Chapter 1335: Preparing for the Wedding
The mourning event in Ru Yu Village was over, but the feast still commenced, making the village burst with excitement, akin to a victory banquet. Lin Nuo even gave a speech.
This was something quite explosive in the grand scheme of history.
Everyone was unaware of what Lin Nuo had truly experienced; they only knew he had survived thanks to the Demon Star preserving his last sliver of soul, allowing him to live on. It was this hidden soul that none of the physicians, including Liu Shuqin, could detect.
Yet, Liu Shuqin had a faint feeling that Lin Nuo had witnessed something during his brush with death.
Something about himself, something about reincarnation.
However, Lin Nuo chose not to divulge everything. After all, everyone has secrets they’re unwilling to share.
Regardless, Lin Nuo’s return to life was a monumental blessing.
According to the customs of Ru Yu Village, holding a mourning event for someone who isn’t actually dead is considered highly inauspicious, necessitating a joyful event to offset it.
It’s a case of a joyful event countering the mourning, bringing back the good vibes.
But Lin Nuo firmly pointed out that this was mere feudal superstition; if it really worked, people would be praying to gods and Buddha all day long—no one would have to work hard.
The main question was, why should heaven protect you?
Of course, Xia Hanmo’s intention was clear; it wasn’t just about countering the mourning with a joyful event, but it was mainly about the joyful event.
That joyful event being marriage.
With Lin Nuo’s laid-back demeanor, it was about time he settled down; he couldn’t keep being a lone wolf forever. Having a family means taking on responsibilities.
And with so many daughters-in-law candidates around, if news broke about a wedding tomorrow, they surely wouldn’t refuse.
“Nuo’er, surviving such a calamity must mean great fortune. It’s essential to use a joyful event to counter this. Look at these young ladies; which one catches your fancy? I must admit, I forgot to inquire about their thoughts beforehand. I heard Miss Luo is still a princess of the former emperor. Alas, if only you two were in love; merely throwing a banquet in Ru Yu Village wouldn’t be enough for such an occasion.”
“Having just wrapped up the mourning event, jumping straight into a wedding feels quite odd.”
Lin Nuo grumbled, having unconsciously devoured a chicken leg and emptied a large bottle of chilled water beside him.
Planning a wedding means dealing with neighbors and all that; it’s much better to enjoy someone else’s ceremony where you can just chip in and eat.
“It’s not strange; it’s perfect timing. You see, these ladies are in their prime; they’re willing to join you in life and death. Not giving them a chance seems rather unreasonable.”
“I never said I wouldn’t.”
“Then let’s start preparing for the wedding. Getting ready takes a lot of effort, and we need to communicate with the families involved. Sigh, what about the Lin family…?”
“Though my surname is Lin, I’m no longer part of the Lin family. As for them, let’s just forget it. They never really cared about us mother and son.”
Lin Nuo rejected that notion outright. Xia Hanmo was kind-hearted; he could understand her perspective, but he couldn’t share her views.
Their relationship was severed, clean and broken. There was no point in bringing them back in for such a big event as a wedding.
“That’s fair enough. So, which of these ladies is it?”
“It’s all of them.”
Lin Nuo finished off the last sip of chilled water, speaking nonchalantly.
“All of them? Great!”
Xia Hanmo was thrilled; suddenly having so many daughters-in-law, how could she not be excited?
After whispering with Lin Nuo, she turned to address all the young ladies at the table:
“Ladies, first of all, I’m grateful for your continued companionship with our dear Nuo’er. He’s had quite the journey, facing neglect in the Lin family and not faring well after joining the Xuanyun Sect. Thankfully, he has pulled through, and now, he’s ready to settle down and plans to host a wedding banquet soon.”
“Really?!”
The young ladies exclaimed in unison, overwhelmed by this sudden wave of happiness. They were still at Lin Nuo’s mourning feast, and now, the wedding feast was happening so soon?
And in this wedding, they could be the hosts!
“It’s true. But planning a wedding means a lot of work, and I will need everyone’s assistance.”
“Of course!”
Not just offering help; they would be willing to plan it alone if needed. Such a grand event in life must be prepared with utmost care, ensuring it shines.
“Yes, you help her plan, while I’ll stay out of it.”
“Nuo’er, that’s unacceptable; you’re the groom and must be involved! Plus, not participating shows disrespect to the bride! Tonight, we’ll discuss things together, and I haven’t had a good chat with these daughters-in-law yet.”
Over the years, Xia Hanmo had been like a lonely grandparent and had hardly spoken a few words with Lin Nuo. With so many lovely daughters-in-law, all breathtaking beauties, it was high time for a good chit-chat.
Lin Nuo felt a headache coming on; he absolutely didn’t want to be part of their chat.
Better to invite the Sword Saint for a drink.
Yes, after all, the Sword Saint was his father-in-law, so he could use that as an excuse to avoid idle chatter with the women.
At this moment, the Sword Saint might just come in handy.
He wasn’t one to care for formalities; anyway, when the time came, it would just be a formality, and that would be that.
Now, the real question was: with seven brides, how was he to manage? Usually struggling to deal with just one, and now faced with seven.
Perhaps it was time to run away—to survive!
While the emperor had three thousand beauties in his harem, many were neglected; for them, merely bringing them back wouldn’t automatically mean adoration.
But these ladies were different; he needed to ensure they all received equal affection.
“Tonight, I’m meeting with the Sword Saint to discuss important matters.”
“Huh? Then, Young Master, I’ll go with you. After all, we’re one big family.” Ruo’er chimed in.
“We’re family, indeed. But men have their own business, and it’s not suitable for women to meddle. Besides, he’s arguably my father-in-law too; I need to talk to him about the wedding banquet.”
Lin Nuo stated, with the old Sword Saint at another table, eyeing his precious daughter, Ruo’er, not that they had an actual meeting—it was just Lin Nuo talking nonsense.
However, there were indeed some matters he needed to discuss with the Sword Saint. Talking to that person was much more relaxing than being caught up with a bunch of women.
“Is that so? In that case, I’d like to speak with my in-law as well.”
“Don’t you have your mother-in-law? Talk to her. The Sword Saint is a bit pretentious when he talks; you might not be used to it. Alright, I’ve finished eating; I’m going for a walk, and I’ll be back later.”
“Take them with you; they’ve been so down these days.”
“Let’s chat a bit. I’ll be back soon. But I have to go alone.”
Lin Nuo stood up. He wasn’t actually going anywhere; he just planned to wander around Ru Yu Village, the past memories flooding back.
In the past, he had been a notorious Demon Ruler, yet he would return to this small place. However, he couldn’t face those simple villagers, even if they were unaware of the outside world. He couldn’t confront them, preferring instead to sit quietly over the sea, gazing at the distant horizon.
Endless loneliness, infinite confusion—like sailing in an endless ocean, unable to see the shore.
Now, he hadn’t reached the other side; he was just back on the original shore.
Life is but a great dream; even now, it remains the same, with only the cycle of heaven and earth remaining eternal.
Alright then, it was time to prepare for the wedding.
Though the initial excitement of becoming the protagonist of a harem in this world had faded, it wasn’t so bad after all.