Chapter 52: Wodun's Engagement

On April 12, 10009 of the Yunluo Li, the Didu's Chiyan City welcomed the grandest celebration in recent years.

Before dawn, Fushi Lu was blocked solid by carriages. Hooves struck the bluestone slabs, emitting crisp, dense sounds; carriage drivers' shouts rose and fell, mingling with the creak of wheels grinding over stone cracks. From above, the entire Fushi Lu looked like a flowing ribbon, with colorful flags and badges appearing and disappearing in the morning light—nobles from across the O'Brien Empire, bringing their families, had come solely to catch this engagement ceremony.

The Earl Mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful silk; red ribbons stretched from the main gate all the way to the main hall. Two rows of guards, clad in brand-new uniforms, stood with spines straight as pines. The silver badges on their chests, polished to a shine, gleamed with cold light in the dawn. The welcome platform at the entrance was piled high with flowers, primarily red roses interspersed with white lilies; their fragrance permeated the morning air, intertwining with the scent of wine drifting from afar. Servants inside the mansion had begun their work before dawn; some wiped tables and chairs, others checked the wine supplies, and still others repeatedly verified the guest list. The kitchen was even more bustling; chefs sweated profusely, and the aroma of roasting meat had already wafted out of the chimneys for several streets. This book's first release: ttks. tw, providing you with error-free chapters and non-misordered reading experiences.

The festive atmosphere was so thick it could not be dissolved.

Aikesi stood by the second-floor window, looking down at the bustling crowd below, a slight smile curling his lips.

"So many people; I'm afraid they've invited half the nobles of the Didu." He turned to look at Linlei, who was adjusting his clothes.

Linlei wore a deep green robe today, made of fine cloud brocade with faint dark patterns subtly flowing within. His long hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin, revealing a sharply defined profile; he looked heroic yet exuded a steady demeanor. Hearing Aikesi's words, he smiled helplessly, adjusting the buttons on his cuffs as he said, "That kid Wodun invited everyone he could. Grandpa Xili said he was happy, so let him be."

"It's the first engagement; excitement is inevitable." Aikesi patted his shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of teasing. "Let's go; our protagonist should make his entrance. If he doesn't come downstairs soon, I'm afraid Wodun will pace a hole in the main hall's floor."

The two descended the stairs, one after the other. The wooden stairs creaked slightly under their feet. Portraits of past Counts hung on the walls, their deep gazes watching the comings and goings. In the main hall, Wodun was pacing back and forth nervously, occasionally tugging at his collar, straightening his sleeves, and muttering to himself, apparently reciting something. The two-meter-two giant, dressed in a well-tailored black suit with a red rose pinned to his chest, now looked as helpless as a young ruffian, a fine layer of sweat even beading on his forehead.

"Brother!" Seeing Linlei, Wodun's eyes lit up. He rushed over in three steps instead of two. "Is this outfit okay? Is the bow tie crooked? And this flower—shouldn't it be pinned on the left?"

Linlei sized him up from head to toe, smiled, and reached out to straighten his bow tie, then adjusted the rose on his chest. Stepping back to observe for a moment, he nodded. "Very spirited; Nina will definitely like it."

"That's good, that's good." Wodun breathed a sigh of relief, yet still uneasily tugged at his hem, looked down at his boots, and confirmed there wasn't a speck of dust on them before finally feeling somewhat at ease.

Aikesi, watching from the side with amusement, took a glass of water from a passing waiter's tray and handed it over. "Don't be nervous. Today you are the protagonist; just smile. Nina likes you as a person, not how neat your clothes are."

Wodun took the glass, gulped down two big mouthfuls, took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently a few times, then nodded firmly. "You're right; just smile. I, Wodun Baluke, have nothing to fear!" Having said this, he grinned first, revealing a set of white teeth.

"His Majesty has arrived!" A guard's announcement rang out from outside, his voice loud and resonant, echoing through the main hall.

The main hall instantly fell silent; the original buzzing chatter ceased abruptly. All the nobles consciously cleared a path, while those on both sides bowed their heads in greeting. Emperor Qiaoan, holding the Empress's hand, strode in surrounded by attendants. Today he wore a grand imperial robe; bright yellow satin embroidered with five-clawed golden dragons, and he wore a twelve-tassel crown. His steps were steady, his face beaming with a smile, clearly extremely satisfied with this marriage. The Empress, in a phoenix robe, looked dignified and elegant. Holding the Emperor's arm, she cast a gentle gaze over everyone present.

"Wodun." Emperor Qiaoan walked up to Wodun, sized him up from head to toe, and nodded. "Not bad; my daughter did not misjudge. Treat her well. If you make Nina suffer grievance, I will not forgive you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wodun bowed respectfully, bending his waist very low. "I swear, in this life I will never fail Princess Nina."

Emperor Qiaoan nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Linlei. His attitude was noticeably warmer, even carrying a hint of deliberate closeness. "Master Linlei, today your younger brother has great joy. I have specially brought a jar of century-old vintage wine; you must drink several cups later. This is imperial wine treasured by the late Emperor while he was alive; I have always been reluctant to open it, but today I have specially brought it."

