After trying on the wedding clothes and making sure everything fit, the two of them headed home together.

They decided to return to their respective rooms for a while.

Just before parting, Xie Liufeng suddenly remembered something important and asked Chu Xinghui: “Where are the books?”

Chu Xinghui immediately understood which books he meant. Eagerly, he took them out of his storage bag and offered them to Xie Liufeng: “Do you want to read them?”

Xie Liufeng calmly took the few books from Chu Xinghui’s hand but then asked: “What about the rest?”

Chu Xinghui, being completely honest, replied: “I haven’t finished reading the others yet. I’ll give them to you once I’m done.”

Xie Liufeng: “…”

He couldn’t help but squeeze Chu Xinghui’s face in frustration.

He couldn’t believe it. After reading just a few books, Chu Xinghui was already learning how to undress. What on earth would he learn after finishing them all? He didn’t dare imagine it.

*

The day before their wedding, everything was nearly ready. Chu Xinghui wasn’t completely satisfied, so he did one final check, adjusting the last few details.

Xie Liufeng heard the noise and came out of his room to help.

However, as they worked, Xie Liufeng’s behavior became increasingly odd.

He began doing things like twisting the tassels of the decorations into braids and messing up the fruit platter—things that didn’t seem entirely normal.

Chu Xinghui, unable to keep track of everything, even saw Xie Liufeng reach for the wedding attire they were supposed to wear the next day.

He quickly grabbed Xie Liufeng’s hand, temporarily confiscating his right to touch anything.

Xie Liufeng, now with nothing to do, started following Chu Xinghui around.

Whenever Chu Xinghui went to the east side, Xie Liufeng followed. When he moved to the west side, Xie Liufeng followed again.

It was clear that something was off. Chu Xinghui couldn’t help but glance back at him several times.

Xie Liufeng looked at him, his expression completely innocent as he smiled.

…Though the smile was charming, Chu Xinghui still found him a little obstructive. So, he found a chair, placed it for Xie Liufeng, and shoved a black bird into his hands to keep him occupied and still.

The black bird was clearly confused about why it was involved in this situation and started struggling wildly.

Xie Liufeng glanced down at it, grabbed its wings, and held it still.

The bird stopped moving.

Xie Liufeng continued holding the black bird, his gaze still fixed on Chu Xinghui.

After a while, Xie Liufeng’s voice broke the silence, sounding almost wistful: “Tomorrow, we’re getting married.”

Chu Xinghui paused his movements, turning to look at him: “…Aren’t you getting married tomorrow too?”

Xie Liufeng pondered for a moment before nodding: “Right, I’m getting married tomorrow too.”

He suddenly realized: “Wow, we’re actually getting married on the same day. What a coincidence.”

He smiled softly, proud of the serendipity: “Guess we’re meant to be, getting married together!”

Chu Xinghui: “…”

He couldn’t help but wonder if, perhaps, getting married together was simply the way it was supposed to be. The two of them were always meant to be married to each other on the same day.

He scrutinized Xie Liufeng for a while, realizing that Xie Liufeng’s behavior today was rather unusual, and finally came to a conclusion: “Are you nervous?”

Xie Liufeng’s expression remained calm: “No, I’m not nervous.”

He had seen so much in his life, there was no way he’d be nervous over something like getting married.

As he thought this, he absentmindedly plucked a feather from the black bird.

The bird squawked in terror.

Xie Liufeng gently patted its head, then pulled another feather.

The bird, now thoroughly unhappy, stopped being afraid and desperately tried to break free from Xie Liufeng’s grasp. It flapped its wings, furiously trying to escape, its feathers in disarray as it rolled and scrambled away.

Xie Liufeng watched as the bird flew off with an expression of deep regret on his face.

Chu Xinghui: “…”

He temporarily set aside what he was doing and walked over to Xie Liufeng, who was sitting on a chair, looking up at him.

Chu Xinghui leaned down and kissed Xie Liufeng on the forehead.

Xie Liufeng blinked, still firm in his earlier claim: “I’m not nervous.”

Chu Xinghui kissed him again and, with a playful grin, lied: “But I am a little nervous.”

Xie Liufeng immediately wrapped his arms around Chu Xinghui’s waist and, after a moment of thought, seemed to let go of his own tension. He stood up and gently pushed Chu Xinghui back into his chair.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.

Chu Xinghui, now suspicious, grabbed his arm: “Where are you going?”

Was he running away from the wedding out of nervousness?

If he was going to flee, why couldn’t Chu Xinghui come along?

Xie Liufeng, with his usual calm tone, replied: “You rest. I’ll handle the rest.”

Chu Xinghui released him, watching as Xie Liufeng took charge, moving about busily. He quietly observed.

Meanwhile, the black bird, after gaining its freedom, circled and flew back, perched on a branch. It began to anxiously preen the missing feathers.

Chu Xinghui, feeling a bit bored, noticed the bird and grabbed it again.

Then he returned his focus to Xie Liufeng.

Tomorrow, they would get married.

It was… a little nerve-wracking.

Chu Xinghui now could understand why Xie Liufeng seemed off earlier.

While reflecting on this, he absentmindedly stroked the bird’s head and plucked another feather.

The black bird: “…”

Why did it have to be involved in all this?

Suddenly, Chu Xinghui felt the boundary around Qingjing Peak stir, signaling that someone had triggered the formation.

His friends could easily come through, but he wasn’t sure who it was this time.

Chu Xinghui reluctantly released the bird from his grasp and, after a brief exchange with Xie Liufeng, stood up to greet the visitor.

