Chapter 135 - Give this Man Another Oscar!
As Yun Xiao entered, the reactions of the men were varied, but the eyes of many of the women sparkled with intrigue. The women leaned closer, whispering among themselves.
"To be honest, he's even more handsome than the Minister of Rites was in his youth."
"Absolutely!"
So many shared this sentiment that even Han Jingli, who might have overheard, couldn't bring himself to be mad.
He cast Yun Xiao a look and silently conceded, "This new son-in-law of the Chen Clan is indeed as handsome as a willow in the wind, a genuine talent. Perhaps one day he could be recommended to my division, serving as the face of the Immortal Empire." Han Jingli remarked plainly.
Chen Lin chuckled, "On Yun Xiao's behalf, I thank Minister Han for his appreciation. However, now that he's part of the Chen Clan, I believe my elder brother would prefer him to hone his skills in the Nine Heavens Immortal Army."
"That's true. Especially since he possesses a Upper Nebula grade Sword Soul," Han Jingli said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhao nearly choked with indignation.
Within the Ancestral Temple, the Han Clan was seen as subservient to the Ye Royal Family, always charging forward on their behalf, naturally making them enemies with the Chen Clan. To constantly praise Yun Xiao as having a Upper Nebula grade Sword Soul was purely to irritate them. Of course, he didn't believe Yun Xiao possessed any kind of talent.
By then, Yun Xiao and Chen Xi were standing before the Supreme Marshal of the Nine Heavens Immortal Army, Chen Xiao.
The crowd from the Immortal Empire buzzed with discussion, casting odd glances at Yun Xiao.
The Master of Ceremonies was preparing to make an announcement when Chen Xiao suddenly fixed his gaze on Yun Xiao, his voice deep and resonant, "Son-in-law! Show our honored guests your Sword Soul!"
The room fell into immediate silence.
Even the Minister of Rites, Han Jingli, paused, setting down his tea cup, his expression turning frosty.
"What's big brother up to?" Chen Mo asked, puzzled.
Chen Zhao and Chen Lin both wore expressions of mild confusion. Wasn't this the auspicious moment for the wedding ceremony? Showcasing his Sword Soul now?
In an instant, the attention of the thousands present honed in on the scene.
"Yes." With a slight nod, Yun Xiao turned to face the esteemed figures of the Heavenly Realm and the Immortal Empire. He concentrated, and from his palm, an azure Sword Soul shot into the sky!
The Sword Soul pulsated with a dense swirl of azure Sword Aura. Surrounding it were the four elemental Sword Rings of water, fire, wind, and thunder, winding around the sword like dragons. Waves, raging fire, storms, and thunder—these four mystical manifestations generated a chilling and solemn aura, captivating everyone present.
"A hundred-layer Sword Aura?"
"Four Sword Rings?!"
The hundred-layer Sword Aura was not the main attraction, that was common for those descended from the Heavenly Realm. But those Four Sword Rings, that was the showstopper.
"Galaxy grade! A genuine Sword Emperor!"
Even in the Immortal Empire's Heavenly Realm, voices of astonishment rose in waves upon seeing this Galaxy grade Sword Soul.
Thousands of eyes stayed transfixed on the Heaven Burial Sword Soul for a good while. Then, the way they looked at Yun Xiao completely transformed.
Chen Xiao didn't intend for his son-in-law to hold back. As soon as he stepped onto the scene, out came the sword. And with that sword's appearance, the entire audience tightened up!
"I always said the Chen Clan wasn't one for child's play," someone murmured.
"Our bad. We were short-sighted," another conceded.
Among the throng of ten thousand, awkward glances and sheepish smiles were exchanged. But of all present, none wore discomfort more plainly than Han Jingli.
"Galaxy grade?" Han Jingli fixed his gaze on the display, his expression freezing over.
"Ah, our esteemed Minister Han," Chen Lin remarked after a beat, a sly grin playing on her lips. "With his heavenly foresight, he precisely anticipated the caliber of our new in-law's Sword Soul."
Chen Mo rubbed his eyes for a better look, then laughed heartily. "You weren't far off, Minister Han! Impressive."
Chen Zhao added in a voice dripping with amusement, "It's only Galaxy grade. Hardly noteworthy. Certainly not worth the attention of Minister Han's discerning gaze."
