If it weren’t for this plan, she probably wouldn’t have been able to meet Lu Chengsha.
Since then, he had vanished without a trace, no news, and no one could find him.
Although Hua Yan had made up her mind, she still felt very unreliable. She hesitated anxiously, “Is this really okay? What if… what if he doesn’t come?”
Xie Yingxian was much calmer than her. He folded his sleeves and said, “The message has already been sent. It’s too late for you to regret it now.”
Alright then.
“But what if…” Hua Yan couldn’t help but ask again.
Xie Yingxian lazily smiled, “Since you’ve already made the decision, why hesitate? You don’t have any better options anyway—might as well go all in.”
He was right.
But right or not, seeing the whole sect cheerfully preparing for her and Xie Yingxian’s wedding, Hua Yan still felt like she couldn’t face it.
To prevent the news from leaking, only Hua Yan, Xie Yingxian, and a few others knew the wedding was fake. Most of the sect believed they were truly getting married and sent gifts and blessings, celebrating as if it were New Year’s.
Everywhere Hua Yan went, she was greeted with congratulations. Even a few elders seemed deeply relieved, as if they believed this internal resolution was the best outcome.
Elder Qu stroked his beard, his eyes slightly red, and said, “If your mother were alive, she would be very pleased.”
Her mother would indeed be pleased, but if she knew it was a fake marriage, that might not be the case!
Hua Yan thought guiltily.
Xie Yingxian even had people spread the news far and wide to ensure it reached the entire martial world as quickly as possible.
Within a few days, everyone knew that the demoness who once defied the entire Tingjian Manor for Lu Chengsha, and was eventually expelled from her sect, was going to marry the Demon Sect Leader in half a month. The date was clearly written, and they boldly invited everyone to the Demon Sect’s headquarters to witness the ceremony.
This truly left everyone flabbergasted.
It was as if they were publicly declaring that the demoness’ feelings for Lu Chengsha were just a game. Many even recalled the scene when the Demon Sect Leader came to rescue her during the fiery destruction of Tingjian Manor… making the situation even more intriguing.
This matter quickly became the talk of the entire world, with Dongfeng Buye Tower publishing a special character review, rushing it to print, and selling it in every Dongfeng Buye Tower inn. It sold out within half a day.
After selling out, people who couldn’t get a copy were willing to pay a high price for it.
Indeed, the skill of the writer is truly remarkable. They managed to turn a straightforward character biography into a legendary tale of tragic love and conflict between Lu Chengsha of Tingjian Manor, the demoness of Tiancan Sect, and the Sect Leader of Tiancan Sect. This level of skill is comparable to that of the master of Chengfeng Hall who wrote “The Tale of the Righteous Hero.” Many female heroes in the martial world were moved to tears and couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for the missing Lu Chengsha.
Other sects wouldn’t send congratulatory gifts, and attending the ceremony was merely a formality, but all that was needed was to spread the news.
Hua Yan took out the bright red wedding dress her mother had prepared for her, tried it on, and donned the phoenix crown and ceremonial robes. She spun around in front of the bronze mirror; the dress was still quite beautiful. She had originally thought she would never have the chance to wear it in this lifetime, but now… well, having the opportunity was better than not.
As the days passed, and the night before the wedding arrived without any movement, Hua Yan began to doubt whether their message had been effectively spread and if the date had been properly announced.
Early in the morning, Hua Yan had dark circles from waiting anxiously and frequently sent people to check if there was any commotion outside the sect.
The messenger disciple, thinking she was worried about potential disruptions, promptly reassured her, “Holy Maiden, rest assured! If anyone dares to disrupt your wedding with the Sect Leader, I will stop them even at the cost of my life!”
Hua Yan: “…” You’ve misunderstood my concern!
But she held back and didn’t say anything.
The situation had indeed become rather difficult to manage. Ning Yin used a boiled egg to help reduce the swelling around Hua Yan’s eyes and assisted her with her makeup, styling her hair with swift and skillful hands. Having disguised herself for years, Ning Yin was very adept. She even cheerfully remarked while applying the makeup, “If that person doesn’t come… Holy Maiden, why not just marry our Sect Leader instead? Why bother with him!”
Hua Yan shuddered and said, “No way!”
Ning Yin asked curiously, “Why not? What’s wrong with our Sect Leader?”
Hua Yan, speechless, replied, “It’s not about something being wrong! It’s… we don’t love each other, so how could we possibly get married!”
If it were before she met Lu Chengsha, it wouldn’t have mattered. She didn’t think there was any problem with her engagement to Yu Ye. But after experiencing true love, she found everyone else inadequate.
No matter how good others were, if they weren’t him, it wouldn’t work.
Moreover, she and Xie Yingxian were too familiar with each other, almost to the point of feeling like incest. This plan wasn’t about randomly picking someone to marry; it needed to be convincing and impactful. Additionally, this matter was rather risky, and turning it into a farce would be embarrassing. Future marriages might also face criticism. Xie Yingxian, however, had agreed wholeheartedly. He had no intention of marrying, so he didn’t mind at all.
