Chapter Eight: Drinking Wine

Ding Miu, having received his master’s orders, dared not neglect them for even a moment. After instructing his attendants to prepare gifts, he hurried off toward the Demon Realm.

Before departing, he once again penned a letter to Huai Yin using a wooden bird.

Huai Yin, who had been following Su He, utterly bored, suddenly received the wooden bird. He couldn’t help but curl his lips in exasperation. The fruit he had been chewing instantly dropped to the ground. Unfolding the letter, he flicked the paper with a sigh. “Ah... the weather in June changes in the blink of an eye. Just the other day, they were hunting him down, and now they’re secretly protecting him. This world... tsk, it changes so quickly.”

As he mused, his gaze swept across the crowd. Suddenly, in the bustling throng, something strange arose. Huai Yin leapt down from the tree branch and hurriedly pushed through the people, but could no longer find any trace of Su He.

After questioning several bystanders, all claimed not to have seen the person he was searching for. He’d been there just a moment ago—how could he have vanished so suddenly? Had someone intervened, or had he... exposed himself?

But as he was pondering, that chillingly strange sensation grew clearer, unmistakable. A bone-piercing cold wind swept through, knocking people and horses to the ground, scattering the crowd in panic—Huai Yin included.

Before anyone could flee, the presence drew near. Yet none dared resist; all simply shrank back and retreated, silently making way and forming a broad avenue for the newcomers to pass.

The Twin Fiends Hall: a notorious, fearsome organization. No one knew their true master, but for the right price, they would kill anyone—noble or villain, innocent or guilty, all the same.

Wherever they went, the route would be cleared for them. White eaves, white walls, white railings—adorned with scarlet silk flowers, bound at the top, with red ribbons cascading from the eaves in sixteen waving strands at each of the four corners. Four white-robed envoys carried it aloft through the air.

Huai Yin quietly withdrew into the crowd and sidled toward a wooden door. He reached out: it was unlocked. He slipped inside, closed the door behind him, and leaned against it, dazed for a moment before exhaling a heavy breath.

Damn it, why did these harbingers of doom have to show up now? Could it be they’re after Bai Li Su He as well? The thought made his heart race with alarm. He turned and peeked outside, but the Twin Fiends Hall was nowhere to be seen—not a trace remained.

“Not good.” Huai Yin leapt over the threshold and searched the street, but found nothing at all. Had the Twin Fiends Hall taken the man away?

But was that really the case? Of course not. When Huai Yin saw the Twin Fiends Hall, Su He had still been in the crowd, simply jostled and shoved until he stumbled into someone’s house.

Unlike the chilling presence accompanying the Twin Fiends Hall, this household was festooned with red, filled with lively music and laughter—a joyous celebration. The moment they saw a stranger enter, a group of servants clustered around a man who seemed to be in charge and led him over.

Su He glanced around, feeling a bit uneasy, and cupped his hands in greeting. “Forgive my intrusion. I will leave at once.”

He turned to go, but the steward ordered the servants to block the exit.

“May I ask your intent, sir?”

“Hahaha! A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! Today is the day of my young lady’s wedding, and my master has instructed us that every guest who comes is an honored guest. That’s why I had these lads keep you here,” the steward said with a bow.

Su He returned the gesture with a smile. “Forgive my impertinence, but may I ask your name?”

“I am but a humble man, surnamed Zou, the steward of this household. If you don’t mind, you may call me Old Zou.”

He paused, gesturing politely. “Please, honored guest, this way.”

“Steward Zou, you are too kind. Thank you for your guidance.” Though unsure what was happening, Su He realized there was no leaving today. As they walked, he studied the steward’s reaction—a long, dark face, three wisps of beard, open and clear eyes, which made him feel a bit petty for his suspicions.

Steward Zou seemed to notice Su He’s unease and, leading the way, explained with a smile, “My master has cultivated for millennia before having a daughter. Though he hasn’t achieved much on the immortal path, he is generous and hospitable. Now, with his daughter’s marriage and a worthy son-in-law, he sees it as a gift from heaven. He ordered us to ensure that every guest is treated with utmost respect.”

“I see. Then forgive me for intruding.”

“Not at all! My master would be overjoyed for you to stay; how could there be any talk of imposition? If you say that again, you’ll make us mere servants feel ashamed.” Steward Zou stopped, smiling at the gathered servants.

The servants quickly chimed in, “Indeed, our master is truly the kindest. You’ll see for yourself soon enough.”

“In that case... I look forward to making his acquaintance,” Su He replied, eyes glimmering, urging Steward Zou to lead on.

Zou hesitated, then strode ahead, gently pushing aside an overhanging branch, and only letting it go once Su He had passed.

“It’s just that our fare is humble—please don’t laugh at us.”

“Not at all...”

They chatted as they walked, passing through three or five archways before arriving at a breathtaking paradise. Before them lay a garden in full bloom, butterflies fluttered, willows trailed like silk.

Amidst the flowers, twelve banquet tables had been set. All sorts of fruit and delicacies were arranged; guests eagerly awaited the bride and groom to appear and grace the occasion.

