Embers of Sword

Chapter 702 The Big Wedding
Xie Xuanyi did not stay in the Sword Palace for long.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with his fellow disciples, he rode his sword away from the mountain gate and headed straight for Qingzhou.

He wanted to see Jiang Miaoyin.

According to the Zen master, after jumping into the North Sea... the spiritual journey did not end, so Jiang Miaoyin at this moment should retain her memories, just like herself.

Qingzhou was hit by a heavy snowfall, and Qingyang City issued an unusual ban, strictly prohibiting outsiders from entering the city.

Xie Xuanyi was, of course, an exception.

[Chronic Illness] Just as Xie Xuanyi left the Sword Palace, the City Lord's Mansion of Qingyang City received a message from Zhenyin Peak. So when Xie Xuanyi arrived in Qingzhou, all the guest elders of the Jiang family were waiting outside, and dozens of pillars of the clan came out to greet him with the highest level of etiquette... This was a sign of respect for the "Ten Heroes" and also a sign of respect for the future leader of the Sword Palace.

"Thank you, Lord Xie, you've finally arrived."

"The old man is seriously ill and bedridden, so he cannot come to greet us. Please forgive him."

Jiang Que, an elder of the Jiang family who had participated in the extermination of demons in the Southern Frontier, stood at the forefront, bowing respectfully and taking charge of greeting people. In this life, he and Xie Xuanyi had little karmic connection; they only occasionally met, exchanged a few words, and were merely nodding acquaintances.

"You are so polite."

Xie Xuanyi returned the greetings one by one and said, "Please take me to see the old man."

……

……

In the main courtyard of the Jiang residence, snow was falling heavily.

Holding a candle, Jiang Que led Xie Xuanyi into the inner courtyard. There were protective arrays and talismans here, so it wasn't cold.

The stove emitted a faint chill.

The aroma of medicine filled the air.

As soon as Xie Xuanyi entered the courtyard, he saw a white-clad figure squatting in front of the stove, brewing medicine.

"The old man is seriously ill, and the young lady is taking care of him personally, brewing medicine and tea every day, which has made her look quite haggard."

Jiang Que lowered his voice and whispered a reminder, then sighed and said, "Thank you, Mountain Master... I won't disturb you any longer."

Having said that, he took his leave.

"..."

Xie Xuanyi stood before the fire, silently watching the woman.

"You came."

Jiang Miaoyin raised her head, her voice clear and cold, sounding somewhat hoarse.

The two looked at each other, and the warm courtyard, shrouded and protected by array talismans, suddenly felt a bit chilly.

"I'll go check on the old man."

With just one glance, Xie Xuanyi sensed something was amiss.

Jiang Miaoyin's condition... seems a bit off.

Is she still Jiang Miaoyin, who "travels in spirit" with him?

Without time to think further, Xie Xuanyi had already pushed open the door and entered the mansion.

Inside the room lay a thin old man, covered with a thin quilt, seemingly asleep. But as soon as footsteps were heard, the old man opened his eyes.

Jiang Lie supported himself and slowly sat up.

"Old man."

Xie Xuanyi sat on one side of the bed and said softly, "I heard you fell ill... I came to see you..."

While talking.

He extended a finger and placed it naturally on the old man's wrist, his divine sense flowing into it like a stream.

"What illness has struck him..."

Jiang Lie smiled and said gently, "I'm just getting old. What illness do I have?"

He fought countless battles throughout his life, and has faced death countless times.

The number of times I've escaped death is countless.

Jiang Lie had long since put "life and death" aside. He knew very well that his body, having been through many battles and tainted with too much karma, would sooner or later be burdened by evil energy and would not be able to have a peaceful end in his old age.

"His lifespan is running out..."

The divine thought swept into the other party's heart and soul.

Xie Xuanyi quickly got the answer: Jiang Lie's judgment of his body was correct. This body was indeed not sick; it was just that years of fighting had caused damage to the muscles and bones.

As one gets older, this will happen.

Having fought for the Great Chu for so many years... Jiang Lie's hands are stained with too much blood.

His cultivation level is not high enough to ignore these "causes and effects," and once he falls into the trap in his later years, he will be plagued by malevolent energy.

"I'm very happy that you came to see me."

Jiang Lie stretched out a palm and gently pressed it on Xie Xuanyi's hand. The old man said slowly in a gentle voice, "A while ago, Yan Xin, that old fellow, also came by... He told me that I probably only have half a year left, no more than that. If it weren't for Miaoyin having been brewing medicine with 'Divine Phoenix Grass' all this time, I might have already passed away by now."

The Divine Phoenix Grass is a top-grade medicinal herb that can only be found in the Northern Demon Kingdom.

It is said that this herb contains "phoenix blood," which has the effect of rebirth, can prolong life, and extend people's lives.

No wonder Jiang Miaoyin insisted on personally decocting the medicine.

This herb is extremely precious, and the brewing process requires very precise control of the heat.

