The sedan chair and its occupant were the true centerpieces of the day. The four colossal dragons that had appeared earlier were nothing more than the bearers carrying the palanquin.
Beside the sedan, two dragon maidens stood in attendance. One had violet hair that drifted on the breeze—it was none other than
Each dragon maiden held a flower basket. As the sedan drifted forward, petals spilled from the baskets and trailed across the sky, weaving a breathtaking shower of flowers that was exquisite beyond words.
This was no ordinary flower rain. Petals of every color burst and sparkled across the heavens, their dazzling radiance in a kaleidoscope of hues that left spectators spellbound.
This single spectacle alone was enough to hold every pair of eyes fixed upon it, the onlookers marveling to themselves that the Dragon Clan truly deserved its reputation—even a wedding could be staged with such extravagant flair. This kind of production was simply beyond the reach of ordinary beings.
Before long the sedan drew near. The four dragons halted, hovering several dozen zhang from the palace.
Pairs of eyes turned toward the sedan, and a smile of heartfelt joy spread across
Swish, swish, swish—
Three figures materialized out of nowhere.
The first was a half-aged elder—gaunt in frame, with a mane of red hair and an expression that commanded authority without anger. Though he released no aura whatsoever, anyone who laid eyes on him could feel an enormous, crushing pressure emanating from his person. That indescribable weight of presence was something not even the four true-form dragons currently displayed could rival.
Beside the half-aged elder stood a palace-robed woman with silver hair and a face as cold as ice. The aura she radiated made everyone's blood run cold. The crowd dared only a fleeting glance before looking away, as though even a second look might freeze both body and soul.
The last was a young man—no older than his apparent age, bearing a mild smile and standing with quiet reserve.
The moment these three appeared, Fu Chi and the others stiffened and bowed in unison. "Greetings, esteemed Elders!"
The Dragon Clan's arrogance was reserved only for other races. Before a powerful figure of their own kind, even the proudest heads would bow.
When Fu Chi and the others called out, the three hundred warriors also changed expression, hurriedly lowering their gazes and secretly exclaiming: So these are the Dragon Clan's three great Elders!
Grand Elder
These three were titans whose influence spanned all of
It was said that Dragon Island had once boasted four Elders, the Third Elder also being of ninth rank. For reasons unknown, however, the Third Elder had not made an appearance this time. Such insider information was not something ordinary people could access, and the three hundred warriors who resided long-term in the Half-Dragon City naturally had no knowledge of Dragon Island's internal affairs.
Before the palace, more than a dozen dragons had gathered.
This was practically the full might of Dragon Island. Short of a once-in-ten-thousand-years event like a dragon wedding, it would be nearly impossible to assemble so many dragons in one place.
Grand Elder Zhu Yan's expression was as still as an ancient well, and Second Elder Fu Zhun wore her habitual icy face. Neither had much to say.
Only the smiling Fourth Elder Zhu Kong nodded toward Fu Chi and offered, "Congratulations."
Fu Chi replied respectfully, "The Elders' kindness is something Fu Chi will forever be grateful for."
Zhu Kong continued, "After the wedding, I hope you two will treat each other with respect and affection, and let your love endure."
Fu Chi hastened to answer, "Rest assured, Fourth Elder—Fu Chi would never mistreat Qing'er, and I will sire dragon heirs for the island as soon as possible, extending the bloodline."
Zhu Kong smiled faintly and said nothing further.
Fu Zhun frowned. "Enough pleasantries. Help
Her command left no room for disobedience. The four dragons in front of the palanquin parted to either side. Fu Ling and the other dragon maiden reached forward to draw back the gauze curtain, calling softly, "Sister Qing, it's time to come down."
Zhu Qing did not move. She sat as immovable as a mountain.
Fu Ling stole a timid glance at the Second Elder and saw her expression growing ever colder. She whispered a few more gentle entreaties, but to no avail.
A bead of sweat began to form on Fu Ling's forehead. She knew perfectly well that Zhu Qing was unhappy with this marriage—everyone on Dragon Island knew. But the Elders were all present; what could she do, even if she were unwilling? If this matter wasn't handled properly today, it was sure to become a laughingstock.
The smile on Fu Chi's face slowly faded, his composure beginning to crack.
Fu Zhun's expression turned glacial, and she turned to glance at Zhu Yan.
Zhu Yan gazed at his own nose, nose at his heart, utterly unmoved.
Fu Zhun gave a cold snort inwardly. She was just about to retrieve Zhu Qing from the sedan herself when a figure suddenly flashed across the scene.
Before the sedan, a young man materialized in a leisurely manner. Most people hadn't even noticed how he had arrived. Only the Dragon Clan Elders narrowed their eyes in unison, turning to regard the newcomer.
Fu Zhun's elegant brows furrowed. "Get him out of here," she ordered in a low voice.
What was this person playing at? To charge out at an occasion like this and plant himself directly in front of the sedan—was he courting death?
Under normal circumstances Fu Zhun would have struck him dead on the spot, but today was the Dragon Clan's wedding, and avoiding bloodshed was preferable. So she held back.
A resonant dragon cry rang out. The crimson dragon—twenty zhang in length—coiled its massive body around the sedan, shielding it completely. Its head rose high, its dragon eyes bulging as it glared forward in a posture of fierce protection. The remaining three dragons were immediately shut out.
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