In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 336 Harmonious Union, Eternal Bond

A moment later, three figures reached the top of the mountain.

Shangguan Jin Hong, who was leading the group, was still dressed the same as when Gu Shaoan had seen her before. Her dark gold robe not only made her look noble, but also dignified.

Compared to the last time Gu Shaoan saw him, Shangguan Jin Hong had less of an arrogant air about him and more of a reserved and composed demeanor.

Behind him were two other people. One of them looked ordinary, wearing a loose gray robe, with a clear smile on his face, but the smile did not reach his eyes. Moreover, his skin above his eyebrows had faint blue lines, and the nails on his hands holding the gift box were all black.

With Gu Shaoan's medical skills, he could tell at a glance that it was caused by years of contact with toxins, which had caused the toxins to penetrate the skin's surface.

The other man had three knife scars on his face, was very tall, and wore a golden shirt with short hemlines that only reached his knees. The cuffs were tightly bound, and his fingers were thin and long with prominent bones, giving him a powerful appearance.

What is most striking is that this person's eyes are not the clear black and white of a normal person, but a dead gray.

This appearance allowed Gu Shaoan to immediately recognize the person's identity.

Within the Money Gang, Jing Wuming is the second strongest swordsman after Shangguan Jin Hong.

However, since it is a wedding day, all those who go up the mountain must disembark at the mountain gate to avoid disrupting the joyous atmosphere.

Gu Shaoan was also unable to see Jing Wuming's special sword.

At the same time, the eyes of Shangguan Jin Hong and the other two also fell on Gu Shaoan.

Perhaps because she was still traumatized by Gu Shaoan's easy defeat last time, Shangguan Jin Hong's eyes held an unconscious wariness when she saw Gu Shaoan again, even though she was smiling.

"Congratulations on your wedding, Young Master Gu. This is just a small gift, nothing more."

As soon as he finished speaking, the gray-robed man immediately stepped forward and handed over the gift box he was holding.

When faced with Shangguan Jin Hong's visit, Gu Shaoan did not hold back his smile.

After the Emei Sect disciple accepted the gift, Gu Shaoan said in a gentle voice, "Chief Shangguan, you are too kind. Please take a seat."

As he spoke, Gu Shaoan turned around and gestured for him to enter.

As the group walked, Gu Shaoan suddenly sensed fluctuations of internal energy within Shangguan Jin Hong's body behind him.

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan paused, and his internal energy, including his physical and spiritual energy, as well as his Yin and Yang energies, immediately began to circulate. The phrase "Immovable as a Mountain" was also triggered at this moment.

With the effect of the "Immovable as a Mountain" attribute, not to mention Shangguan Jin Hong, even if facing the Demon Master Pang Ban, or even Zhu Wushi, whose power has reached more than two hundred years, they would not be able to hurt Gu Shaoan by sneak attack.

The next second, Shangguan Jin Hong's engrossed voice reached Gu Shaoan's ears.

"The Great Dragon Head instructed me to deliver a message to Young Master Gu: Bat Island has been destroyed, and Young Master Gu no longer needs to worry about the Yuan family members retaliating against the Emei Sect."

Upon hearing the words, Gu Shaoan narrowed his eyes slightly.

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan nodded slightly: "I have accepted the gift. Please pass on a message to the Great Dragon Leader of the Azure Dragon Society: thank you for your thoughtfulness."

As he transmitted his voice in secret, Gu Shaoan, who had just stopped, started moving again, and then led Shangguan Jin Hong to a table next to the main table, where she sat next to Li Ruohai and Feng Xinglie.

Upon returning to the entrance of the mountain, Gu Shaoan secretly transmitted his voice to Abbess Miejue: "Master, Shangguan Jin Hong just brought a message on behalf of Gongzi Yu of the Azure Dragon Society, saying that the Azure Dragon Society has already dealt with Bat Island."

Abbess Miejue slightly raised her face, then her brows furrowed slightly.

"The fact that Bat Island is no longer infamous is naturally a good thing for the country and its people. However, bringing this news to your wedding has a somewhat threatening flavor."

Gu Shaoan replied with a smile, "That's true to some extent."

Bat Island has been established for so many years, and the biggest impression people have of it is its mystery.

With the destruction of Wuzheng Manor, finding traces of Bat Island has become even more difficult.

Not long after Wuzheng Manor was destroyed, Gongzi Yu sent Shangguan Jin Hong with this message, clearly to show Gu Shaoan his strength and make him behave better in the future.

At the same time, it also reveals that Gongzi Yu has been paying close attention to Gu Shaoan's situation.

"They're royals after all; they're naturally suspicious!"

As his thoughts wandered, Gu Shaoan narrowed his eyes slightly.

