FI CH99: The Grand Wedding

The wedding was set for the beginning of spring.

Lin Su rummaged through his properties and found a mansion located on a suburban mountainside.

It covered a vast area and, once tidied up, was perfect for hosting guests from all three realms.

News of the wedding feast had been broadcast by the Black and White trumpets and was known to all ghosts and gods. The entire mansion was considered the main seating area, and beyond the residence, over a hundred tables were set up all over the mountain.

The two of them arrived a few days before the wedding to prepare.

The vast mansion was like a manor.

He Zhenling glanced around and said softly, “…Little Boss, you truly have a great fortune.”

Lin Su, his clothes fluttering, said shyly, “Otherwise, how could I be from Linjia Tun?”

The halls in the mansion were spacious, and the gardens were exquisite.

Now, everything was adorned with red silk and hung with lanterns, creating a joyous atmosphere. Powerful ghosts did not need to shy away from the color red. They set up two main seating areas, one for humans and one for ghosts and gods, on the left and right.

“Some ‘humans’ might be a little startled when the time comes…”

Lin Su, with his hands tucked in his sleeves, examined the dividing line marked only by a red carpet. “But they are all important friends. It would be too impolite not to invite them to the main tables.”

To him, humans, ghosts, and gods had always been the same.

The person beside him turned and looked at him for a long while.

He Zhenling’s lips curved. “From the very beginning, I’ve always thought this about you… was very good.”

Lin Su turned his head. “Hmm?”

Before he could ask further, He Zhenling took his hand and caressed it with his gaze lowered. “Tomorrow… is our grand wedding.” His breath seemed to tighten as he looked up. “Are you nervous?”

Lin Su’s thoughts were pulled away. “A little.”

Just as He Zhenling was about to speak, he said cautiously, “After all, Black and White Impermanence will be there. The scene at the Ghost King’s wedding is still vivid in my mind.”

“…”

He Zhenling looked at him for two seconds and moved closer.

With no one around, he pecked him lightly on the ear and whispered, “I thought it was because of the wedding night… that you were nervous.”

The ear before him quietly turned red. “H-how could that be.”

He Zhenling smiled knowingly and let him off the hook.

…

The next day was the wedding.

The auspicious time was set for the twilight hour, the time of transition between yin and yang, when the three realms coexist.

A vast expanse of purple-gold sunset clouds spread across the sky.

In the mountainside mansion, red silks fluttered, and the lanterns were beginning to be lit. Most of the guests had arrived. The human side of the feast was bustling with people, while the other side was relatively “quiet.”

Chen You, who had been invited, cautiously eyed the empty side, swallowed with a sense of foreboding, and moved closer to Pei Jin and Zhou Li.

A friendly voice sounded, “Don’t be afraid.”

Turning his head, he saw Bai Jiang standing before him with his sleeves folded, his collar and cuffs adorned with small pink flowers. “Those are all Teacher’s friends. You can just relax and enjoy the wedding.” ^▽^

Pei Jin greeted him, “President Bai.”

Beside him, Yan Guanyue glanced over, then lightly pursed his lips. “President, I… I’m going to ‘that side’ first.”

Bai Jiang understood. “Oh my, going to find your husband, are you?” He ignored the slight blush on Yan Guanyue’s ears and glanced at the “empty” tables on that side, smiling. “It just so happens that I haven’t seen the Ghost King in a long time. I’ll sit with you over there~”

With that, he called over Yan Tingyun and cheerfully skipped over.

At the main tables on that side, it was actually packed with figures.

Black and White Impermanence sat restlessly, already eager to pull out the colorful lights from their sleeves. They were then suppressed by a single glance from a man with a solemn face—

Yama glared sternly. “This is the wedding of Lord Mingxian and Lord Inspector General. You will behave yourselves!”

The black and white duo regretfully stuffed the colorful lights back into their sleeves.

At the entrance, Shen Qiu pushed Lu Yanzhou in.

He pushed the man to a seat at a main table in the front row and whispered, “I thought Benefactor and President He were married long ago. I didn’t expect them to be holding the wedding now.”

As he finished, he heard a voice from the side say, “Me too.”

Sheng Lingyu sat with his hands on his knees in a well-behaved posture. “I even gave them a lantern for their joyous occasion.” He said embarrassedly, “It seems I gave it too early, haha…”

Shen Qiu was suddenly delighted. “Ah! You’re that super famous star, I’ve seen you on TV! O▽O“

He was lightly tugged just after he spoke.

Lu Yanzhou pulled his attention back, intertwining their fingers and lowering his eyes with a slight smile. “Whether it was early or late doesn’t matter. Whether it’s seven days, seven years, or seventeen years…”

“As long as the clouds part to reveal the moon, it is all good.”

