Today, the Liu Family was exceptionally lively in front of their residence.
As one of the Four Great Families of the Royal Capital, Lady Liu’s marriage was naturally a grand affair.
Not to mention, her marriage alliance was with one of the two major powers, Blood Mist Valley.
The alliance between these two great forces was undoubtedly a magnificent event.
All the major forces from inside and outside the Royal Capital came to offer their congratulations.
"Sky-splitting Sword Sect, Elder Wan Qiushui, sends a gift."
"Medicine King Valley, Elder Mu, sends a gift."
"Elders of the Royal Capital Lin Family, Vice Commander of Flame Martial Guards Lin Chong, sends a gift."
"Elders of the Royal Capital Shen Family, Deputy Commander of the City Guard Army Shen Yuan, sends a gift."
"..."
In front of the Liu Family, the butler was announcing loudly with a face full of joy.
He welcomed each major force’s Martial Artists who came to offer their congratulations.
Even the departure of Lady Liu was marked by such grandeur, gathering many eminent figures rarely seen on ordinary days.
In a few days, when the actual wedding took place, the scale would likely be even larger.
Everyone was immersed in a festive and celebratory atmosphere.
Yet, within a certain boudoir of the Liu Family’s inner courtyard, a woman sat in silence, her eyes brimming with tears.
The woman was very beautiful, with delicate features exuding an aura only classical beauties possess.
That frailty and gentleness could surely inspire anyone to feel protective and drawn to her.
The woman was none other than the protagonist of this wedding, Liu Yanran.
For any woman, wearing a bridal gown should have been a joyful and anticipatory occasion.
She, of course, had also been full of anticipation.
But now, it had turned into a nightmare.
Beside her was another woman, not as beautiful, yet still very attractive—a true beauty in her own right.
That was Zhou Yueyao.
"Sister Yanran, why don’t I help you escape?" Zhou Yueyao said indignantly, patting her chest.
"Escape?" Liu Yanran let out a lamenting laugh, "And go where?"
"My Family has arranged this marriage, and Blood Mist Valley is coming to fetch me."
"With the power of Blood Mist Valley and my Liu Family, where could I possibly escape to?"
Zhou Yueyao angrily said, "But Sister Yanran, you don’t want to marry."
"What can I do if I don’t want to?" Liu Yanran’s face was pale, her eyes tearful, and she spoke no more.
"Damn it," Zhou Yueyao cursed angrily, "Where is that damn guy? Why hasn’t he come yet?"
"Despite the deep love you have for him, Sister Yanran."
"Him?" Liu Yanran’s face turned ashen, "He won’t come."
"He doesn’t have me in his heart."
"What can we do then?" Zhou Yueyao asked angrily.
"Accept fate." Liu Yanran’s despairing expression could only let out two weak notes.
...
Time slowly passed.
All the minor and major forces from the Royal Capital brought gifts to congratulate.
Soon, a procession appeared, instantly becoming the focus of everyone.
"It’s people from Blood Mist Valley."
"They’ve come to fetch the bride."
The Martial Artists gathered around to congratulate, all smiling.
"Tsk tsk, Blood Mist Valley really is making a grand entrance."
Everyone glanced at Blood Mist Valley’s procession, somewhat surprised.
Leading them were three old men.
One was the Chief Alchemist of Blood Mist Valley, Blood River.
The other two were the second and third elders of Blood Mist Valley.
The wedding procession was quite magnificent.
"Elders."