The wedding day arrived with the sound of bells carried on spiritual wind.
From dawn, Qihan County seemed to wake more slowly, as if even the heavens wished to savor the occasion. Pale mist curled around tiled roofs, shimmering faintly with spiritual light. Red silk banners fluttered from eaves and gates, embroidered with golden characters for harmony and eternal union. Lanterns—thousands of them—hung in graceful arcs, their glow soft and warm like captured sunset.
The Li residence had transformed overnight.
What had once been an elegant but restrained mansion now looked like a palace blessed by fortune itself. Spirit flowers bloomed in clusters along the stone paths, their petals glowing faintly with qi. A formation gently circulated spiritual energy through the courtyards, making even mortals feel light-footed and refreshed. Guests stepping through the main gate unconsciously slowed their pace, awe stealing their breath.
"This… this feels like a dream," someone whispered.
Li Yanxu, dressed in flowing black ceremonial hanfu threaded with subtle silver patterns, yawned behind his sleeve.
"Dreams usually have less running," he muttered.
"Yanxu!" Li Yanya's voice rang out sharp and authoritative as ever. She was resplendent in crimson robes, her hair adorned with phoenix pins, radiating authority and pride. "Stop standing there like a decorative vase. Go welcome the guests and check the banquet hall. And take these two with you!"
Before Li Yanxu could protest, two small weights collided with his legs.
"Uncle!" Song Zhi beamed, dressed in miniature formal robes, his hair tied neatly. "Mother said we're yours today!"
Song An clung to his sleeve like a determined octopus, wearing red as well, his cheeks round and serious. "I will help," he declared solemnly.
Li Yanxu looked down at them, then back up at Li Yanya. "Help how?"
Li Yanya waved them off. "Just keep them alive."
"…Such trust," Li Yanxu sighed, scooping Song An into his arms. "Come on. Let's go supervise history."
The banquet hall was already buzzing. Long tables carved from spiritual wood were laid with porcelain dishes that shimmered faintly. Aromas of roasted spirit beast meat, simmering broths, and delicate pastries filled the air. Servants moved like flowing water, practiced and calm.
Li Yanxu glanced around critically. "Hmm. Needs more meat."
Song Zhi nodded vigorously. "Yes!"
Song An raised a tiny fist. "More!"
A servant nearby nearly laughed.
Outside, the sound of ceremonial music rose—low drums, ringing chimes, and the clear call of flutes.
"The groom is coming!" someone shouted.
Xu Junyi was crying.
He stood at the front of the Xu residence, clutching a red silk handkerchief, his shoulders shaking. "Yichen… my Yichen is leaving…"
The Xu father patted his shoulder awkwardly. "Pull yourself together. It's a happy day."
Xu Junyi sniffed loudly. "I know! That's why I'm crying harder!"
The wedding procession approached like a flowing river of red.
Li Yanli rode at the front, straight-backed and dignified, dressed in formal groom's robes of deep crimson and gold. His hair was tied with a jade crown, his expression calm—but those who knew him well could see the tension beneath his composed exterior.
Behind him followed the bridal carriage, crafted from spirit jade and sandalwood, draped in silk and embroidered with twin cranes. Spiritual beasts—gentle, luminous creatures—pulled the carriage, their steps synchronized with the music.
As the procession halted, Xu Junyi rushed forward, tears streaming.
"Yanli," he choked, grabbing the groom's sleeve. "Take care of him. If you bully him, I will— I will—"
Li Yanli bowed deeply. "I swear on my dao heart."
Xu Junyi burst into louder sobs.
The doors opened.
Xu Yichen stepped out.
For a moment, the world seemed to still.
He wore layered wedding robes in brilliant red, embroidered with golden phoenixes that shimmered with each step. His veil was lifted, revealing a face calm yet glowing, eyes bright with restrained emotion. Spiritual light clung to him like morning dew.
A collective breath was drawn.
"He's… beautiful," someone whispered.
Li Yanli's chest tightened.
He stepped forward—and then stopped.
Without a word, he bent down.
Xu Yichen's eyes widened. "Yanli?"
Li Yanli slid one arm beneath his knees, the other around his back, and lifted him effortlessly.
A princess carry.
The crowd erupted.
Xu Junyi forgot to cry. "HEY—!"
Xu Yichen gasped softly, instinctively gripping Li Yanli's collar. "What are you doing?!"
