A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 548 The People's Hearts Are in Chaos
Jiang Yaozhang was still standing there like a statue when Xiao Yu came over. She took out a wedding dress and a phoenix crown from the trunk and presented them to Lü Qingzhu, saying, "Sister, the auspicious time is almost here. Go inside and change into your dress."

Lu Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yu gratefully, curtsied, and said, "Thank you, sister!"

After bowing, Lü Qingzhu stood up, took the ceremonial robe and phoenix crown, and went into the inner room.

It wasn't until Lü Qingzhu's figure disappeared behind the curtain that the people in the hall realized what had happened.

Ximen Kankan looked at Duan Rong with a fascinating expression and exclaimed, "Good heavens! No wonder you've been telling me to keep an eye on Li Ruozhou's news! So you're going to marry Lü Qingzhu! My goodness!"

Duan Rong ignored Ximen Kankan and kept his eyes on Jiang Yaozhang, noticing that Jiang Yaozhang's expression was constantly shifting between light and dark.

As if he had finally made up his mind, Jiang Yaozhang clasped his hands in a fist salute to Duan Rong and said, "Lord Duan, your concubine is actually Miss Qingzhu!? My lord, tomorrow is the engagement ceremony for the marriage alliance between our two families, this..."

Jiang Yaozhang was greatly shocked. He never expected that a business trip would lead him to such a hot potato.

Duan Rong said, "Mr. Jiang, you must have heard about some recent news about Li Ruozhou, the young sect leader of the Tianyan Sect, right?"

Jiang Yaozhang's eyes flickered; he naturally knew what Duan Rong was referring to. The matter of Li Ruozhou was both a scandalous tale and a melodramatic affair; the news had spread like wildfire throughout the sect.

Jiang Yaozhang hesitated and said, "But..."

Duan Rong stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes sharp as knives, and said, "Qingzhu and I are deeply in love, and we hope that Mr. Jiang will grant our wish!"

Duan Rong spoke casually, but a murderous intent was already surging within him.

With his current cultivation level, this killing intent was almost tangible, enveloping the hall.

Jiang Yaozhang instantly broke out in a cold sweat, his heart pounding with panic. He hurriedly said, "Yes..."

Duan Rong smiled after seeing Jiang Yaozhang spit out a mouthful of saliva, and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Jiang."

At this moment, the murderous aura that had enveloped the hall quietly faded away. Jiang Yaozhang felt relieved, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and looked at Duan Rong with fear in his eyes.

Just now, enveloped by murderous intent, he felt as if he were about to die, and his heart was filled with panic.

At that moment, the curtain was lifted, and Lü Qingzhu came out.

Wearing a formal dress and phoenix crown, Lü Qingzhu was instantly radiant, like a shimmering spring tide...

Not only did Duan Rong and Ximen Kankan's eyes light up, but Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi were also stunned.

A truly beautiful woman's allure transcends gender.

Duan Rong had already put on his formal attire before going to Fengyi Garden. He walked over, led Lü Qingzhu to the middle of the hall, and looked at Jiang Yaozhang, saying, "Mr. Jiang, the auspicious time is almost here. Let's get ready to begin."

Jiang Yaozhang replied, "Yes, sir."

At this point, Jiang Yaozhang had no more reservations. The die was cast, and he could only go with the flow.

Under Jiang Yaozhang's direction, the ceremony proceeded in an orderly manner. Lü Qingzhu's radiant face was flushed, and she would occasionally glance at Duan Rong with a smile in her eyes.

She is not one to hide her true feelings; her past coldness and aloofness were her true state of mind, and her current affection for someone is also her true state of mind.

After presiding for a while, Jiang Yaozhang was greatly surprised to find that Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu's ceremonial movements were quite dignified.

Not only did Lü Qingzhu study the ancient ritual manual, but Duan Rong also found it and studied it carefully. At this moment, the two of them cooperated quite well with Jiang Yaozhang.

Gradually, the ceremony began to take on a certain air of elegance.

This is because Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu were truly in love, and their conduct was appropriate, which is why they were able to present the ancient ritual.

