Chapter 32 (1/2)

This is the chapter that cannot be missed if you’ve been reading Lost You Forever. It’s the most incredible one since the action-packed chapter where Xiao Yao was a.s.sa.s.sinated and her three men rushed one after another to contribute to saving her in their own way. This chapter 32 of LYF has been a long time coming as Xiao Yao dons her wedding dress and prepares to marry Feng Long with as much excitement as a girl heading to a nunnery. In the prequel Once Promised, Xiao Yao’s mother Ah Heng’s wedding day to Shao Hao, the future Grand Emperor, was brazenly interrupted by the arrival of her lover Qi Yo to take her away. Ah Heng steeled her heart and broke Qi Yo’s heart when she went through with the wedding for the sake of saving her beloved mother and brothers. This little tidbit of parental generation angst is necessary to mention in order to fully appreciate how history is about to repeat itself at Xiao Yao’s wedding and maybe see her make a different choice than her mother.

I hope no one thought she was actually going to go through with it that easily and marry a guy dull as beans (to her) and who is likely more into studying war maps than making love to his wife. I love the reader jokes about how Feng Long is secretly in love with Zhuan Xu, that’s not true but he’s definitely way more excited to hang out with Zhuan Xu than Xiao Yao, that’s for sure. I don’t want that kind of pa.s.sionless marriage for Xiao Yao, and neither does the three men who love her. So which guy shows up to interrupt the exchange of vows? The whole thing goes down in the most dramatic way possible (perfect for a drama scene) but like everything there is more than meets the eye. If only the most romantic gesture of all time could be acknowledged but that would be too easy. Get ready to swoon and cry and swoon some more as this chapter unfurls in all its pent up glory. This is probably as close as its ever gotten between Xiao Yao and the guy but even the truth about their feelings for each other cannot set them free to be together.

Chapter 32 – A Shadow Headed in Which Direction:

The Autumn month arrived and the Gao Xing wedding party departed from Five G.o.ds Mountain via the water route towards Chi Sui.

Under Ru So’s expert travel planning, the wedding party entered the Chi Sui waterways on the dawn of the 22nd and the Chi Sui welcoming s.h.i.+ps were waiting with celebratory music playing that was so loud it shook the Earth.

Both sides of the Chi Sui sh.o.r.e were jam packed with spectators there to watch the festivities.

Chi Sui’s clan traditional attire was the cla.s.sic flair of the Middle Plains with a preference for red. Xiao Yao took off her white robe with her maids a.s.sistance and put on her red wedding dress.

The s.h.i.+ps entered the Chi Sui river and gradually slowed down. It was the season for the magnolias to bloom and there were magnolia trees on both sides of the sh.o.r.e and the fragrance carried for miles as the petals rained down. Xiao Yao sat by the s.h.i.+p’s window and silently stared at the yellow petals floating by in the water.

The s.h.i.+p hadn’t yet reached the Chi Sui clan residence when the sound of the chatter on the sh.o.r.e reached the s.h.i.+p. Because too many guests were in attendance and the residence could not hold so many, the Chi Sui clan used its ice powers to freeze the lake surface into ice and a banquet was set up there. It brought a cool breeze to the proceedings and a great view to enjoy the banquet.

The guests sighed, clearly the head of the Four Great Clans could do anything, it could find disciples with the necessary powers and it had money to spend on even the biggest of parties.

When everyone saw the Gao Xing s.h.i.+ps arriving all the wedding guests stood up to watch.

Feng Long was wearing all red and was standing by the sh.o.r.e.

Xiao Yao gingerly walked to the edge of s.h.i.+p with the a.s.sistance of her maid. She was dressed regally in all red and wearing a crown of jewels but her face was very beautifully bare. She only had on a little bit of lip tint which paired with the red peach blossom brand on her forehead turned her into a vision of beauty.

Feng Long normally didn’t put much thought into women but seeing her and thinking that tonight she would lay in his arms made even his heart thunder.

The s.h.i.+p reached sh.o.r.e but Feng Long still didn’t move and only stared dumbstruck at Xiao Yao.

The crowds laughed at him and his face turned beet red and he quickly grabbed the red lotus flower branch bouquet and bowed to Xiao Yao “The lotus opens to bear unity, together our hearts as one.”

Xiao Yao reached out for it and repeated the same auspicious promise.