Li Yanli's voice was low, steady, and unmistakably tender. "Picking up my spouse."
Xu Yichen's face turned redder than his robes.
The crowd cheered, laughter and applause rippling outward. Even the spiritual beasts seemed to hum approvingly.
Li Yanli walked forward, each step firm, carrying Xu Yichen through the gates of the Li residence.
From the banquet hall, Li Yanxu froze mid-bite of a pastry.
"…Brother," he murmured, impressed. "You went straight for the kill."
Song Zhi clapped enthusiastically. "Wow!"
Song An nodded gravely. "Strong."
The ceremony unfolded beneath the open sky.
Heaven and earth were honored. Incense burned, its smoke curling upward as if carrying blessings directly to the heavens. The officiant's voice rang clear and solemn, reciting vows older than dynasties.
Li Yanli and Xu Yichen bowed—to heaven and earth, to their elders, and finally, to each other.
When they rose, Li Yanli reached out, steadying Xu Yichen with a gentle hand at his waist.
Xu Yichen met his gaze, eyes soft, shining.
In that moment, cultivation realms, noble status, and worldly concerns faded away.
There was only them.
The banquet erupted into joyous chaos.
Wine flowed like rivers. Music filled the air. Guests laughed, toasted, and marveled at the extravagance.
Li Yanxu stood at the head of the banquet hall, directing servants with lazy efficiency while holding Song An on one hip and Song Zhi on the other.
"More wine there. Careful, that elder's tolerance is low. And no, you cannot climb the table," he said calmly, the last part aimed at Song Zhi.
Song Zhi pouted. "Just a little?"
"No."
Song An yawned and leaned against his shoulder. "Uncle… wedding is noisy."
Li Yanxu smiled softly. "Yeah. But it's a good kind of noisy."
Across the hall, Li Yanya watched her family—her brother radiant with quiet joy, her sister-in-law glowing with happiness, her children laughing freely.
Her eyes stung.
She turned away quickly, muttering, "Ridiculous. Crying at a wedding."
Above them, lanterns rose into the night sky, carrying wishes written in careful strokes.
--
The bridal chamber was quiet in a way that felt unreal.
Outside, the Li residence was still alive with lingering laughter, clinking cups, and drifting music, but within this courtyard, sound seemed to soften, as if even the night knew better than to intrude. Red lanterns glowed beneath the eaves, their light warm and gentle, bathing the stone path in a rosy hue. The faint fragrance of incense mixed with the scent of spirit flowers placed deliberately around the chamber—flowers meant to soothe qi, calm the heart, and bless unions.
Li Yanli guided Xu Yichen inside.
The door closed behind them with a soft click that echoed far louder than it should have.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Xu Yichen stood with his hands folded at his waist, posture straight, eyes lowered. His wedding robes were heavy with embroidery, phoenix threads shimmering faintly as his breathing stirred them. The red silk ribbon that bound their wrists together—symbolizing eternal unity—felt suddenly very warm.
Li Yanli cleared his throat.
"…Are you tired?" he asked.
Xu Yichen shook his head too quickly. "N-no."
The answer was honest and not at all. His heart was beating so fast he worried Li Yanli might hear it.
Li Yanli hesitated, then reached out carefully, fingers brushing Xu Yichen's sleeve. "May I…?"
Xu Yichen nodded, barely perceptible.
Li Yanli helped him sit on the edge of the bed, movements gentle, as if Xu Yichen were something precious that might shatter if handled carelessly. The bed itself was crafted from spirit wood, draped in red silk and embroidered pillows, the formation beneath it humming softly with protective warmth.
They completed the remaining rituals slowly—sharing wine from twin cups, burning incense, offering silent vows before heaven and earth. Each step felt ceremonial, but beneath the formality was something fragile and tender, growing quietly between them.
When the final incense burned low, silence returned.
Xu Yichen finally looked up.
Their eyes met.
Li Yanli's gaze was steady, dark, and deep—nothing like the fierce composure he wore in public. There was warmth there, and something else too: restraint, reverence, devotion.
Xu Yichen's throat tightened.
"Yanli," he whispered.
"Yes?"
"I…" His voice faltered. His cheeks flushed so deeply it seemed the red lanterns had spilled onto his skin. "I am… happy."
Li Yanli's breath stilled.
He reached out slowly, cupping Xu Yichen's face with a calloused hand. His thumb brushed lightly against Xu Yichen's cheek, warm, grounding.