Ancient rituals have been passed down for thousands of years. They may seem complicated and cumbersome, but every action has a profound meaning.

Most of those who perform the rituals are merely imitating others; their respect is superficial, lacking any genuine inner feeling.

As the ceremony progressed, Jiang Yaozhang's eyes involuntarily reddened. He had studied etiquette for many years, and not only did his teacher praise him, but he himself secretly boasted that he had mastered the essence of etiquette.

But today, at Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu's wedding, he saw the true nature of ancient rites for the first time!

Jiang Yaozhang was deeply moved. He finally understood that the true meaning of ritual lies in sincerity. Only with sincerity as its soul can ancient rituals be revived. And the current decline of ancient rituals stems from the loss of moral order in the hearts of the people!
Etiquette is a medium, behind which lies the sincerity of paying homage to heaven and earth, to the gods, and to the mountains, rivers, sun, and moon.

With such sincerity, human relationships can be strengthened. Without such sincerity, the world will descend into chaos!
"Heaven and earth bear witness, the sun and moon are our matchmakers! Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu are now husband and wife!"

"bye!"

"Goodbye!"

"Three bows!"

The ancient ritual was very complicated and took a full hour to finally end!

Throughout the entire process, Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu did not make a single mistake, and the more they went on, the clearer their minds became!
The ancient sages did not establish rituals arbitrarily; every action was imbued with profound meaning.

Jiang Yaozhang was deeply moved. After the ceremony, he bowed deeply to Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu, saying, "Your sincerity is as clear as heaven and earth! Only today does Yaozhang truly understand the meaning of propriety!"

After the wedding, Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu entered the bridal chamber, which had been decorated by Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi with considerable care.

After Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu left, Ximen Kankan immediately pulled Jiang Yaozhang, along with two servants and guards, to start drinking.

Duan Rong had already instructed him to keep a close eye on these people tonight and not let a single one escape!

Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi were also keeping an eye on these people. Xiao Yu knew very well how big of a mess it would be if word got out, so she naturally dared not let her guard down.

Inside the bridal chamber, Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu were already lying on the bed!
Both of them were wearing formal attire.

Lu Qingzhu's phoenix crown was placed on the table, red candles were lit, and a smile was on her face.

Lu Qingzhu suddenly moved her shoulder.

Duan Rong asked, "What's wrong?"

Lü Qingzhu said, "There seems to be something down there."

As she spoke, she pulled a few dates out from under the blanket.

She looked at the dates and asked, puzzled, "What are these for?"

Duan Rong smiled and said, "These were given by Xiao Yufang. Dates symbolize the wish for many sons."

Lu Qingzhu blushed and put the dates back.

Duan Rong gently pulled Lü Qingzhu into his arms and asked, "Qingzhu, when we met in the Dark Forest, did you really want to kill me?"

"Hmm!" Lü Qingzhu said, "I already said that the day we meet again will be the day I kill you. Why did you still come to me?"

Duan Rong said, "I didn't know you were in the Dark Forest at that time. If I had known, I would have definitely taken a very long detour."

"Is that so?" Lü Qingzhu rested her head on Duan Rong's shoulder, her voice very gentle.

Duan Rong asked, "Then when will you stop planning to kill me?"

Lu Qingzhu thought about it seriously for a moment and said, "Actually, after that time in the Dark Forest, I stopped trying to kill you."

Duan Rong's heart skipped a beat; this answer was quite different from what he had expected.

"You won't kill me again after that?" Duan Rong leaned forward slightly, looking at Lü Qingzhu and asking, "Why?" Lü Qingzhu said, "Do you remember that time you suddenly unleashed the power of your sword intent?"

Duan Rong nodded; it was the first time he had displayed the power of his sword technique in front of others.

Lü Qingzhu said, "If you hadn't used your Intent Blade Aura back then, my sword would have already killed you! At that moment, my heart felt like it had been pierced! I really thought you were going to die! Luckily, you used your Blade Aura to block my sword! After that sword, I couldn't kill you anymore!"

The two lay on the bed chatting until dawn.

