In a room deep within the Bai family estate, where celebratory couplets adorned the door and several teams of guards stood watch, lay the bridal chamber of the Bai family's second daughter.
The elegantly decorated room had been further enhanced with festive touches, red candles flickering everywhere. Before a vanity, Bai Xiaoxiao gazed blankly at the maiden in the mirror, her face adorned with powder and rouge. Clad in a phoenix coronet and robes, and a resplendent crimson wedding gown, her cold and stunning demeanor made her appear nothing short of a celestial being. This was the most beautiful moment of her life, yet also the most agonizing.
Behind her, her elder brother, Bai Qinghong, sat on her bed, casually crossing his legs. He looked at her and impatiently barked, "Your wedding is tomorrow. I advise you, girl, to behave yourself from now on and serve the Young Palace Master well. If you dare to run wild in the Immortal Palace again, be warned, the Young Palace Master might cripple you!" His tone was laced with mockery, as if the person before him wasn't his own sister, but rather a lowly servant. In Bai Qinghong's heart, he had never truly accepted her; in his eyes, her sole purpose was to be a tool to ascend through the Young Palace Master.
Bai Xiaoxiao remained silent. Bai Qinghong, finding her unresponsive tiresome, snorted and turned to leave. Even after exiting the room, his voice could faintly be heard, "That dead girl looks quite alluring even in a wedding dress. If it weren't for the Young Palace Master, I'd really want to..."
Bai Xiaoxiao paid no heed to the words from outside the door. Her brother was a complete dandy, and it wasn't the first time she'd harbored such thoughts, but his father's intentions prevented him from daring to touch her. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror, recalling the experiences of the past month. Being captured by the Black Demon Gate, rescued at the last moment by her master, taken in as a disciple, bestowed with a thousand-year-old snow lotus, and protected by her master… The time spent with her master and senior sister was the happiest period of her life since growing up, brief yet beautiful. The word "freedom" would likely be completely lost to her from now on. This kind of life, she would never accept, even if…
"Master, I fear this is truly a farewell." Bai Xiaoxiao lowered her head, caressing a dagger in her hand. Its blade glinted under the candlelight. Life was precious, but compared to freedom, it seemed insignificant. Unwilling to succumb to fate's arrangements, this was her last remaining choice. Bai Xiaoxiao gripped the dagger, pressing its tip against her heart, but her hand trembled slightly. After all, she was only fifteen or sixteen, and the thought of suicide filled her with a degree of fear. At the same time, she realized how reluctant she was to part from her master forever.
Just as she hesitated, a sonic boom suddenly erupted from outside, clearly originating from beyond Misty Mountain. Attracted by the commotion, Bai Xiaoxiao quickly lifted the hem of her skirt and hurried to the window. Despite her suicidal intent, she couldn't help but harbor a flicker of hope. She knew it was impossible, yet she couldn't help but wonder, could it be her master coming to find her?
As she looked out the window, she saw it – a familiar streak of azure light piercing through the sky. A phrase arose in her heart: In my moment of despair, my hero will arrive on his sword!
…
Just a minute earlier, a banquet was being held in the main hall of the Bai family to celebrate the impending marriage alliance with the Sky Dragon Immortal Palace. All the high-ranking elders of the Bai family were present. As the feast began, the elders rose, raising their cups to toast Bai Tianchen, who occupied the honored seat.
At this moment, Li Canjian, from amidst the crowd, raised his wine cup and said with a faint smile, "Congratulations, Family Head Bai. With the mighty Sky Dragon Immortal Palace by your side from now on, your esteemed family is bound to soar, rivaling the Feather Falling Immortal Palace in no time!"
Bai Tianchen was pleased by these words and nodded slightly, smiling. "Not at all, not at all. As for Honored Guest Li, you traveled thousands of miles to bring Xiaoxiao back from the Ancient Dao Celestial Sect, even fighting their sect leader. You must have been greatly troubled."
"It was a mere trifle. The Ancient Dao Celestial Sect is nothing. It's just a pity I didn't get to see her so-called master," Li Canjian scoffed. "Otherwise, it would have been perfect if I could have brought the head of the one who abducted your precious daughter to you, Family Head."
"No matter, Honored Guest Li has done an excellent job," Bai Tianchen smiled, then raised his cup and addressed the crowd. "Tomorrow is our Bai family's grand day. I believe our family's strength will reach new heights soon." "Come, let us toast to this momentous occasion!"
