The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 157: Master, On Our Wedding Night That Year, Actually...

He spoke and took out a slender bracelet. The chain shimmered with brilliance, strung together with pearls from the East Sea and Xihe crystals from Zhurong Mountain. It was clearly an expensive item.

"You wrote earlier asking for a carp crystal, but unfortunately, my cousin has already taken it to forge a sword. I didn't prepare any other congratulatory gift, so I bought this Water and Fire Chain. It should suit you."

"This... This is too valuable. Qiutong can't accept it..."

"How can one refuse a congratulatory gift?" Mo Ran smiled. "Moreover, the Water and Fire Chain can suppress fire-type spiritual energy, but it's only suitable for women to wear. If you wear it, accompanying Young Master Nan Gong, it can also help stabilize his spiritual flow. It's a practical item."

Song Qiutong turned to look at Nan Gong Si, who nodded in approval. Only then did he take the bracelet with both hands and bow respectfully, saying softly, "Thank you, Grandmaster Mo."

The four of them drank tea and chatted for a while.

Chu Wanning, concerned about Nan Gong Si's future, asked him to pay attention to the details of the wedding ceremony these days to ensure everything was arranged properly and nothing went wrong at the last minute.

Nan Gong Si finished his tea in a few sips and tossed the empty cup around before smiling. "Master doesn't have to worry. I check every night. I'm not the same as when I was young. I know what to pay attention to now. Just yesterday, I noticed that there was one less pearl on Qiutong's gown, so I immediately sent someone to fix it."

As he talked about the wedding ceremony, a hint of bashfulness appeared on his usually impetuous face.

He cast a glance at Song Qiutong and said with a smile, "Qiutong will surely look captivating when the time comes."

In the ears of Song Qiutong's former husband, these words found their way. Mo Ran absentmindedly poured himself another cup of tea. Of course, he knew that Song Qiutong was an enchantress with unparalleled charm, but so what?

In the year of the Xuanying Peak's heavenly rites, Heaven-Stepping Lord wedded the first empress of the cultivation realm. On the night of their grand wedding, phoenix candles illuminated the heights, yet he did not spend the night in the nuptial chamber.

On that night, under the influence of too much wine, the dim red candles cast a hazy glow as the wedding curtains fell, plunging the room into a dusky serenity. He lifted the veil from the blushing bride's bashful face, gazing at her intently for a while. Before significant life ceremonies, one often reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the vast changes it brings, even for someone as exalted as Heaven-Stepping Lord.

Suddenly, it all felt so surreal. His gaze seemed to pierce through the enchanting scarlet before him, landing instead on the vast snowfall of many years ago.

When he was shivering in the biting cold with barely any clothes on... When he was near death from hunger and thirst, only to be pitied, lapping up the rice soup offered by another... When he first arrived at the Peak of Life and Death, filled with unease... When he reached on tiptoe to pluck the moonlit Begonia... When he knelt before Chu Wanning, with willow vines entwining his body...

Had he ever imagined that there would come a day when he would trample upon all immortals, ascending to the pinnacle of power and dominance in this world?

"Dearest, what are you pondering?" She asked, her rosy lips parting softly, her gaze filled with tenderness. The air she exhaled was sweet and indulgent, much like his lofty position that day.

It seems he has it all: beauty, status, power...

What more could he possibly desire now?

He could not pinpoint any dissatisfaction, yet he felt empty, as if standing atop a frigid mountain peak with only a sea of submissive faces around him, indistinct and blurred.

Amidst these sycophantic visages, they lauded him, praised him, knelt to greet him, and fawned over him. Each face was an identical replica of the other.

He heard someone calling him in a coquettish voice, soft as a peony petal: "My lord... my lord..."

Disgust and disdain surged within him. He yearned to break free from this flood of admirers, but that sugary voice ensnared him like syrup.

Abruptly, he shoved Song Qiutong aside. The delicate bride couldn't withstand such rough treatment and fell onto the scarlet bridal bed, her head adorned with shimmering hairpins quivering. The sound of her hair ornaments swaying was muffled by the illusion of precious jewels. Mo Ran found everything so distorted, so surreal. That golden light seemed like ghostly flames, and those crimson candles like bloodied tears.

He felt so disgusted... but he didn't know whom he despised, Song Qiutong or himself for becoming this way.

He stormed out.

In his previous life, few were aware that on Heaven-Stepping Lord's wedding day, Empress Song Qiutong had been coldly neglected. Dressed in resplendent golden-red attire, Mo Ran pushed open the doors of the Red Lotus Water Pavilion.

