Chapter 103: You Can't Just Play Like That! (Subscription Requested)

The procession moved forward. The journey back from the Qin estate took even less time than the trip there.

Upon arriving at the Duke of Zhen’s residence, Cheng Guang led Qin Yanqiu toward the grand hall. The streets were filled with onlookers, but the atmosphere inside the hall was particularly boisterous. Nearly all the high-ranking officers of the Northern Expeditionary Army were present; they rarely had the chance to see Cheng Guang, yet they had all come to witness his wedding. Many generals looked at Cheng Guang with a sense of wonder, struck by how much more handsome the esteemed Heir of the Duke of Zhen was than they had imagined. They truly could not fathom how the Duke and Cheng Zhihai, whose appearances were ordinary at best, could produce such a stunningly beautiful scion.

As the officers observed him, Cheng Guang’s gaze swept across them in turn. He pondered his grandfather’s intentions. The Duke of Zhen, Cheng Shiyuan, had insisted on holding a second wedding ceremony in Zhenbei City not only to witness it personally but also to introduce Cheng Guang to these military leaders. If Cheng Guang were to inherit the Northern Expeditionary Army in the future, he would inevitably need to work with these men. Having them recognize him now would ensure proper decorum later.

Cheng Guang stepped forward with Qin Yanqiu and bowed slightly before his grandfather. Although Qin Yanqiu was notoriously cold, she showed even greater respect toward the Duke of Zhen than Cheng Guang did. Perhaps it was because she had grown up by the Duke’s side; apart from Qin Beifeng, the Duke was the person she felt closest to.

The Duke of Zhen looked at Cheng Guang, resplendent in his red wedding robes, and his stern, aged eyes softened with a mixture of emotion and doting affection. He then glanced at Qin Yanqiu, his brow softening into a faint, gentle smile.

"No need for such formality," the Duke said. "We don't hold much store by rigid etiquette here in Zhenbei City. Today, you and Yanqiu are marrying; we shall skip the tedious steps, though the three bows are essential."

With that, the Duke beckoned to Qin Beifeng, who had followed them into the hall. "Beifeng, come, sit by my side."

Qin Beifeng hesitated but, smiling, walked forward and took a seat just below the Duke. "Duke, although I am Yanqiu’s father, I cannot sit as your equal."

The Duke chuckled and shook his head, pointing a finger at him. "You and your stubbornness... never mind then." The Duke didn't press the matter, turning his gaze to an old man in green robes standing nearby. "Old Li, I must trouble you to preside over the ceremony once again."

The man in green stood up with a smile. "Duke, say no more. It is my honor to officiate for the Heir."

As the man spoke, Cheng Guang studied him. He recalled the man’s background: Li Bojun, a top-tier general of the Northern Expeditionary Army, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Ninth Grade Martial Emperor realm, just a step away from the Heaven-Man realm. He was one of the Duke’s two personal adjutants and had been by his side since the very founding of the army—a true veteran. The fact that the Duke had entrusted him with officiating the wedding spoke volumes of the esteem in which he was held.

Li Bojun stroked his beard and offered Cheng Guang a gentle smile. After surveying the couple, he began in a clear voice: "First bow, to Heaven and Earth."

Cheng Guang and Qin Yanqiu turned and bowed to the world outside.

"Second bow, to the high hall."

Cheng Guang bowed deeply to the Duke of Zhen. Watching this, the Duke felt tears welling in his eyes. He felt as though he had grown more emotionally fragile with age; merely seeing his grandson wed before him stirred such profound sentiment.

"Third bow, to each other."

Cheng Guang turned to look at Qin Yanqiu. Though her beautiful features were obscured by the red silk veil, he could sense her extreme nervousness. The Silver Moon armor she wore underneath seemed to offer her no comfort. Yet, despite her tension, she did not hesitate, bowing gracefully toward Cheng Guang. He returned the bow in kind.

Once the rites were concluded, Li Bojun announced with a smile, "The ceremony is complete. Send the couple to the bridal chamber."

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the estate. Under the watchful eyes of the guests, Cheng Guang led Qin Yanqiu to the bridal chamber—his own bedroom from the previous day, now decorated with red lanterns and hangings to evoke a festive atmosphere.

Inside, the red candles burned brightly, creating a warmth that seemed to shut out the cold of the world outside. Once inside, Qin Yanqiu sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly together, trembling slightly. The Valkyrie, usually known for her ruthlessness on the battlefield, appeared as vulnerable as a young girl.

Cheng Guang shook his head with a faint smile. He had no intention of lingering; the hour was still early, and there was no rush for the consummation. He had other matters to attend to. He turned and stepped out, closing the door softly behind him as he headed back toward the hall.

The moment he left, Qin Yanqiu seemed to sense it. Her clear, bright eyes narrowed as if trying to peer through the red silk of her veil to follow his departing figure. She had prepared herself for whatever might follow, and though she had little interest in the affairs of men and women, she would not have refused, as it was what the Duke—and her own father—desired. She hadn't expected him to show so little interest, leaving the room almost immediately after a single glance.

*Is he… uninterested in me?*

A trace of surprise flickered in her eyes, as icy as the weather outside. Qin Yanqiu bit her lip, her calm heart fluttering for a moment before settling once more. She felt a slight sense of relief—if he was not interested, she would not need to expend effort managing this esteemed Heir. She could return to the battlefield soon enough.

Meanwhile, Cheng Guang, unaware of her thoughts, returned to the hall. The Duke was still drinking heartily with the generals, his martial spirit on full display. When the Duke noticed Cheng Guang had returned, he was momentarily stunned, having expected his grandson to be eager to stay with his bride.

Cheng Guang proceeded to toast every general present, one by one. The Duke watched this with a growing sense of gratification in his aged, authoritative eyes. Once Cheng Guang had finished his rounds, he returned to his grandfather.

"Grandfather," Cheng Guang said, raising his cup.

The Duke laughed heartily, draining his cup in one gulp. "Grandson, since you've finished your toasts, go back and keep Yanqiu company. I watched that girl grow up; she may be cold, but she is a good match."

Cheng Guang nodded and agreed, then leaned in. "Grandfather, I have something to tell you."

"Something? What is it?" The Duke was taken aback by the serious expression on Cheng Guang’s face. He stood up, excused himself to the generals, and led Cheng Guang into a private inner chamber.

Once the door was closed, the noise from the hall was silenced. The Duke’s slight flush from the wine vanished instantly as he channeled his cultivation to dissipate the alcohol. "What is it, grandson? What has happened?"

Cheng Guang sipped some tea to moisten his throat. "Grandfather, there is intelligence suggesting that the Great Yan Dynasty is facing internal turmoil. They may withdraw their forces from the Realm Battlefield, which would allow demons to swarm into the Great Yan and, subsequently, lay siege to our Zhenbei City."

The Duke’s heart skipped a beat. He was well-versed in world affairs, even if he rarely left the city. "That is impossible. The Great Yan has shown no signs of turmoil. And to withdraw from the Realm Battlefield? That would mean abandoning their own lands to the demons—it would be the end of their foundation. Why would they do such a thing?"

Cheng Guang smiled calmly. "Grandfather, you might not know, but I have recently joined the Lamp-Lighting Division."

The Duke understood instantly. He was aware of Cheng Guang’s recent achievements in the capital—uncovering the demon smuggling routes and exposing the Crown Prince who had been masquerading as the Prince of Nanming. If Cheng Guang had uncovered such secrets, his intelligence regarding the Great Yan was likely reliable.

The Duke felt a chill run down his spine. He cared little for the fate of the Great Yan, but if they withdrew, the borders of the Four Realms would be left wide open. Demons would flood in, and while cultivators might survive, the common people would be slaughtered. It would turn the world into a living hell.

The Duke stood up, unable to sit still. Before leaving to make arrangements, he patted Cheng Guang on the shoulder. "I understand. You leave this to me. Go back and attend to Yanqiu; I will handle the rest."

***

Cheng Guang left the inner chamber and walked back toward his bedroom. Before he reached it, he saw Qin Gaozhi lurking by a wall, peering toward the room, his eyes red and his teeth gnashing at his sleeve as if he had lost his most cherished possession.

Cheng Guang felt a surge of annoyance. *Good thing I didn't rush the wedding night,* he thought. *Having someone eavesdropping would have been revolting.*

He signaled to a soldier passing by, who quickly realized what was happening and followed behind him. "Heir, shall I drag that Qin Gaozhi down?" the soldier asked.

Cheng Guang glanced at the man—a stocky, robust fellow with a familiar air. "What is your name?"

"I am Li Dabai," the soldier whispered excitedly.

"And Li Bojun is…?"

"My grandfather," the lad replied.

"Very well. Go drag him down."

Li Dabai jumped at the chance, leaping onto the wall and kicking Qin Gaozhi squarely in the backside. Qin Gaozhi tumbled to the ground, spinning around to see Li Dabai, his face twisted with rage. "Li Dabai, what do you think you're doing?!"

"You dare eavesdrop on the Heir’s wedding night?" Li Dabai shouted. "You're in big trouble now!"

Qin Gaozhi paled, his gaze darting toward the garden pavilion where Cheng Guang stood watching him with an icy expression. His scalp went numb. He had been caught red-handed.

"Heir, I—I apologize," Qin Gaozhi stammered, bowing his head.

Cheng Guang looked at him with indifference. "You have indeed offended me."

Qin Gaozhi, desperate to avoid punishment, slapped his own face hard, leaving a red print. "Heir, I was only worried about my sister. Please forgive me."

Cheng Guang smiled, a chilling sight. "You want me to forgive you? Why don't you decide how to make that happen?"

Qin Gaozhi, trembling, finally asked, "What must I do?"

"Slap yourself until this stick of incense burns out," Cheng Guang said, gesturing to a stick of incense he had lit on the ground.

Qin Gaozhi began to strike his own face, blow after blow. He was ruthless with himself. Cheng Guang watched, sensing the deep resentment festering beneath Qin Gaozhi’s submissive facade. *This man is a snake,* Cheng Guang thought. *He will betray me eventually. I should finish him off.*

He secretly used a flick of energy to slow the burning of the incense, making the torture last far longer than it should have. By the time the incense finally burned down, Qin Gaozhi’s face was a bruised, swollen mess.

"Heir… is that enough?" Qin Gaozhi gasped, his eyes unfocused.

Cheng Guang received a system notification: *[Task Complete. Claim reward?]*

He didn't feel satisfied. Qin Gaozhi was too good at hiding his hatred. *I need a better reason to get rid of him,* Cheng Guang mused. He gestured to Li Dabai. "Give him some medicinal herbs. Treat his wounds."

Li Dabai was stunned by the preciousness of the medicine Cheng Guang casually tossed him, but he obeyed. As Qin Gaozhi’s face healed, Cheng Guang looked at him with feigned concern. "Qin, why were you so harsh on yourself? I wasn't truly angry."

Qin Gaozhi, his heart screaming in agony, bowed his head again, his face a mask of obedience. Cheng Guang’s eyes flashed with a strange, violet light—the power of his Charm Pupils. He didn't just charm; he could stir the darkest emotions. He flooded Qin Gaozhi’s mind with uncontrollable, explosive rage.

Qin Gaozhi’s composure shattered. He lunged at Cheng Guang, but caught himself at the last second, turning the attack into a clumsy attempt to brush off Cheng Guang’s shoulder. "Heir, your robe was dirty," he hissed, his face twisted.

Cheng Guang didn't hesitate. He spat out a mouthful of blood, turned pale, and collapsed onto the snow-covered ground, motionless.

Qin Gaozhi froze in horror. "I—I barely touched him!"

Li Dabai screamed at the top of his lungs, "Assassination! Someone has attacked the Heir!"

In an instant, the estate was filled with the powerful presence of countless experts. Qin Gaozhi stood paralyzed, looking at the unconscious Heir, his mind completely broken. He knew his life was over.