It wasn't just Han Jingli who was stunned—even the three of them felt the weight of the revelation. Internally, they criticized Chen Xiao for not briefing them, but seeing Han Jingli's feigned composure? Oh, it was satisfying.
Upper Nebula grade? As if! A Sword Emperor was on a completely different plane of existence!
Han Jingli maintained his silence for a while before his face cracked into a strained smile. "This young man is the first Sword Emperor since the fall of the ancient Sword Realm," he said with a touch of grudging respect. "Congratulations to the Chen Clan! With such shifts in fortune, you're well on your way to becoming the foremost clan in the Heavenly Realm."
Murmurs rippled through the vast assembly of guests.
"The future pillar of the Ye Royal Family has once again faltered, while the Chen Clan boasts two rising stars?"
"The tides are turning."
"Just a year ago, who would've thought there'd be a twist in the tale, with Ye Xingchen stepping over Chen Xi in revenge?"
The emergence of the Sword Emperor, coupled with the return of the young woman at the Establishment Wind Fire Tribulation Realm, cast a contemplative shadow over the crowd.
"Hosting the wedding right now, and inducting the Immortal Empire's top Sword Cultivator into their ranks? The Supreme Marshal's move is sheer genius!" one commented.
In a heartbeat, Yun Xiao, having just entered the fray, instantly became the talk of the Heavenly Realm.
"It's time for the ceremony!" Chen Xi observed the guests, whose admiration was palpable, and felt a surge of satisfaction. Yun Xiao's display had earned him immense respect, turning public opinion on its head.
"Yes." The master of ceremonies grin plastered across his face, stood to one side and proclaimed, "Ladies and gentlemen, we present the bride and groom. Now, for the first b—"
CRASH! The master of ceremonies was interrupted as a blue-glowing, heavy object suddenly crashed behind Yun Xiao and Chen Xi.
"What the...?"
Eyes turned, and the crowd audibly gasped.
It was a giant crystal coffin, large enough to fit two people!
"Who dares to be so audacious?!"
Tens of thousands felt their hearts skip a beat. This was, after all, the Chen Clan's grand wedding, an occasion of immense celebration. For someone to throw a double-sized coffin and disrupt the ceremony was an unparalleled act of humiliation.
"Congratulations to the Chen Clan! A humble student of the Grand Temple's academy, Ye Xingchen, is here to send his best wishes. As a gift, one luxurious double-sized crystal coffin!" As a clear, melodious voice rang out, a young man in white, eyes serene, stepped into the spotlight. With all eyes on him, he gracefully strode down the red carpet, exuding an air of supreme confidence.
At that moment, a familiar scene cast a shadow over the hearts of thousands. Him again! This monstrosity had an uncanny talent for crashing the party at the most inconvenient times. The crowd first glanced at him, then at the double-sized crystal coffin he'd brought. Their thoughts were unanimous: That's some serious gall!
Absolutely audacious! The Chen Clan was a venerable house in the Heavenly Realm. Among the guests were dignitaries from the Immortal Empire. And here he was, not just interrupting the wedding ceremony but also bringing in a damn coffin?
The young man, face full of feigned blessings, turned to Yun Xiao and Chen Xi, and said sincerely, "I present this coffin as my gift, wishing the happy couple a life and death together. May you live as beautiful immortals and die as inseparable spirits. Hand in hand for lifetimes, never to part!"
WHOOSH! The moment those words left his lips, every member of the Chen Clan shot to their feet. Their eyes blazed with fury, faces twisted in anger, and fists clenched, all aimed at the audacious youth in white.
At this moment, Mu Tianshi, Ye Qingli, and a stunning young woman in a short light-blue dress, walked up behind the youth in white.
Even with Chen Xi's face veiled in red, this breathtaking woman became the center of attention. She delicately held onto the arm of the youth, representing the Grand Temple's staunch support for Ye Xingchen even in adverse times.
A hushed silence fell upon the hall. This wedding had been more than just interrupted; it felt like someone had thrown mud on it.
"Ye Xingchen!" Chen Mo's eyes seared with fury, "You've crossed the line!"