It will break if you are not careful.

"Master, I..."

Xie Xuanyi was just about to take out the Spring of Immortality when he was interrupted.

"Alright, don't rush to speak."

Although Jiang Lie's voice was gentle, it revealed an undeniable firmness: "I don't have much time left... Let me speak first..."

Xie Xuanyi had no choice but to remain silent and listen obediently.

“I know that you are single-mindedly devoted to cultivation, wanting to attain the Great Dao, and your heart for cultivation is extremely pure.”

Jiang Lie gripped Xie Xuanyi's hand tightly, and said with a smile, word by word, "I know... although Miaoyin is your senior brother and sister who grew up together, you have no romantic feelings for her..."

"..."

Xie Xuanyi's eyes held a subtle expression; unsure of what to say, he could only remain silent.

"I also know that some things in this world cannot be forced."

Jiang Lie sighed softly: "Therefore, I do not intend to force the two of you to have a good outcome. I might as well be frank, some time ago, I sent someone to the Sword Palace to summon Miaoyin back to Qingzhou."

"...?"

Xie Xuanyi was speechless, somewhat surprised.

"Please forgive me."

The old man sighed again: "After all, I am her father. What father would want to see his daughter fall into depression, regret for the rest of her life over things she could not have, and be trapped in the throes of love? For the past six months, she has been cooking medicine and making tea for me every day and taking care of me at all times. Of course, I did not make these decisions to enjoy being served."

There was a pause.

The old man said earnestly, "I hope she can resign from her position as the Jade Screen Mountain Master of the Sword Palace, inherit the Qingzhou family business, and become the head of the Jiang family."

The mountain lord of the Great Eagle Sword Palace is revered by thousands.

However, the head of the Jiang family in Qingzhou is not to be underestimated.

Comparing the two, it is difficult to determine which is more important.

"you……"

Xie Xuanyi's expression was complicated.

He thought of many things to say, hesitated for a moment, and finally swallowed them down.

He sighed.

Xie Xuanyi asked, "What about Qi Hu?"

"It's a good place for him to stay in the capital and follow Chen Jingxuan."

The old man chuckled and joked, "Who says the head of a noble family has to be a man... At least for the Jiang family, a woman would be better. It's mainly because Qi Hu is too stupid. In every way, he's no match for his sister. He should stay in the capital and cause trouble for the Imperial City Guard."

Xie Xuanyi lowered his eyes, thought for a moment, and slowly said, "It is reasonable for you to have such a plan."

The Jiang family is so large, it needs someone to entrust it with something.

The old man's decision to hand it over to Jiang Miaoyin is good news.

Logically speaking.

I should be happy for them.

But for some reason, after entering Qingyang City, Xie Xuanyi felt a sense of oppression in his heart.

Earlier in the inner courtyard, he exchanged a glance with Jiang Miaoyin.

This premonition grew even stronger.

"I heard you've been in seclusion in the Thirty-Three Grotto-Heavens for almost two years."

The old man sized up Xie Xuanyi and said seriously, "This time, upon emerging from seclusion, we should..."

"Not yet a Yang God."

Xie Xuanyi frankly said, "We're still one step away."

Although he didn't possess the [Primordial Devouring Sacred Realm], Xie Xuanyi's divine sense far surpassed that of the Yin God Realm. Without speaking, Jiang Lie would never be able to see through him.

"That's truly a pity..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lie sighed and said, "However, with your talent, you will be able to advance sooner or later. Since you have been in seclusion for so long, there must be many things you don't know, right?"

Hearing this, Xie Xuanyi's unease intensified.

He looked at the old man.

"It's good news."

The old man said softly, "Qi Hu is going to marry Ye Qinglian, the young master of Hundred Flowers Valley..."

"This is indeed good news."

Xie Xuanyi said, "There shouldn't be just this one, right?"

"Double happiness."

Jiang Lie was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "In a while, Miaoyin will become a Daoist couple with 'King Yanle'. However, this news has not yet been announced, and only three or five people know about it now."

A long, deathly silence fell over the room.

The King of Banquets?
Xie Xuanyi fell into thought, desperately searching the memory of that name in his mind...

but.

In this world, the survival of "Emperor Chu" led to a dramatic change in the power structure of the Great Chu Dynasty's royal family. The Holy Empress no longer held power, and the head of the Imperial City Guard was no longer a wicked person like Yuan Jimu. The Prince of Banquet and Music was probably the "hero" who emerged from this cause and effect.

"The Qin family has actually proposed marriage to me several times over the years, but I have refused them all."

The old man lowered his head and said, "Qin Baihuang is really unreliable... In comparison, Yanlewang is much better..."

It seemed they sensed something was amiss.

The old man quickly said, "Of course, King Yanle cannot compare to you, but he is, after all, the most promising Yin God of Da Chu to complete his advancement."

After a long sigh.

