Hei Lin San Sect .....Outside the Main Gate
The entire sect was in motion. Families and disciples bustled about, loading their belongings into carriages. Some were double-checking their luggage to ensure nothing was forgotten, while others were calling out for their children. What was once a solemn, quiet atmosphere had now transformed into a lively chorus, as though countless morning birds had awakened together, filling the air with their melodious song.
Carriages lined the path.....some had already departed, while others still awaited their turn. Among the last to leave was the carriage belonging to Master Lee Wen and his wife. Today marked their final day in Hei Lin San Sect.
Master Lee Wen's eyes brimmed with tears, his heart weighed heavy with sorrow. His wife remained close, offering him comfort and support. For it was this sacred place that had given them refuge when they were exiled from Xuemo Sect. To leave now felt as if they were abandoning a piece of their very soul. Yet, amidst the grief, there lingered a quiet peace....for they were finally returning to the land of their ancestors.
It had all begun on the day when Master Ren Zhou and Lady Mei Ying had returned from Langshan Sect, carrying with them a scroll. Upon it was written the decree that reinstated their rightful place. The scroll bore the seals of none other than Yu Sui and Mo Yan.
Before departing, Master Lee Wen and his wife stood at the great gates of Hei Lin San Sect one last time. With solemn reverence, they bowed their heads deeply in respect, and then turned to embark on their journey.
Within two days, Hei Lin San Sect was fully absorbed into Xuemo Sect. They were not alone.....Fuzi Xion Clan, Linyan Clan, Meilan Clan, and Yanlog Clan too had all become part of Xuemo Sect. The ancient knowledge of Hei Lin San Sect was also enshrined as part of the Legacy of Peach Blossom, preserved with honor.
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Two Months Later – Xuemo Sect
The season of peaches had returned. Warm winds caressed the land, and the air was rich with fragrance. The skies were bright, the markets overflowing with life. Stalls brimmed with wares as countless people hurried about, yet today the crowd was even greater than usual.
An auspicious festival had been declared. People from across Xuemo Sect and Langshan Sect gathered together for a grand and sacred occasion. An event awaited with great anticipation.....especially by two souls who had long yearned for this day.
It was none other than the Zhaio Sko Ceremony.....the binding of two souls. And the ones to be bound were Su Nian and Duie, whose wedding was but two days away.
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Within the grand guest hall, nobles and sect leaders had gathered.
King Lao Duan of Duan Sect
King Yin Fengxian of Fengxian Sect
King Su Nian of Nian Sect
King Duie of Zhiang Sect
Lady Duan Shou, leader of Langshan Sect
High King Mo Yan of Xuemo Sect
And at the head of all...The Great High King Yu Sui, ruler above rulers.
At the grand table, Yu Sui sat first, with Mo Yan beside him. Mo Yan's lips curved into an unceasing smile, for today he and Yu Sui themselves sat as a pair. Both wore identical talismans upon their foreheads.....the very same as those from their own wedding. Upon their sides rested the twin swords, gifted to them long ago by Hei Lin San Sect. Crowns adorned their hair, and both were robed in matching scarlet, radiant and divine.
The others joined them at the vast banquet table, where laughter flowed as they playfully teased Su Nian and Duie.
Meanwhile, little Wuzu had fallen asleep, head resting on Lao Duan's shoulder, drunk for the first time in her life. Wey Xiong sat nervously nearby, shivering, for beside him was Su Ri Zhen, who relentlessly teased him.
Outside, preparations were overseen by Master Ren Zhou, Lady Mei Ying, Master Chang Shi, Master Zu Gushion, and Master Lee Wen. The air resounded with chants, drums, and the sacred rituals of marriage. Even Zen and Zee aided, their hands busy yet hearts filled with joy.
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Two Days Later – The Wedding
The great drums thundered. The crowds gathered in reverence, adorned in festive robes. The five sacred rituals were carried out with utmost devotion, one by one, beneath the eyes of heaven and earth.
Mo Yan and Yu Sui stood behind the couple, their twenty disciples lined neatly behind them, unmoving as statues. Each wore crimson garments, their eyes burning with reverence.
Mo Yan and Yu Sui, hand in hand, gazed at Su Nian and Duie. Their silent smiles carried the deepest of blessings. It was as though no words were needed...the warmth in their eyes said it all. Today, seeing Su Nian and Duie united, they felt whole again, their own hearts echoing with fulfillment.
As the sun set, dusk wrapped the world in soft hues. The celebrations stilled, and the sect quieted beneath the silver glow of the moon.
Inside Su Nian's chamber, the newlyweds sat together. Clad in scarlet, talismans resting upon the table alongside their twin swords, they gazed into each other's eyes.
A sacred ritual awaited them tonight...one performed only by wedded pairs. It was first carried out long ago by Master Jayong and Master Ming Jing Men, and passed down as tradition.
The room was hushed....so silent that the sound of their breathing seemed to echo.
Su Nian leaned closer, his voice soft, his question carrying the first words of the rite:
"Duie… if a rose were placed before you, which part would you choose.....the flower, or the leaves?"
Duie leaned into him, lips brushing against his ear as he whispered, voice tender enough to make even Su Nian's soul tremble and embrace him.
"The flower."
And with that single word, Duie drew Su Nian into his arms. That night, their breaths mingled like fragrance carried on the wind. Their souls entwined, their bodies uniting as one.
No shame. No barrier.
Only two souls, wholly devoted, finding eternity within each other's embrace.