"You've truly misunderstood," the youth in white replied with a light smile. "I'm merely offering my sincere blessings. Chen Xi has finally met someone worthy of her. I heard he's a Sword Emperor? Definitely a lot cooler than me."
With that, he wrapped his arm around Mu Lingyi's waist, intending to take his seat
"Halt!" Suddenly, a twisted, suppressed shout echoed.
All eyes turned, and there stood Yun Xiao, his face contorted in anger, stepping towards the youth in white. He sneered, "Ye Xingchen, I know of the feud between you and my beloved Chen Xi. A year ago, you already humiliated her. Why come back to harass her again today?"
Ye Xingchen chuckled lightly, "My dear friend, you misunderstand. This crystal coffin is quite pricey. They say every groom deserves a fine coffin, and this one’s perfectly tailored for you."
"Shut up!" Yun Xiao's fists clenched, his brows furrowing in rage. "Your Immortal Meridians are severed. You're nothing but a wastrel. Yet, you dare humiliate the Chen Heavenly Mansion, all because the Grand Temple shelters you?"
Holding the hand of the delicate Mu Lingyi, Ye Xingchen shrugged with a cheeky grin, "Yes, I do. What of it?"
He was here to crash the party, after all.
"Oh?" Yun Xiao snarled, a twisted smile forming, "You slight me, insult my wife, and tarnish my clan's reputation. Do you think I, a man of honor, would let a waste like you walk over me?"
"You truly live up to the title of Sword Emperor. Impressive! I'm scared!" Ye Xingchen responded, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
At this, Mu Tianshi interjected, "Xingchen, the gift has been given. There's no need to linger. Let's go."
"Hubby, don't waste your breath on these fair-weathered fools," Mu Lingyi whispered.
"Let's leave," Ye Qingli softly said to the youth in white. "Maintain your dignity today. They can't hold you here with us around."
"Ye Xingchen!" Yun Xiao, cutting off Ye Qingli's comforting words, pointed at the youth and declared, "Today is a day of joy for me, and I won't have this central hall tainted by your foul presence. In one month, I challenge you to a duel. If you lose, kneel and bow before the Chen Heavenly Mansion for three days."
"One month?" Ye Xingchen replied nonchalantly, "Sure. And if you lose?"
"I'll shatter my sword and perish," Yun Xiao coldly stated, "Do you have the guts to accept?"
"Alright, then. One month it is," Ye Xingchen nodded in agreement.
So quick to agree?
"Yun Xiao, don't wait a month! He's just been defeated today. Don't give him the chance!" Chen Mo urgently advised.
"Oh, alright." Yun Xiao nodded in understanding, swiftly changing his challenge. "No! You've insulted me today; today we settle it! As the top disciple of the Grand Temple, do you dare accept my challenge?"
Both Mu Tianshi and Ye Qingli were frowning in concern, but at that moment, Ye Xing Chen unexpectedly let go of the hand of the stunning young lady beside him.
"Why not today?" Ye Xingchen said nonchalantly.
"Then let's do it now!" Yun Xiao said with a chilling sneer.
"Where shall we duel?" Ye Xingchen arched an eyebrow.
"Right here! After I finish you off, I'll toss you into that coffin and send you on your way," Yun Xiao huffed.
"Very well," Ye Xingchen sighed resignedly.
Hearing this exchange, the tens of thousands of guests in attendance blinked in surprise.
"On the day of the wedding, a duel over a coffin... As Chen Xi's betrothed, Yun Xiao can't let Ye Xingchen's insult slide. Not if he wants to hold his head high ever again!"
"But the thing is, I can't believe Ye Xingchen actually agreed! His Immortal Meridians are severed, what's he relying on?"
"Does Ye Xingchen still think he's still at the top of the Grand Temple's Dragon Ranking? Does he even know what the Sword Emperor means?"
"No matter how you see it, Yun Xiao is right to press for an immediate duel! It's clear that Ye Xingchen's foundational cultivation is at its weakest today!"
With things having escalated to this point, how could the situation be defused without blood being shed?
From the beginning, both Chen Xiao and his daughter Chen Xi remained silent.
And all the powerful beings from the Immortal Empire? They simply watched the drama unfold, maintaining their own silence.
Finally, Chen Xiao simply said, "Fight!"
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