Historical records stated that the war between immortals and demons lasted for five years.

The Shangqing Sect, led by Fengming Valley, Yeyou Mansion, and Yuntian Shuijing, with hundreds of other sects in support, jointly attacked the demonic Fenqing Palace.

The Shangqing Sect lost over five thousand disciples; Mu Qiniang of Fengming Valley was severely injured, with one thousand disciples also wounded. Yeyou Mansion suffered eight hundred casualties, and Yuntian Shuijing five hundred. Across all immortal sects, over seventy thousand cultivators perished.

Seven helm masters from the demon realm fell, all ten-direction sub-sects were destroyed, nearly ten thousand demon cultivators of Fen Qing Palace perished, Left Guardian Shang Chimei died, Right Guardian Shang Wangliang's fate remained unknown, and Demon Lord Yin Wuhui met his demise.

After this battle, chaos engulfed the demon realm. With Fen Qing Palace destroyed, the position of the Demon Lord remained vacant, sparking a long period of mutual slaughter among aspiring powers.

Their fierce battles brought suffering to the surrounding populace of the demon realm. Plagued by the strife between immortals and demons and their own internal conflicts, resentment soared, blood flowed like a sea, and for miles around, lonely souls haunted desolate lands where not a blade of grass grew.

Later, a figure descended from the heavens, stepping into the demon realm. It was said to be the son of the Yeyou Mansion's sect leader.

He entered and came out about three days after.

A man in white robes awaited him at the edge of the demon realm. They exchanged a smile and departed together.

At the time, the common folk on the borderlands didn't know what had occurred. They only knew that since then, the demon realm no longer exuded its previous gloom. Demon cultivators met each other with smiles, refraining from violence.

Moreover, their actions noticeably tempered, no longer indulging in wanton killing and dismemberment, solely to absorb malevolent energy on the battlefields of the mortal realm for cultivation.

It was said that later, a self-proclaimed fool waited near Lingxiao Palac for others. Upon meeting the young master of the Yeyou Mansion, he respectfully addressed him as "Your Excellency."

The result was a torrential scolding from that "Your Excellency."

The man's name was Hua Che, also known as Qingkong, the son of the Yeyou Mansion's sect leader, the unmarried fiancé of Yuntian Shuijing's Chu Binghuan, the top disciple of the Lingxiao Palace led by Master Zhuang Tian, the good friend of the eldest son of Fengming Valley, and the newly appointed Lord of Fen Qing Palace.

"I saw the suffering of the people there, so I went to teach those trouble-making demon cultivators a lesson. What 'Your Excellency? Your Excellency my ass!" Hua Che exclaimed angrily, tearing the freshly printed historical records to shreds. "What terrifying figure is this? Yeyou Mansion on the left, Fen Qing Palace on the right, dominating both realms of immortals and demons, damn it!"

Damn it, twisted facts and blatant fabrications!

Chu Binghuan, understanding him well, commented, "What's written up there isn't wrong."

Indeed, that fool was determined to lead him into demon cultivation, become a Demon Lord, and elevate Fen Qing Palace.

"Are you kidding me?" Hua Che was exasperated. "I've really meddled too much. This mess… what's to come in the future..."

With great prominence comes great scrutiny. Hua Che understood this principle from his previous life, yet in this life, he found himself falling into the same pattern!

Looking at him, all ruffled and flustered, Chu Binghuan couldn't help but laugh. He knew well Hua Che's concerns.

"Don't worry," Chu Binghuan reassured him. "This life is different from the last. There's no Lu Mingfeng or Lu Yao, but you have Yeyou Mansion, Zhuang Tian, Yuntian Shuijing, me, and our masters!"

Hua Che's expression stiffened for a moment, then a smile of relief spread across his lips. "Yeah."

Yes, this life was different from the last.

In the past life, his excellence had sparked envy and resentment.

In this life, his excellence brought joy and solace to others.

At least Zhuang Tian had heard about it, dancing with excitement for three days and nights without sleep.

As Chu Changfeng was still recovering from his injuries and getting older, he entrusted the management of Yuntian Shuijing to Chu Binghuan with a sense of relief during his seclusion.

Therefore, the current head of Yuntian Shuijing was Chu Binghuan.

*

"Go to sleep early." Chu Binghuan kissed Hu Cche on the forehead. "Tomorrow is our big day."

Upon hearing this, Hua Che's heart couldn't help but beat faster and faster.

Regarding the marriage, before this, Xie Wanting knew that Hua Che and Chu Binghuan were in love, so naturally he fully supported this marriage.

"Your grandmother's arranged marriage should be respected. You and Tianyu are not young anymore, so it's better to marry as soon as possible." The more Xie Wanting thought about it, the better he felt about it and he couldn't wait to make arrangements.

Anyway, in the world of cultivating immortals, there were not as many rules as ordinary people after marriage; for example, after marriage, the couple could go wherever they liked, and there was no such thing as a woman obeying her husband. Hua Che and Chu Binghuan were both men, and there was no saying that who was marrying whom. After discussing it, the two decided to simply set up the ceremony in the Lingxiao Palace.

Xie Wanting mentioned, "I just sent a message to Zhuang Tian. Your master was overjoyed and has gone to Beihai (NT: North Sea) to look for treasures."

Hua Che listened quietly without saying anything.

Seeing Hua Che's expression, Xie Wanting's smile softened. He gently asked, "Che'er, do you have something you want to ask your father?"

Hua Che didn't hesitate and got straight to the point, "I want to hear about my mother."

Xie Wanting smiled at this, his eyes showing a mix of sympathy and affection as he looked at Hua Che.

He spent the entire night recounting the story of him and Hua Sijin to Hua Che, talking until dawn broke.

"I see." Hua Che lowered his gaze and smiled, relieved.

People often say that no one understands a child better than their father. Xie Wanting hadn't believed this before, but now, seeing Hua Che, he had to admit it was true.

He knew Hua Che's concerns. Even though Hua Che had come to Yeyou Mansion with him and Xie Wanting had publicly acknowledged him as his son to the entire cultivation world, Hua Che still had doubts in his heart.

Why did his mother end up in a brothel?

Did Xie Wanting abandon his mother?

What memories did he retrieve from Yin Wuhui?

Was he a devoted husband or a heartless, unfaithful man?

Xie Wanting explained everything, and after hearing it all, Hua Che felt at peace.

Not long after, Xie Wanting personally went to Yuntian Shuijing to propose marriage.

Yeyou Mansion and Yuntian Shuijing were of equal standing, and with this new relationship, they were a perfect match.

Mei Cailian had no reason to disagree. Besides, even if she did, what difference would it make? Chu Changfeng approved, Xie Wanting approved, Zhuang Tian approved, Mu Rongsa and Mu Qinian sincerely blessed the union, and most importantly, Hua Che and Chu Binghuan looked as though they were destined to be together, like birds flying side by side in the sky or intertwined branches on earth. There was no way she could break them apart on her own.

Moreover, Hua Che had saved her in the Fen Qing Tower.

She had been harsh and snobbish, looking down on Hua Che because of his poverty, but she never expected Hua Che to save her at a critical moment, despite all the humiliation she had put him through.

The key point was that Xie Wanting used the gentlest, most refined tone to deliver the most devastating words!

According to insiders, that day when Xie Wanting visited, he was the picture of a gentleman, smiling warmly, his behaviour elegant and polite.

He took a sip of tea before saying leisurely, "My Che'er has caused your sect quite some trouble."

Mei Cailian's face turned pale.

"I heard Che'er saved Madam Mei at the Fen Qing Palace? Naturally, my family Che'er has a broad mind. He is a noble gentleman who would never stand by and watch someone die, even if they were a stranger, let alone Chu Tianyu's mother!"

Mei Cailian wiped the cold sweat from her temples.

"Chu Tianyu developed a heart demon, and my Che'er traveled thousands of miles to the Fen Qing Palace, risking his life to save him. If not for Che'er, Chu Tianyu might be... playing Pai Go (NT: litt. card nine, gambling game) with Yin Wuhui right now!" Xie Wanting said with a charming smile. Mei Cailian's hand trembled, nearly dropping her teacup.

"Yin Wuhui's misdeeds have caused my Che'er much suffering. Back then in Hangzhou, they were looked down upon as a widow and orphan. Later, he was misunderstood by Yin Wuhui and nearly condemned by the cultivation world. But things are different now. The hardships are over, and he deserves happiness. As the head of Yeyou Mansion, I only have this one son, and I will certainly use the entire mansion's power to protect and cherish him. So..." Xie Wanting looked at Mei Cailian, whose expression had become very complicated, and said gently, "Mother in-law, what do you think?"

Mei Cailian felt her vision darken.

The match was perfect, and Mei Cailian had no reason to object. Besides, even if she did, what could she do?

She had no choice but to accept it!

*

The union of Yuntian Shuijing and Yeyou Mansion was considered the grandest event in the cultivation world in a century. The ceremony was lavish and unparalleled, leaving people in awe even a hundred years later.

The grand procession stretched from Yuntian Shuijing to Yeyou Mansion, and from Yeyou Mansion to Lingxiao Palace.