With the sound of music surrounding them, Feng Long a.s.sisted Xiao Yao off the s.h.i.+p and felt her small hand in his but it wasn’t soft like the other girls but instead had hard callouses which made him feel even more tender towards her and he held her hand even tighter.

Xiao Yao and Feng Long each held the bouquet branch and walked forward. The path was created using lotus flowers of every color because the Chi Sui clan was based next to water so revered the lotus flower as good luck. The red lotus was the most rare and required using spiritual powers to grow.

The kids were told to pick up the lotus and toss it at her to bring more children. Feng Long leaned down to whisper “Don’t misunderstand. It’s not that they don’t like you, it’s custom to use lotus to throw at the bride……”

Xiao Yao’s face was red “I know, on the s.h.i.+p the maids explained to me.” Apparently right after the ceremony the couple would retreat to a lotus tent also as a sign to have more children.

Feng Long stared at Xiao Yao and he was so overcome that he couldn’t wait for the ceremony to be over as soon as possible, for night to fall as quickly as possible, to return to their honeymoon suite as soon as possible. Feng Long said “Xiao Yao, after the ceremony then you’re mine for the rest of our lives.” Xiao Yao lowered her head and Feng Long smiled.

There were people outside the residence cataloging all the wedding gifts sent from around the vast wilderness.

“Tu Shan clan, ninety nine East Sea pearls, ninety nine North Pole ice crystal wind chimes…..” Everyone stared at the Tu Shan clan leader, the ice crystals were rare and expensive and had many uses. Turning it into a wind chime was actually a waste so most ice crystals were gifted in original form, no one would ever give an ice crystal wind chime much less ninety nine of them.

Xiao Yao entered the residence and saw Jing sitting next to the Xi Ling clan leader. He was dressed in blue and looked thin and wan but still had a respectful smile on his face though he appeared exhausted.

Xiao Yao thought, is he sick? And it looks rather serious. Then why come to the wedding? Did he want to come or did he come because he didn’t want Feng Long to think there was any awkwardness? Did anyone know he is sick….Xiao Yao’s mind was jumbled in that moment.

Feng Long whispered urgently “Xiao Yao!”

Xiao Yao snapped out of it and realized this was her wedding to Feng Long. She felt this bittersweet sadness well up, from now on Jing would have nothing to do with her anymore.

Feng Long whispered “Two months ago Jing came to see me while sick and asked me to cancel the wedding. I left in a huff. I hope after the wedding he can finally let you go.” Xiao Yao said nothing and Feng Long asked “Are you happy?”

Xiao Yao smiled “What do you think?”

Feng Long saw her smile and felt relieved “Jing said he asked me to cancel the wedding not because he still had you in his heart but because he knew you weren’t happy and didn’t want to marry me. I felt conflicted and discussed it with my sister but she said no one forced you to marry me and you agreed yourself so how could you not be willing?”

A white-haired elder said “Shush, the auspicious hour is here!”

Feng Long and Xiao Yao readied themselves and stopped talking.

A voice rang out “Auspicious hour is here! First pray to the Heavens!”

Xiao Yao and Feng Long prayed to the Heavens.

“Second pray to the ancestors!”

Feng Long’s grandfather, his dad Little Zhu Rong, and his mother all smiled down at them.

Feng Long was about to lead Xiao Yao over to kneel before them when suddenly a clear loud voice sounded that interrupted the proceedings.

“Xiao Yao!”

Everyone turned their heads and saw Fang Feng Bei dress all in white walking in from outside calling out in a strong voice “Xiao Yao, don’t marry him.”

Xiao Yao stared in a daze at Fang Feng Bei.

Everyone was stunned, no one could believe that a lowly born son of the Fang Feng family would dare interfere with the wedding of the Chi Sui clan leader. Chi Sui Zhen Tian thundered in rage “Guards! Drag this rude b.a.s.t.a.r.d away and hold him! Afterwards I’m going to ask Fang Feng Xiao Guai how he raised his son?”

A few Chi Sui clan guards rushed towards Fang Feng Bei to drag him out but they were held back by a powerful barrier and couldn’t even get close to Fang Feng Bei.

Fang Feng Bei acted like no one else was around and walked towards Xiao Yao. As he walked the guards trying to block him all were sent flying to the ground.

Feng Long controlled his rage and said in a threatening way “Fang Feng Bei, there are many honored guests present today and I don’t want to disturb them. I hope you don’t live to regret this!”

Fang Feng Bei ignored him and only stared at Xiao Yao “Xiao Yao, don’t get married.”

Xiao Yao furiously asked “What are you trying to do?”

“Don’t marry Chi Sui Feng Long!”

“You’re telling me NOW not to marry him?” Xiao Yao wanted to laugh her head off. “You leave immediately!”

Xiao Yao said to Feng Long “Let’s continue the wedding, I don’t want to miss the auspicious hour!”

Chi Sui Xian led some guards to block Fang Feng Bei’s way and even with Xiang Liu’s power he couldn’t break though immediately.

Feng Long nodded to the wedding coordinator to continue with the wedding “Second bow to the elders——–”

Xiao Yao and the Feng Long faced the three elders and prepared to bow.

Fang Feng Bei was battling Chi Sui Xian and he called out “Xiao Yao, do you remember the blood oath you swore? If you renege on the promise then everything you love will become pain, everything that brings you happiness will turn bitter.”

Xiao Yao stopped moving, she did make a blood oath with Xiang Liu to do one thing for him.

Feng Long noticed Xiao Yao wasn’t bowing and started to get nervous and called out “Xiao Yao!”

Xiao Yao slowly turned back around and stared at Fang Feng Bei “What do you want?”

Fang Feng Bei “I want you to leave with me right now!”

Xiao Yao’s entire body turned cold, with the entire vast wilderness gathered here, if she ran away from her wedding and especially left with another man, that would be such an insult to the Chi Sui clan and to Feng Long. How would the Chi Sui clan see her? How would the entire world view her?

Xiao Yao asked “Why?” Xiang Liu, you knew two months ago I was getting married, why do you have to do it this way? Do you want the entire world to spit on me? If you want to destroy me, why did you choose this most degrading method?

Fang Feng Bei coldly said “You don’t need to ask why, you just need to do as I say. I want you to leave with me. Right. Now!”

The blood oath rang in her ears “If I renege on this promise, whatever I love will turn into pain, whatever brings me happiness will turn bitter.” With today’s events, even if she kept the promise, did that mean there won’t be any pain and any bitterness? Xiao Yao bitterly smiled, whether or not she kept the promise, she was going to have not a day of peace in her life.

Feng Long nervously stared at Xiao Yao and he didn’t realize his voice was quivering “Xiao Yao, it’s time to bow!”

Fang Feng Bei stared intently at Xiao Yao and coldly pressed her “Xiao Yao, you owe me this.”

She did owe him! Not just the blood oath, she owed him her life.

Xiao Yao’s face was stark white as she stumbled towards Fang Feng Bei. Feng Long grabbed her hand and his eyes were wide with terror “Xiao Yao, Xiao Yao, don’t…..” No matter when, he was someone in control. But right now he didn’t know what was happening. Why was his life filled with utter joy a moment ago and in a split second all the joy vanished?

Xiao Yao’s voice shook “I’m sorry, I….I….today I can’t marry you! I’m sorry!”

Xiao Yao’s voice wasn’t loud but everyone present all had powers so everyone heard it clearly. It was as shocking as thunder and even the folks who thought they had seen it all couldn’t help but be shocked.

From birth until now, Feng Long was like the son of the Heavens. There was nothing he couldn’t have in the world, only things he didn’t want. As the entire gathered guests stared at him, Feng Long felt his entire world collapse.

Feng Long released his hand and stood straighter, a proud smile on his face. He said slowly “I don’t know what you promised Fang Feng Bei, but you promised to marry me today!”

Xiao Yao knew she and Feng Long had an understanding, and even if she didn’t want to marry him she would have chosen the right time to calmly tell him. He wouldn’t mind in that case, but to run out of the wedding like this publicly was was shaming him. No man could accept such shame, much less a son of the Heavens like Feng Long.

Xiao Yao’s face was stark white and she turned to plead with Fang Feng Bei who coldly said “Leave with me right now!”

Xiao Yao said to Feng Long “I….I….I wronged you!” Xiao Yao’s voice was shaking and even her body was shaking. “I’m sorry! I don’t dare ask for your forgiveness, and later you can do whatever you want to me and I’ll accept it!” Xiao Yao finished and didn’t dare look at Feng Long before she ran towards Fang Feng Bei.

Xiao Yao had weak powers and Feng Long could have easily forced her to go through with the wedding. This was the Chi Sui clan residence and he was the Chi Sui clan leader, no matter how powerful Fang Feng Bei was, he could stop him. But his pride, his arrogance, neither would allow him to forcefully keep her in front of a room full of guests.

Two guards stopped Xiao Yao and pushed her back towards Feng Long.

Feng Long called out “Let her go!”

The guards stared at Chi Sui Hai Tian and Little Zhu Rong.

Feng Long called out “I said let her go! No one dare stop her!” His face was blue and a vein throbbed on his forehead and there was actually unshed tears in his eye but he still smiled proudly.

All of the guards moved aside.

Xiao Yao lowered her head and bowed to Feng Long before Fang Feng Bei grabbed her hand and pulled her out behind him.

One person in all white taking away one person in all red, right in front of an entire wedding full of guests.

It was dead silent in the wedding hall and not a single guest dared make a noise or move.

The sound of merry music floated in from outside.

Jing stared at Xiao Yao and Fang Feng Bei’s retreating forms and his face was tinted with an odd red hue.

Fang Feng Bei vaulted on a winged horse with Xiao Yao and it rose into the air and disappeared in the sky. Jing suddenly started coughing violently and that seemed to awaken the entire hall of guests. Little Zhu Rong stood up and calmly said “The banquet is prepared and everyone came from far away. Please enjoy the banquet before leaving.”

Everyone acted like nothing happened and accepted before quickly leaving the wedding hall.

Little Zhu Rong stared at his son standing ramrod straight and his elderly father-in-law and said “Dad, you and Feng Long go rest! Don’t worry, let Xiao Ye and I handle the rest.”

The Chi Sui Madam sighed and stood next to Little Zhu Rong. Yet another time when she and her Gege needed to once again shoulder the burden together and overcome this difficult event.

The winged horse flew out of Chi Sui Castle and once Xiang Liu confirmed no one was following, he switched to the back of the white condor.

Xiao Yao didn’t say a word or make a move. She was like a wooden puppet letting Xiang Liu do as he wanted with her.

The white condor flew East and in the middle of the night it actually flew to Qing Shui Town.

Xiang Liu led Xiao Yao into an ordinary human residence and said “We’ll stay here for a few days.”

Xiao Yao said nothing and curled up into a ball in the corner of the pallet.

Xiang Liu asked “Do you hate me for preventing you from marrying the Chi Sui clan leader?”

Xiao Yao curled her body, grabbed her legs, buried her head on her knees, and said nothing. Hate or no hate, she owed him this. He came to ask, she had to do it.

Xiang Liu saw that Xiao Yao was ignoring him so said “There is hot water in the kitchen. Want to bathe?”

Xiao Yao said nothing.

“Do what you want. I’m going to rest.” Xiang Liu turned and left.

His one foot was out the door when Xiao Yao suddenly asked “When did you find out I was getting married?” Due to her head being buried on her knees, her voice sounded m.u.f.fled like it was coming from far away.

Xiang Liu didn’t turn around and his voice was cold “Two months ago.”

Xiao Yao’s voice was shaking “Why….why did you have to do it this way?”

Xiang Liu’s voice got colder “Do you have any right to ask me why? The terms of the deal was discussed in advance. Whatever I asked, you would do!”

Xiao Yao said nothing and Xiang Liu left without looking back. When the door slowly closed behind him, it let out a soft thud. Xiao Yao remembered that when she was asleep under the ocean, every time the clan sh.e.l.l closed it would make a similar sound. Xiao Yao’s tears silently fell.

She didn’t sleep all night and when the sun rose Xiao Yao felt her head throbbing in pain. She walked out of the room to go to the kitchen to get hot water to take a bath.

She took off her dress and saw the bright red wedding gown. Xiao Yao bitterly smiled wondering what her dad, grandfather, and Zhuan Xu were thinking after hearing she ran off with another man on her wedding day. Xiao Yao saw a chest on the pallet and rummaged through it and found a few sets of ladies clothes. She picked a simple outfit.

Xiao Yao bathed and changed into a the simple outfit and felt hungry. She remembered not eating much the day before the wedding and now it had been three days since she had eaten.

Xiao Yao walked outside and saw Xiang Liu standing in the courtyard.

His hair was back to being all white and fell behind him like a waterfall. The tree behind him had red leaves and the brightness contrasted so that he looked even more ethereal like untouched snow.

Xiao Yao sensed something but had to confirm it “Where is Fang Feng Bei?”

Xiang Liu coolly replied “He’s dead.”