Linlei smiled and nodded, neither humble nor arrogant. "Certainly. Your Majesty's kindness, Linlei will keep in mind."

Just as they spoke, an announcement came from outside again, full of energy: "The Head of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce has arrived—"

Menluo Dawson walked in with his belly protruding, followed by Yelu. As soon as he entered, he burst into loud laughter; his booming voice made the main hall's windows vibrate. "Kid Wodun, congratulations, congratulations! I heard you are getting engaged, so this old bone of mine rushed back from the O'Brien Empire specifically to drink your wedding wine!"

"Uncle Dawson." Wodun hurriedly went forward to meet him, his face full of surprise. "Why did you come in person? Sending a messenger would have been enough."

Menluo patted his shoulder with considerable force, making the burly Wodun waver slightly. Then he looked at Linlei, his eyes full of appreciation and emotion. "Master Linlei, it has been several years since we met; you are now famous throughout the world. That my Yelu has a brother like you is his fortune, and also the fortune of my Dawson Chamber of Commerce!"

Linlei laughed. "Uncle Dawson is too polite. Yelu is also my brother. Between brothers, we do not speak such formalities."

Yelu chuckled from the side, quietly winking at Aikesi and making a funny face. Aikesi returned a smile and raised his wine glass in a distant toast.

"Lord Rock Sword Saint Heidesen has arrived—"

This announcement made the main hall silent once more, even quieter than when the Emperor had arrived. Everyone's gaze turned to the entrance; even their breathing grew lighter. Heidesen, wearing a gray robe, walked in alone. His steps were leisurely, yet each step was like teleportation; he covered a distance of dozens of meters in just three strides. His face was stern, his full head of silver hair combed meticulously. His eyes were sharp as knives; wherever they swept, many nobles unconsciously lowered their heads.

"Mr. Heidesen." Linlei went forward to meet him, his attitude respectful but not servile. "I did not expect you to come as well; I failed to welcome you from afar."

Heidesen rarely showed a smile, yet even this slight upturn of his lips was enough to shock everyone present—who had ever seen the Rock Sword Saint smile? He sized up Linlei, his gaze containing scrutiny and appreciation. "Wodun's engagement naturally requires me to come and offer congratulations. Moreover—" He glanced at Aikesi, his gaze lingering on him for an instant. "I also wish to get to know you, this brother of his. I heard that Fire Saint Magus Aikesi, at such a young age, has already entered the Saint Domain; I am very curious."

Aikesi was slightly stunned, then clasped his hands and said, "Aikesi greets Mr. Heidesen. I have long heard of your great name; meeting you today is a three-life fortune."

Heidesen nodded, his gaze lingering on Aikesi for a few seconds as if examining something. After a moment, he said indifferently, "Young and promising. Another day, if you have time, perhaps we can spar. A duel between a Saint Magus and a Sword Saint; I have not experienced such a thing in a long time."

"Certainly." Aikesi replied, though a chill ran through his heart. That glance from Heidesen seemed not merely polite, but more like a probe into something.

As soon as the words fell, an announcement rang out from outside again, this time eight degrees louder than before, carrying a hint of tremor and excitement: "The lords of the Wushen Sect have arrived—"

The entire hall erupted in uproar.

The Wushen Sect?

How could they have come?

The Wushen Sect is the sect of the Martial God! Martial God Aobulaien, a legend standing at the peak of the Yulan Continent for over five thousand years, a deity in the hearts of countless martial artists. Today, they actually sent people? And "the lords"?

Everyone's gaze turned to the entrance; there was shock, curiosity, awe, and a hint of disbelief. Some young nobles even stood on tiptoes, afraid to miss this scene.

Lanke and Kasuluote walked in side by side. Both wore green robes, exuding an extraordinary demeanor; their steps were steady, their gazes calm, as if they were not attending a Count's engagement banquet but inspecting their own territory. Behind them followed several Wushen Sect disciples, each with restrained momentum, yet possessing a fierce aura as they walked.

"Brother Wodun, congratulations." Kasuluote walked up to Wodun, his smile warm, his tone as casual as greeting an old friend.

Brother Wodun?

This address left everyone present stunned; even Emperor Qiaoan's expression changed slightly.

Kasuluote looked around, his gaze sweeping calmly over everyone present, then spoke loudly, his voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Today, on the great joy of Brother Wodun, my senior and junior brothers represent the Wushen Sect in offering congratulations. This is a gift the Master personally ordered me to bring."

Saying this, he handed over a brocade box with both hands. The box was not large, entirely black, its material indistinguishable, but faint energy flowed upon it, making one dare not underestimate it.

The main hall was utterly silent; even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.

The Martial God!

That legend standing at the peak of the Yulan Continent for over five thousand years! He actually personally sent a congratulatory gift for Wodun's engagement?

What did this mean?

Everyone's hearts were wildly guessing. When did the Baruch Clan establish a connection with the Wushen Sect? What merit did Wodun Baluke possess to warrant the Martial God personally delivering a gift?

