Chapter 1342: Marriage Ceremony

Chapter 1342: Marriage Ceremony

Seven girls, covered with red veils, stepped into the bright red sedan chair, the sound of drums and gongs echoing through every corner of Ru Yu Village.

Due to the abundance of maternal figures, Lin Nuo couldn’t stay with them, so he had to separate himself; one side represented the former demonic forces, and the other the former righteous faction, with him sitting alone in the big red sedan chair.

The girls sat quietly, bubbling with excitement in their hearts, eager to traverse the road to Lin Nuo’s ancestral home, waiting for the moment he would lift their red veils.

This was their most beautiful age, ready to spend their lives with the most reliable man, Lin Nuo. Raising children with him would surely be the happiest thing in the world.

“The groom and bride have arrived!”

As the red sedan chair approached, the servants and young boys erupted into cheers, and those inside the ancestral home got ready to welcome the new couple.

“It’s rare for a daughter to get married; don’t scowl! Look at other dads—none of them look like you. Everyone else is cheerful! And don’t forget the envelope; you’ve got to give it to the groom later!”

Ni Wanqing mocked the Sword Saint, who always had a sour face. What kind of a dad looked like that on such a joyous occasion?

“I know, no need for your reminders.”

“Oh, you ‘know’? If I hadn’t reminded you, you’d have been oblivious! Agh, forget it.”

Ni Wanqing stopped talking. Truth be told, she envied Li Ruo’er and sometimes fantasized about wearing a red wedding dress, donning a covered veil, and spending the most beautiful night with her beloved.

She still cared about the Sword Saint. If it hadn’t been for the divide between their factions back then, perhaps they could have ended up together.

The various in-laws were already prepared, appearing calm on the outside while their hearts raced underneath. After all, it wasn’t just their daughter getting married; there were other girls involved, and no one wanted to lose face.

A group of middle-aged men, usually laughing and boasting, claimed to be indifferent to everything, but here they were, nervous as could be.

The seven brides had gracefully walked into the hall and arranged themselves in order, waiting for Lin Nuo to join them for the ceremonies.

However, Lin Nuo suddenly stopped, not moving forward for a long time.

Everyone was shocked, unsure of what was happening.

We’re already at this stage; why aren’t you moving?

People exchanged bewildered glances, unable to understand what Lin Nuo was thinking.

The brides were the most anxious; they all wanted to complete their vows with Lin Nuo and then head to their bridal chamber, but his hesitation made them anxious.

Could it be that he truly intended to back out?

But at that moment, instead of seeing the jubilant red surrounding him, he recalled the silence of his ancestral home.

He remembered returning to that ancestral home before, standing in that very spot; the cold winds howled outside, rain poured down, and he was utterly alone, surrounded by endless loneliness and despair.

A lonely person, with no support, could only survive through killing, feeling utterly ashamed to face the villagers.

He saw his past self, a demonized figure, eyes void of emotion, like a cold, indifferent killing machine, with blood still staining his demon sword.

“Finally, you are no longer lonely.”

His past self turned to speak to him, a sense of familiarity washing over him.

“Yes, I’m no longer alone.”

Lin Nuo sighed, feeling a myriad of emotions, then extended his right hand.

“Goodbye.”

“Mm, goodbye.”

Their hands clasped, marking a final farewell to his past self, as Lin Nuo’s imagined scene shattered, returning the quiet ancestral home to vibrant festivities.

“Mm.”

He smiled in relief and then took a step forward, walking among the brides.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, wondering what Lin Nuo had been contemplating. They had been worried he would suddenly think of something crazy and flee the wedding, leaving the seven girls as an embarrassment.

Xia Hanmo sat at the center; now, Lin Nuo was the elder who would preside over the ceremony.

Her child was getting married, and not just to one, but to seven—each a stunning beauty, and also respectful. As a mother, she was filled with pride.

“Bow to Heaven and Earth!”

Lin Nuo and the girls bowed to the heavens and the earth.

“Bow to the parents!”

They then bowed to their parents and elders.

“Couples bow to each other!”

For the final bow, Lin Nuo stood before the seven girls, proceeding with the final ceremony.

Unlike the new era’s lengthy oaths, Lin Nuo and his brides exchanged no words; they completed the marriage process with guided cues. Though the process was somewhat tedious, it was rich in ceremonial significance.

Finally, they lifted the veils and offered tea to their parents and elders. Lin Nuo unveiled each of them, revealing stunning faces, and the girls lifted their heads, their eyes filled with affection for Lin Nuo.

They were more breathtaking than ever; he couldn’t help but feel like he had married seven beautiful fairy maidens. They brought him hope and love, warming his once icy heart to welcome spring again.

“Wishing for a harmonious union, wishing for a harmonious union!”

Lin Nuo received red envelopes from his in-laws, and from just one touch, he could tell the wealth within; they were generous enough to buy a whole town’s worth of Meat Floss Cake.

“Ruo’er, from today, they are your wives. Treat them well.”

Xia Hanmo held Lin Nuo’s hand, speaking earnestly. She believed he wouldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. Lin Nuo was responsible; he would never abandon his wives.

“Mm, I will.”

Lin Nuo nodded, promising to take care of them.

Next came the feast, and the whole village was in festive spirits. Even the former enemies from the realm of immortals and demons were friends today, sharing a drink and enjoying each other’s company until they were drunk.

Fireworks lit up the dark night sky, many people made wishes with every bang of the fireworks.

Lin Nuo needed to toast each table, but his alcohol tolerance was impressive; after several rounds, he was still sober. For the brides, they could have a little to drink, and if they couldn’t, they could use tea instead—there wasn’t much of a terrible drinking culture here.

“Young Master.”

“Still calling me Young Master?”

“Oh, oh, dear husband. I can drink a little too.”

Li Ruo’er said, feeling like Lin Nuo still treated her like a child and wouldn’t let her touch alcohol. She wanted to socialize with him like her older sisters.

“It’s fine, don’t push yourself. Your father will drink for you, so you don’t have to.”

Lin Nuo noticed the Sword Saint was particularly keen on shielding Li Ruo’er from alcohol, even more so than Lin Nuo, proving to be a very caring father.

“Dear husband, no, according to the customs you mentioned, I should call you ‘hubby.’ Come, let’s have a drink together.”

Qin Shili recalled Lin Nuo mentioning how couples should refer to each other as hubby and wifey; it hadn’t caught on much around here, but being Lin Nuo’s family naturally meant respecting his customs.

She poured two glasses and intended to have a cup with Lin Nuo. Although it was a post-wedding drink, Qin Shili was eager to set the pace.

“Sure.”

Lin Nuo clinked glasses with Qin Shili, and the other brides hurried over to toast with him as well.

“Dear husband, dear husband, I want one too!”

Though still a bit competitive, they held back some, considering it was a significant occasion.