Knowing the inherent suspicion of members of the royal family, Gu Shaoan never considered siding with the court or treating it as a friend from the very beginning.

After glancing at Shangguan Jin Hong in the distance, Gu Shaoan looked away and continued his welcoming gestures.

at the same time.

At the main table, Shangguan Jin Hong smiled and nodded at Li Ruo Hai, then couldn't help but glance at Gu Shao An to the side.

Seemingly sensing the solemnity of Shangguan Jin Hong's expression, Jing Wuming couldn't help but cast a curious glance at Gu Shaoan.

Others might not know, but Jing Wuming was one of the few in the Money Gang who knew that Shangguan Jin Hong had gone to Baijiang Prefecture to find Gu Shaoan.

It was after that return that Jing Wuming could clearly feel that Shangguan Jin Hong's former arrogance and domineering attitude had completely disappeared.

Suddenly, I became very cautious.

I always take him with me when I go out.

Even his favorite wine, which he used to love, he hasn't touched since returning from Baijiang Prefecture.

For a master like Shangguan Jin Hong to undergo such a transformation, Jing Wuming was certain that Shangguan Jin Hong had fought Gu Shaoan before, and had suffered a crushing defeat.

This also made Jing Wuming somewhat curious about Gu Shaoan's strength.

I'm curious just how strong Gu Shaoan is to have caused such a big change in Shangguan Jin Hong.

Half an hour later, nearly 90% of the seats on the mountaintop were occupied by guests.

Including Gu Shaoan, there were now five top-tier experts gathered on the Golden Summit of Mount Emei.

Within the Great Wei Kingdom, weddings were mostly held at dusk because the word "marriage" (婚) is a homophone for "dusk" (昏).

In the Book of Rites of the Great Wei Kingdom, weddings were referred to as "hunli" (昏礼).

They believe that dusk is a time of transition between yin and yang, a time of harmony among all things, and is an auspicious time for marriage.

Therefore, as dusk fell and the eaves of the Golden Summit of Mount Emei were already adorned with bright red lanterns, three deep and resonant bell tolls rang out in succession, their sound waves rolling and washing over the mountains, instantly silencing all the noise in the square.

All eyes were drawn to the red-adorned platform at the north end of the square.

In the center of the altar, Abbess Miejue, the head of the Emei Sect, sat in the main seat. Today, she had changed into a brand-new headmaster's robe, still in gold and white with silver thread embroidering pine trees, cranes, and flowing clouds. The stern and majestic look between her brows was now replaced by a solemn and gratified expression, with a faint smile on her lips.

Beside him were Yang Tie, who was also dressed in new clothes, and Abbess Juechen.

Their faces were as pale as Abbess Miejue's, their expressions gentle, their eyes filled with expectation and a smile.

As the lingering echoes of the bell faded, an elder from the "Jing" generation of the Emei sect, serving as the master of ceremonies, slowly ascended the stage, her voice deep and resonant:
"The auspicious hour has arrived, let the ceremony begin—please invite the newlyweds!"

As soon as the words were spoken, melodious music began to play at the entrances to the southeast and southwest corridors of the square.

It wasn't the clamor of suonas and gongs, but rather a ensemble of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments, "The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate" and "Peach Blossom," with a simple, elegant melody and a lingering sense of joy.

As the music lingered, the bride walked out from the corridor next to the main hall.

The bride wore a bright red wedding gown with a twelve-panel moon-shaped skirt, exuding a cool and auspicious aura. Her head was covered with a red brocade veil with gold thread edging and embroidered with twin lotus flowers, reaching her waist, which completely concealed her stunningly beautiful face, leaving only her graceful and exquisite figure.

At this moment, the bride held a jade ruyi in her hand, her steps steady and light, supported and led by Bei Jinyi and Mei Jiangxue on the left and right, respectively, as she slowly walked towards the altar.

The veil swayed slightly with her steps, sparking endless imagination.

The bride's appearance instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Gu Shaoan strode towards the altar from the end of the main path directly in front of him.

He wore a bright red wedding robe, which made him appear even more upright and elegant in the sunlight.

He stood in front of the altar, accompanying the bride.

The nun, acting as the master of ceremonies, straightened her expression and announced loudly, "Perform the Goose Offering Ceremony! (One of the core rituals of Ming Dynasty weddings, symbolizing unwavering fidelity between husband and wife)."

A disciple presented a pair of goose-shaped ritual objects carved from wood and tied with red silk.

Gu Shaoan stepped forward, took the wooden goose with both hands, then turned around, bowed slightly to the bride, and presented it to her.

"Perform the wedding ceremony!" Abbess Juequan sang loudly.

