao Ancestor officiating the wedding.

"Don't misunderstand, I've come to deliver a congratulatory gift." From the sky, a young man walked forth, his hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile on his face.

He was remarkably composed. With a flick of his sleeve, a dense, ominous gray substance billowed forth, enveloping a box, which he sent into the Heavenly Palace. "Since I've brought a gift, shouldn't you return the favor?" His words were insolent. His gaze swept over the crowd, then landed on Zhou Xi. "Hmm, this woman's beauty eclipses the moon and shames flowers; she's truly a peerless beauty. Not bad." He commented brazenly, "How about you offer her as the return gift!"

This was utterly outrageous, showing complete disregard for everyone present, challenging the psychological limits of all!