“Alright then…” Ning Yin said regretfully, “Holy Maiden, why don’t you like our Sect Leader?”
Hua Yan couldn’t possibly explain that she liked someone who was upright, serious, stubborn, and… very pure-hearted!
However, at this moment, Xie Yingxian seemed to be having some regrets as well.
He finally couldn’t continue wearing his comfortable, lightweight, and stain-resistant gray robe and was forced to change into a bright red groom’s wedding outfit. Hua Yan was stunned when she saw him.
She was used to seeing Xie Yingxian in his lazy and casual manner, and it was the first time she saw him in red. He had always looked like a fox with his thin lips and narrow eyes, his features wickedly handsome. Normally, his disheveled appearance masked his charm, but now, dressed in this wedding outfit embroidered with golden clouds and waves, with two crimson and gold sashes hanging from his waist, he truly looked wickedly imposing, fitting the role of a Demon Sect Leader.
But someone had also placed a large red flower ball on Xie Yingxian’s chest, which made Hua Yan burst into laughter.
Xie Yingxian looked like he wanted to take it off, clearly finding it burdensome, but he didn’t move. Leaning against the wall, he said, “I didn’t realize it would be this troublesome.”
Hua Yan replied, “This is already simplified! All you did was change your clothes!”
Xie Yingxian said, “Troublesome… Why hasn’t he come yet?”
Hua Yan, reminded by him, also pouted and said, “How would I know…” She began to feel uneasy again, “What if he didn’t receive the message, or couldn’t make it in time, or…”
Xie Yingxian, holding a corner of the red flower ball, said calmly, “Then he doesn’t need to come.”
The message had been out for more than half a month; there was plenty of time to come.
If he still didn’t want to come, it meant he had indeed given up.
Hua Yan had been laughing, but soon her face was devoid of any smile, replaced by waves of nervousness and worry. Just as she was thinking, the red veil hanging from her waist was pulled off by Xie Yingxian and placed on her head, covering her worried face. He said, “Don’t think about it. Worrying won’t help.”
But Hua Yan couldn’t help but clench her fingers.
She was very scared.
Scared that if Lu Chengsha didn’t come, if he truly remained indifferent to her marrying someone else, what would she do?
Even though she was scared, the wedding had to start.
Their sect was used to doing things casually; weddings never had complicated rituals—just the simplest steps of welcoming the bride, bowing to heaven and earth, and having a banquet. The process was quick, but Hua Yan now wished it would go as slowly as possible…
Somehow, they had found a bridal sedan chair, and Hua Yan was carried from her courtyard to the main hall of the Zhengyi Sect in it.
When she got out, she became even more anxious, almost losing her footing. Xie Yingxian supported her and said in a somewhat helpless tone, “You don’t need to be like this…” He sounded very unconcerned, “If he doesn’t come, you can just marry someone else.”
It’s not that simple.
This man really understands nothing!
As Hua Yan thought this, she was led by Xie Yingxian into the main hall. Through the edge of her veil, she could see the elders of the Zhengyi Sect seated around the hall. The scale of this ceremony was overwhelming, and she was truly terrified!
The people around her, unaware of the truth, were still uttering auspicious words.
Someone sang out loudly, “…First bow to heaven and earth.”
Why were they starting the bowing so quickly!
Hua Yan stood there, gritting her teeth, hesitant. She didn’t move, and Xie Yingxian didn’t move either. At that moment, a disciple suddenly ran in from outside and exclaimed, “Bad news, there’s, there’s…”
Her eyes brightened instantly!
Unfortunately, before the disciple could finish, someone interrupted, “It’s an auspicious time now, whatever it is, say it later!”
“But…”
Let him speak!
However, even though he didn’t finish, shouts and screams erupted outside. Even the elders in the hall stood up in confusion. Amidst the chaos, someone shouted, “Lu Chengsha… he’s here, fighting his way in!”
***
Outside the Zhengyi Sect’s main base, the guarding disciples thought they were seeing things. But that figure in black, with a wide, dark sword that looked like night itself, was unmistakably the familiar and terrifying Lu Chengsha!
Relying on his superior lightness skills, he stepped directly onto the city wall.
His face was expressionless, cold as ice and frost, emanating a chilling murderous intent and an aura of impending doom. Although his sword was cracked and covered with deep fissures, it still seemed intent on claiming lives.
The guarding disciples immediately felt their lives were in danger.
But with one step, Lu Chengsha moved like lightning, flashing past them, hurrying inside without even sparing a glance.
Today was supposed to be a joyous day; the Zhengyi Sect was adorned with lanterns and streamers, red silk hung everywhere, and the character for “double happiness” was ubiquitous. Red carpets seemed to lead the way to the main hall.
“Stop him…!”
“He must be here to disrupt the Holy Maiden and Sect Leader’s wedding! Don’t let him through!”
“Go report this immediately!”
Lu Chengsha pressed his lips tightly together, never before had he felt such panic and turmoil.
From the moment he received the news, he found it unbearable.
At that time, Lu Chengsha overheard people discussing the wedding between the demoness and the sect leader while sitting on a rooftop. At first, he didn’t realize they were talking about her. When he did, he froze, his heart sinking as if plunged into an icy abyss. He sat there, motionless and silent, for two whole hours.
