Weapon seller in the world of magic-Chapter 717: The Wedding (Part-2)

The drums rolled gently, and the pavilion doors opened.

Lan Xia stepped out, supported on both sides by her attendants.

A path of red silk had been laid from the Phoenix Pavilion to the Grand Ancestral Courtyard, where the joining ceremony would take place.

As she walked, numerous disciples gathered along the sides, whispering their awe. Even the elders straightened their robes when the bride passed by, their expressions softening in respect.

Prince Zetian watched silently, his calm expression giving away nothing, while the Fifth Prince raised an eyebrow, perhaps making quiet comparisons, perhaps plotting something deeper.

The two processions moved slowly toward the ancestral courtyard from opposite directions.

Mark’s procession turned the corner of the lotus pond just as Lan Xia’s reached the far end of the red carpet.

When Mark saw her figure moving under the veil, his steps slowed for a heartbeat. He didn’t know whether it was because she looked delicate, beautiful, or simply because this was the first time he truly saw her as a bride.

Lan Xia, unable to see him through the veil but sensing his gaze on her, felt her heartbeat quicken. Her feet nearly paused, but her attendants gently guided her forward.

When the two stood face to face, the elders and guests fell silent. Even the imperial envoys watched intently.

The ceremonial officiant spoke loudly, "Today, before Heaven, Earth, Ancestors, and the witnesses from all realms, the Patriarch of the Ancient Lan Clan and Sect Master of the Ancient Lan Sect, Lan Zhen, takes Lan Xia as his wife."

Mark extended his hand toward her. Lan Xia hesitated only for a moment before placing her hand in his, her fingers cold with nerves. He tightened his hold gently, reassuringly, and she felt warmth rush into her chest.

"Bow to Heaven and Earth!"

Both lowered deeply, the entire courtyard echoing with the rustling of robes and murmurs of reverence.

"Bow to the Ancestors!"

Mark and Lan Xia bowed again toward the towering ancestral tablets and the statue of the first Sect Founder. Frost and Pyro watched from behind the formation, their expressions strangely solemn.

"And now... bow to each other!"

Lan Xia lowered her head deeply, her red veil swaying softly, while Mark’s eyes remained fixed on her for a full heartbeat longer than necessary before he bowed as well.

Finally...

"From this day forth, husband and wife!"

A wave of cheers erupted through the estate, disciples clapping, drummers beating their drums louder, banners fluttering wildly as cultivators released harmless bursts of spiritual light into the sky. Fireworks crafted from ice crystals exploded above, creating shimmering frost flowers that drifted down like snow.

Mark exhaled slowly. Lan Xia lowered her veil a fraction to peek at him, but before she could lift it fully, Yuxuan stepped forward with a smile and gently pulled the veil up.

Mark’s eyes met Lan Xia’s clearly for the first time as bride and groom. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips trembling slightly, and his expression softened completely.

"Let’s go," he whispered to her, barely audible.

Lan Xia nodded quietly, her heart pounding as they walked together toward the wedding banquet, unaware of the many gazes, supportive, jealous, calculating, that followed them.

*

The lanterns in the banquet hall glowed with gentle azure light, illuminating the carved ice pillars and shimmering crystal decorations that had been arranged specifically for the grand wedding.

Musicians played soft string melodies, and the fragrance of spirit wine drifted through the air.

Tables were lined with immortal delicacies and rare beast meats, the aromas mixing into a festive scent that made even guests from rival clans relax their shoulders.

At the entrance, Mark and Lan Xia stood together, welcoming every important guest with a smile.

Lan Xia’s shy joy was obvious; her cheeks remained faintly flushed all the way to her ears beneath the subtle wedding makeup.

Mark wasn’t far behind; whenever he looked at her, he found himself unable to hide a small smile. There wasn’t love in his gaze, but enough affection still there.

Meanwhile, Shang Jiao stood beside them with a storage ring specifically prepared for the gifts. She handled each treasure calmly, though she glanced at her brother every now and then, her eyes sparkling with happiness for him.

Guests came one after another. The leader of Cold Moon Valley presented a Frost Lotus that could extend life by fifty years.

The leader of Iron Forge Mountain gifted a divine-grade hammer.

