The royal musicians immediately began playing delightful music. The melodies were cheerful and instantly filled the entire hall. Many people were entranced by the beauty of the tunes, while others displayed expressions of astonishment, marveling yet again at the profound heritage of the royal family.

This was because they could discern that the musicians performing the songs were all highly skilled cultivators. The music itself carried a deep sense of the Dao. These musicians could make their melodies resonate to the heavens, or just as easily turn them into lethal tools!

They could even cause one's death without them noticing!

Although everyone knew the royal family would never commit murder in such a setting, many still felt a sense of awe in their hearts. Among other factions, such musicians were exceedingly rare—perhaps three or five at most, and only if these individuals had an interest in cultivating this discipline. For most groups, commonplace musicians were easy to find, but this caliber of artist? Not a single one.

But here at the royal family's side, hundreds of such individuals sat on either side of the grand platform, appearing as humble musicians, quietly immersed in playing their instruments.

Behind the screen, on the ladies' side.

The moment Ji Qi's voice sounded, Ji Qingyu was completely stunned. Dressed in resplendent attire with a phoenix crown on her head, she froze entirely. It wasn't until Qi Xiaoyu and Shui Yiyi walked to her side, one on each side, their melodious voices ringing out together, "Mother, what are you hesitating for? It's your turn to step up!"

"I…" Ji Qingyu's expression carried some unease as she looked at the two, then at the other princesses and maids who were covering their mouths with soft laughter. At this point, she finally started to piece together what was happening, though she still found it hard to believe. She murmured, "This… this isn't proper… When have parents ever stepped forward first?"

"Oh, come on, just go already," Qi Xiaoyu and Shui Yiyi urged her forcefully, pushing Ji Qingyu out.

And so, in a daze, Ji Qingyu looped past the screen. The moment she walked out—

While the soothing melodies of the sublime instruments continued to play, there was an audible collective gasp that swept through the entire hall.

Beautiful!

Absolutely stunning!

Unparalleled in beauty!

This was everyone's first impression of Ji Qingyu.

The guests present today, those who stood within this grand hall, were almost all of considerable status. Furthermore, they didn't all belong to the Human Clan; many came from other races and beings. Among them, over half had never seen this royal family's eldest princess before. Today marked their first encounter.

And at first sight, they were utterly captivated by her unparalleled beauty.

The emperor, seated beneath the imperial canopy, looked at his somewhat bewildered sister on the platform above. Finally, a joyful smile broke across his face, though his heart throbbed gently with a pang of ache.

This wedding, in truth, should have been held for her many, many years ago.

Ji Qingyu caught sight of Chu Tianji, who was dressed in ceremonial attire unlike anything she had ever seen before… No, rather, he had never been adorned in such a manner. Then, she glanced at the apparel she wore. The match was so perfect, it seemed fated by Heaven itself.

What could she not understand at this point? In the next instant, tears streamed down her cheeks as she murmured, "This should be my son's wedding… This should be my son's wedding… Is this truly appropriate?"

At that moment, Chu Mo appeared before her with the blink of an eye, directly stepping forward to take her by the hand. He led her, step by step, across the soft crimson carpet, guiding her toward his father.

Ji Qingyu seemed as if she had lost her soul, dazed, tears flowing, following her son step by step toward the man she loved most.

The platform was vast, and the path seemed long. Without employing any special abilities, Chu Mo carefully guided his mother across an extended distance.

The melodies of the elegant instruments continued on, and the attention of every individual in the hall was fixated on this mother and son. No one felt the journey was too long, nor did they think the pace was too slow. Every gaze in the room was filled with blessings for this pair, and for Chu Tianji, who waited at the other end.

Everyone present, whether fully informed or caught off guard, was moved by the atmosphere.

Even those backstage, unable to resist, secretly employed their Mirror Divine Powers to spy on the scene unfolding before them.

Ji Qi sensed this but turned a blind eye. After all, he too was utterly immersed in this beautiful moment, unable to extricate himself.

Finally, Chu Mo brought his mother to his father's side. He gently placed his mother's soft, fair hand in his father's palm, then knelt on one knee, loudly proclaiming, "Your son wishes to congratulate Father and Mother on your joyous union. May you live in harmony and grow old together…"

Chu Mo paused briefly, and by this moment, some of the younger guests in the audience were already blinking their eyes with excitement.

Even a few of the typically stern and proper elders widened their eyes, fixing their gaze intently on Chu Mo.

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the next thing Chu Mo would say.

Even the emperor leaned in attentively.

"And lastly… Have a little brother or sister for me soon!" Chu Mo declared.

Ji Qingyu, who was holding Chu Tianji's hand at that moment, blushed furiously, half-laughing and half-crying as she shot a fierce glare at her son. Meanwhile, Chu Tianji flashed Chu Mo a look of encouragement—it seemed he had finally come to terms with certain matters.

Their eldest son was truly exceptional, but they had missed out entirely on the joys of being parents, having never experienced the process of raising a child. It was an enormous regret.

Now, with this opportunity before them, why not seize it?

Below the platform, the young guests erupted into cheers at Chu Mo's words, while even many of the older generation couldn't resist breaking into applause. Countless women in the crowd already had tears in their eyes.

Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji helped Chu Mo to his feet. The three of them stood together, forming an exceptionally mesmerizing tableau that drew the eyes of all in attendance.

