Wandering Swordsman |

Seeing He Yun's resolute stance, Ouyang Song's heart tightened, and he hurriedly called out, "Yun'er, wait!" His voice echoed in the night, carrying a hint of urgency. He Yun and Zhao Xue stopped in their tracks and turned to look at Ouyang Song.

"Regarding this matter, the masters on Sect Leader Yang's side will help you clarify things." Ouyang Song's voice became gentle yet firm, as if conveying a silent support and trust.

Shan Qinxi seemed to understand the deeper meaning in Ouyang Song's words, a knowing glint in her eyes. She then interjected, "Fifth Brother, Fifth Sister-in-law, in my opinion, let's start preparing for Yun'er and Xiaoxue's wedding banquet now." Her smile was like the warm spring sun, bringing some warmth to the slightly tense atmosphere.

Hong Youquan chuckled and chimed in, "Sixth Sister is right. Third Brother, Fourth Brother, what do you think?" He looked around, his eyes full of anticipation, as if he could already see the joyous scene.

Wan Yingqiu nodded in agreement: "Since Yun'er has made up her mind, we as her masters shouldn't say anything more." His tone was calm, but his concern was self-evident.

Zuo Jin looked around at everyone and laughed loudly, "Haha, what's wrong with seeing Yun'er settle down and start a family as soon as possible?"

He Quanying listened to everyone's opinions, his throat moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but when he glanced at his wife's expression, his brows furrowed involuntarily, and he ultimately stopped himself from speaking. Pei's expression remained serious, but there was a hint of wavering in her eyes, clearly indicating that she was going through a fierce internal struggle.

Ouyang Song naturally noticed He Quanying's subtle actions, and with a slight smile, he said reassuringly, "Fifth Brother, Fifth Sister, don't worry about Headmaster Yang. As the saying goes, 'There's always a way out.' Let's make arrangements tonight and get Yun'er's marriage settled."

The room fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning to Madam Pei, awaiting her response. In the candlelight, Madam Pei's face appeared exceptionally complex; her gaze lingered on He Yun for a long time, as if trying to pierce through the mists of time to see her son's future figure.

Finally, Madam Pei nodded gently. The gesture, though small, was like the first ray of sunlight at dawn, dispelling all the gloom. Looking at the resolute figure at the door, she felt a mix of emotions, as if if she didn't agree, she would lose her son forever. At that moment, the relationship between mother and son needed no words; everything was understood without being spoken.

"Alright," Pei's voice was gentle yet firm, "let's do as everyone says."

Upon hearing his mother's reply, He Yun's eyes instantly welled up with tears of emotion. He held Zhao Xue's hand tightly, as if trying to convey this hard-won understanding and love to her.

......

The winter sun sets early behind the western mountains, and as darkness falls, by 3:45 PM, the banquet at the Sword Tomb is almost finished.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the corners of the room. Although the banquet was held rather suddenly, and only a few disciples from the Sword Tomb were seated there, the atmosphere was not cold; instead, it was filled with warmth and anticipation.

In the room of Shan Qinxi, one of the Six Swordsmen, a warm oil lamp cast a soft glow, illuminating a tranquil scene: Shan Qinxi sat before a dressing table, a delicate wooden comb in her hand, gently combing Zhao Xue's long, glossy black hair. Outside, a cold wind howled, but inside, all was quiet and harmonious.

Zhao Xue asked softly, "Sixth Master, I haven't spent much time with Brother Yun. Could you please tell me what Brother Yun's hobbies are like?"

Shan Qinxi's hands did not stop moving; her eyes were gentle and deep, as if she were recalling the past. "Yun'er has always been a sensible child since he was little." Her voice was low and gentle. "In all his life, except for this time when he secretly ran away, he has never left the Sword Tomb even half a step."

Shan Qinxi put down the wooden comb, turned around to face Zhao Xue, and her eyes were filled with emotion. "Perhaps it was because his parents and us, his teachers, were too strict with him and placed high hopes on him from a young age. When teaching him martial arts, we rarely mentioned the affairs of the martial world, which made him full of curiosity about the outside world, so much so that he secretly ran away from us."

She sighed and continued, "During the time Yun'er was away from the Sword Tomb, not only his parents but also we, his masters, worried every day, fearing that he might encounter trouble because he was unaware of the dangers of the outside world. However, it wasn't until Yun'er brought you back to the Sword Tomb that I realized—the martial world should be explored by you young people yourself. Too much interference from us older generation may not be a good thing."

Zhao Xue was filled with gratitude upon hearing Shan Qinxi's words. She said in a low voice, "Sixth Master, I am ashamed to say that I was tricked by human traffickers when I first entered the martial arts world. Fortunately, Brother Yun came to my aid, otherwise I don't know what would have happened."

Shan Qinxi patted Zhao Xue's hand, her eyes full of understanding and sympathy: "Xiao Xue, you don't need to blame yourself too much. Everyone goes through hardships in growing up. The important thing is that you can learn from them and become stronger. Besides, having Yun'er by your side is the best arrangement of fate."

The two smiled at each other, their hearts drawing even closer. During the few remaining moments of dressing time, Zhao Xue and Shan Qinxi had a heart-to-heart talk, from their hopes for the future to their reflections on the past. Each topic helped them understand each other better, and for a moment, the room was filled with an indescribable understanding and warmth.

......

"The auspicious hour has arrived. The newlyweds shall begin their ceremony. First bow to Heaven and Earth, second bow to their parents..." The voice of the officiating disciple echoed through the hall of the Sword Tomb, solemn and dignified. The flickering candlelight illuminated faces filled with blessings and anticipation. He Yun and Zhao Xue stood side by side, following the officiant's guidance, completing their bows to Heaven and Earth and their parents.

After the ceremony, Shan Qinxi gently took Zhao Xue's hand and led her towards the inner room. "Ah Xue, let me take you to the bridal chamber first, and then I'll help you tidy up." Shan Qinxi's voice was gentle as water, and her movements were soft, as if she were afraid of disturbing this rare tranquility. Zhao Xue nodded slightly, a faint blush rising on her face, looking both shy and happy.

Meanwhile, He Yun walked to the table and sat down with his masters and fellow disciples. The table was laden with sumptuous food and fine wine, and everyone raised their glasses in celebration, their laughter filling the air. He Yun picked up his wine bowl and, with a beaming smile, toasted everyone: "Thank you for your blessings, masters and fellow disciples. It is truly my great fortune to be able to marry Ah Xue today."

Just as everyone was immersed in joy and the atmosphere was lively, a loud, slightly angry voice suddenly came from outside the door, breaking the harmony: "What a wedding banquet! Why didn't they invite this old man to attend?"