Duan Rong glanced at the sky peeking through the window and said, "Qingzhu, we should go!"

"Hmm!" Lü Qingzhu sat up, walked to the dressing table, and began to comb her hair.

Afterwards, the two walked out of the bridal chamber together and came to the main hall.

Ximen Kankan, his two servants, and two guards were all drunk.

Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi both sat there looking exhausted, the red candles on the table were already weeping...

Jiang Yaozhang propped his head up with his hand and pretended to doze off.

Duan Rong walked over and said, "Mr. Jiang!"

Jiang Yaozhang turned around, saw Duan Rong, immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Lord Duan!"

Duan Rong said, "I would be grateful if Lord Jiang would accompany my wife and me to the Dragon Fish Hall to bear witness for us!"

“Yes, sir! I am willing to go!” Jiang Yaozhang bowed and said.

If it were before, he might have hesitated, but last night at Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu's wedding, he witnessed the true nature of ancient rites.

Jiang Yaozhang is obsessed with ancient rituals and reveres them as if they were divine!

To witness the true nature of ancient rituals is like witnessing the true face of the gods! Upholding the rituals of Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu is to uphold the faith in his heart!
Xiao Yu walked over, looked at Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu, and said, "Husband, sister, you must come back soon so that our family can be reunited!"

As Xiao Yu spoke, she took Lü Qingzhu's hand, and Lü Qingzhu gently grasped Xiao Yu's hand in return.

Duan Rong was delighted to see the two women getting along so well, but when he thought about the storms he was about to face, his expression turned serious.

Shen Mizhi is still on Cuiwei Peak, he can't not go!

Xiao Yu personally escorted the three out of the courtyard, watching their figures with worried eyes as they disappeared into the misty clouds.

She knew what Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu would face on their way to the Dragon Fish Hall!
At this moment, she desperately wanted to stand beside Duan Rong, but she couldn't!
She knew that if she went, she would not only be unable to help Duan Rong in any way, but would also distract him.

Inside a secluded courtyard at the foot of Cuiwei Peak.

As dawn broke, a grand procession entered the courtyard, accompanied by the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers!
The honor guard arrived at the gate of Fengyi Garden with music and singing all the way!
Xiao Dezhao was already waiting in the courtyard of Fengyi Garden!
The honor guard set off several strings of firecrackers at the entrance of Fengyi Garden, but Xiao Dezhao remained standing motionless in the courtyard!
He only waved his hand after the incense stick in the incense burner in front of the door had burned out.

An old nanny led the bride, dressed in a formal gown and covered with a red veil, out of Fengyi Garden and into the eight-bearer sedan chair of the ceremonial guard!
The honor guard immediately turned around and left, beating drums and gongs!

Shen Mizhi sat in the sedan chair, removed her veil, and looked out through the gap in the curtain!
For some reason, Shen Mizhi was not flustered at all at this moment, perhaps because she was born with a bold and reckless side to her personality.

"What a great job I've been given! I'm not even married yet, and I'm already playing the bride!?"

Shen Mizhi muttered a complaint, then carefully covered her face with the red veil again and sat down properly. She had to put on a good show before Duan Rong arrived!

Unless it's truly time for her to perform the traditional wedding ceremony with Li Ruozhou, she won't take the initiative to lift the red veil!
The honor guard ascended the steps from the foot of the mountain toward the Dragon Fish Hall.

Firecrackers went off constantly along the way!

In the light mist, the entire Cuiwei Peak was filled with the smell of sulfur and gunpowder.

Sixteen well-dressed, strong men carried the sedan chair, swaying as they climbed the stone steps...

About half an hour later, the honor guard stopped on the bluestone platform at the entrance of the Dragon Fish Hall!
The sixteen strong men carrying the sedan chair were all cultivators at the Yuanqi Realm. They walked steadily all the way up without even panting.

"The newlyweds are getting out of the sedan chair!"

After the master of ceremonies gave a shout, a beautifully made-up old woman stepped forward, lifted the sedan curtain, and led Shen Mizhi out of the sedan chair, heading towards the Dragon Fish Hall.