Ji Qingyu still hadn't fully recovered from the overwhelming joy. She looked soft and shy yet wore an expression imbued with immense happiness.

At this moment, Ji Qi announced the next part of the ceremony, inviting Qi Xiaoyu and Shui Yiyi to grace the stage!

The music swelled dramatically, transitioning into a jubilant and lively melody. Then, accompanied by a group of royal princesses, the two young women walked out gracefully, their bearing a mix of pride and a hint of girlish coyness.

The music shifted once again, this time from lively to serene and warm.

Qi Xiaoyu and Shui Yiyi stood on one side, gazing at Chu Mo, who was clad in elaborate ceremonial attire. Chu Mo, meanwhile, also turned his gaze to them.

Their eyes met in the void, carrying the weight of love and passion that had entangled them for so many years. Finally, everything had reached its destined resolution.

At this moment, all three shared a profound sense of clarity and fulfillment.

The road ahead was long, but they would traverse it together, step by step. No matter how far it stretched, with one another's companionship, it would never feel lonely. It was a union bound by destiny and a continuation of karmic ties.

From this day forward, these three names would forever be linked together!

The group of royal princesses escorted the two women to stand before Chu Mo, then retreated a few paces on their own initiative.

On the platform, Chu Mo and his family—five individuals in total—stood proudly together, their faces beaming with happiness as they addressed the gathered audience.

At this time, Ji Qi smiled faintly and declared, "On this auspicious day, two hearts become one. This royal wishes all the newlyweds a lifetime of unwavering love and harmony! Now, let us have Princess Ji Qingyu and Mr. Chu Tianji pay homage to Heaven and Earth!"

Preparations had already been made for the altars and tributes.

Chu Tianji and Ji Qingyu, their faces solemn and reverent, bowed deeply to honor Heaven and Earth. In their hearts, however, a hint of regret lingered.

The old emperor had appeared once briefly before vanishing again to seclusion. It was unlikely he would emerge on this occasion.

Though Chu Elder had returned from the Abyssal Ruins, the Yanhuang Domain was impossibly far, separated by endless stars. How could he possibly arrive here?

Thus, they thought to themselves, once they bowed to Heaven and Earth, paid homage to their ancestors, and expressed gratitude, the ceremony should conclude…

Indeed, after the couple's bow to Heaven and Earth, giving thanks for its sustenance, Ji Qi declared loudly, "Now, pay homage to your respective ancestors!"

At once, the placards representing the ancestors of the Luotian Imperial Clan and the Chu Clan were swapped in, and the couple took turns making their offerings.

"Finally, as husband and wife, you must each offer your gratitude to the parents who brought you into this world," Ji Qi proclaimed.

Both Ji Qingyu and Chu Tianji froze in astonishment, staring incredulously at Ji Qi.

Chu Tianji quickly reasoned it out, his mind arriving at one conclusion—surely, the old emperor had emerged from seclusion!

Truly, his affection for his daughter was extraordinary!

The tales had always said that the old emperor doted on Ji Qingyu, his youngest daughter, above all others. Naming her the eldest princess of the Luotian Imperial Clan was proof enough—after all, not just anyone could earn such a title. But this time, Chu Tianji finally understood that the old emperor's love went far beyond anything he had imagined!

From behind the screen, two figures slowly emerged.

Ji Qingyu's eyes instantly reddened with emotion, while Chu Tianji was left dumbfounded!

"Father?"

Chu Tianji could no longer recall the last time he had seen his father; he had been just a child. He remembered only his father's serious face as he sealed him away, instructing him not to yearn for his parents and to rely solely on himself.

That was an epoch ago!

Overwhelmed by the joyous shock, Chu Tianji felt his nose sting with emotion, hardly daring to believe this was real. Almost instinctively, he glanced over at his son.

Chu Mo grinned cheekily from the side.

In that instant, Chu Tianji understood everything.

This was a surprise of monumental proportions! So not only had this boy kept his mother in the dark, giving her an enormous shock, but he'd also concealed it from his father, delivering him an equally staggering revelation!

What other cards did this kid have up his sleeve?

Under Ji Qi's direction, Chu Tianji and Ji Qingyu, the married couple, quietly shed tears as they reverently bowed to the two elders.

The old emperor spoke few words but nonetheless offered heartfelt encouragement to the pair, presenting Chu Tianji with a sword.

"This is the sword our imperial grandfather carried throughout his life," Ji Qi explained with slight envy. "Though it's only at the level of a holy artifact, its significance is immeasurable! In the entire royal family, not even my father, the current emperor, managed to obtain this blade!"

The emperor seated below chuckled softly. Indeed, as a youth, he had coveted the sword. Ji Qi's words were not false. However, as he matured and understood the sword's deep meaning to the old emperor, he had refrained from requesting it again. To see it gifted to his brother-in-law now served as yet another testament to the old emperor's extraordinary fondness for his sister.

Just then, Chu Elder, standing to one side, spoke up, "My dear in-law, such a grand gesture! I… don't have anything quite as remarkable on me, but surely I must present a gift to my daughter-in-law."

Saying this, Chu Elder reached directly into his belongings and produced an object.

The old emperor jolted sharply, then cried out in astonishment, "My dear in-law, this is too much!"

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