He entered, and after a while, the pavilion's candles flickered out. Song Qiutong's newlywed husband spent the entire night inside.

It wasn't until the next evening when Xue Meng barged into the Peak of Life and Death causing chaos that Mo Ran lazily opened the door, tidied his disheveled clothes, and strolled to the main hall with a satisfied, licentious expression.

That night, no one outside the Red Lotus Water Pavilion knew what had truly transpired within its walls.

After bidding farewell to Nan Gongsi and his companion, Chu Wanning and Mo Ran returned to the courtyard where they were staying.

Chu Wanning suddenly asked with a hint of indifference, "Nan Gong just mentioned that Song Qiutong was attractive. Why were you staring at her in a daze?"

Mo Ran replied, "I was thinking about how she would look in her wedding attire."

This provoked a sudden surge of jealousy in Chu Wanning. He flung his sleeves and his expression turned icy cold. "Do not entertain impure thoughts. She is someone else's fiancée—what right do you have to dwell on her?"

Mo Ran chuckled. "Who said I was dwelling on her? I was merely imagining her in a wedding dress—it's nothing special. Not even half as captivating as Master."

"............"

With a belly full of rage ready to be unleashed, Chu Wanning was caught off guard by Mo Ran's compliment, which felt like a gentle lick from a puppy. His face flushed alternately between red and white, unable to come up with a coherent response for a long while. Eventually, he waved his sleeve again and declared, "The absurd incident in the Phantom Wedding Host's illusion must never be mentioned again."

Mo Ran sighed inwardly. It wasn't me who wanted to bring it up; you were the one who asked. And I didn't want to lie to you, but now I'm being scolded for complimenting your looks.

Yet even when you're being fierce with me, it feels incredibly sweet.

Thinking of having lost you before, I now feel that being scolded energetically by you for a lifetime would be like drowning in a vat of honey, Chu Wanning...

What can I do? I just can't help but yearn for you.

Time flies quickly, and there's only one day left until Nan Gongsi's wedding.

The Confucian Wind Sect is teeming with guests from all corners of the world, be they the leaders or young masters of major sects, wandering cultivators, or even wealthy merchants without spiritual power. All those who hadn't arrived earlier have gathered in front of the main city on this day. Canopies multiply like clouds, carriages weave like streams, and elegantly dressed men and women continuously pass by. The shimmering silk and jewels on their attire make the Confucian Wind Sky Street resemble a reversed galaxy, with stars trailing along.

Xue Meng was dragged along by his father to greet the female cultivators who were around the same age as him.

"Immortal King Wang, long time no see, it's a pleasure, oh my, isn't this little Mandara? You've grown so much, you're truly radiant and charming. Come, Xue Meng, quickly greet your Uncle Wang."

Reluctantly, Xue Meng moved forward and said, "Hello, Uncle Wang."

Xue Zhengyong smacked the back of his head with a smile on his face but gritted his teeth as he spoke, "It's Uncle Wang, not Uncle Big Wang."

"Ahaha, same thing, same thing. Such a handsome prince of heaven, he really takes after you, Old Xue. You're blessed indeed."

After some back and forth, Xue Meng was pushed to stroll in the garden with "Little Mandarava." Little Mandarava was sixteen, at the prime of her youth, but she carried an air of detachment. Walking shoulder to shoulder with Xue Meng for a while, she said, "I'm sure Mister Xue understands the elders' intention in pushing us together."

"Indeed."

"However, I'll be straightforward. A leisurely walk is fine, but I don't particularly care for someone like you. So, don't get any ideas."

"Oh... Huh?!"

Xue Meng was stunned. He abruptly stopped, his face darkening as he waited for Little Mandarava's response. The little wildflower lifted her chin, looking at him arrogantly and provocatively. She coldly stated, "My heart belongs elsewhere. Even if you have feelings for me..."

"You're crazy, right?!" Xue Meng exploded. "Me?" Pointing at himself in disbelief, he asked, "Feelings for you?"

"Otherwise, why would you lead me down this deserted path? Are you not up to something?"

"Why don't you say your brain has a hole in it?!"

Xue Meng's temper flared instantly. Fuming, his eyes ablaze, he repeatedly shouted, "I like you? I like you? I—"

"Why do you keep saying that you like me? You rascal!" Xiao Mantra was fierce; she stomped her foot, lifted her head, and slapped Xue Meng across the face.

Xue Meng was already seeing stars from anger, and this unexpected slap from such delicate hands almost made him spit out blood. If not for Madame Wang's teachings to respect women, he might have pinned Xiao Mantra to the ground and given her a sound beating.