He didn’t speak or make a sound.
He didn’t even know what he was thinking, only that he felt extremely uncomfortable.
So uncomfortable that it was almost hard to breathe.
All the injuries he had sustained in his life combined did not compare to the pain he felt at that moment. She was going to marry someone else—she was going to bind herself to someone else, intertwine her fate with theirs, and spend her life with them.
She had given up on him.
Even though they had once secretly made a promise to each other, she had never taken it seriously—always saying it didn’t count.
He couldn’t blame her. Since they could never see each other again in this life, it was natural for her to choose someone else.
It was normal, but Lu Chengsha couldn’t bear it.
Every moment felt like excruciating torture.
By the time he came to his senses, he was already on horseback, heading toward the Demon Sect.
At this moment, no one could stop Lu Chengsha. It seemed he had traveled tirelessly through the night, still covered in dust, his hair disheveled and messy around his temples. His presence was imposing, ignoring all obstacles as he made his way into the main hall.
The elders in the hall had already drawn their weapons, and Elder Qu, his eyes nearly popping out of his head, was ready to attack.
Only today’s groom, Xie Yingxian, remained calm, stopping the others and addressing Lu Chengsha, “What are you here for?”
Lu Chengsha immediately saw the red clothes on Xie Yingxian and the veiled woman beside him, dressed in red and holding his hand. He remembered how she had once shyly asked him to lift her veil, her cheeks blushing. But now, she stood beside another man.
The scene was unbearably piercing, and Lu Chengsha felt his heart wrench in pain—worse than before.
Hua Yan knew Lu Chengsha had arrived and wanted to lift her veil and rush to him immediately. However, Xie Yingxian held her back, sending a voice transmission, “Wait a moment.”
“What’s the matter?”
Xie Yingxian transmitted back, “He’s here. What’s the rush? Just wait a little longer.”
The hall fell into silence as Lu Chengsha said, “…She cannot marry you.” His voice was deep and solemn, each word spoken with great difficulty.
Xie Yingxian smiled and replied, “Why not? Young Hero Lu, you and our young lady have already parted ways. You have no ties to each other, so what right do you have to interfere? Today is our joyful day. If you have come to congratulate us, the Zhengyi Sect welcomes all. We won’t turn you away.”
Lu Chengsha, faced with Xie Yingxian’s smiling face, felt an overwhelming urge to act, but when he turned and saw the motionless woman in the red wedding dress, he found himself unable to move.
She hadn’t reacted.
Maybe she hadn’t expected him to come, and didn’t want him to ruin things.
Silent, with his heart aching even more, Lu Chengsha couldn’t explain or understand why he was there. It felt like the world didn’t need him, and neither did she.
Every moment seemed to stretch endlessly.
Lu Chengsha lowered his gaze, and just when everyone thought he wouldn’t make a move, he suddenly shot toward the bride like an arrow released from a bow.
“Watch out!”
“What is he doing…!”
Before the screams had died down, Lu Chengsha had already grabbed the veiled bride, leaping upwards and crashing through the roof, bursting out into the open.
The roof tiles and debris fell around Lu Chengsha, but not a single piece touched Hua Yan.
At this moment, Hua Yan was stunned.
She hadn’t expected Lu Chengsha to grab her without a word and run!
This bridal abduction was too straightforward and rough.
Pursuers were shouting behind them, “Put down our Holy Maiden,” and “Stop, you rogue from the righteous path.”
Hua Yan ignored them, even adjusting her position to be more comfortable in Lu Chengsha’s arms. His speed was so fast that the fierce wind kept lifting her veil, so she tore it off, finally seeing Lu Chengsha’s face.
She had made countless excuses, but in the end, she just simply wanted to see him.
However, the next moment, when she met Lu Chengsha’s eyes, she was stunned. His eyes were bloodshot, and it seemed like even his entire eye sockets were red.
Lu Chengsha averted his gaze, not daring to look at her.
He was sure she would be furious, but he couldn’t care anymore.
—Maybe she didn’t need him, but he needed her very much. Lu Chengsha had never realized so strongly that he truly, desperately, wanted her.
“…What’s wrong with you?” Hua Yan couldn’t help but ask, her fingers reaching to touch Lu Chengsha’s cheek.
Her voice was so… gentle.
Lu Chengsha’s eyes reddened even more, affecting his speed.
Hua Yan noticed that Lu Chengsha was running in a rather haphazard manner, so she pointed him in the right direction.
Feeling a mix of guilt and sympathy for him, she couldn’t help but confess, “Actually, you don’t need to be so upset. My wedding with… the Sect Leader is fake. It’s not real. You’ve run quite far, it’ll be troublesome to get back later.”
Lu Chengsha abruptly turned his head.
“I’m really happy you came. I was worried about what I’d do if you didn’t…”
Lu Chengsha froze completely at her words.
Hua Yan kissed him on the cheek and said, “I don’t want to marry him. I only want to marry you.”
Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly felt her body lighten.
Lu Chengsha had fallen from the sky.