In the ceremonial room, red curtains were intertwined.

He Zhenling had already changed into his wedding attire.

His cool features were softened, and his deep, dark eyes held a captivating light. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and long, straight legs beneath the crane-feathered robe, he wore the bright red wedding suit with the dashing flair of a martial artist.

A rustle came from behind the screen, and he turned at the sound.

He saw a figure in a matching wedding suit step out.

Lin Su’s wedding attire was a long robe style, with a circle of snow-white undergarments peeking out from the collar. Gilded gauze covered the sleeves, a jade pendant hung at his waist, and an elegant tassel dangled from his ear.

When he looked up, his handsome features were bright and vivid.

He Zhenling’s breath hitched for a moment.

The next second, he strode over to the man, cupped Lin Su’s face with one hand, and examined it closely.

Lin Su’s face grew hot, and he tried to remain calm. “Look at you, completely bewitched by my fragrance…”

“You look beautiful,” He Zhenling said in a low voice.

Lin Su’s words caught in his throat, his heart skipping a beat.

Wearing the same bright red wedding attire, their sleeves intertwined, and the atmosphere seemed to grow hotter. They looked at each other for a few seconds before He Zhenling, unable to resist, leaned down for a kiss.

Soft lips brushed against each other, passionately sucking and tasting.

He only pulled back when Lin Su let out a soft hum.

Lin Su’s vision was blurred from the kiss, and with the sudden stop, he was still a bit dazed. “Aren’t you going to kiss me anymore? There’s still some time…”

He Zhenling looked at the flush on his face and took a deep breath. “Let’s calm down first.” His fingertip rested on his cheek as he whispered, “You’re too alluring like this, Little Boss.”

Lin Su pressed a hand to his racing heart and stepped back. He then grabbed Xuenima and pressed it against his face to cool down, shyly sighing.

Xuenima: [?]

He Zhenling was speechless.

As his face gradually cooled, his rationality returned.

Looking out through the carved window lattice, the sun was about to sink into the clouds, leaving only a line of brilliant golden-red on the horizon.

The auspicious time was almost here.

He Zhenling extended a hand to him. “Let’s go out.”

Just as Lin Su was about to place his hand on it, he saw that he was also wearing the hoop on his finger. He paused, glancing at the “good fruit” on the man’s chest. “You took it off, then you…”

“Today is a special day, it’s fine.”

He Zhenling looked at him. “I can’t have you be the only one wearing a ring.”

The silver hoop was worn so openly.

Lin Su felt a little flustered looking at it. As if sensing his thoughts, He Zhenling smiled slightly and whispered:

“No one will know but you.”

Isn’t that even more exciting…

Lin Su gripped his hand tightly, lifted the hem of his robe, and stepped forward. “Alright then, I’ll satisfy you.”

…

In the front hall, the atmosphere was lively and boisterous.

The sky above had darkened. The moment the crimson-gold sank below the horizon, a gong sounded with a “clang!” and all the lanterns and candles in the entire mansion suddenly brightened—

All the humans, ghosts, and gods fell silent and turned to look.

Through the open doors, two figures stepped in.

Lin Su and He Zhenling arrived hand in hand, wearing matching bright red wedding attire. One had deep-set brows and a straight nose, exuding a heroic air; the other was handsome and transcendent, with a graceful bearing.

The moment they stepped into the hall, the entire room seemed to light up.

The guests on both sides erupted in excitement, with Hao Niubai unable to hold back a series of “Wow—!!”

The two walked down the red carpet to the front of the hall.

There, Bai Xinwen served as the master of ceremonies.

Yi Daiming had originally tried to compete for the role, but ultimately lost to the head of the four great families. At this moment, Bai Xinwen stood at the front, his face glowing, as if it were the highest honor.

Lin Su met his gaze, and Bai Xinwen nodded in understanding.

He then composed himself and announced in a solemn and excited voice, “The auspicious time has arrived. Let the wedding ceremony begin—”

Xuenima gently lifted the embroidered ball, and Lin Su and He Zhenling each held one end of the red silk.

“First bow, to heaven and earth!”

The two looked up and bowed slightly—

A stream of light seemed to streak across the night sky. This bow sealed a vow of the Heavenly Dao.

He Zhenling stood up and said, “With heaven as our witness, until our hair turns white…”

Lin Su glanced at him and gently corrected, “We won’t get white hair.”

“…” He Zhenling paused for a long moment, then inhaled. “Then until our black hair is inseparable.”

The guests were silent.

Bai Xinwen also paused, then continued, “Second bow, to the elders!”

They had no elders.

To be precise, they were both born of the rules of the Heavenly Dao. Heaven and earth were their elders.

So they bowed upwards again.

Lin Su looked up. “With my heart, I swear, we will be together forever.”

