Inside the modest hut, Madam An sat by the fire, its flickering light casting soft shadows across her face.

  Though time and hardship had etched lines upon her features, her eyes still held warmth—the unwavering love that had always been Bai Yunxi's anchor.

  "Mother," Bai Yunxi said softly, stepping forward. "We need to talk."

  She sat beside her mother, emotions swirling within her. In hushed tones, she recounted the evening's events—Su Kang's confession, his steadfast support, his marriage proposal.

  Madam An listened in silence, her fingers wrapped around Bai Yunxi's hand. As her daughter spoke, a slow smile bloomed on the older woman's lips, her eyes shining with quiet joy.

  "Oh, Xi'er," Madam An whispered when Bai Yunxi finished, tears gathering in her eyes.

  "This is wonderful news."

  Bai Yunxi hesitated, surprised by her mother's immediate approval.

  "You're not… worried? About Li Fang? About what others might say?"

  Madam An's smile widened. "Nonsense," she said firmly, taking her daughter's hand.

  "Li Fang will understand. I believe he also wants you to be happy. And as for what others think… it doesn't matter. Your happiness is what matters most."

  Bai Yunxi lowered her gaze. "It's all happening so fast," she admitted.

  "He wants to marry me here, in the village. He said he'll handle everything."

  Madam An's eyes sparkled. "Here? That's perfect! A true blessing!" She struggled to her feet, leaning on Bai Yunxi for support.

  "We must tell Old Man He. There's much to prepare."

  Supporting her mother, Bai Yunxi made her way to Old Man He's hut. The old man sat by his hearth, his weathered face illuminated by the warm glow of firelight.

  Madam An stepped forward, unable to contain her excitement. "Old Man He, my daughter, is getting married—to Su Kang."

  The old man blinked in surprise, then a slow grin spread across his face. He stood, his movements stiff but filled with energy.

  "Married?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.

  "To that young cultivator? Well, that's wonderful news! He seemed like a good person. When's the happy day?" Su Kang could easily fly, and that much information was enough for old He to guess his strength.

  He clapped his hands together, his mind already racing.

  "I'm thinking about 4 days later." Madam An replied, her eyes twinkling.

  "Right here, in the village. I was hoping you could help with the arrangements."

  Old Man He chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound.

  "Consider it done. I will gather the villagers, arrange for the feast, and see to all the necessary preparations. You just focus on enjoying this happy occasion."

  Madam An squeezed Bai Yunxi's hand, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Old Man He. You've always been a true friend."

  "Nonsense," he said with a wave. "We're practically family now. Besides, it's not every day we host a cultivator's wedding."

  Old Man He, despite his enthusiasm, felt a flicker of unease. Su Kang was a cultivator, a powerful one at that.

  He knew that a cultivator's wedding was no small affair. But seeing the joy in Bai Yunxi's eyes, he pushed his worries aside.

  By morning, news of the impending wedding spread like wildfire. The village buzzed with excitement, and preparations began in earnest.

  For the villagers, Bai Yunxi was one of their own, the daughter of Madam An. Su Kang, a Foundation Building cultivator in their eyes, was a figure of awe, but they were thrilled to witness his wedding.

  Su Kang took Bai Yunxi to the city to purchase wedding necessities. The bustling streets were alive with color and sound—merchants calling out their wares, children laughing, and the scent of roasted meats filling the air.

  He encouraged her to indulge, to choose the finest silks, the most exquisite jewelry, for their wedding attire and for betrothal gifts to her mother and Old Man He.

  Bai Yunxi, initially hesitant, found herself caught up in his carefree spirit, a sense of lightness she hadn't felt in decades blossoming within her.

  She chose red silk with a light blue under-robe—simple, yet elegant. Su Kang, on the other hand, selected a deep red robe embroidered with golden thread.

  Soon, their storage ring overflowed with betrothal gifts, including fine jewelry, delicacies, and even toys for the village children.

  In the evening, Su Kang took Bai Yunxi to a serene lake, where boathouses sailed gently through the water.

  They boarded one, and he ordered food for them. She was enchanted by the scenery.

  The moon painted the calm lake silver, its reflection mirroring the star-studded sky. The aroma of grilled fish and fragrant rice filled the night air as they ate in silence, comfortable even without the need for constant conversation.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Su Kang reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a small, intricately carved wooden box.

  A "This is for your mother," he said, placing it in her hands. "A token of gratitude for her blessing."

  Curious, Bai Yunxi opened it and found a pearl-like pill nestled inside.

  "It's a longevity pill. It can help your mother to some extent," he explained.

  Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. "Su Kang," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

  "Thank you. You've done so much…"

  Her mother was already 60 years old and had suffered so much in the last few decades. With this pill, she could live to 100 years of age.

