A quarter of an hour later, Lucas Li, brimming with pride, led the long bridal procession up Spirit Peak.
"Set off the fireworks!" the master of ceremonies shouted loudly.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Multicolored Daoist flame arts shot into the sky, exploding above Spirit Peak until the entire mountain was covered. The display formed an intertwining dragon and phoenix, dazzling and beautiful.
"The auspicious hour has arrived. Groom, please escort the bride to the Phoenix Bridal Carriage!" the master of ceremonies intoned again.
Lucas Li dismounted from his spirit horse and strode into the small courtyard. Soon, he emerged with Lila Li, veiled in red and escorted by two beautiful maids.
"Bride boards the Phoenix Bridal Carriage!"
Lila Li quickly boarded the Phoenix Bridal Carriage. Lucas Li leapt onto his spirit horse, waved his hand, and the procession struck up festive music, grandly heading down the mountain.
Half an hour later, the bridal procession left the Prime One Church and headed straight down the long street toward the Sixth Prince Residence.
Crowds of onlookers lined the route.
Inside a teahouse by the street, Victor Li watched the long bridal procession with icy eyes, but deep down he was full of worry. He thought to himself, "Second Brother, don't do anything stupid. If you mess up, even your big brother won't be able to save you!"
On another pavilion, Second Prince Nathan Li also watched the grand procession, deeply curious whether that Little Demon Song would show up to snatch the bride.
At the end of the main street, in a restaurant, a young man and woman were also staring intently at the bridal procession.
"Big Brother, do you think that guy will show up?" Diana Toba asked anxiously.
"Hmph! If he comes, he's dead for sure!" Fletcher Toba snorted coldly. Although he didn't like that guy, he had to admit he was impressed—he'd single-handedly wiped out seventeen Prime One Church branch altars.
Meanwhile, on the top floor of a high tower, Derek Ying stood proudly, his eyes cold and sharp. He gripped his sword tighter and silently vowed, 'Warren Tang, don't worry. If that guy dares to appear, I'll personally cut him down for you.'
Festive music continued to play as the bridal procession drew closer and closer to the Sixth Prince Residence.
Seated atop his spirit horse, Lucas Li frowned, thinking, 'Why hasn't that guy shown up yet? Maybe he really won't come. After losing to him so many times, I know he's smart enough to see this is a trap. Maybe he really won't appear.'
Well, that's fine too. Once your woman becomes mine, I'll make sure to treat her really well—for you!
Thinking this, a trace of resentment flashed in Lucas Li's eyes. If Little Demon Song hadn't burst onto the scene, he'd have had the best chance at the throne. Now, he's the one at the biggest disadvantage.
"Ian Song, if you don't show up, fine. But if you do, I'll make you regret ever being born."
Finally, the bridal procession arrived in front of the Sixth Prince Residence.
For a moment, disappointment filled Lucas Li's eyes.
Inside the Phoenix Bridal Carriage, Lila Li's eyes dimmed. Was he really not coming? Maybe it's better if he doesn't—at least he won't fall into their trap.
Even though she knew Ian Song staying away was the right choice, Lila Li couldn't help feeling lost. Sometimes, a woman's heart really is complicated.
Up on the tower, Derek Ying gripped his sword hard and couldn't help but curse angrily, "Little Demon Song, you coward!"
In the teahouse, Victor Li broke into a smile and chuckled, "It's best if he doesn't come. Really, it's best!"
Inside the restaurant.
Fletcher Toba sneered, "I thought that brat wasn't afraid of anything. Turns out even he has his limits!"
"Enough, big brother. He's not stupid—why would he charge straight into a trap?" Diana Toba defended Ian Song. Suddenly, her eyes widened, gaze fixed on the gate of the Sixth Prince Residence. A hint of admiration curled at her lips. "No, he's definitely foolish—but he's foolish in a way I can't help but respect!"
Hearing this, Diana Toba instinctively looked over—and sure enough, she saw a handsome youth with a sword on his back standing at the gate of the Sixth Prince Residence, blocking the bridal procession. Her face instantly changed.
"Muddle-headed! Absolutely muddle-headed! Why did he come!" Seeing Ian Song suddenly appear, Victor Li stomped his foot and cursed, then barked, "Uncle Bada, come with me!"
"He showed up!"
Up on the tower, Derek Ying slowly relaxed his grip on his sword. A fierce battle intent began to rise in his eyes...
On his spirit horse, Lucas Li raised his hand, and the entire bridal procession halted. The musicians stopped playing as well.
On the Phoenix Bridal Carriage, Lila Li sensed something. She suddenly lifted her veil and looked ahead. When she saw that lone figure standing before the procession, her eyes filled with tears as she murmured, "Why are you so foolish, so foolish!"
Seated high on his spirit horse, Lucas Li looked down at Ian Song blocking the way, a faint smile curling at his lips. He said slowly, "Ian Song, should I call you brave, or just plain stupid?"
Ian Song ignored Lucas Li's mockery. His gaze passed through the crowd and landed gently on Lila Li in the Phoenix Bridal Carriage. His eyes softened as he said quietly, "Lila, I'm here!"
"Don't worry about me—just go!"
Suddenly, Lila Li shouted, worry etched deep in her face and eyes.
"I promised I'd win you openly, but I failed." Ian Song's eyes dimmed with guilt, but the next moment, he strode toward the bridal procession.
Hearing this, warmth flooded Lila Li's heart. She shouted again, "Ian Song, go! This is a trap set for you!"
"I know!"
Ian Song smiled faintly, then his expression hardened as he declared, "So what if it's a trap? For you, even if I have to charge through a mountain of blades and a sea of fire, I won't hesitate!"
Up in the restaurant, Diana Toba let out a cold snort, suddenly feeling a stab of jealousy toward Lila Li.
Lila Li, hearing Ian Song's words, trembled. Her lips parted as she declared with deep emotion, "If you die today, I won't live alone!"
"Bastard!"
Seeing his 'bride' exchanging love vows with another man in front of everyone, Lucas Li's face turned dark as murderous intent flared in his eyes. He spat out the words, "Men! Kill him!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
More than a dozen figures shot out from the bridal procession, landing around Ian Song and surrounding him.
"Kill!"
In the next instant, more than a dozen figures attacked at once.
All of them were elite guards of the Sixth Prince Residence, each at late Soul-Split stage.
In a flash, magical treasures, Daoist arts, talismans, divine powers, and flying swords came at Ian Song from all directions.
"Get lost, all of you!"
With a light shout, Ian Song drew the Ink-Black Sword from his back.
Shing!
A clear sword cry echoed through the entire street. In the next moment, the sword hilt landed in Ian Song's hand.
"Slash!"
Sword light flashed.
Splat, splat, splat!
In an instant, all the attacks from the dozen late Soul-Split guards were destroyed by a single sword strike.