The bride and groom face south (symbolizing heaven and earth, but in the martial arts world, it is often simplified to the direction of heaven and earth).

"Bowing to Heaven and Earth—giving thanks to creation for this blessed union!"

The bride and groom bowed down in unison, their movements synchronized and their expressions devout.

He rose and turned to the head of the table. "Second bow to our parents—to express our deepest gratitude for their kindness and nurturing love!"

The bride and groom bowed deeply to Abbess Miejue, Yang Tie, and Abbess Juechen.

Looking at the bride and groom in front of her, Abbess Miejue's smile deepened, but her eyes couldn't help but be filled with a misty mist.

It's difficult to truly understand the feelings and experiences of life until you've personally faced them.

Just like Abbess Miejue at this moment.

Seeing her disciple, whom she had almost raised herself, dressed in a wedding gown and standing before her in a red robe, Abbess Miejue felt only the joy and comfort of an ordinary family member when their child got married.

Yang Tie and Abbess Juechen, who were standing to the side, also had smiles on their faces.

The bride and groom stood facing each other again.

"Husband and wife bow to each other—may they be as harmonious as a zither and lute, and forever united in heart!"

Gu Shaoan and the bride bowed to each other again.

"It's done——!"

As the master of ceremonies sang his final song, the square erupted in a series of explosions and thunderous applause.

Disciples from many sects that were on good terms with Emei offered their congratulations loudly, their voices echoing through the sky.

Abbess Miejue stood up. As the officiating elder and the head of a sect, she faced all the guests in the square, channeled her inner energy, and her clear and peaceful voice resounded to every corner: "Today, on this grand wedding day, we are honored by the love and support of heroes from all over the world who have come from afar to witness it. From this day forward, may they be of one heart and one mind, respect and love each other, explore the profound principles of martial arts together, and grow old together in life."

"Throughout Mount Emei, we all feel the warmth of your hospitality."

"Let the feast begin!"

In an instant, the Emei disciples, who had been preparing for a long time, moved around the table like a flowing stream, serving up delicacies, fine wines and spirits one after another.

The sounds of string and wind instruments resumed, changing to a cheerful and festive melody.

On the square, amidst the clinking of glasses and the clamor of laughter, a grand wedding banquet that had captured the attention of the entire martial arts world officially began.

The grand wedding ceremony was successfully completed.

As the bride was led to the bridal chamber by Bei Jinyi and Mei Jiangxue, Gu Shaoan remained in the room in his wedding attire. He then joined Abbess Miejue, Juechen, and Juezhu in toasting the guests.

With Gu Shaoan's current skill and realm, his internal energy is constantly replenished.

Unless it's a medicinal wine containing special medicinal properties, these ordinary wines are no different from ordinary water to Gu Shaoan.

The moment it enters the stomach, the alcohol's aroma is refined by the body's internal energy.

Therefore, even after half an hour of continuous toasting by Abbess Miejue and the others, Gu Shaoan remained unchanged and showed no signs of drunkenness.

Finally, they arrived at the table with Li Ruohai, Song Yuanqiao, and Shangguan Jin Hong.

After clinking glasses with Gu Shaoan, Li Ruohai said, "I have long heard that Young Master Gu is exceptionally talented and possesses unparalleled strength. Today is your wedding day, and every moment of your wedding night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. I would not be so kind as to disturb you. If Young Master Gu is willing, would you be willing to spar with me tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "If Sect Leader Li is willing, I will naturally accompany you when I have time tomorrow."

Upon hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Li Ruohai's eyes lit up, and his smile deepened: "In that case, I will trouble you at the Emei Sect."

Shangguan Jin Hong, who originally intended to leave later, changed her mind after hearing Li Ruohai and Gu Shaoan's words.

Not only Shangguan Jin Hong, Song Yuan Qiao, Zhang Song Xi, and Kong Zhi, but also their thoughts changed upon seeing that Li Ruo Hai and Gu Shao An were going to spar the next day.

If it comes to a life-or-death battle, given Gu Shaoan and Li Ruohai's strength, Song Yuanqiao and the others might not even be able to see clearly what they're doing.

However, since it is a friendly spar, it means that the two will not use their full strength, and their actions are more like an exchange of martial arts techniques.

Even Song Yuanqiao and the others were able to clearly see the process of the two fighting from the sidelines.

This is why, in the martial arts world, whenever masters spar, it is the best way for people to learn about martial arts by observing.

Moreover, they are top-notch experts like Gu Shaoan and Li Ruohai.

If they could observe and learn from this, it would be of great benefit to them.

Taking in the reactions of the people at the table, Gu Shaoan remained silent.

After toasting each of Song Yuanqiao and the others, he put down his wine cup and headed straight for the villa on the west side of Mount Da'e, which was to be used as their new home.