He Zhenling’s lips curved slightly.

“The couple bows to each other!”

They both turned to face each other, holding the ends of the red silk, their eyes meeting across the space. The candlelight reflected in their eyes, making them shine. After looking at each other for two seconds, they bowed to one another—

“The ceremony is complete. Exchange the nuptial cups!”

The embroidered ball was set down, and two cups of wedding wine were brought forward.

Lin Su and He Zhenling each took a cup. With their sleeves intertwined, the slightly strong, clear wine rolled down their throats, bringing a searing heat. Lin Su put down the cup and looked at He Zhenling.

The other’s gaze fell on his moist, red lips. He seemed to hold back, finally giving just a very light smile.

Lin Su’s heart itched from his gaze, and his own eyes flickered.

As they were looking at each other, a sudden “pop!” was heard from the seats—

Turning their heads, they saw Black and White Impermanence, unable to hold back any longer, jump up. Under Yama’s tangible glare, they set off a string of colorful lights and confetti cannons. “Happy wedding to you two!! Let the feast begin, let the feast begin! Ahahahahaha~”

The couple was speechless.

Lin Su then smiled and said to the crowd below, “Everyone, let the feast begin!”

“Waaahhhhh!!”

The lively banquet began.

Lin Su and He Zhenling also went down to mingle as per tradition.

There were dozens of tables set up in the mansion.

From humans, to ghosts, to gods… whether they were friends from the feng shui families, colleagues from the two realms, or past friends and clients, everyone was present.

Going from table to table took quite some time.

Fortunately, the underworld emissaries didn’t need much attention from them; Black and White Impermanence were already having the time of their lives as if they owned the place. The colorful light from White Impermanence’s hand even swept across Yama’s official hat, while Black Impermanence was waving across the red carpet to the seats on the other side:

“Hey! Friends on the ground~ Let me see your hands!”

At the next table, Bai Jiang watched while sipping his tea. “Haha, you can’t just raise your hands to that~”

As he was watching, Lin Su and his partner arrived before him.

“Xiao Bai.”

Bai Jiang stood up in pleasant surprise. “Brother Teacher! 0▽0” His gaze shifted to He Zhenling beside him, and the corners of his mouth retracted by 2°. “Ah, President He.”

He Zhenling chuckled. “Heh.”

Bai Jiang stared at him for two seconds, then raised his wine cup with teary, poached-egg eyes and offered his blessings. “Wuwuwuwu Teacher, you must be happy… 〒▽〒”

Lin Su said lovingly, “We will be.”

Beside them, the Ghost King looked up at He Zhenling. “Congratulations. You’re getting your wedding night too.”

He Zhenling was speechless.

Lin Su sharply caught the word: Too?

He turned his gaze to Yan Guanyue and saw the man’s hand tremble slightly as he turned his face away, hiding behind his glasses.

Lin Su sighed in understanding and retracted his gaze.

…

Passing this interesting table, they came to their colleagues from the Xuncheng branch.

President Meng Yuanping stood up and offered his congratulations.

Just as Lin Su was clinking glasses with them one by one, Ge Lili’s gaze suddenly dropped to the silver hoops on their fingers. Then, as if taking a deep breath, he praised loudly:

“My lord, you must really love the accessory President He gave you, you’re even wearing it on your hand!”

The couple was speechless.

Lin Su’s gaze froze, and He Zhenling glanced sideways.

Xuenima remembered this scene. [He still has a knack for picking the perfect time to speak.]

After a moment, Lin Su clinked glasses with him with seeming composure. “That’s thoughtful of you, Lili.”

A lively banquet lasted from evening until late into the night.

There was still no sign of the feast ending.

They had greeted all the guests.

As Lin Su was standing in the middle of the hall, his hand was tugged from under his sleeve. Turning his head, he met He Zhenling’s lowered gaze. Flushed from the wine, his cheeks were warm. “…Shall we go?”

Lin Su’s heart stirred. “Mhm.”

The two of them headed towards the main door.

Just as they reached the entrance, they suddenly heard a voice from behind call out, “Please wait a moment, you two lords.”

Yama walked over. “I have a small gift.”

Lin Su glanced at his sleeve with interest. “Oh?”

The next moment, he saw Yama raise his hand and clap gently. Pop.

Lin Su looked up.

Under the dark night sky, across the mountainside behind the mansion, a vast expanse of bright ghost fires suddenly lit up. They flickered like brilliant lanterns, adorning the entire mountain:

— Together for ten thousand years.

His eyes widened slightly, as if filled with a galaxy of stars.

Beside him, He Zhenling looked up. “Thank you.”

Lin Su watched for a few seconds before turning back with a gentle smile. “We have received your blessings.”

The carved wooden door closed with a soft “clang.”