Steward Zou led Su He to the host of the house, bowing deeply. “Master, the honored guest is here.”

The man turned and returned Su He’s greeting. “You have come from afar, and I did not welcome you in person—please forgive me.”

“Not at all,” Su He replied, glancing up and instantly understanding: this was a willow spirit who had attained immortality. For a plant to reach such cultivation, he must be extraordinary indeed.

Lin Mao, as the host was called, was about to speak when someone shouted, “The bride is coming! The bride is coming! Master and madam, please take your seats!”

With much pulling and laughter, Lin Mao and his beautiful wife were escorted to the head table.

“Congratulations, Brother Lin!”

“May your daughter and son-in-law enjoy a hundred years of happiness!”

“Hahaha! Brother Li, you’re selling them short. A hundred years is for mortals. Brother Lin’s daughter is born of immortal stock—she could do nothing at all and still have love that lasts a thousand, ten thousand years!”

“Hahaha, well said, Brother Cao! I must drink three cups as a penalty!” With that, he downed three cups, drawing a round of delighted laughter. The atmosphere was lively and joyous.

Amid the merriment, a maid led out a graceful young lady, who walked with elegant steps. In moments, she reached her parents. Her wedding robe, unlike the mortal world’s dragon-and-phoenix brocade, was embroidered with tiny golden buds and clouds, simple yet exquisite. A red veil, matching her dress, concealed her face, but every movement revealed her beauty.

The guests looked on, their hearts itching with curiosity and anticipation, offering their congratulations. Yet, as time passed, the groom did not appear.

Some guests called out, “Brother Lin! Your daughter has been here half an incense stick’s time, and still no sign of your son-in-law? We heard you found a rare treasure of a groom!”

“Indeed! You’d better go fetch your son-in-law. On such a joyous day, the bride shouldn’t be left waiting. Such a beauty should be led to the hall and then off to the bridal chamber—am I right, everyone?”

“Hahaha! Brother Li, you’re not the one getting married—why are you so anxious?”

“Ha! Could it be Brother Li is feeling a bit lovestruck himself?”

“Hey now, I’m only speaking up for everyone’s sake! Why are you all making fun of me?”

“No, no, we’re most sincere!”

Laughter rang out again. Lin Mao and his wife laughed until they nearly toppled over, then finally composed themselves. Lin Mao raised a hand to quiet the crowd. “Thank you all for honoring us with your presence. Look, here comes the groom now!”

Everyone turned to look where Lin Mao pointed, automatically making way. All craned their necks, stretching for a glimpse.

Yet after a long wait, no one appeared. Only a sudden gust of wind swept through, chilling everyone to the bone.

Shivering, the guests turned to Lin Mao in confusion. “Brother Lin, what’s going on?”

One tried to lighten the mood, “Is this a joke? Ha... ha...”

“Come now, Brother Lin, what’s the meaning of this? I don’t find this kind of joke at all funny—it’s actually rather creepy.”

Many others voiced their agreement. Su He watched it all in silence, spreading his vital energy throughout his body in preparation. He thought of the days with Li Zi, when they always called it ‘immortal energy’ instead of ‘vital energy.’ Now, using the old term again, he felt strange. Was Li Zi well? Would they ever meet again?

Lost in thought, Su He made no move. Lin Mao smiled gently, his gaze warm as it swept across the guests, then glanced sidelong at Su He. He turned to his daughter. “Tell me, has your husband arrived?”

The bride stood in the wind, shy as a blossom. Hearing her father’s question, she twisted her handkerchief, too embarrassed to speak. At last she stammered, “Yes, father... of course he’s here.”

With that, she buried her face in the maid’s shoulder.

Her answer only made the atmosphere more tense, the temperature dropping to icy depths. What was going on? These were all cultivators—ordinary ghosts and monsters could not fool their sharp eyes. Yet none of them saw anything, and somehow the previously jubilant music now sounded eerie and strange.

Goosebumps prickled every guest; cold sweat soaked their undergarments. The wind cut sharper still.

Lin Mao half-closed his eyes, adjusted his sleeves, and finally looked up with a languid gaze. “As my daughter says, friends, please be at ease and enjoy the feast. Steward Zou, inform the kitchen to begin.”

“Yes.” Steward Zou nodded and prepared to call out. But the guests interrupted, “Start the feast? Nonsense! Bring out your son-in-law—no matter what he looks like, he ought to show himself. Enough with the stalling!”

Suddenly, a man sidled up to Su He and asked, “You look unfamiliar—are you a new friend of Brother Lin? Why not go up and say a few words, urge the groom to appear?”

Su He raised an eyebrow and feigned ignorance. “This is my first time attending a wedding among your people—I thought this was the custom. Thanks to your reminder, I see it’s not?”

The man stared at him in surprise. “Which backwater realm did you fly in from, that you don’t even know this?”

“A nameless little world, not worth mentioning,” Su He replied, eyes suddenly sharpening as he tried to pull the man back with him.

But—