The black bird, relieved, flew off immediately and didn’t look back.

When Chu Xinghui opened the barrier, he saw a familiar figure waiting below.

It was Yue Yao, someone he hadn’t seen in quite a while.

Seeing her, Chu Xinghui became cautious and immediately reminded her: “We’re getting married tomorrow.”

Before Yue Yao could even force her polite smile, the words hit her unexpectedly. She blinked, confused, and replied: “I know.”

She had known all along about their relationship and their wedding. Her visit today was simply to attend the banquet. There was no need to remind her constantly.

She wasn’t one to be irritated easily, but still.

Chu Xinghui, ever watchful, made sure to clarify: “Cultivator Yue, I trust you’re not here to say anything inappropriate for our wedding day?”

Yue Yao paused for a moment, then casually blocked her face with her fan, giving him an exaggerated eye-roll. Her tone, however, remained friendly: “Seems like Cultivator Chu has some misunderstandings about me. I’m not one to ruin a joyous occasion with unpleasant words.”

Relieved that Yue Yao wasn’t here to stir trouble, Chu Xinghui decided to listen to her purpose: “Since you’re here, what is it that you want?”

Yue Yao shifted to the main point: “I heard that you’ve found the last sacrificial offering. Is it Qin Suyun?”

This was something they couldn’t hide, so Chu Xinghui nodded: “Indeed.”

Yue Yao’s face flickered with doubt.

Her expression was clear enough for Chu Xinghui to notice: “Is something wrong?”

Yue Yao paused, gently fanning herself for a moment: “The origin of her body… is somewhat special. It’s related to my master. If my master chose her, she shouldn’t have been selected as a sacrificial offering. Moreover, the soul within Qin Suyun, though suppressed by the Heavenly Dao, still possesses too much power. Using her as a sacrificial offering may not be very stable.”

Chu Xinghui furrowed his brows. Her words were becoming a bit cryptic.

Yue Yao furrowed her brows in thought, then suddenly looked up and carefully observed Chu Xinghui.

He instinctively took a cautious step back.

Yue Yao didn’t find anything unusual, so she simply shook her head and returned her gaze elsewhere.

Chu Xinghui continued to watch her.

But Yue Yao didn’t offer further explanation. Instead, she said: “Don’t worry, Cultivator Chu, there’s nothing wrong with you. I need to meet Qin Suyun and visit Master Fang. The rest… we can talk after your wedding ceremony.”

She smiled and politely bid him farewell: “I won’t keep you from preparing for tomorrow’s ceremony. Lastly, I wish both of you eternal happiness and harmony.”

Chu Xinghui found her words rather pleasant, and despite her strange riddles, he decided to overlook it. He gave her a polite farewell.

On the other side, Xie Liufeng had already checked everything needed for tomorrow and was now preparing dinner.

Though they had long passed the stage of needing to eat every day, whenever they had free time, Xie Liufeng enjoyed cooking a meal.

The most important thing was… tomorrow they were getting married. If he had nothing to do at the moment, he would feel a little anxious.

Chu Xinghui returned after seeing off the unexpected guest, only to find Xie Liufeng busy in the kitchen. He quietly walked over to help with the vegetables.

Xie Liufeng asked: “Who came? Why didn’t they come up?”

Chu Xinghui washed his hands and sat down beside him, answering: “It was Yue Yao.”

He relayed the conversation he had just had with Yue Yao.

Hearing about Yue Yao’s strange behavior, Xie Liufeng furrowed his brows and asked: “Is there something wrong with you?”

Chu Xinghui shook his head.

Xie Liufeng carefully examined him, confirming that everything seemed fine. He finally sighed in relief: “Let’s not worry about her for now. We’ll deal with it after tomorrow.”

Chu Xinghui agreed, nodding.

The two of them continued cooking.

Night had fallen.

Chu Xinghui stood up to light the lanterns.

The lanterns in the courtyard had just been replaced by Xie Liufeng, all bright red and filled with festive cheer.

He stared at the glowing lanterns for a while, feeling an unexpected sense of happiness rise within him.

Then he returned to the kitchen, glanced at the fish soup simmering in the pot, and asked: “Is it ready?”

Xie Liufeng replied: “Just a little longer.”

Chu Xinghui leaned closer: “I want to taste it.”

Xie Liufeng took a spoon and offered him a small taste.

Chu Xinghui leaned in, savoring the spoonful of soup, and seriously remarked: “It’s a bit bland.”

Xie Liufeng’s hand shook slightly, but he quickly withdrew the spoon and casually explained: “I haven’t added the salt yet.”

They were sitting too close.

Even though they had shared more intimate gestures before, with the festive red lanterns at the door, Xie Liufeng still felt a bit dazed. It was like he had suddenly become nervous again.

His heart was beating faster than usual. He had to do something to distract himself.

So, he busied himself with the fish soup.

Chu Xinghui watched Xie Liufeng’s hurried movements, then suddenly paused: “What are you putting in the pot?”

Xie Liufeng kept his expression calm: “Salt.”

Chu Xinghui leaned over him and tasted the soup again.

It was sweet.

He glanced at Xie Liufeng.

Xie Liufeng immediately realized something was off. He looked down at the ingredient he had just added and kept his expression as composed as ever: “It’s a new kind of salt. Doesn’t it taste a little sweet?”

Chu Xinghui: “…”

He looked at his partner, whose eyes were full of nervous anticipation, and reluctantly nodded.

 

Support translation: