Chapter 223: Chapter 140: Gang Essence Sword Species, Enlightenment Tea
Silently.
The True Martial Sect has already begun to take action.
To the outside world, the True Martial Sect appears to be thriving, but what they don’t know is that the sect has begun selecting seeds to hide away, all conducted in secrecy unknown to most.
Of course.
This is merely a precautionary measure.
Their larger efforts are still focused on delaying the progress of the Demon Sect and the Southern Border; sending a secret letter to the Town North King was one such strategy.
Aside from that.
Taoist Longshan is actively gathering all possible information about the headquarters of the Demon Sect and the Southern Border.
In recent days.
Jiang Baishan introduced Lin Ruhua to a group of senior and junior brothers, knowing his master’s decision was irrevocable, he couldn’t change it and must cherish the time spent with them despite his inner turmoil.
As Taoist Longshan had said, it is indeed a difficult choice.
Lin Ruhua, after careful contemplation, also realized this; she initially thought the Demon Sect’s strength far surpassed the True Martial Sect. Perhaps her mother wouldn’t be responsible for this, but if her mother did confront the True Martial Sect and Taoist Longshan, how should she position herself?
Both considered countless possibilities, ultimately acknowledging Taoist Longshan’s arrangement as the best option.
However, Lin Ruhua felt inevitably guilty, feeling that Jiang Baishan and herself hiding away was unfair to the True Martial Sect, yet finding no better solution. She thought of uncovering as much secret information about the Demon Sect attaining Martial Saint status before cutting ties completely to ease their guilt somewhat.
This was the greatest value she could bring, also helping her and Jiang Baishan lessen their sense of guilt.
...
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
The True Martial Peach Assembly arrived.
Today, the Seeking Tao Institute was particularly lively.
Because this year’s True Martial Peach Assembly has two new faces.
One was naturally the eleventh disciple Li Ling, and the other was Lin Ruhua.
Over the past year, Li Ling had heard Zhuang Chen mention the True Martial Peach Assembly to the point of weariness; now he finally had the opportunity to participate, his small face was flushed with excitement.
He relished in the harmonious atmosphere among the brothers, something unobtainable at the Town North Royal Mansion.
After joining the True Martial Sect, his sense of belonging grew day by day, and he had completely come to regard the sect as his second home.
"This cup is to honor Shiyi!" everyone raised their glasses in laughter.
Li Ling hurriedly stood up; he had had the Town North Royal Mansion send numerous exquisite delicacies, adding even more splendor to the Peach Assembly.
"Thanks to Ninth Senior Brother for the Peach Fruit, thanks to Third Senior Sister for the Peach Blossom Brew, these are the best Peach Fruit and wine brew I’ve ever tasted in my life!"
Hearing Li Ling’s words, Ye Qinghe broke into a wide smile.
"Shiyi, you really have good taste. Whenever you want to drink, just let Sister know and she’ll whip up something special for you!"
Her winemaking skills had improved drastically compared to before, specializing in Peach Blossom Brew, even rivaling the White Ape. The change seen by everyone helped illustrate Ye Qinghe’s journey, and they were not only impressed but also joyous for her; her example showed that as long as there’s passion, poor talent can still achieve greatness.
"This cup, is for our ’traitor’ Wu, and Ruhua!"
As Luo Wentian spoke, everyone laughed even more boisterously.
Jiang Baishan was the first among the many True Disciples to have a Daoist partner, while others hadn’t even glimpsed the shadow of one yet.
Every eye was filled with smiles and blessings, Jiang Baishan and Lin Ruhua’s bond was deep, inseparable.
Jiang Baishan and Lin Ruhua stood, exchanged gazes, and saw the intentions in each other’s eyes.
"Thank you to all our dear senior and junior brothers and sisters!"
"Today, we ask you all to witness, Lin Ruhua and I becoming husband and wife!"
Jiang Baishan spoke with firmness and strength.
In these final days, they wanted to obtain the blessings of those closest to them. Last night, they visited Taoist Longshan and received approval, today they shared the good news with everyone, though the wedding couldn’t take place yet, it didn’t hinder their deeper connection.
In some ways, this was an embodiment of their shared determination to live and die together.
Everyone was initially taken aback.
Then they were collectively delighted.
None of them cared about cumbersome procedures—since Jiang Baishan and Lin Ruhua were committed to each other, from now on they were a married couple.
"You, Wu, really can’t be judged by your appearance!"
"Silently accomplishing such a major task! So suddenly, we didn’t have time to prepare any gifts for you!"
"Fifth Senior Brother, we want some wedding candies!"
Everyone chuckled.
Jiang Baishan felt deeply moved inside.
"The wedding candies are already prepared for you!" Lin Ruhua and Jiang Baishan took the candies specially purchased from True Martial City and distributed them one by one.
Everyone ate the candies, feeling both joy and a touch of sadness.
As they ate, silence crept in.
Everyone knew about Lin Ruhua’s identity and the fact that Jiang Baishan would descend the mountain, perhaps not returning for several years. Today, though everyone deliberately avoided mentioning it, when Jiang Baishan stated that they were now married, slight sorrow inevitably rose anew.
Ning Qi smiled.
In recent days, he contemplated a lot, increasingly resolved not to let the Demon Sect and Southern Border threaten those dearest to him.
He was determined to stop it all.
Therefore, he didn’t believe he wouldn’t see Fifth Senior Brother Jiang Baishan again; he merely considered Jiang Baishan to be out adventuring for a few years, and that he’d return.