Everyone was eager for excitement, and when Xia Feng suggested going to the City Lord's mansion to attend a wedding and observe the ceremony, the other three readily agreed.
Besides, whatever Xia Feng said was law; they would do as they were told without question.
"Young Master, shall we go now?" asked Li Yurou.
"It's still early, let's wander around first," Xia Feng gestured.
The four of them then toured Sakura City extensively. As evening approached, they finally made their way to the City Lord's mansion.
In the Sacred Realm, weddings were typically held at night.
After the feast at night, the couple could be directly escorted to the bridal chamber, where they would engage in their conjugal duties.
Who in their right mind got married during the day?
As Xia Feng arrived at the entrance, he casually produced two congratulatory gifts. The attendant responsible for reception quickly ushered Xia Feng and his companions inside.
What Xia Feng considered casual gifts were regarded as supreme treasures by them.
Thus, Xia Feng's display of generosity was anything but ordinary.
Because Xia Feng's gifts were substantial, the attendant specially arranged a prominent seating position for the four of them.
After all, if one presented valuable gifts, they deserved a good seat.
As time went by, the sound of gongs and drums erupted, and a voice announced, "We welcome the City Lord emerging from seclusion. Congratulations to the young master on his joyous occasion. Sakura City celebrates a double blessing today. We now invite the City Lord."
The City Lord of Sakura City was named Mu Wenguang, a cultivator in the early stage of the Saint Venerable realm. Today was his son Mu Dayong's wedding day, so it was natural for him to emerge from seclusion early.
Mu Wenguang ascended the stage step by step, waved to the crowd, and declared, "My son is getting married today. Thank you all for coming and for your support. Mu Wenguang expresses his gratitude once more."
Mu Wenguang first thanked everyone for their support, then continued, "Those who have come to congratulate us today are all friends of Mu Wenguang. Therefore, I hope you all eat and drink well. This is the greatest support you can show Mu Wenguang."
"City Lord Mu, congratulations, congratulations. Sakura City is celebrating a double blessing today, which is truly a cause for great joy."
Upon hearing this, the crowd began to flatter him, showering him with praise.
Mu Wenguang's face was radiant with pride.
"Next is the wedding ceremony. We invite the bride and groom."
After Mu Wenguang took his seat, the attendant in charge of the ceremony began to welcome the bride and groom.
The bride was quite attractive, with thick eyebrows and large eyes. She looked somewhat handsome and was adorned in a vibrant red robe, exuding an air of pride and walking with a powerful stride.
The groom, on the other hand, was exceedingly handsome. However, on his striking face, there was a complete lack of expression.
It was clear she was unwilling. A wedding between willing participants would never see the bride looking as if she had lost millions. Moreover, the bride was flanked by two maids on either side, ostensibly supporting her.
What appeared to be support was more akin to coercion.
At this point, quiet discussions arose from the audience.
"What a pity. Nangong Huanshan is such a beautiful woman, yet she's being claimed by Mu Dayong. She used to be such a cheerful and beautiful girl, and now she looks completely devoid of emotion."
"It can't be helped. Who knew Nangong Tian would die in an accident? Otherwise, Mu Dayong wouldn't have dared to forcibly take her."
"Nangong Tian was at the Great Perfection of Saint Emperor. How could he just die in an accident?"
"That was truly an accident. Mu Wenguang was in seclusion at the time. You can't possibly suspect the City Lord of foul play, can you?"
"Indeed. The City Lord and Nangong Tian were sworn brothers for many years; he wouldn't harm him."
"Then why does Nangong Huanshan look like that? Isn't this a suitable match? They've known each other since childhood and are practically childhood sweethearts."
"Who knows? Women's minds are inscrutable."
The crowd began to murmur, their cultivation might not have been exceptional, but their gossip skills were certainly noteworthy.
No matter where you go, there will always be people eager to gossip.
They conversed animatedly, each adding their piece to the discussion.
As the couple ascended the stage, Mu Wenguang stood up, saying with apparent regret, "Huanshan, your father's death was an accident. I never expected such a thing to happen. You and Dayong grew up together, so you are practically childhood sweethearts. Marrying into our Mu family, I will treat you as my own daughter. Your father and I were close friends for many years."
Nangong Huanshan listened, her expression unchanged.
One could only wonder what was going through her mind.
Meanwhile, Mu Dayong's gaze was fixed on Nangong Huanshan, wishing he could strip her clothes off right then and there and perform his marital duties on the spot.
This Mu Dayong had a rather perverse inclination: when he was intimate with a woman, he enjoyed having a group of people watch, as it made him feel more virile.
This person was truly somewhat perverted; wasn't this preference a sign of perversion?
Seeing Nangong Huanshan remain silent and expressionless, Mu Wenguang didn't think much of it. He assumed Nangong Huanshan was simply unhappy due to her father's recent death.
At the same time, he silently chided his son in his heart, thinking, "She'll be yours eventually. What's the rush? At least wait for some time. Her father's body is barely cold, and you're already taking her as your wife. It's no wonder she's not showing a good face."
"Father, Huanshan will understand," Mu Dayong interjected by way of explanation.
"Very well, since you've chosen to marry at this time, I naturally support you," Mu Wenguang nodded.
Suddenly, Nangong Huanshan, who had been silent all this while, let out an angry roar:
"Mu Wenguang, I will expose the ugly side of your Mu family today. My father was murdered at your instigation by Mu Dayong, and I, Nangong Huanshan, will not rest until I have my revenge upon you!"