Chapter 3 Xia Family's Marriage

Xiao Che was clad in a traditional plum-colored wedding robe. His bedroom, which doubled as the bridal chamber, was decorated prominently in red, the color which symbolized happiness and prosperity. All of this was possible because of his grandfather, Xiao Lie, and Aunt Lingxi's laborious efforts last night. Soon, a breathless girl came scuttling into the room. Xiao Che immediately stood up and said politely, "Is Grandpa back, Aunt Lingxi?" Xiao Lingxi was the daughter of Xiao Lie. Even though she was Xiao Che's elder, she was just 15 years old, a year younger than him. Despite her tender age, she had used her arcane power to prove her worth in the Xiao family. She had not only reached the 6th level of the Nascent Arcana stage, but she was also absolutely stunning. "You're awake, Che Er!" It was his grandfather, Xiao Lie, who spoke in a deep, affectionate voice. He felt a sense of relief when he noticed that Xiao Che had managed to get out of bed and appeared to have recovered. There were two men standing behind him. One was his steward, Xiao Hong, and the other was Situ Yun, the most renowned doctor in Cloud City. "I'm glad to see that you are awake, Xiao Che. Even though you appear to be in good health, it's best to let Master Situ to examine your condition. After all, it's your wedding day, and we wouldn't want any mishaps. Master Situ, please." As he spoke, Xiao Lie moved aside to make room for Situ Yun. After placing his medical kit aside, Situ Yun pressed his fingers across Xiao Che's wrist and took his pulse. A short while later, he removed his hand and shifted away from Xiao Che. "What's wrong with Xiao Che, Master Situ? Is it serious?" Lingxi asked in concern. Xiao Lie turned to Situ Yun with a forlorn expression. Even though he did not say aloud, he sensed something was amiss when Xiao Che fainted out of the blue. The physician stood up and assured, "Don't worry, Grandmaster Xiao. Your grandson is in excellent health. He could have been too excited earlier and fallen victim to a spinning spell. After all, he's about to marry the Xia family's daughter, the most beautiful woman in Cloud City! Haha!" Despite his best efforts to appear pleased as he congratulated the newlyweds, the physician's voice was tinged with sadness. He, like the majority of Cloud City's residents, thought it was a shame that a rare talent like Xia Qingyue had to marry a useless man like him. "That's great." Xiao Lie heaved a sigh of relief and nodded as he spoke, "Thank you for rushing here so early in the morning, Master Situ. Xiao Hong, please accompany Master Situ to the living room to rest." "There's no need to." Situ Yun motioned with his hand and took up his medical kit. "I shall take my leave now that your grandson is fine. Congratulations, Grandmaster Xiao. The most talented woman in Cloud City is about to become your granddaughter-in-law! Many people will be jealous of you. Goodbye, for now." Xiao Lie replied, "We hope to see you at the wedding. Xiao Hong, please send Master Situ off." "Are you sure you're fine, Che Er? Do you feel any discomfort?" The old man asked the moment Situ Yun left the room. It came as a huge shock when Xiao Che suddenly became faint, his body turned to ice, and he lost all of his vital signs. It did not appear as though this was the result of mere overexcitation. His confusion increased when his grandson unexpectedly awoke in good health. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I'm fine!" Xiao Che assured him, but he felt a wave of sadness seeing the old man's worried looks and graying hair. The Xiao family had a total of five grandmasters. Despite being the fifth grandmaster, Xiao Lie was the family's strongest cultivator. Five years ago, he reached the final level of the Soul Arcana stage. All he needed now was a breakthrough to reach the Earth Arcana stage, which was coveted by all cultivators. Xiao Lie, despite being one of the most prominent men in the city, had masses of thick white hair at the age of 55. It pained Xiao Che's heart every time he saw the evidence of his grandfather's aging. Everyone in Cloud City knew the reason for Xiao Lie's silvery white hair. His only son, Xiao Che's father, Xiao Ying, was the most talented man in the city many years ago. He managed to complete the Nascent Arcana stage at the age of 17, and the 5th level of Arcana stage at 20. By 23, he completed the Arcana stage and reached the True Arcana stage. The man was the talk of the town and the pride of the Xiao family. Everyone assumed that Xiao Ying was destined to be the Xiao family's generational leader. Unfortunately, heaven was jealous of his abilities. An assassination attempt was made on Xiao Ying one month after Xiao Che was born. He had, coincidentally, exhausted the majority of his arcane power when saving the Xia family's daughter. Hence, he was unable to defend himself and was killed by the assassin. Xiao Che's mother was so heartbroken by his death that she committed suicide shortly after. Feeling devastated by the catastrophic events, Xiao Lie's hair turned white overnight. Nine months later, Lingxi was born. However, one month after her arrival, Xiao Lie's wife passed away from depression, unable to get past the tragic death of her son. Nobody knew how Xiao Lie was able to get over his horrible past, which was filled with hatred, despair, and grief. To date, the man could not find out who was responsible for Xiao Ying's death. Since the tragedy, Xiao