Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1213 - 630: Fulfilling the Marriage Contract (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World...
Right after departing the pavilion, Gu Yu's curiosity overflowed as he yanked Gu Sheng’s sleeve and inquired, "Brother, where are we heading next?"
Gu Sheng gazed skyward, mulled it over briefly, then declared, "I intend to seek our mentor to discuss this Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate."
Their mentor resided in a modest temple close to the Water Spirit Pavilion. Although it lacked the grandeur and majesty of their past abode on Tianshan, the spot provided ample serenity for her quiet life.
Gu Sheng and Gu Yu trekked the mountain trail to the temple. En route, Gu Yu prattled on endlessly, while Gu Sheng offered sporadic replies, his thoughts already fixated on the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate.
They swiftly reached the temple entrance. With the door partially ajar, Gu Sheng knocked lightly and announced, "Mentor, your student Gu Sheng has brought Gu Yu to pay respects."
The door swung open with a creak, unveiling their mentor's familiar countenance. Seeing Gu Sheng and Gu Yu, a joyful grin bloomed on her face as she urged, "Sheng’er, Yu’er, you’ve arrived—come inside at once."
The trio stepped into the temple and settled around a stone table. She served them tea and asked solicitously, "Sheng’er, did you come seeking your mentor’s advice on some matter?"
Gu Sheng grasped his teacup, sipped delicately, and admitted, "Mentor, truthfully, the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate is why I’ve come."
The mentor explained, "This Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate defies the heavens. Before his demise, your master warned that such things bear heavy karma.
Furthermore, unlike prior inheritors of the Taiji Hunyuan Heavenly Book, your circumstances differ; you may sign the marriage contract no more than three times, or face fatal peril—engrave this in your mind."
Gu Sheng's face grew grave as he nodded solemnly and replied, "Mentor, your student will remember."
The mentor paused a beat longer before inquiring, "Sheng’er, with your plan to bind the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate to Gongsun Yue, have you pondered its impact on your ties with the Tianxuan Divine Girl?"
Gu Sheng dipped his head slightly, reflected momentarily, then stated, "Mentor, my pledge to the Holy Mother stands—I cannot break it. Once resolved, I’ll lay all facts before the Tianxuan Divine Girl."
Gazing upon Gu Sheng, the mentor relented, "Very well, your mentor stands by your choice. I merely hope it unfolds without hitches; I eagerly await your wedding toast."
A subtle smile graced Gu Sheng’s lips as he responded, "Thank you, mentor."
After some heartfelt talk of family with the mentor, Gu Sheng led Gu Yu in farewell. Departing the temple, he wasted no time, striding directly to the Water Spirit Pavilion with iron resolve to seal the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate alongside Gongsun Yue, steeling himself for trials ahead.
Astride the soaring summit of Holy Heaven Peak, inside the majestic Heavenly Hall, the Golden Simurgh Heavenly Monarch rested motionless on his meditation cushion, eyes sealed in deep trance. Spiritual energy swirled around him, projecting an overwhelming, majestic pressure.
Luo Xi lingered silently at his side, her features contorted in turmoil, rife with frustration.
"Aunt, is there truly no other way?" Luo Xi blurted out.
The Golden Simurgh Heavenly Monarch's eyes fluttered open, brimming with resignation, as he replied, "Xi’er, absent dire necessity, why would the Purple Spirit Realm Master opt for this?"
Perplexity danced in Luo Xi’s eyes as she confessed, "Aunt, I’m utterly lost on what to do."
The Golden Simurgh Heavenly Monarch softly tapped Luo Xi’s shoulder and counseled, "Xi’er, others can’t resolve this for you—heed your heart alone."
Luo Xi fell quiet briefly, then gave a faint nod and murmured, "Aunt, I comprehend." She pivoted and slipped out of the Heavenly Hall in silence.
Atop Holy Heaven Peak, Luo Xi stared toward Holy Land Peak, her mind adrift in distant reverie. She recalled the grueling days endured with Gu Sheng along the Holy Road, visions of their united battles surging through her thoughts.
Thirteen years back, too, the episode of her rescue by an elder surfaced dimly, alongside a hazy image of a small boy praying devoutly nearby.
Tianlan Sacred Land.