Just then, a man with light-colored eyes and a prominent nose approached from a distance. Xiao Mantra froze upon seeing him, then tears welled up in her eyes as she cried out, "Young Master Mei!" She rushed towards the man.

The man approaching was none other than Mei Hanxue. He hadn't expected to encounter anyone on this secluded path and was momentarily taken aback. However, when he saw Xiao Mantra racing towards him, he raised his hand, creating an aerial barrier that thumped down, blocking the young lady outside. The girl was caught off guard and collided with the barrier pulsing with electric power, letting out a startled cry before collapsing to the ground.

Mei Hanxue had no intention of helping her. He glanced down at her and frowned. "Miss, you've mistaken your person."

"How could I be wrong? How could I... That year, you promised me a golden sachet, saying that after just one meeting, you'd never forget me. You said you'd come for me when I turned eighteen and marry me. You... Have you forgotten?"

Mei Hanxue: "..............."

"Young Master Mei..."

"You truly have the wrong person." Mei Hanxue didn't elaborate further. He merely shook his head, left these words hanging, and walked past the tearful young lady.

Watching this scene, Xue Meng felt both annoyed and relieved.

It was infuriating that Mei Hanxue, this flirtatious scoundrel, truly forgot about people once he finished his business. Such heartlessness explained why he dared only take the smaller paths in such situations.

It was also satisfying because he never expected that Little Mandoro had a crush on none other than Mei Hanxue. This man was as fickle and unfeeling as his name suggested. It was said that he had two completely different faces before and after seducing women. For Little Mandoro to fall for him was truly an eight-generation misfortune.

Mei Hanxue approached him, narrowing his eyes that resembled translucent jade, gazing at him sidelong for a moment.

Xue Meng thought, What are you looking at? You dare to look at me like that? Your reputation as a Casanova is known far and wide, but my fame shakes all nine provinces. I can't lose in terms of presence.

So, he proudly lifted his head, casually glancing at Mei Hanxue with the corner of his eye, ready to snort coldly and disdainfully when they passed each other, exuding authority.

"Your face looks swollen."

Unexpectedly, halfway through walking, Mei Hanxue suddenly stopped, halting his steps right in front of Xue Meng, staring at him from a short distance away with a faint expression.

"It's quite an unusual swelling."

Xue Meng couldn't catch his breath, yet still haughtily snorted.

Mei Hanxue: "............"

"..." Xue Meng's face flushed red, and he turned his head abruptly, brimming with murderous intent. "Mind your own business! I tripped and fell!"

"In that case, you should be more careful when walking in the future," Mei Hanxue said calmly. "To fall like that, it mustn't have been easy."

With that, she left, leaving Xue Meng standing there in a daze for a while before he erupted in fury, stomping his feet. "Mei Hanxue! You damn brat! Y-You just wait! I'll never forgive you!!!"

Feeling wronged, Xue Meng ran out of the garden with reddened eyes. In his haste, he collided with someone's chest.

Xue Meng flew into a rage and shouted, "What are you? Can't you watch where you're going?"

Looking up, he saw a tall and elegant man dressed in green robes adorned with golden threads depicting Du Ruowen patterns. The man wore a Solitary Moon Night's azure jade hairpin on his head, and his long, soft eyelashes drooped, shielding his gaze. As he lifted his eyes, they held a hazy misty rain reminiscent of southern Jiangnan, and his face was enchantingly captivating.

The man pushed Xue Meng away and straightened his attire. It seemed that his mood wasn't good either. With slender fingers, he meticulously smoothed out the wrinkles on his chest. Xue Meng noticed the black tortoise shell patterned silver ring on the man's index finger, and after a moment of surprise, he exclaimed, "Jiang Xi?"

Jiang Xi, the leader of Solitary Moon Night, the wealthiest man in the world!

This person was around the same age as Xue Zhengyong but cultivated a different method, which kept Jiang Xi's appearance youthful at around twenty. He was not only rich but also strikingly handsome, truly a favored child of heaven.

During the Spirit Mountain gathering, Jiang Xi was the only one among the ten leaders who hadn't attended. Back then, Xue Meng had wondered what this absentee looked like. Today, upon seeing him so refined and charismatic, he was greatly astonished, staring fixedly at the man.

With a stern expression but a short temper, Jiang Xi said, "Do you think you can address the head of a sect casually? How ridiculous."