Everyone's faces were filled with joy. Just as they were about to drain their cups, a thunderous sound suddenly echoed from afar. Everyone at the banquet looked up, spotting a streak of azure light rushing towards the Bai family at the dying embers of the sunset. The sound was unmistakably a series of sonic booms. As it drew nearer, it became clear that someone was flying on a sword.
"Who is that?" the crowd murmured in confusion. Although they couldn't clearly discern his cultivation, the aura surrounding him clearly indicated the Venerable realm. They looked towards Bai Tianchen, and Li Canjian, among them, asked, "Family Head Bai, is this person perhaps a guest you invited?"
However, Bai Tianchen frowned. "Likely not. Tonight's banquet was not intended for any outside guests. Besides, haven't you seen his somber expression? He's probably here to cause trouble." Although the Bai family was a reclusive clan, they had not been without their enemies. It wasn't surprising for trouble to find them on such a special day.
"Trouble? I say he's here to die!" Li Canjian glanced at the sky and sneered. "Family Head Bai, please wait a moment. Allow me to handle this!" He downed his wine in one gulp, and a black longsword instantly materialized in his hand. He had always been Bai Tianchen's loyal subordinate, enthusiastic about any task. He certainly wouldn't miss such a good opportunity to showcase his prowess.
Bai Tianchen smiled and nodded. "Go, resolve it quickly, and I will personally pour you wine to celebrate your return!" Li Canjian then drew his sword and flew out to meet the newcomer. Bai Tianchen felt no apprehension, for among the Venerables of the Eastern Domain, Li Canjian's strength was considered top-tier. He knew anyone who could defeat Li Canjian, and this newcomer clearly wasn't among them, so there was nothing to worry about, especially since he appeared so young, likely only having just entered the Venerable realm at best.
Meanwhile, amidst the Misty Mountains, Ye Yun landed on his sword and surveyed his surroundings. "It seems this is the place." The Bai family of Misty Mountain! From his perception, the Bai family had at least ten cultivators in the Venerable realm. The strongest among them had even reached the level of half-step to life-and-death, presumably Bai Tianchen, the family head and Bai Xiaoxiao's father…
Just as he was about to descend, a figure shot out from the Bai family and instantly appeared before him. "May I ask what brings you to my Bai family?" Li Canjian's tone was unfriendly, his gaze scrutinizing Ye Yun, but he found he couldn't see through his cultivation. This surprised him. Could it be some artifact hiding his true power? Before he could ponder further, Ye Yun spoke calmly. "It's nothing major. I heard Bai Xiaoxiao has returned, and I've come to take her away."
Li Canjian was stunned for a moment, then let out a cold laugh. "How amusing. Who do you think you are, trying to take the young lady away?" "Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself. I am Ye Yun, the chief elder of Azure Cloud Peak at the Ancient Dao Celestial Sect, and Bai Xiaoxiao's master."
Upon Ye Yun's introduction, Li Canjian froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. "So it's that so-called master of hers. I didn't see hide nor hair of you at the Ancient Dao Celestial Sect before. You were a coward then, but now you dare to show up here?" He had been somewhat wary initially, but upon learning of Ye Yun's identity, he was completely at ease. Ye Yun of the Ancient Dao Celestial Sect had only been at the Emperor realm not long ago. Even if he had found some fortunate encounter to reach the Venerable realm, he was still far from a match for him. On the contrary, not having brought back Ye Yun's head last time had left him with some regret, and now the man had walked right into his trap, which was truly delightful.
After hearing Li Canjian's words, Ye Yun's previously calm eyes turned as cold as ice. "So, you are the Li Canjian who caused a ruckus at our Ancient Dao Celestial Sect?" "Indeed, I am!" Li Canjian did not deny it, saying with a smile, "I easily defeated your sect leader back then. For you to dare to come here and seek death, you truly have courage." "Today, no matter what, you are prepared to stay here forever!"
Having issued his threat, Li Canjian had no desire to waste any more time. The family head and the elders of the Bai family were watching, so he had to resolve this quickly and impressively! He immediately unleashed his full Xuan energy, and sword intent surged from his black sword. Hurricane-like black sword energy swirled around him, and at this moment, an overwhelmingly terrifying aura enveloped Ye Yun.