  He smiled gently. "Nonsense," he said, his tone light and teasing. "What kind of husband would I be if I didn't care for my mother-in-law?"

  Bai Yunxi's heart swelled with gratitude, and for the first time, the word felt natural on her tongue.

  "Husband," she murmured, her voice soft and filled with affection.

  Su Kang's face lit up, his eyes shining with delight. He reached for her, pulling her into a warm embrace, his heart overflowing with happiness.

  He had waited for this moment, worked towards this connection, and now, finally, it was his. He really liked this woman.

  He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. She's cute,he thought.

  "Xi'er, my lovely wife."

  Her cheeks flushed as his warm and gentle breath brushed against her ears. She then sensed his lips grazing her earlobe.

  Her heart began to race as she experienced nervousness and shyness. He kissed her ear.

  She lifted her gaze to his, her face fully blushing.

  "Husband… not here. There are people nearby," she whispered, almost pleading.

  Su Kang chuckled, confident. "Xi'er, don't worry. I'm using my powers. No one can see or hear us."

  Su Kang's lips met hers—tentative, testing. Bai Yunxi stiffened at first, unfamiliar warmth blooming in her chest.

  His lips were warm, firm yet gentle, coaxing rather than demanding.

  Her hands, once gripping the fabric of his robe uncertainly, slowly slid upward, wrapping around his neck.

  When he deepened the kiss, her breath hitched—but she did not pull away.

  Su Kang, surprised by her reaction, deepened the kiss. It was intoxicating, her sweetness. His arms tightening around her as their lips moved in perfect rhythm.

  When his tongue brushed against hers, she tensed briefly before shyly allowing him in.

  Her saliva was sweet and delectable. This was an extraordinary experience for him. His tongue intertwined with hers as he sought her sweet nectar. satisfaction through him.

  A fire ignited within him, a primal urge he struggled to control. He ended the kiss.

  He glanced at her face, which was a rosy pink, and her lips were glistening with their saliva.

  Bai Yunxi, still dazed, touched her lips, her heart pounding.

  Su Kang gazed at her, a satisfied and gentle smile playing at his lips. "I really like you, my wife."

  Bai Yunxi, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shining, leaned her head against his chest, a silent confession of her own desires.

  She felt like a young woman being wanted by her lover, yet she felt safe in his hands. She felt cherished and protected.

  Su Kang, sensing her vulnerability, wrapped his arms around her tighter and kissed her forehead.

  They spent some time in the boat before leaving for the village.

  They left the city soon afterward. Su Kang escorted Bai Yunxi back to the village before departing to finalize the preparations for their new life.

  The old man, surnamed He, had taken it upon himself to arrange the betrothal gifts through a matchmaker, ensuring everything was handled with care.

  The villagers, eager to assist, had thrown themselves into the preparations, their hearts swelling with pride that a Foundation Building cultivator like Su Kang would choose their humble village for his wedding.

  His house on the outskirts was nearly complete, its construction progressing swiftly under the watchful eyes of the villagers.

  By the next day, it would be ready—a small but elegant courtyard home surrounded by a few trees and a tranquil pond, a peaceful retreat for the newlyweds.

  Today, Su Kang had purchased furniture to fill the space, selecting pieces that reflected both simplicity and refinement, a perfect balance for their new life together.

  Cultivators' weddings were typically simpler than those of ordinary folk, focusing more on the spiritual and symbolic aspects rather than lavish displays.

  The betrothal gifts had already been delivered by the matchmaker, and now, the village was alive with anticipation for the ceremony.

  The small village, nestled among rolling hills and lush woods, was abuzz with excitement.

  Colorful lanterns hung from trees, and floral arrangements adorned the pathways, transforming the square into a vibrant celebration of love and unity.

  Today was the day Su Kang and Bai Yunxi would be joined in marriage, and the entire village had come together to make it a day to remember.

  Su Kang stood before a mirror in his new home, adjusting his bright red silk robe. The garment was adorned with intricate golden dragon patterns, symbols of power and good fortune, and a deep blue sash tied around his waist signified his commitment to Bai Yunxi.

  His expression was calm, but beneath the surface, a flicker of nervousness stirred.

  "To think that in both my lives, this is my first wedding."

  A fleeting image of his parents from Earth flashed through his mind, their faces etched with a bittersweet longing. He imagined their joy, their blessings, the pride they would have felt.

  "They would have liked Yun'er."

  A faint smile touched his lips. Then, he pictured his mother from this life—her gentle smile, her unwavering support. He knew she would embrace Bai Yunxi, welcoming her into the family with open arms.

  And Su Ting… his younger brother would probably be the happiest, relieved that his serious, often-distant older brother had finally found someone.