Inside the main house of the villa, red candles burned brightly, casting a warm glow that bathed the carefully arranged festive furnishings in a soft halo.

Upon entering the room, the air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood intertwined with the sweet fragrance of flowers and fruits, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, as if it were a completely different world from the hustle and bustle of the square outside.

Gu Shaoan stepped silently into the room, and the door behind him was gently closed by Bei Jinyi and Mei Jiangxue, cutting off all sounds from the outside.

As he took a few steps forward to the center of the room, Gu Shaoan's gaze fell upon the large wedding bed.

Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan sat upright on the edge of the bed, still maintaining their wedding posture. Their exquisitely embroidered red veils hung quietly, waiting for their husbands to lift them.

In this situation, even Gu Shaoan, who was usually calm and composed, was replaced by a more overwhelming warmth and expectation.

He stepped forward slowly and gently, as if afraid of disturbing this tranquil scene.

As he stood by the bedside, Gu Shaoan could clearly feel two pairs of eyes seemingly peering through the thin red silk, quietly falling upon him.

He stretched out his hands and gently grasped the lower edge of the veil hanging in front of the bride. With a slight force, the two red silk ribbons, like petals brushed by the evening breeze, gracefully and synchronously slid backward.

The candlelight, unobstructed, shone upon their two stunningly beautiful faces.

Zhou Zhiruo lowered her eyes slightly, her long, thick eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her jade-like cheeks.

Those eyes, clear as a cold pool, were now shimmering with light, reflecting the flickering candlelight and Gu Shaoan's figure. The coldness had faded, leaving only a tenderness and dependence that could almost drown a person.

The jade pendant between her eyebrows shimmered with light, making her skin appear even more radiant than snow, a sight that evoked pity in me.

Yang Yan boldly raised her head, her usually clever and lively almond-shaped eyes now filled with undisguised joy and shyness.

A blush spread across her bright face, like the finest rouge, making her look incredibly beautiful.

The pearl flowers and gold hairpins in her hair shimmered in the candlelight, but they couldn't compare to the starlight in her eyes.

Looking at the beautiful scenery before him, Gu Shaoan felt his breath catch slightly, as if his heart had been struck by something warm and full. The sudden throbbing made all the sounds around him, even the flow of time, blur and fade away. In his eyes and in his heart, there were only these two faces before him, breathtakingly beautiful under the red candlelight, and even more charming because of their shyness.

Immediately afterwards, a smile and deep tenderness spread across Gu Shaoan's eyes.

After setting the red silk aside, Gu Shaoan sat down between the two and asked, "Have you been waiting long?"

Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan gently shook their heads.

"With Junior Sister Yan'er by my side, it won't be boring."

Yang Yan nodded upon hearing this, her face full of excitement, showing no sign of boredom whatsoever.

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan flicked his long sleeves, causing the wine pot on the table inside to fly out in three streams of water that landed in the cups. Then, Gu Shaoan used Yin and Yang energies to draw the three wine cups back, suspending them in front of himself, Zhou Zhiruo, and Yang Yan respectively.

Seeing this, the two women understood Gu Shaoan's meaning perfectly.

Reaching out and grasping a wine glass, Gu Shaoan stood up and addressed the two women, saying, "For the rest of my life, I wish to stay by your side, my heart as one with yours, sharing the same joys and sorrows."

Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan exchanged a glance, then stood up together and shared a drink with Gu Shaoan.

But after the drink went down her throat, Yang Yan said, "I still thought that my senior brother called me junior sister."

Zhou Zhiruo, her face flushed like a peach blossom, said, "I also like it when my junior brother calls me senior sister."

In an instant, the brilliance of the room faded away, leaving only the exquisite red lantern with dragon and phoenix motifs on the bedside table, emitting a hazy, warm light.

The light suddenly dimmed, but this only made the atmosphere more intimate and tender, as if the whole world had shrunk into this space where light and shadow intertwined.

Just then, the red candle inside crackled softly, bursting into a happy flower shape, its flame flickering.

The candlelight flickered, and the silhouette on the screen moved slightly as Gu Shaoan spoke.

Gu Shaoan's internal energy surged, and a gentle yet refined palm wind silently blew out from his sleeve, lightly but precisely sweeping across the candlesticks throughout the room.

In an instant, the brilliance of the room gradually faded away.

Gu Shaoan has been diligently studying the Nine Yang Divine Skill for many years, and tonight he will finally have a chance to put it to use.

　Sorry, it's been under review for a long time. It's been cut from two chapters of over 8,000 words to now, and it's taken me more than two hours to finish. So for now, there's only one chapter! I'll owe you one more chapter and also sort out the plot of the later part of the story!

　
(End of this chapter)