Time for marriage had arrived very close, just a day away.
The day was busier than ever before.
The Zhou family was preparing for the Baptism ceremony after the marriage.
Meanwhile in Heavenly Martial Sect, there preparation made were never ending, everything was being prepared, checked and then re-checked and managed.
Everyone in the sect, be it disciples, elders or anyone, everyone was busy.
The night arrived quietly, just as the day had passed bustling.
Rai lay still on her bed trying to sleep, eyes closed, then open again. There was an inexplicable feeling that made it her for her to easily fall asleep. It was not worry, nor anticipation—only a faint, indescribable awareness that kept her awake as the hours slipped by.
Elsewhere, Kai was going through the same things, just lying on his bed in his courtyard, trying to sleep but not able to.
He just laid there, not moving even an inch, not thinking anything deeply, just some passing thoughts, not feeling pressed by anything in particular.
Time simply passed, unnoticed, until the darkness at the window thinned.
Dawn arrived without ceremony.
And the day everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.
The first light of dawn brushed the peaks of the Heavenly Martial Sect, washing the mountains in pale gold. Mist lingered over terraces and courtyards, curling lazily around banners and spirit-lamps that had been prepared long in advance.
Stone roads gleamed beneath careful polish, every surface reflecting the sky above as if the sect itself had been renewed overnight.
As the morning progressed, the stillness gave way to movement.
Figures appeared through teleportation formations one after another—elders, sect representatives, noble families—each arrival quiet yet unmistakable. Disciples guided the guests with practiced ease, leading them along prepared routes toward their assigned courtyards. The air filled with layered sounds: restrained greetings, soft laughter, the subtle tension that accompanied any gathering of consequence.
Amidst this, Rai arrived with the Zhou family.
Their presence was composed, lacking extravagance, yet carried an authority that needed no announcement. As arrangements unfolded, it seemed only natural that they took their place among the honored guests.
Before being led away, Rai's steps slowed.
From where she stood, the central platform was visible—distant, elevated, and open beneath the sky. It stood in quiet anticipation, its wide steps untouched, its stone surface bare of ceremony. She paused, her gaze lingering longer than she intended.
In her mind, the emptiness did not remain. She imagined the space filled with color, with people, with countless gazes drawn toward the center. The thought did not disturb her. It simply settled, like something that had always been meant to happen.
Soon after, attendants guided her onward.
Elsewhere within the sect, Kai stood alone along a stone path, the echoes of morning activity surrounding him. Most of the preparations had already been completed. Disciples moved at a slower pace now, their tasks fewer, their voices quieter.
From his position, the platform could be seen from afar.
He did not step closer. Instead, he observed it in silence—the height of the steps, the openness of the space, the way light fell across the stone. It felt distant, larger than it had any right to be.
After a moment, he exhaled softly.
There was nothing left to delay.
As the hours passed, both were drawn inward—into separate halls, into quiet rooms where preparations truly began.
For Rai, time seemed to stretch. Attendants moved with reverent care, layering silks upon her frame, adjusting folds, smoothing edges, fastening ornaments that caught the light with every movement. Her hair was styled carefully, each strand placed with intent, hairpins gleaming faintly as they were secured.
No one rushed.
Every adjustment mattered.
She sat still, hands resting calmly in her lap, her gaze occasionally drifting toward the window where sunlight filtered through, steady and unhurried.
Kai's preparations were simpler, but no less deliberate. His robes were adjusted for balance and form, embroidery inspected, his hair bound neatly into place. His mother watched closely, correcting the smallest detail, ensuring nothing was overlooked.
Neither spoke much.
Words felt unnecessary.
By the time the sun had risen higher, everything was ready.
The sect had been filled to an unimaginable number of people.
Guests filled the courtyards and terraces surrounding the central platform, their attention drawn forward. When the ceremonial call rang out, a hush spread across the gathering.
Rai stepped forward first, her movements composed, the fabric of her robes flowing softly with each step. Kai followed, his posture straight, his gaze steady.
As they approached the platform, murmurs spread through the crowd.
"So beautiful…"
"Such presence."
"How handsome..."
The various young ladies couldn't stop gazing and praising the groom while no man could overlook the beauty of the bride and not glance toward her or say 'not preety', they all could only say 'Heavenly Beauty' .
"They look like a heavenly pair. Made for each other."
Others whispered more cautiously. While some even ridiculed.
"They are still ordinary people at this age."
"Who knows if they can even truly cultivate after this?"
The non-stop voices faded into the background as the ceremony began.
Guided by the elders, they performed each ritual with care—bows exchanged, symbolic offerings presented, words spoken that carried the weight of tradition and lineage. Their hands met, steady and deliberate, as incense burned and blessings were pronounced.
The moment stretched, quiet and complete.
Each ritual performed with absolute care.
And....
When the final words were spoken, a soft ripple passed through the crowd—approval, admiration, speculation all woven together. The union had been sealed.
The Bride and Groom had now become Husband and Wife.
Every guests, elders, relatives that witnessed this spoke in unison, "Congratulations, on your marriage."
For a moment no other word could be heard that didn't mention congrats.
The Bride and Groom, gave a light bow towards everyone, as if to say thank you.
Then....
They were guided away before the crowd could fully surge forward.
It wasn't abrupt, nor was it announced. An elder stepped aside, a path subtly opened, and before Kai quite realized it, he and Rai were already moving away from the central platform. The voices behind them swelled for a moment—congratulations, laughter, the clinking of cups—then they slowly blurred into something distant.