Gu Sheng and Gongsun Yue faced each other, cross-legged upon sleek, shimmering thousand-year-old jade.
A millennium-old jade, the cherished treasure of Tianlan Holy Land, had soaked in spiritual energy through endless years, carrying the profound aura of ancient times. It formed the cornerstone for the ritual to sign the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate linking Gu Sheng and Gongsun Yue.
Solemn expressions graced both of them, encircled by a subtle glow of spiritual power that fused seamlessly with the ambient surroundings.
Seated at the highest position, the Tianlan Saint Mother donned a lavish holy robe, exuding nobility while her eyes commanded deep respect.
With a gentle flick of her hand, she declared, "Begin the ceremony."
Deep within Gu Sheng, the Taiji Hunyuan Heavenly Book stirred intensely. His frame quivered faintly as a deep Dao Light burst forth from his core.
This Dao Light radiated an enigmatic and timeless presence, its potent essence of profound Laws shocking the Tianlan Saint Mother. As leader of Tianlan Holy Land, her extensive knowledge had never witnessed such intense and deep Power of Laws.
Before this Dao Light, an illusion gripped her: she faced the core of Daoist Technique, an arcane power beyond mortal grasp, dictating the cosmos's rhythms.
Gu Sheng bore the turmoil from the raging spiritual power in his body, concentrating utterly on wielding the Taiji Hunyuan Heavenly Book just as his departed master had carefully taught him.
His fingers danced rapidly through the air, strands of spiritual energy erupting from his tips to encircle the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate with perfect precision.
Ancient and weighty, the marriage certificate used special paper that gave off a soft luminescence, etched with arcane runes that flickered under the spiritual strands' caress.
No mistakes could be tolerated in signing this Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate, as it tied directly to Tianlan Holy Land's destiny.
While directing the Taiji Hunyuan Heavenly Book, Gu Sheng laboriously etched his and Gongsun Yue’s birthdates and times onto the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate.
With each stroke, the certificate's runes blazed brighter, reacting to the two birthdate sets, while spiritual energy in the Water Spirit Pavilion churned wildly.
Gu Sheng sensed his vitality draining swiftly, his essence pouring out at an astonishing rate, his very lifespan quietly ebbing in the process.
For the concluding step, Gu Sheng pierced his fingertip with his teeth, releasing a droplet of scarlet essence blood. Laden with his Life Origin Power and veiled in spiritual energy, it hurtled toward the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate.
Focusing intently, Gu Sheng guided the essence blood to etch his name and Gongsun Yue’s onto the marriage certificate. The instant the names appeared, the entire Water Spirit Pavilion shook fiercely.
A bolt of lightning ripped across the heavens, slashing through the firmament.
Bearing immense destructive might, it illuminated the skies over Tianlan Holy Land, scattering thick clouds swiftly, easing the long-persisting darkness over the Holy Land.
This abrupt radiance bathed every part of Tianlan Holy Land.
Holy Land inhabitants froze in their tasks, staring skyward in stunned awe.
A wave of relief coursed through the Tianlan Saint Mother’s body, her bizarre affliction’s heavy pressure swiftly fading. The signing of the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate had triggered all these shifts.
Memories of Heavenly Dao Curse rumors surfaced for her; the curse proved true, with Gu Sheng’s master sacrificing his lifespan to protect Tianlan Holy Land from doom.
Such thoughts brought a intricate expression to the Tianlan Saint Mother’s eyes—gratitude for Gu Sheng’s master mingled with remorse toward Gu Sheng.
Atop Holy Heaven Peak, the Tianlan Saint Master beheld the majestic spectacle. Clad in splendid robes, he stood frozen in disbelief, shock and regret swirling in his gaze.
Memories flooded him of his past errors and harsh treatments of Gu Sheng, including angrily revoking his Saint Heir title in rage. He realized his profound foolishness had nearly led to disaster.
Gu Sheng’s eyes fluttered open, fatigue evident. He bowed lightly to the Tianlan Saint Mother and stated, "Holy Mother, I have exerted all my effort to sign the Heavenly Dao Marriage Certificate this time. My energy is depleted, and I wish to rest for several days to recover my energy before fulfilling the marriage vows."