Chapter 83: The Grand Wedding

“Miss Yue, don’t be sad. Everything is over now…” Wu Ming spoke softly, but his heart was heavy. He himself had only three days left to live, and now he didn’t know what to do.

Lingyue listened to his words and asked, “Master, tell me, what should all living beings, ghosts, spirits, and monsters pursue? Is it really, as the Buddhists say, that all things are empty?”

“Perhaps, maybe, more or less, I suppose?” Wu Ming replied, forcing a wry smile. “Miss Yue, I was once a sect leader, now impeached and deposed. I think we should pursue freedom, but who can truly achieve it? We’re always bound by the flesh, and after death, we must enter the cycle of reincarnation again. How can it be so easy to be truly free?” He shook his head in helplessness.

Just then, a little girl pushed the door open and peered inside. “Congratulations, Second Sister…” she began, but as soon as she saw Wu Ming, her jaw nearly dropped. “Wait, are you… with…?”

“You must be my little sister, Linglong?” Lingyue saw her younger sister for the first time.

“Yes, that’s me, hehe…” The girl giggled and dashed out of the room.

A team of maids soon entered, carrying all manner of splendid garments. First came a phoenix hairpin, then a bridal dress, followed by rouge and powder, shoes and stockings, and various accessories, one after another, including the groom’s attire as well.

When everything was ready, everyone spoke in unison, “At the command of the Valley Master, the bride and groom are to wed immediately. Please change your clothes.”

“What? Get married? Groom? It can’t be…” Wu Ming looked around the room; he was the only man present. “No, no, you’ve got it wrong. I’m not getting married…”

Though fond of beautiful women, the thought of marrying a fox spirit and consummating the marriage, after guarding his chastity for more than twenty years, was too much for Wu Ming.

“Nonsense! If you refuse, do you really think…” Yuanfeng sighed at the door, then released Wu Ming’s collar. “If it weren’t for my second sister’s feelings for you, you’d be dead by now, understand?”

Wu Ming felt utterly wronged; this was not what he had expected at all. He thought he was supposed to heal this young lady, not suddenly be forced into marriage.

“Hero, you truly have the wrong person. I am a disciple of the One Breath Sect—no, I was just expelled—I’m really not worthy of Miss Yue!” Wu Ming tried to find a way out.

Yuanfeng, cold as ever, scoffed, “You may fool my sister, but not us. Here’s the jade pendant—proof enough! Isn’t it evidence enough?” He handed the jade pendant to Lingyue.

“What? This is Song Lang’s jade pendant?” Lingyue held it for a long time, then suddenly looked up and—smack!—struck Wu Ming across the face. “You liar! Today I’ll kill you with my own hands!” She lunged to choke the life out of him.

“Ah… let go! You’ll kill me… murdering your own husband…” Wu Ming’s eyes rolled back as he gasped for air. “Yue… I am… your groom… let’s get married…”

Lingyue released her grip, and Wu Ming collapsed, coughing violently and struggling to recover his breath. He thought to himself, “What a fool I am. The illness I just cured is back again… Truly a troublesome brother-in-law.”

“Master, just now I…” Lingyue had regained her composure and, feeling guilty, said, “We should proceed with the wedding.”

“A wedding… It seems marrying is the only way to stay alive a little longer.” Wu Ming realized that shamelessness was his only path to survival. He steeled himself, hugged Lingyue tightly—though it was his first time embracing a woman, he’d been teased enough by Lingmei to know how to act—and said, “Yue, let’s marry… and never be apart again, all right?” He glanced slyly at Yuanfeng.

Yuanfeng was furious. He’d always disliked Song, and had sworn since childhood to destroy the One Breath Sect. Now, his nemesis was to become his brother-in-law. He’d hoped his sister would kill Wu Ming, but not only did that fail, now the two were clinging to one another.

“Master…” Lingyue blushed.

Wu Ming corrected her, “You mustn’t call me ‘Master’ anymore…”

“Why not? What should I call you, then?” Lingyue was puzzled.

“Call me ‘husband’…” The chorus of maids chimed in, “Please, bride and groom, change into your wedding attire…”

Left with no choice, Wu Ming played along. If he didn’t, he’d be done for. He helped Lingyue to her feet to go and change.

…

Inside the inn, Lingmei paced back and forth. Yin Yue and Xiaomei watched as she fussed about.

“Senior Sister, please stop, you’re making me dizzy…” Yin Yue, impatient as ever, pouted. Xiaomei sensibly tugged her sleeve, signaling her to keep quiet.

“I’m not dizzy? Wu Ming has played me for a fool! Now he’s gone and hasn’t returned…” Lingmei fumed.

A knock sounded at the door. “Esteemed guests, are you there?” It was the innkeeper.

“We’re here, come in.” Yin Yue opened the door. “What’s the matter?”

“For the next three days, we won’t be serving meals. The Valley Master has ordered a three-day celebration for the Second Miss’s wedding. But if you need anything, you can come to me directly for a private meal.” The innkeeper’s meaning was clear: go join the feast elsewhere, this place is off-limits for now.

“A wedding? Will there be lots of delicious food? Is the groom handsome? Is the bride beautiful?” Yin Yue immediately cared only for the food and the spectacle.

“We don’t know, esteemed guests. A notice just arrived, saying it’s the wedding of Song Shao—Wu Ming.” The innkeeper seemed not to have seen clearly.

Yin Yue’s eyes widened in shock. “One bride, two grooms? How is that possible?” She tilted her head and looked at Lingmei.

“Nonsense!” The innkeeper laughed, embarrassed. “It’s not what you think. It’s the same person—he’s called both Song Shao and Wu Ming. Didn’t one of your party go by Wu Ming? I came to check.”

“What?” Lingmei gasped, then forced herself to remain calm. “Oh, our leader is out at the moment. I’ll ask when she returns. Thank you for letting us know.” She saw the innkeeper out.

“So stingy! Not even a single gold coin for a tip. ‘Esteemed guest’—hmmph, only because you’re related to the Valley Master.” The innkeeper left, muttering.

Inside, chaos erupted.

“So Wu Ming has gone off to get married and enjoy himself while we’re left waiting here like fools!” Lingmei was furious. “We’re just sitting on cold benches while he’s off to his wedding…”

“But there’ll be good food, right? Maybe we’ll get some if we go?” Yin Yue cared for nothing but the feast.

“You… eat, eat, eat! Ugh…” Lingmei sighed. “Wu Ming must have read the secret teachings; otherwise, how could he know about Song Shao, when I only know the name? That’s a violation! He must be expelled from the sect!”

“Senior Sister, you’ve already expelled him…” Xiaomei added, deadpan.

A heavy silence fell. Lingmei suddenly burst into tears.

“What now, Leader?” Baolong, having cried enough herself, emerged to stir up more trouble.