Chapter 76: Visitors from the Imperial Capital

Before the person even arrived, their voice reached the crowd, a clear sign of formidable strength. From the sound alone, it was evident the newcomer was quite young. Yet, within the words was an air of boundless arrogance and dominance, as if nothing in the world could possibly matter before him.

Everyone looked up at the distant sky in astonishment. On such a momentous day, someone had actually come to snatch the bride? This was audacious beyond belief.

“They’re here! They’re really here!” Feng Dian could barely contain his excitement, having only joked about this possibility—he never expected it to come true.

Yuan Zhen swallowed nervously. Anyone bold enough to try to steal Yan Muer away had to be from Taijing! Taijing, the city at the feet of the Sage, a place countless people dreamed of. To establish oneself there was to bring honor to one’s ancestors.

“Be careful what you say,” Yuan Zhen warned Feng Dian anxiously. “We can’t afford to offend those from Taijing.”

“I know,” Feng Dian replied, twitching his mouth. “Looks like Kun-ge might be at a disadvantage today.”

But then he muttered under his breath, “When have you ever seen Kun-ge suffer a loss?”

Yuan Zhen had to admit his friend was right. Kun-ge had never lost out since childhood. But this time, facing people from Taijing, surely he’d have to give ground.

Meanwhile, Ye Kun squinted at the sky, watching as a black dot grew steadily closer. On the day of his own wedding, someone had come to snatch his bride! It almost made him feel like a villain who had stolen another’s true love.

He sighed inwardly, truthfully rather worried for those who’d come to disrupt the wedding—would they be able to leave unscathed?

Beside him, Ye Qin wore a grim expression, ready to fight if needed. How dare anyone cause trouble at his brother’s wedding? Such insolence should be punished by the heavens!

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng were much calmer. They had half-expected that Kun Kun’s wedding would not pass smoothly, given Yan Muer’s influence in Taijing. Still, to make trouble on this day—the consequences would be severe. If you dared show up, you certainly wouldn’t leave unharmed!

Zhang Tiantian and Xiao Ling both rested their hands on their sword hilts, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. But they all knew that if things escalated, the whole family would have to flee, and Taijing would no longer be a place they could remain.

“Husband, Muer’s lover has arrived,” Ye Li remarked, feeling this was the perfect time to put Yan Muer in her place.

Ye Kun frowned. Ye Li’s words were not without reason—after all, if someone had come to steal the bride, their relationship had to be extraordinary.

Even a bare head is preferable to a head crowned with jealousy.

Yan Muer almost wanted to pull Ye Li’s hair out. That old woman! How dare she slander her so shamelessly! Outrageous!

“Husband, I haven’t done anything, truly. You must believe me. Sister, how could you think such things about me? Just to win Husband’s favor, you’d slander your own sister? I’m so heartbroken.” Yan Muer was well-versed in the art of female rivalry—her master had taught her everything, all for the sake of winning a man’s affection.

If her master ever learned that her prized pupil was using these tricks on a little bald monk and was even proud of it, she might not simply retreat into seclusion—she’d just give up entirely.

Hearing Yan Muer’s plea, Ye Kun found it reasonable; Ye Li certainly seemed to be sowing discord.

Ye Li cursed herself for acting too hastily and letting Yan Muer turn the tables. The fox spirit was cunning indeed!

“You’re right, Sister. I was careless. Husband, Sister, please don’t take it to heart,” Ye Li said, choosing to withdraw for now. Any further argument would only harm her reputation as a gentle wife.

Yan Muer hadn’t expected Ye Li to employ the tactic of retreating to advance. Truly adaptable! Had Ye Li pressed further, she would have forced her into the role of a venomous woman and ruined her delicate, pitiable image.

Although Ye Li hadn’t apologized outright, the meaning was clear enough, and Ye Kun let the matter drop—after all, both women were clearly up to something.

“Yuan Zhen, look at Kun-ge! He still has time to banter with his beautiful wife!” Feng Dian exclaimed, watching Ye Kun on the stage, utterly relaxed and chatting with his bride.

Yuan Zhen exhaled in disbelief. “Who would have thought? Even with people from Taijing arriving, Kun-ge doesn’t so much as frown.”

“Exactly! These are people from Taijing—Kun-ge’s being so casual, he could at least show some respect, right?”

“True, appearances matter. At the very least, he should pretend to be angry. The other side’s words were harsh enough.”

“My Kun-ge lets his actions speak for him,” Feng Dian sighed helplessly. “Kun-ge, could you stop showing off? These aren’t like last time, with Pan Pingping…”

Last time, it was just Master Wei’s student, and they gave face. This time, even Master Wei might not be able to help.

As the dark silhouette approached, everyone could see clearly—it was a beautifully crafted carriage!

The horses were the true mark of nobility—White Feathered Steeds! Yan Muer had arrived on one herself.

This particular White Feathered Steed had a pair of wings, each stretching fifteen meters wide, radiating a pure, white brilliance that gave it a sacred aura.

On the curtain of the ornate carriage behind, a single character was emblazoned—Tong.

The Tong family was a powerful clan in Taijing, with many holding office in the imperial court, and even a favored imperial consort among their ranks in recent years. The descendants of the Tong clan could walk unchallenged throughout the city.

Of course, there were still a few people they’d be wise not to provoke—Kun-ge, for example, who might just end up carried out flat.

Flanking the carriage were two young men, each riding a White Feathered Steed. Their mounts lacked the luminous wings of the first, making them appear slightly less noble by comparison. Still, that hardly mattered; the real appeal was their effortless grace, effortlessly guiding their steeds with a single hand—just the kind of men young women adored. The horses were incidental; demeanor was everything.

To the left rode a strikingly handsome man, with a high-bridged nose and sharp brows—an arresting sight. His name was Dongfang Shuang, scion of the distinguished Dongfang family in Taijing.

On the right was a man of less remarkable appearance, though his features were well-formed. He exuded a fierce air, as though all others were mere insects in his eyes. His name was Ye Yushu, a true-born member of the Ye family of Taijing.

Ye Yushu and Dongfang Shuang were not lackeys of Tong Ge. Their presence here was to give Tong Ge face and lend support. Tong Ge was no fool—after all, the other side was also from the Ye family, known to have stirred up trouble in Taijing years ago.

Anyone who could create chaos in Taijing and walk away unscathed had to be exceptional. From Ye Yushu’s own words, his uncle was no ordinary man.

Thus, he brought along another formidable figure as insurance. Today’s visit was both a show of force and a bid to apply pressure. Ye Yushu’s uncle was said to wield the power of a Sword King, so this time, a master of the Sword Emperor rank had come as backup.