  He pushed the thoughts away, focusing instead on the present, on the woman who was about to become his wife.

  Meanwhile, at Madam An's house, Bai Yunxi was surrounded by a flurry of activity.

  She wore an exquisite crimson robe, its wide sleeves flowing like water, embroidered with golden phoenixes that seemed to shimmer in the light.

  Her hair was artfully pinned up, adorned with delicate jade ornaments that caught the sunlight, and her makeup highlighted her serene beauty, her lips painted a deep crimson.

  Her fingers traced the intricate embroidery of a phoenix on her sleeve.

  "It has been so long."

  A mixture of excitement and trepidation stirred within her as she gazed at her reflection. This was the day she would begin a new chapter of her life.

  "Five years ago, he saved me from that fire beast and saw me in that condition… He teased me about taking responsibility."

  She chuckled softly.

  "And now, he's really taking responsibility."

  Her smile faded slightly as determination settled in her eyes.

  "I will also take responsibility for him. I need to change myself."

  As the sun climbed higher, the villagers gathered in the square, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The sound of gongs and drums echoed through the village, signaling the start of the wedding procession.

  Su Kang, flanked by villagers, made his way to the square, his steps steady but his heart pounding.

  The decorations were simple yet beautiful—bright red silk banners fluttered in the breeze, and lanterns adorned with golden calligraphy cast a warm glow over the scene.

  Tables groaned under the weight of delicacies: sweet dumplings, fragrant rice cakes, and succulent roasted duck, all prepared by the village's finest cooks.

  When Su Kang arrived, he was greeted by a parade of well-wishers led by Old Man He, who showered him with confetti and blessings.

  The old man, who had initially been reserved around Su Kang, now seemed more at ease, his earlier concerns softened by Bai Yunxi's assurances of Su Kang's gentle and carefree nature.

  Bai Yunxi stood at the entrance of her small house, surrounded by young girls who fussed over her appearance.

  Her heart swelled as she saw Su Kang approach, his calm demeanor and gentle smile putting her at ease.

  Their eyes met.

  In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. Her shyness melted into joy, and she felt a deep sense of certainty about the path they were about to embark on together.

  The ceremony began with the "Three Letters and Six Etiquettes," a traditional series of exchanges that emphasized the importance of family, respect, and love.

  Su Kang, though slightly nervous, focused on the rites, his heart steadying as he reminded himself of the significance of this union.

  A village elder with a flowing beard stepped forward, raising his hands to silence the crowd.

  "Today, we witness not just the joining of two hearts but the continuation of our village's legacy," the elder declared, his voice carrying across the square.

  He guided the couple through the bows—first to each other, their heads touching three times in a gesture of trust and commitment; then to their parents, with Su Kang bowing to Madam An in place of his absent family, showing respect and gratitude for the woman who had raised Bai Yunxi.

  Finally, the elder gestured toward the heavens.

  "Now, let us bow to the heavens and to the earth, acknowledging the spirits and ancestors who have guided us here today."

  The couple turned to face the sky, bowing three times in profound silence, their reverence for the universe and its blessings palpable.

  "With the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife," the elder announced, his voice ringing out. "May your lives together be filled with joy and harmony."

  The villagers erupted in cheers, tossing flower petals into the air. Su Kang's heart swelled with joy, his face radiating happiness as he smiled at Bai Yunxi.

  The banquet that followed was a lively affair, the square filled with laughter, music, and the mingling aromas of food and incense.

  The feast, prepared by a spiritual chef using second-level spiritual ingredients, was a testament to the village's generosity and the couple's standing.

  Su Kang had contributed generously, hunting beasts and providing resources from his storage ring to ensure there was enough for everyone.

  As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the villagers slowly began to disperse, their hearts full from the day's celebrations.

  Madam An and her friends raised their cups in toasts, their voices filled with warmth and goodwill.

  "Today is a happy day for Young Lord Su and Young Lady Bai," Old Man He exclaimed, his voice slightly slurred from wine but his words heartfelt. "Come, let us drink to their future!"

  "Cheers! May their lives be prosperous and filled with love!"

  "Cheers! May they be blessed with healthy children and a long, happy life together!"

  Su Kang and Bai Yunxi raised their glasses, toasting their guests and drinking three cups in gratitude.

  As the night deepened, the couple was escorted to their new home. Su Kang was conversing with Fate as he led Bai Yunxi through the busy village streets.

  He currently had 7,750 destiny points, while Bai Yunxi had about 6,050. Thanks to Fate, they now shared 15% of each other's destiny.

  "Fate, do you have something for Bai Yunxi?"

  Since they now shared a portion of their destiny, he, as her husband, would do everything in his power to support her.