Linlei stepped forward to take the brocade box, yet showed no expression on his face. He said solemnly, "Please convey my thanks to the Martial God. Another day, if I have leisure, Linlei will personally visit to offer my gratitude."

Kasuluote nodded, his gaze sweeping over Linlei and Aikesi. When it finally landed on Aikesi, it paused slightly; a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he had discovered something interesting. His gaze lingered on Aikesi for two seconds, then moved away as if nothing had happened.

Aikesi sensed his gaze, felt a stir in his heart, yet showed no expression on his face, merely nodding slightly in greeting.

"Who is this?" Kasuluote asked proactively, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.

"My brother, Aikesi." Linlei introduced. "Fire Saint Magus."

Kasuluote's surprise intensified. He exchanged a glance with Lanke, then seriously sized up Aikesi. "Such a young Saint Magus is truly rare. The Yulan Continent has not seen such a young Saint Domain Mage for many years. Another day, if you have time, perhaps come to Wushen Mountain for a visit; the Master will certainly be very happy to see you."

Aikesi smiled and nodded. "Certainly. Thank you for your kindness; Aikesi is overwhelmed by the honor."

Kasuluote and Lanke exchanged a glance, nodded slightly, and walked to the side to take their seats. Their task for today was already complete—delivering the Martial God's congratulatory gift and conveying the Martial God's stance. As for the rest, there was no need to ask more, nor to think more. After the two sat down, attendants immediately brought tea, but they merely lifted the cups to sip once, then sat quietly, their gazes occasionally sweeping over the crowd in the main hall.

In the time that followed, guests flowed in like a river. The Earl Mansion's gates were hardly ever closed; wave after wave of guests entered, offering gifts, saying a few auspicious words, and then finding places to sit. The main hall gradually filled to capacity; even the side halls and the courtyard were filled with tables and chairs. Servants darted through the crowd, carrying trays piled high with fine wine and snacks.

Aikesi stood in a corner, holding a wine glass, silently observing all this. His position was chosen well; he could see the entire main hall clearly without being disturbed by the crowd.

He saw Wodun finally waiting for Nina. The princess wore a pale pink long dress today, with a floral crown on her head, her face like peach blossoms. Surrounded by maids, she walked gracefully into the hall. The moment Wodun saw her, his eyes lit up; he strode forward to meet her. Standing together, they saw only each other, as if the surrounding noise had nothing to do with them.

He saw Linlei surrounded by a group of noble ladies. Those ladies chattered about something, their eyes burning with enthusiasm and boldness. Linlei smiled, handling the situation with ease. Finally, helplessly, he used wind magic to gently lift the hem of his robe and floated out of the crowd, drawing a chorus of gasps and coquettish complaints.

He saw Yelu and Leinuo huddled together, whispering about some bad idea. The two occasionally let out a "hehe" laugh, causing nearby servants to frequently glance over. A while later, Yelu carried a cup of wine toward Wodun, while Leinuo quietly circled to the other side; the two were clearly planning some prank.

He saw Diliya standing quietly beside Linlei, wearing a pale blue long dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, gentle as water. Whenever a noble lady got too close, she would step forward imperceptibly, blocking unnecessary social interactions for Linlei, her movements so natural they seemed unintentional. Linlei occasionally glanced down at her, his gaze tender.

He also saw Beibei lying on the table, clutching a cake bigger than its own head and devouring it with great delight. Cream covered its little paws and smeared its face, making it look exactly like a calico cat. Several maids nearby watched it, wanting to laugh but daring not, struggling to hold it in. Beibei was completely unaware; after finishing the cake, it licked its paws and looked around with lingering appetite, probably searching for the next target.

Aikesi's gaze fell on Heidesen in the distance. This old man, hailed as the strongest in the Saint Domain, was currently speaking in low tones with Kasuluote, seemingly discussing something important. Both were experts at the Saint Domain Limit; their words were inaudible to others. Only Kasuluote occasionally nodded, and Heidesen occasionally frowned.

Only Aikesi knew the true reason the God of War gave the gift—Beibei.

Beilute, the ruler of the Yulan Continent plane, the supreme existence controlling the entire plane. No matter how strong the God of War was, he was merely a Lower God; before Beilute, he was utterly insignificant, not even enough to be crushed by a single hand. And Beibei was Beilute's only surviving descendant of the same race, bound to Linlei by life and death, brothers in all but blood. This gesture of goodwill from the God of War was less about giving face to Linlei and more about giving face to Beilute.

The celebration continued. After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere grew even more fervent. Menluo Dawson stood up and proposed a toast to the newlyweds. Everyone rose in turn, the clinking of wine glasses ringing out in a cacophony. Wodun and Nina stood before the main table, holding hands, their faces overflowing with happy smiles.

Aikesi raised his wine glass, aiming it remotely at the couple, silently offering his blessings in his heart.

This celebration was destined to become a legend in the Didu of Chiyan City that people would still talk about with relish a hundred years later.