It wasn't until she crossed the threshold of the Dragon Fish Hall that Shen Mizhi began to panic.

It's so late, why hasn't Duan Rong arrived yet?!

Once inside the Dragon Fish Hall, the moment will arrive, and the grand ceremony will begin!

Inside the Dragon Fish Hall, many guests who had come to witness the ceremony had already taken their seats!
Li Ruozhou, dressed in a formal suit, stood there with a swollen, bruised head, looking completely bewildered!
He looked at Lü Qingzhu, who was crossing the threshold with a red veil over her head, and couldn't help but shiver! He looked around and only felt relieved when he realized that Amo was not there.

Zhu He and the elders of the Taiyi Sect sat in rather prestigious positions. Zhu He glanced at Lü Zhongtang, who was sitting in a high seat with Li Yunjing, the sect leader of the Tianyan Sect. He saw the two of them talking about something, both with faint smiles on their faces.

Zhu He naturally knew that this marriage alliance between the two families would be quite detrimental to his chances of becoming the next sect leader. There had been some setbacks, and Li Ruozhou had escaped. At that time, seeing that the marriage alliance was about to fall through, he was secretly delighted.

But unexpectedly, things took another dramatic turn, and Li Ku recaptured the escaped Li Ruozhou within just a few hours. Zhu He later learned that the reason Li Ku was able to capture Li Ruozhou so quickly was because of the longevity lock around Li Ruozhou's neck!
"The will of Heaven is unpredictable!" Zhu He couldn't help but sigh.

Inside the hall, below the elders were the positions of the sect's direct disciples.

Fan Hongjiao, Wu Shidao, Lu Geng, and Wang Yue were all sitting there, only Duan Rong's seat was empty.

Fan Hongjiao glanced at Duan Rong's seat and said, "It's already this late, is our junior brother not coming?"

Zhu He sat there and glanced at Duan Rong's empty seat. He knew about the entanglement between Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu, and in his opinion, it was quite normal for Duan Rong not to come.

Duan Rong grabbed Jiang Yaozhang, while Lü Qingzhu followed closely behind. The three of them suddenly flew out of the clouds and landed on the bluestone platform at the top of Cuiwei Peak.

Once Duan Rong landed, he noticed that the bluestone platform was covered with firecracker debris, and the air was filled with the strong smell of gunpowder.

The three of them walked forward, but when they were still several feet away from the Dragon Fish Hall, they were stopped by several guards.

The guard leader looked at them with a strange expression.

These people were all guards from Cuiwei Peak, and Jiang Yaozhang and the others knew them all. However, they had never seen Duan Rong and Lü Qingzhu before, mainly because the two were wearing brand-new formal attire, which made the guards very curious.

Duan Rong took out his name card and handed it to the head guard. He pointed to Lü Qingzhu beside him and said, "This is my wife. She came with me to attend the ceremony."

The head of the guards was taken aback when he saw the name card. The status of a direct disciple of a sect was quite prestigious within the Taiyi Sect, second only to the sect elders and senior members.

However, the guard leader still hesitated and said, "Excuse me, sir! May I see your sect's official document?"

The head of the guards was quite suspicious of Duan Rong's identity. Who would attend a wedding dressed like the bride and groom? Was he here to attend the wedding or to cause trouble?

Duan Rong presented the sect's official document, which the head guard glanced at and found no problems. However, he still dared not let Duan Rong in. "This..."

Just then, music began to play in the Dragon Fish Hall, and Duan Rong knew that the engagement ceremony was about to begin.

Duan Rong suddenly reached out and grabbed the sect's cloud token back. He glanced at Jiang Yaozhang behind him and shouted, "Come with me!"

As Duan Rong spoke, he grabbed Jiang Yaozhang and his figure flashed past like a ghost. Lü Qingzhu also moved swiftly, following Duan Rong!

"Sigh~" Just as the guard leader turned around, a firefly flashed before his eyes and disappeared into his brow. The next moment, his eyes went blank and he stood there stunned, the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.

(End of this chapter)