Yama's Wedding
Unbeknownst to Yao Guang and Xue, Shū had followed them secretly, unable to shake off the worry gnawing at him despite his own abdominal pain. He had witnessed everything they did, and when Yao Guang rushed over to embrace Xue, Shū nearly lost control and dashed out to separate them. Fortunately, he managed to restrain himself. However, seeing Yao Guang weeping in Xue's arms made his heart ache for Yao Guang. He clenched his fists tightly; he couldn't allow himself to feel pity for Yao Guang at that moment. Feeling sorry for him now would only be cruel later on. When it came time for him to leave, how would Yao Guang cope then?
As they walked back, Yao Guang and Xue's moods were markedly different from when they had arrived. Initially, Yao Guang had been burdened by hidden feelings, and Xue had been influenced by him, leading them both to rush over. Now that they had laid bare their hearts to each other, a sense of relief enveloped them. They strolled leisurely back, truly resembling a casual post-meal walk. The shadows that had lingered in Yao Guang's heart dissipated completely.
With a lightened spirit and an appreciative gaze, Yao Guang looked at the scenery she had previously overlooked. The gray-blue dome above her head enveloped the entire forest, its color gradually fading from the distance to near, transforming into a faint blue mist where it met the horizon.
The night air in the mountains was slightly chilly, yet Yao Guang felt warm both physically and emotionally. Xue had carefully used his magic to protect them both, wrapping Yao Guang in a comforting warmth.
Never before had the night felt so cherished by Yao Guang. In this darkness, Xue ld her hand tightly, and she allowed him to lead her wherever he wished.
"You’re back!" Shū was already outside the bamboo house, watching as Yao Guang and Xue approached slowly.
"Yes, big brother," Yao Guang replied sweetly, her mood particularly bright at that moment.
"Alright, you’re back; hurry up and get some sleep. Tomorrow you’ll be returning with me," Shū said coldly as he observed Yao Guang before him. The time to return was drawing near; he couldn't let Yao Guang harbor any false hopes. He needed to cut off all her expectations so that she could survive the impending battle.
After finishing this matter, Shū turned and left the area, retreating into his own room, leaving only his silhouette behind for Yao Guang and Xue.
"Xue, why has big brother suddenly become so distant?" Yao Guang asked in confusion. Just earlier during dinner, he had seemed so cheerful; how could he change so drastically in such a short time after she and Xue stepped out?
Looking at Shū's departing figure, Xue reached out and gently patted Yao Guang’s head. "Our big brother is actually quite gentle," he said thoughtfully. After all, he could have gone to bed alone but chose to wait for both of them to return. Despite some harsh words earlier, he still cared about them. Xue couldn’t help but shake his head inwardly at this very peculiar big brother of theirs; Shū truly was a complicated person.
"Xue, good night," Yao Guang said as she bid farewell to Xue.
"Mm," Xue smiled as he watched Yao Guang close the door. It wasn't until Yao Guang had peacefully fallen asleep that Xue left her room.
"Come out!" As Xue approached his own door, he sensed a different presence.
Shu stepped out from behind a concealed tree. "I knew it; my little trick couldn't fool you."
Xue looked at Shu, who had appeared before him. "It's not that; it's just that your aura gave you away."
"Oh, is that so?" Shu replied playfully.
Xue opened his door and gestured for Shu to enter.
Seeing Xue's invitation, Shu stepped into the room without hesitation.
Once inside, Shu eagerly addressed Xue. "There's still something I wanted to say that day." Looking at Xue, Shu found himself unable to fully understand this man before him. However, he had no better options to rely on. Over the years, in order to prevent Big Dipper from becoming a thorn in the Jade Emperor's side, Shu had borne all the pressure alone. Even when others secretly whispered that among the Big Dipper Seventh Star, only Shu was a capable Star Lord while the other six were useless, he couldn't afford to relax. As their elder brother, it was his responsibility to protect them well. Especially after his awakening, he realized this even more deeply; he couldn't let anyone from Big Dipper be exposed in front of others. If that happened, their abilities would attract envy and fear from other immortals, especially from the one above. If the Jade Emperor learned that their powers were far greater than what was currently displayed, he would undoubtedly reconsider them too much.
However, Yao Guang's proactive request had already caught the Jade Emperor's attention due to her displayed abilities. Fortunately, all of the Big Dipper Seventh Star's Star Lords had awakened and were naturally better at feigning ignorance than those immortals who had only ascended for a few thousand years. Yet in the end, Yao Guang still fell into the hands of the Jade Emperor.
Because of this, the Jade Emperor finally had a legitimate reason to execute Yao Guang directly. Luckily, due to the request of the Western Buddha and the desperate pleas from himself and the other five stars, they managed to convince the Jade Emperor to only punish Yao Guang by sending her down to experience tribulations.
Shu knew in his heart that even this wouldn't remain hidden for long. Sure enough, when the dragon clan attacked, the first thought that crossed the Jade Emperor's mind was already about Yao Guang, who had been banished to the mortal realm. Thus even Yao Guang's past mistakes—ones that could have led to her complete destruction—were overlooked by the Jade Emperor. He summoned Shu directly and insisted on bringing Yao Guang back.
When Shu received this order, he was taken aback; he hadn't expected that despite his efforts to remain low-key, the Jade Emperor would still not let him off easily. Yao Guang's magical skills were not particularly strong, and after so many reincarnations in the mortal world, her original soul had become especially fragile. At this moment, for his own selfish reasons, the Jade Emperor disregarded Yao Guang's weakened star soul and insisted on making her a vanguard for those gods above. Shu was prepared; if the Jade Emperor insisted on doing this, he would protect Yao Guang at all costs and ensure she suffered no harm. His only concern was who would be able to protect Yao Guang like he did if he were no longer around.
In order to confirm this matter, even after observing Xue for a long time, Shu still felt uneasy. He needed to have a proper conversation with Xue to ease his mind.
Xue looked at the anxious Shu and casually poured a cup of tea from the table, handing it to him. "Don't worry, take your time. I'm listening," Xue said slowly. The long night stretched ahead, and he could afford to listen to Shu at his own pace.
"Wheel King, will you always protect Yao Guang?" Shu asked directly without hesitation. He wasn't interested in anything else. He knew that Xue possessed formidable magical abilities. Although many years ago he had been placed in the Underworld by Buddha, it seemed on the surface that Xue had been exiled underground. However, living in the Underworld had turned out to be quite comfortable for him over the years. Everyone believed that Buddha despised Xue's murderous intent and deemed him unworthy of residing in such a tranquil place.
But who could say that Buddha's actions weren't indirectly protecting Xue? He possessed terrifying power, yet was not utilized effectively. Even if one appeared invincible for a time, they would naturally be forgotten if not given the opportunity to shine. Though the sword remained sheathed, once drawn, it would undoubtedly be the sharpest of blades. (To be continued.)
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