The Starfall Sect Master offered a rare cosmic stone.

But every time Mark glanced at these items with his "Eyes of God," he placed them into Shang Jiao’s hands without hesitation. Weapons, pills, talismans, none of them stirred his interest.

And then...

A commotion rippled through the entrance because of the arrival of the imperial envoys.

The eunuch stepped forward in elegant robes embroidered with golden dragons, bowing deeply before unrolling the imperial scroll with both hands. His voice rang loud and clear:

"By decree of His Majesty, Emperor of Heavenly Ocean Empire, on this auspicious day, the Emperor bestows his blessing upon Lan Xia and Lan Zhen.

May their union be prosperous, their future bright, and their bond unbreakable."

Guests bowed automatically. Lan Xia lowered her head respectfully. Mark offered a polite nod, but his expression did not reveal a single emotion.

Then the eunuch stepped aside, and the Fifth Prince emerged with a smile that seemed both warm and calculating.

"Patriarch Lan," he greeted, raising a jade box. "This is a divine treasure gifted by the Imperial Family. A Star Tortoise."

Mark accepted the box and his "Eyes of God" quietly activated.

Star Tortoise

Grade: Celestial

Effect: On equipped on one’s body, at the behest of its user, the treasure can use natural energy from the surrondings and conjure a defensive barrier over them, capable of blocking any attack under 14.0 stats. No Cost. No cooldown.

Note: Wearing it would reduce the bearer’s speed drastically by 90%.

*

"Hmm... I guess this would be useful for Song Yue..." He thought.

The prince’s eyes sparkled as if expecting gratitude or shock. However, Mark simply smiled and handed the jade box to Shang Jiao as if he wasn’t much impressed or surprised by such a present. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will cherish the Emperor’s thoughtfulness."

A faint stiffness tugged at the prince’s smile when he saw Mark’s reaction.

Regardless, he reached into his sleeve again and pulled out another scroll, this one wrapped elegantly in black silk.

"This," he said, "is a treasured painting from Lord Hei Zhenyu. He deeply regrets being unable to attend today. Hence, he asked me to deliver it personally."

Mark unfurled the painting. It wasn’t actually big. If anything, it was small, just about 70x50cm. But when Mark inspected it, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw the image of a shield. It wasn’t a painting but a skill scroll.

The Skill Scroll

Grade: N/A

Effect: A one-time use scroll that will unleash a defensive skill and cover the user with an energy shield. It was capable of blocking any attack under 15.3 stats.

Note: Binding with the soul will automatically make the skill release when the attack carries the power of atleast 14.0 stats.

"So, he was just worried about me being assassinated, huh. I guess I can give it to Lan Xia, instead..."

Mark accepted it, this time with more of a genuine smile. The prince’s eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, as if irritated that Mark preferred Hei Zhenyu’s one-time scroll to the Imperial Palace’s treasure.

But he didn’t comment.

Instead, he took out a third scroll, sealed with the imperial crest.

"This," the Fifth Prince continued, "is a private message from His Majesty for you. I wished to give it tomorrow, but unfortunately, I will not be present for the peace negotiations. My nephew will represent the Imperial Family instead to communicate with the palace."

As Mark raised his head properly to look at the young man standing behind the Fifth Prince, Lei Zetian stepped forward with calm steps. He bowed deeply and cupped his fists.

"Greetings, Patriarch Lan. I am Lei Zetian."

His voice held confidence without arrogance. But what caught Mark’s attention was not the greeting; it was his mask. It by itself, a celestial-grade treasure, blocking his Eyes of God skill.

Mark narrowed his eyes slightly, not out of hostility, but in silent curiosity. Zetian, however, maintained an innocent smile. Mark gave a nod.

The princes then entered the banquet hall, followed by the eunuch and the 13-circle guard, as strong as any grand elder or sect leader present here. Only Lan Yujin and the two divine beasts are on a higher realm than this imperial guard, who is neither a general nor an official.

Meanwhile, Mark placed the sealed imperial scroll into his inventory, deciding to read it later in private.

Around them, the hall began to fill with conversations, spirit wine cups clinking lightly as guests took their seats.

Lan Xia leaned closer, whispering softly, "I didn’t expect the Emperor to send such gifts... It’s a good thing right?"