In Lingxiao Palace, Hua Che and Chu Binghuan exchanged vows. Zhuang Tian was moved to tears. "You've been through so much to be together. Treasure each other, be tolerant, and don't fight!"

Chu Binghuan hooked his lips and smiled.

Through two lifetimes, after all the hardships, how could they bear to quarrel!

Mu Rongsa's wedding gift was a pair of jade Ruyi sceptres, extremely rare and precious. (NT: traditional Chinese ceremonial sceptres symbolizing power, good fortune, and prosperity.)

"May all your wishes come true! Seventh Junior Brother, Eighth Junior Brother, may you have a long and happy life together."

Lin Yan gifted a jade carving of two dragons, said to be his own work. The two dragons were lifelike, intertwined intimately.

While Chu Binghuan was accepting the gifts, Hua Che went to the side hall to find Granny Jiang.

Speaking of Granny Jiang, before Hua Che could say anything, Chu Binghuan had already gone to Hangzhou to invite her. To Hua Che, Granny Jiang was not just an old servant but more like a family member.

However, Granny Jiang felt inferior and declined the invitation several times: "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Chu, but I am just a coarse person. With such a grand occasion for your marriage with the young master, it's best if I don't attend!"

The mountain was filled with immortal masters, and Granny Jiang, a mere servant, felt it was inappropriate to be present and receive bows from Hua Che and Chu Binghuan in front of everyone. Moreover, she thought her lowly status would embarrass the young master.

Despite her polite refusals, Hua Che personally intervened and forcibly brought Granny Jiang to the Yeyou Mansion.

Chu Binghuan couldn't help but twitch his mouth; his partner seemed to have a particular fondness for kidnapping people.

In the end, everything went smoothly. Granny Jiang, seated alongside Xie Wanting, received bows from Hua Che and Chu Binghuan, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

"This is improper, improper, Young Master, Young Master Chu, please stand up!"

It was Xie Wanting who kept her seated, gently saying, "You have cared for Che'er for many years, and you deserve this."

After Yuan Wen announced the completion of the ceremony, Hua Che and Chu Binghuan were officially married as Daoist partners.

They did not follow the tradition of exchanging tokens.

Chu Binghuan wanted to keep the jade pendant engraved with Hua Che’s courtesy name by his side, and Hua Che felt the same.

"Granny." Dressed in a bright red wedding robe, Hua Che found Granny Jiang weeping alone in a side hall. "What's the matter?"

"It's nothing." Granny Jiang hastily wiped her tears. "I'm just so happy, young master. You've finally achieved your heart's desire."

Hua Che felt a warmth in his heart. He couldn't help but squat down, resting his head on Granny Jiang's lap, and said with emotion, "Everyone's here, it's wonderful..."

Granny Jiang didn't quite understand the deeper meaning of Hua Che's words. She gently patted his head and smiled, "Now that you have a good home, your mother in heaven will be happy too."

Hua Che pouted, reverting to his old playful self, "I can't bear to leave Granny."

Granny Jiang laughed through her tears, "Already married and still acting like a child?"

Hua Che had a sudden idea and grinned, "Why don't Binghuan and I come to work for Granny? I'll handle the guests in the front, he'll wash dishes in the back, and Shang Wangliang will be the guard, dealing with those who try to dine and dash. Granny, you just collect the money."

Granny Jiang chuckled at the thought.

Speaking of the right-hand guardian, Shang Wangliang, he was living quite comfortably. He didn't participate in the great battle between the immortals and demons, emerging unscathed, and spent his days helping out at Old Jiang's noodle shop, thoroughly enjoying the simple life.

As night fell, in the Huale Pavilion, Hua Che deliberately played shy, teasing Chu Binghuan until he was burning with desire. The two of them naturally shed their wedding robes and kissed passionately.

In the end, Hua Che decided to take revenge. He intentionally delayed things, teasing Chu Binghuan and not letting him go all the way.

Hmph, let's see how you handle this!

Then Hua Che was overpowered, and soon enough, he was fully taken.

What followed...

Well, he didn't get out of bed the next day.

 

End of the main story

--

The author has something to say :

Alright, this is the grand finale. Thank you to all the lovely readers for following, subscribing, and tipping! This book focuses on the emotional journey, not on level-ups, so it isn't very long. But all the plot threads are tied up nicely, making for a satisfying conclusion. Writing too long can be tiring for readers, after all.

As for extra chapters... I'll think about whether to write them. Tomorrow, I'll update with an epilogue, just over a thousand words, giving some closure post-marriage (keeping it clean! JJWXC doesn't allow live broadcasts).

Alright, that's it!

 

Translator: DarNan