Hearing this, Xue Meng felt a hundred times more humiliated than he did at Mei Hanxue's place. He immediately retorted, "What's wrong? Are you too old to be called by your name now? Do I have to address you as Immortal Master Sect Leader? Nangong Liu doesn't act as arrogantly as you!"

"Disgraceful!" Jiang Xi said coldly. "Which sect are you from?"

"Why should I answer you just because you asked? Who do you think you are? Those monkeys under Solitary Moon Night take orders from you, but I don't have to! I won't tell you! You're nothing but—"

"Mon!"

A gentle voice suddenly rang out, causing Xue Meng to abruptly shut his mouth. He turned away from Jiang Xi and looked behind him.

Madame Wang had somehow approached them without notice. She must have overheard Xue Meng's disrespectful remarks, for her face was pale with anxiety. She quickly intervened, saying, "Mon, stop talking. Come here, come to your mother."

Xue Meng glared at Jiang Xi fiercely before turning to walk towards Madame Wang, lowering his head obediently. "Mother."

Jiang Xi stood still for a moment before slowly turning around. Squinting his eyes, his beautiful gaze flickered with a seemingly harmless yet menacing light.

He gazed at the mother and son standing beside the pink walls and black tiles, gritting his teeth coldly. "Ah, so this is the pride of heaven, the precious son of Xue Zhengyong, Xue Meng?"

Madame Wang: "..."

Jiang Xi's lashes trembled for a moment before his eyes closed, and when they opened again, they were filled with sarcasm. "True to your heritage as Xue Zhengyong's offspring, you really do have impressive self-restraint."

"No one is allowed to insult my father!"

"Mon-er!" Madame Wang promptly grabbed him and pulled him behind her. With a pale face, she bowed respectfully to Jiang Xi, "My son, Xue Meng, has always been headstrong. Please forgive his impertinence, Sect Leader Jiang."

"Ah, Master Jiang..." Jiang Xi, like a venomous snake, let these three words linger on his moist lips and teeth for a moment, slowly swallowing them, and then said, "No harm done. After all, he has half of your senior sister's blood in him. In terms of generational hierarchy, I suppose I could consider him as a nephew..."

"I don't want to be your damn nephew! Look at your ugly mug, just get lost!"

"Meng'er..."

Jiang Xi gave a cold smile, eyeing Xue Meng for a moment before his gaze shifted to Madame Wang, who lowered her eyes and said, "Please, Sect Leader, don't joke anymore. I am no longer Solitary Moon Night's disciple, so how can I still discuss seniority with you?"

"…Very well." Jiang Xi nodded, his voice icy. "Very well, indeed. Meeting an old acquaintance and their child has truly broadened my horizons today. I wonder how this filthy place, Death and Life Peak, manages to nurture people. A pure white orchid like you can even be tainted with mud."

"Jiang Xi! You son of a b*tch, if you dare say another word, I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Xue Meng, upon hearing this person insult his mother in front of him, felt blood rush to his head. Ignoring everything, he was about to rush forward, but even Madame Wang couldn't hold him back. Seeing the situation spinning out of control, a sudden loud boom echoed from the sky. A brilliant fireworks display burst into life, followed by the sound of tolling bells and drums. The officiant of the Confucian Wind Sect used an amplification spell to broadcast a message across the seventy-two cities in an instant.

"The Banquet of a Hundred Schools will commence at sunset in the Poetic Music Hall. We respectfully invite all distinguished guests to grace us with your presence."

Jiang Xi gave Xue Meng a cold glance, turned on his heel, and left in a huff.

Author's Note:

Mini-drama: "A Post on the Death and Life Peak BBS"

Anonymous Poster: Seeking "Red Lotus Water Pavilion • AVI," the high-definition, uncensored, and uncut version. Will be eternally grateful.

1st Comment "Gentleman as Gentle as Water": Can't help you there, grabbing a seat.

2nd Comment "Madame is Beautiful": What's that? An art film?

3rd Comment "Tearing Off Elder Yu Heng's Roof": In response to the above, it's an action flick. One man fights another, pins him down, rides on top, throws him against the wall, forcefully spreads his legs, and delivers a barrage of fighting moves. It's intense, with strong characters, and very stimulating. I've seen it and learned a lot.

4th Comment "No One's Better Than Me": What, what? How does it relate to the Red Lotus Water Pavilion? Is it... ahem, a collection of Elder Yu Heng's best fight scenes? I want a copy too! Hand raised!

5th Floor "This Seat Will Crush You All": Forget about it, upstairs. You'll wish you never read it after finishing.

6th Floor "Moderator • Elder Yu Heng": This post violates the rules and will be buried. Any further replies will be deleted.