In recent years, news that shook the Central Region seemed to be endless, with reports of demon invasions, Liu family rebellions, the establishment of the Thunder Emperor Hall, and major victories.
The people seemed somewhat numb to the shocking news of this eventful period, but the latest piece of information truly stunned everyone, proving to be utterly unexpected.
In half a month, Thunder Emperor Wan Lei would marry Fang Xiaoyu, the youngest daughter of the Fang family patriarch.
People had known about Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu’s relationship for ten years. They had long grown accustomed to the inseparable pair, their perfect union, and their countless world-saving deeds.
However, upon hearing the news of their impending wedding, everyone was genuinely taken aback.
It was then that people remembered,
Damn it all,
These two haven't even gotten married yet?!!!
Regardless of how shocked they were, various factions extended their blessings. A wedding for the Thunder Emperor was an event of significance, and even those who didn't receive an invitation or qualify to attend still felt obligated to offer their respects.
This time, Wan Lei did not arrange a grand affair as he had for the founding of the Thunder Emperor Hall or his enthronement. Instead, he invited only close friends, family, and esteemed mentors.
The ten Grand Tribulation Powerhouses were, of course, among the invited guests, each preparing generous gifts to congratulate the destined-to-be-troubled and calamity-ridden couple.
On this day, the Thunder Emperor Hall was as lively as ever, adorned with lanterns and streamers, filled with the continuous sound of firecrackers, creating a scene of joyous festivity.
At the front center of the main hall stood the imposing statue of the Thunder Emperor. Beside the statue of Thunder Emperor Wan Qingyi, however, were two statues of equal height.
These were the statues of Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu.
These had been hastily crafted by people in recent times, representing the great achievements of Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu. Their merits, far surpassing those of Wan Qingyi, had earned them the right to stand alongside him. In fact, were it not for Wan Qingyi being Wan Lei's ancestor, he would not have qualified to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu.
Beneath the statues were two chairs, occupied by Old Fang and Wan Hongxin respectively.
They were seated ahead of any other Grand Tribulation Powerhouse because today was their children's wedding.
Below them sat other venerable Grand Tribulation Powerhouses.
However, one individual's seat was positioned even closer to the front than anyone else's, just a short distance from Wan Hongxin. It was a statue.
The girl in the statue waved her small hands excitedly, her face beaming with joy and enthusiasm.
You said you regretted not witnessing our wedding. Well, today, you can stand in the best position and watch us. We also accept your sincerest blessings.
No one objected to Qi Manyao's statue being placed here. Without her, Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu would not have survived, nor would they be standing here today.
Within the hall were the Ten Grand Tribulation Powerhouses, the current Sect Master of Yin Yang Sect, the Sect Master of Kui Lian Sect, Wan Liuchuan, Liu Yuxin, Sui Xiaohang, Feng Silu, Qian Duoduo, He Shiba, Balnu, Li Lei, Yue Lingxi, the Good Brothers, and many others.
The hall was crowded with people, all awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom.
Xi Renjun stood in the center, gazing expectantly, waiting for the main characters to arrive. He was the master of ceremonies for the day, tasked with presiding over the wedding.
It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that a gong sounded from outside, followed by the simultaneous eruption of firecrackers. Amidst the smoke and festive air, a couple dressed in red robes entered the hall from outside.
Both were clad in magnificent red robes. Wan Lei was tall and handsome, and his status and position added an undeniable aura of brilliance to him.
Fang Xiaoyu, however, did not wear a red veil. Instead, she was adorned with a phoenix crown and a regal cloak, exuding grace and poise, with a smile that betrayed no hint of restraint or nervousness.
Fang Xiaoyu had already been known as the most beautiful woman in the Central Region at the age of sixteen, ten years prior. Now, having matured, she was even more so.
Coupled with the trials and tribulations she had endured over the years, her youthful innocence had long faded. Her demeanor had undergone a complete transformation; from an ice-cold loli, she had fully blossomed into the noble and dignified presence befitting a matriarch.
As the couple entered, the atmosphere in the hall immediately ignited. Sui Xiaohang, holding a flower basket, showered Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu with petals as if they were free. Had Feng Silu not restrained him, he might have even thrown the basket at Wan Lei's face.
Tian Suanzi and the little Taoist nun followed behind Wan Lei. Just as they had offered blessings for Sui Xiaohang and Feng Silu on a previous occasion, the crucial task of blessing the Thunder Emperor and Empress now fell upon their shoulders.
They approached Xi Renjun, facing each other.
After weathering so many storms, they had finally reached this day.
I will love you forever, until death do us part.
I will always accompany you, no matter the trials of fire or seas of blades, or the ends of the earth.
After the entire ceremony and blessing rites were completed, they served tea to Wan Hongxin and Old Fang.
Wan Hongxin was filled with joy. His son was exceptionally capable, possessing the highest cultivation, the most esteemed status, and the best wife. Everything was perfect.
Old Fang, however, felt a strange sensation. Setting aside their status, position, and achievements, his son-in-law seemed to have never taken him seriously from the day they first met. He had been incredibly arrogant and aloof, always acting so nonchalant. Did he know he would be so powerful in the future back then?
Old Fang sighed. Other sons-in-law were often apprehensive when meeting their fathers-in-law. Yet, his son-in-law, whom he couldn't discipline before, would be even more impossible to control in the future.
The moment for entering the bridal chamber was imminent, yet Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu did not proceed.
They walked over to Qi Manyao's statue and bowed deeply.
Then, Wan Lei gently embraced Qi Manyao's statue, and after releasing it, Fang Xiaoyu did the same.
Thank you.
Half a month later, outside the main hall of the Thunder Emperor Hall, Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu were dressed in their usual blue and yellow attire.
Behind them stood a group of friends and family, as well as many Grand Tribulation Powerhouses who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.
Words of persuasion had been spoken, but everyone knew that the Thunder Wind Realm was too small to contain these two great dragons.
They needed to venture into broader horizons and achieve even greater accomplishments.
Perhaps upon their return, they would once again astonish the world.
“Are you truly not coming with us?”
Wan Lei looked at Xi Renjun.
Xi Renjun shook his head.
“Let them go with you. I will not. The Thunder Emperor Hall needs a leader. With me here, you can be more at ease. Take me with you next time you return.”
Wan Lei nodded, ceasing his attempts to persuade him, but felt that this was somewhat unfair to Xi Renjun.
“Father, Old Fang, we are leaving. The Thunder Wind Realm is now in your hands.”
“Go, you rascal. When you return, we will ensure you have an even better and more stable Thunder Wind Realm.
Don’t be like the Old Thunder Emperor Ancestor, who left and never returned. Don’t forget your homeland.”
Everyone smiled at them, masking their reluctance.
Wan Lei took out the Fate Governing Diagram and collected the three women of the Fire Phoenix. Then, two magnificent beams of power descended from the sky, enveloping them. In an instant, their figures vanished.
Immortal Realm, here I come!
Old Thunder Emperor Ancestor, Six Immortals, Man Yaoyao, wait for me!