Twilight Cloud City was the second smallest city under the jurisdiction of the Rainbow Cloud Sect. Despite its modest size and unremarkable strategic position, it remained an important territory of the Mu Family. With its small population, underdeveloped economy, and relatively low average cultivation strength, the city was often looked down upon by people from other regions. Many even mocked it as a forgotten corner of the sect's domain.
Today, however, the city's atmosphere had changed drastically. The usually quiet streets were now brimming with noise and excitement. The cause: a grand event — the wedding of Bai Tian and Mu Xingyue. Recent incidents in the past few days had only drawn more attention to this small city.
The Mu Family was far from ordinary. For generations, they had dominated the city's trade. Although they were not the wealthiest compared to other powerful clans, within Twilight Cloud City, they stood at the top, their riches allowing them to employ skilled experts and guards to protect their assets.
The clan leader's children had all chosen to stay away from the family business, dedicating themselves instead to the path of cultivation — something the clan head never forbade. When news of Mu Xingyue's beauty began to spread beyond the city, many were astonished. This girl, said to be like a fairy from another world, was to marry Bai Tian — a man of uncertain future from an ordinary family. People hoped that she was not the daughter of a servant, as they believed her status far too noble for such a background.
Being a member of the Mu Family, Mu Xingyue's wedding naturally became the focus of much attention. Yet, despite the anticipation, the ceremony was surprisingly simple, with invitations extended only to close relatives. Many outsiders were left disappointed, denied the chance to witness the fabled beauty in person.
When Bai Tian stepped out of his home, his eyes immediately fell upon a long red carpet stretching from his doorstep — the start of the procession from the Xiao Clan. The carpet wound along the streets toward the Mu Family estate. Crowds of curious onlookers filled both sides of the road, eager to witness the historic moment.
As the Xiao Clan's procession appeared, the noise grew louder. Whispers spread through the crowd:
"Look! That's Bai Tian. He really does look so… ordinary. I heard he's just an adopted son.""Seriously? This is my first time hearing that.""Of course you haven't seen him before. With a stubborn grandfather and such an unremarkable presence, how could he possibly deserve Mu Xingyue? Heaven must be blind!""Mu Xingyue's father and Xiao Feng swore brotherhood after Xiao Feng saved his life. Afterward, her father promised that when his daughter turned seventeen, she would marry Xiao Feng's son. Now that Xingyue is of age, even if Xiao Feng's son is merely an adopted child, the promise must be kept."
Bai Tian rode calmly on horseback, his movements steady and assured. His eyes shone brightly, his gaze filled with quiet confidence. His long black hair flowed behind him, contrasting with the magnificent red wedding robes he wore. Despite the malicious whispers, envy, and scorn surrounding him, his gentle smile never wavered, as if no insult could shake his composure.
Many young women gazed at him with admiration, drawn to his mysterious charm. Though his cultivation talent was unremarkable, his appearance was refined, meeting — if not surpassing — the sect's high standards. His pale, flawless skin and delicate features made him look like a living porcelain doll.
Young men, burning with jealousy, begrudgingly admitted that he was indeed a fitting match for Mu Xingyue.
"I thought he'd arrive in a bridal carriage today, but he chose to ride a horse. With that temperament, maybe the rumors about him aren't true," a woman whispered."Tch! A piece of trash looked down upon all his life is marrying a rising fairy — of course he's proud! Why would he fear losing face?" another man sneered."I heard the Li Clan once planned to betroth their son to Mu Xingyue, but they backed out after learning she wasn't a legitimate daughter," said another voice."What a pity… With her beauty, what man wouldn't want to marry her?" came a sigh in reply.
The wedding procession moved at a steady pace — neither too fast nor too slow — covering the ten-mile journey in about an hour.
Upon arriving at the Mu Family gates, Bai Tian noticed that no one was there to welcome them except for a few servants standing guard. He strode toward the bridal chamber, only to be blocked by one of them.
"Young Master Xiao, please turn back. The young lady does not wish to see anyone today," the servant said firmly.
Bai Tian's gaze darkened as he looked toward the door, standing silently in place.
"My servant speaks the truth," came Mu Xingyue's soft voice from within.
His expression shifted slightly. Though her words were sharp, Bai Tian respected her courage to speak to him directly.
"You may remove the phoenix coronet now. It must be heavy to wear for so long," he said gently.
According to tradition, it was the groom's role to remove the bridal coronet. Earlier, when TBai Tian had tried to help, he had been met with an icy aura from it — enough to make him hesitant to touch it again.
After a brief pause, Mu Xingyue slowly raised her hands and removed the coronet. Her enchanting face emerged under the dim light, and when their eyes met, Bai Tian was momentarily stunned. Her gaze was like a hidden world of untold secrets.
The rumors were true… Her beauty is beyond words, he thought.
She stepped toward him gracefully.
"Xio Tian… remember this — our marriage is only a formality. Do not overstep your bounds," she said in a voice soft yet resolute.
Bai Tian was surprised at the maturity of a girl barely sixteen years old.
"Your aura is strong, but you still have many flaws," Mu Xingyue continued, "What a shame."
He was about to ask what she meant, but before he could speak, she moved toward the bed.
"You will sleep on the floor tonight. After midnight, you may move to another room. If not… don't blame me for what happens," she said coldly.
Bai Tian could only sigh and accept the situation. Lying down in a corner of the room, he resigned himself to the night ahead.
Silence soon filled the bridal chamber.