Lie had pinned all his hope on Xiao Che. Alas, he was once again left disappointed when he learned that the boy was born with damaged arcane energy pressure points. However, the old man never once expressed disappointment or hostility toward his grandson. Instead, he was more deliberate in expressing his affection and care for the boy. He felt that Xiao Che suffered from injustice and should not be subject to further ridicule and punishment. Throughout the years, Xiao Lie showered his grandson with love, even searching for medicinal pills that could boost his arcane energy. His efforts were futile, however, as it would be difficult for one to repair the pressure points. Despite facing constant criticism and ridicule from others, Xiao Che felt blessed as he had a doting grandfather. Xiao Che's heart ached as he observed Xiao Lie's head of white hair. With a look of determination, he thought, Heaven must be giving me a second chance. Now that I have memories from two lifetimes, I must live life to the fullest and never let Grandpa worry! It doesn't matter if my arcane energy pressure points have been damaged. As the Healing Saint's successor, I should be able to find suitable herbs and heal my pressure points within three weeks. "Everything's all right now," Xiao Lie said in relief. He turned to look out of the window and said, "It's going to be the auspicious hour. Get ready, Che Er. I'll arrange for the bridal party. Oh yes, do you prefer riding a horse there or sitting on the carriage?" If it were the old Xiao Che, he would have chosen the carriage. Apart from being the grandson of the Xiao family, the man was good for nothing. Many people would be criticizing the marriage on his way to Qingyue's residence, and no one would want to be in that circumstance. The Xiao Che today, however, grinned and said, "Ride a horse, of course! Don't worry, Grandpa. Regardless of how powerful Qingyue is, she's destined to be the Xiao family's daughter-in-law. Grandpa, I swear not to disappoint you; I'll marry her in a dignified manner." The old man appeared astonished, then smiled and nodded. He had not anticipated his grandson's behavior. He replied emotionally, "Okay." After Xiao Lie left the room, Lingxi turned to her nephew and pouted her lips. Her eyes flickered with irritation as she spoke, "It turns out that you fainted because of overexcitement. You had me worry for nothing. I didn't expect you to like Xia Qingyue so much after just meeting her a few times. That must be the charisma of the prettiest lady in Cloud City. Hmph!" Xiao Che waved his hand. "How's that possible? Although Qingyue is pretty, you are prettier Aunt Lingxi! If she was the reason I passed out, I must have fainted countless times since you're constantly in my life." "Pft!" Lingxi tried hard to fight back her laughter but failed. "You're such a sweet-talker. It's all right if you fainted because you're going to marry her soon, Xiao Che. Qingyue is not only attractive but she's also known as Cloud City's most talented lady. The Xia family is also the wealthiest in the city. Everyone wishes he could marry her. Unfortunately, she must marry you." Lingxi's face was beaming with pride as she spoke. Soon after, her gaze shifted to the horizon, and she whispered, "But everything seems to happen so rapidly... Xiao Che is starting a family." Knock knock! Xiao Hong's deep voice sounded at the door, "It's almost time, Young Master Che. You need to make your way to the Xia residence." "Oh, time passes so quickly!" Lingxi took one look at her nephew's outfit and panicked. "Hold on, Uncle Hong. We'll be out soon." She grumbled as she tidied up his clothes, "This outfit is a pain to put together. It's so easy to mess up! Don't worry, we'll be finished soon." Although she was no expert, it was clear that she was focused on putting the finishing touches. As he watched Lingxi tighten his belt and straightened his tie, Xiao Che's eyes welled up. Even though Qingyue had accepted the marriage, he understood that it was all done out of responsibility rather than love. If it were not for his father, Xiao Ying, and Qingyue's father, Xia Hong Yi's pact, she would never fall for a man like him. Only his grandfather, Xiao Lie, and his aunt, Lingxi, were sincere to Xiao Che in this world. When Xiao Che was young, Lingxi would follow him around no matter where he went. The moment she lost sight of him, she would kick up a big fuss and cry. Since they discovered Xiao Che's pressure points had been damaged at the age of ten, she has matured almost instantly. She knew the repercussions of the matter, and she took it upon herself to protect her nephew. As a result, Lingxi had been honing her talents day and night in the hopes of becoming powerful enough to guard Xiao Che for the rest of his life. His ordeal at Aderon Cloud Continent had taught him the importance of cherishing Lingxi's care and concern. Although he was about to wed Qingyue, he resolved to keep her at arm's length. Xiao Che could not help but fantasize, wouldn't it be great if I could marry a girl like Aunt Lingxi? Lingxi heaved a sigh of relief after she was done tidying his attire. She stood on her tiptoe in an attempt to tidy his hair. The distance between them gradually narrowed and they looked straight at each other in the eye. Xiao Che stared down at the exquisite face tipped up toward him. She seemed so delicate, yearning for his protection. On impulse, Xiao Che leaned forward and gave a light peck on her forehead.