Jiang Lie looked into Xie Xuanyi's eyes again: "In the past two years, King Yanle has sent marriage proposals more than once, and even came to our door in person... Even Emperor Chu proposed marriage on our behalf. Lord Xie, since you have no intention of becoming a Daoist partner with Miaoyin, please allow me to make a decision for my daughter..."

Dead silence.

The room was deathly silent.

"Has the marriage certificate been signed?"

After a long while, Xie Xuanyi spoke, his words crisp and clear.

"Never."

Jiang Lie hesitated for a moment, then said, "Things have come to this point, the marriage certificate is no longer important. As long as both parties agree..."

"Did Miaoyin nod?" Xie Xuanyi asked again.

"..."

This time, it was Jiang Lie's turn to remain silent.

"For such a big matter, we should always ask the parties involved for their opinions."

Xie Xuanyi stood up and said, "I'll ask for you."

After getting up.

Xie Xuanyi paused for a moment, almost forgetting something important.

After taking a deep breath, he raised two fingers and pressed them to his brow, squeezing out a drop of pure white vapor.

Chi Chi Chi.

This wisp of moisture exudes an extremely rich vitality, many times more so than that of the Divine Phoenix Grass.

"This is?"

Jiang Lie was stunned.

"Fountain of Immortality."

Xie Xuanyi spoke in the calmest tone.

The old man's expression became incredibly interesting when he heard the words "Fountain of Immortality," before Jiang Lie could even react.

The next moment, Xie Xuanyi flicked his finger and released the water vapor.

With a click!
The moisture hit the old man's forehead, and the moisture quickly dissipated.

Jiang Lie's pale face instantly regained color, and his meridians seemed to have been expanded... The Yin energy that had been swirling around him shattered instantly, and he could clearly feel his body recovering at an extremely rapid pace. The Divine Phoenix Grass could extend his life by half a year, while the Undying Spring could provide several times that amount!
Bang.

The door was closed.

The old man, sitting on the bed, stared blankly at his hands. He never imagined that such an outrageous thing as the "Fountain of Immortality" would happen today.

However... upon hearing the somewhat heavy sound of the door closing, a hint of relief flashed across Jiang Lie's eyes.

The old man slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

As relieved.

Those words I said earlier should have worked, right?
In any case, he had done what a father should do.

……

……

"Do you remember what happened in Beihai?"

Xie Xuanyi arrived in the courtyard. The woman was still decocting medicine. He casually picked up a chair and sat down by the stove, getting straight to the point.

"What Beihai? I don't remember."

Jiang Miaoyin responded quickly.

But the speed of the response is itself an answer.

"..."

Xie Xuanyi said quietly, "Since you woke up before me, you should have left me a letter."

The North Sea manhunt never actually happened in this world.

If Jiang Miaoyin did not remember the dream journey, she would not have reacted or given this response.

"What's the use of this?"

Jiang Miaoyin stared intently at the flickering flames in the stove, and said quietly, "The writer has good intentions, but the reader is indifferent. In this situation... what's the use of leaving more letters?"

"I……"

This time, Xie Xuanyi was truly speechless.

"I met the Zen master in Beihai."

Xie Xuanyi remained silent for a long time before saying earnestly, "To break free from 'spiritual wandering,' we must work together..."

Why should we break free from "spiritual wandering"?

After a brief silence.

The stunningly beautiful woman who had been squatting by the stove finally raised her head.

Jiang Miaoyin brushed aside her stray hairs, looked into Xie Xuanyi's eyes, and asked earnestly, "Here, you weren't hunted down, the Sword Palace wasn't destroyed, everything was fine. You said before that this place was another projection of the River of Destiny, not an illusion... Since it's not an illusion, why did you choose to leave?"

"because……"

Xie Xuanyi hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Is it because of the engagement?"

Jiang Miaoyin smiled and said, "I know what the old man told you. The matter of the Prince of Banquet... is true."

"you……"

Xie Xuanyi's expression was complicated.

“Senior Brother Xuanyi… I actually woke up much earlier than you.”

"In this period of time, many, many things have happened here. Miaoyin can no longer distinguish between 'divine travel' and 'mental tribulation'..."

Jiang Miaoyin suddenly said, "But actually, at this moment, whether it's true or false shouldn't matter, right?"

"You are you and I am me."

"In this way, it doesn't matter whether it's a spiritual journey or a dream..."

After a long pause.

"You're right."

In the courtyard, Xie Xuanyi broke the deathly silence.

He sat before the fire, a sword aura flickering between his brows, burning along with the flames.

"It doesn't matter if my mind wanders into dreams."

Xie Xuanyi calmly said, "If you do not agree to the marriage agreement with the Prince of Yanle, you only need to say one word, and even if the marriage certificate is sent, it will be nothing but a piece of waste paper."

Jiang Miaoyin's heart skipped a beat, and she chuckled softly, "What if I agree?"

"I disagree."

Xie Xuanyi spoke again, saying seriously, "That marriage certificate is still just a piece of waste paper."

(End of this chapter)