"So am I," he said quietly.
Xu Yichen's lashes trembled.
The space between them felt suddenly too small and too vast all at once.
Li Yanli leaned in—not rushed, not hesitant, but careful, as if giving Xu Yichen every chance to pull away.
Xu Yichen didn't.
Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss.
It was brief—almost shy—but the moment their lips touched, something gentle unraveled between them. Xu Yichen let out a small, surprised breath, fingers clutching instinctively at Li Yanli's robes.
Li Yanli pulled back just enough to look at him. "Is this… alright?"
Xu Yichen nodded, embarrassed and earnest all at once. "Yes."
The second kiss lingered longer.
Still gentle. Still careful.
Li Yanli's hand slid from Xu Yichen's cheek to his back, supporting him, grounding him. Xu Yichen leaned in, slowly, learning the shape of Li Yanli's warmth, the steady rhythm of his breathing.
When they finally parted, both were flushed.
Xu Yichen hid his face against Li Yanli's chest. "I… I don't know what to do."
Li Yanli's arms came around him naturally, enclosing him in a firm, protective embrace. "Then don't do anything," he murmured. "We have time."
Xu Yichen's heart softened.
They stayed like that for a long while, listening to each other breathe, the night deepening outside. Eventually, Li Yanli helped Xu Yichen change into lighter inner robes, careful and respectful, his movements precise and restrained despite the closeness.
When they lay down, Li Yanli positioned himself slightly on his side, allowing Xu Yichen space.
Xu Yichen hesitated, then shifted closer on his own, resting his head against Li Yanli's shoulder.
Li Yanli stiffened for half a breath.
Then relaxed.
His arm came around Xu Yichen, holding him gently, protectively.
Xu Yichen smiled, eyes closing.
That night, neither slept deeply—but both slept peacefully.
—
Morning sunlight filtered softly through the paper windows.
Xu Yichen woke first.
For a moment, he was confused—until he realized he was wrapped securely in Li Yanli's arms. Li Yanli was still asleep, his expression unguarded, brows relaxed, breathing even.
Xu Yichen's face heated instantly.
He tried to move—very carefully.
Li Yanli stirred.
"…Yichen?" he murmured, voice low with sleep.
Xu Yichen froze. "I'm sorry—I woke you."
Li Yanli opened his eyes fully this time. Seeing Xu Yichen so close, hair slightly mussed, eyes wide and flustered, something soft bloomed in his chest.
"You didn't," he said. "Did you sleep well?"
Xu Yichen nodded shyly. "Yes."
Li Yanli smiled faintly.
That smile alone nearly made Xu Yichen combust.
They dressed slowly, awkwardly, exchanging small glances and even smaller smiles. When Li Yanli offered his arm to support Xu Yichen, Xu Yichen hesitated—then accepted, fingers resting lightly against Li Yanli's sleeve.
By the time they reached the dining hall, the entire Li family was already there.
Li Yanxu was seated lazily at the table, one leg crossed over the other, Song An perched beside him gnawing on a bun, while Song Zhi stared intensely at a plate of food like it might run away. Li Yanya sat upright, dignified as ever, sipping tea.
The moment the door opened, all eyes turned.
Li Yanli stepped in, supporting Xu Yichen carefully.
Xu Yichen's face was red.
Very red.
Li Yanxu took one look—and burst out laughing.
"Oh?" he drawled. "Brother, you look very… energetic."
A slipper flew across the room with terrifying accuracy.
Li Yanxu yelped as it smacked him square in the forehead. "Ow! Sister!"
Li Yanya glared. "Mind your tongue."
Li Yanli shot his younger brother a warning look sharp enough to cut stone.
Xu Yichen, mortified, buried his face against Li Yanli's chest.
Li Yanli's arm tightened instinctively around him. "Enough."
Song Zhi tilted his head. "Uncle Yanxu, why is Uncle Yichen red?"
Song An, mouth full, nodded solemnly. "Hot."
Li Yanxu rubbed his forehead, grinning. "It's love, kids."
Li Yanya reached for another slipper.
Breakfast proceeded with chaos, laughter, and warmth.
Xu Yichen slowly relaxed, seated beside Li Yanli, their shoulders brushing.
And Li Yanxu, watching them with a lazy smile, thought—
Yeah. This world isn't so bad after all.