The master bedroom of the old mansion retained its classical Chinese decor. Crimson curtains hung on both sides of the pearwood bed, the dragon and phoenix candles flickered, and the intertwined wedding robes shimmered ambiguously.

The moment they entered, He Zhenling kissed him.

Lin Su backed up to the edge of the bed, his body swaying, before being hooked by the waist. The fiery taste of wine was exchanged between their lips and tongues. He Zhenling cupped his face, his heartbeat faster than usual.

After a few breaths of kissing, he leaned back as if he couldn’t stand any longer.

The bed sank, and they both fell onto it.

Lin Su was enveloped in heat. Although he was a bit shy, under the dim lamplight, he eagerly took the initiative to pull down He Zhenling’s collar.

He Zhenling propped himself up with one hand, letting him do as he pleased.

The collar loosened, revealing a flushed collarbone.

Lin Su bit it a couple of times, and the hand propped beside him clenched in restraint. In the dim candlelight, he could vaguely see the bite marks and, with a thought, reached out to touch them.

“…What were you thinking when I bit you back then? Were you angry?”

He Zhenling lowered his head, his voice strained. “What?”

Lin Su breathed hotly, tracing the marks carefully. “Didn’t you say you only started taking it seriously from my first words? Did you keep this because you wanted to hold me accountable?”

The man above him paused for a moment. “…No.”

Pulling back slightly, He Zhenling looked directly into Lin Su’s eyes. His calm eyes were deep and bright. “I wasn’t angry.”

He Zhenling looked at him and said, word for word, “I knew you… much earlier than you think.”

Lin Su held his breath. “What?”

Placing a hand on his lips, He Zhenling lowered his gaze. “My duty is to inspect the responsibilities of all underworld emissaries and divine officials. I knew everything about your affairs…” He kissed Lin Su’s lips as he spoke.

“Because I knew, I gave you my infinite indulgence.”

The words, though muffled by the kiss, were crystal clear.

Lin Su’s eyes widened, and he gripped He Zhenling’s lapels, his mind buzzing and numb.

This meant…

He controlled his rapid breathing, his eyes stinging with warmth. “You… how could you have a secret crush on me.”

The lips holding his parted.

He Zhenling studied him closely. “Is this considered a secret crush?” He seemed to smile, rubbing Lin Su’s lips. “It was just infinite indulgence. Can such a shallow feeling be considered ‘like’?”

Lin Su’s lips were held, unable to speak.

He thought: If it’s infinite indulgence, is it still shallow?

After a moment, He Zhenling released his hand. “Then let’s just say I cared.”

Cared enough that from the first formal meeting, he had sunk into that sea of shifting light and shadow—

He asked again, “What about you?” He looked into Lin Su’s eyes. “From which sentence were you no longer being casual?”

Lin Su’s mind grew hazy under his gaze. He pulled He Zhenling’s hand, turned his head, and kissed his palm, his soft lips grinding against it as he confessed honestly:

“From… the very first inner monologue.”

He Zhenling lowered his eyes. “?”

“Sigh, you wouldn’t understand.” Lin Su pressed his burning face into his palm and looked up. The first time he saw him, he felt joy in every aspect.

He really had wanted to find a flaw in the perfect jade.

With a thought, he tilted his head up and kissed He Zhenling’s lips. “…Come on.”

The man before him immediately took charge, pressing him down.

The bright red wedding robe fell to the side, and the color of snow merged with it. The bed curtain fell. After a moment, He Zhenling rose again. He took off the silver hoop from his finger and took Lin Su’s hand. “Put it back on for me.”

Lin Su looked up at him. “Why?”

He gave a meaningful look. “So you like it this way…”

He Zhenling smiled and leaned closer. “To stop myself from losing control.”

Lin Su’s eyes immediately filled with anticipation.

“…” He Zhenling pinched him. “Behave.” He then pressed his hand to his heart. “Help me put it on.”

Lin Su propped himself up slightly. He had seen it, and rolled it, but he had never put it on. In the faint light, it took him some effort to finally clasp it back. “Does it hurt?”

The man’s voice was hoarse. “No.”

He let go. The metal edge shimmered, looking particularly captivating.

Lin Su’s gaze moved up and met He Zhenling’s.

The latter had already broken into a light sweat. Now, he looked at him directly, his gaze meaningful as he asked for the last time, “Are you truly willing for what comes next?”

Lin Su raised his hand, kissed the crane feather on the ring, and pulled He Zhenling’s neck down, responding with action. “Mhm.”

He Zhenling’s eyes darkened, and he leaned down—

…

Time seemed to stretch on, long and detailed.

The candlelight flickered, and their silhouettes reflected on the hanging curtain. Candle wax dripped from the windowsill, pooling below.

A muffled sound, the candlewick crackled.

Lin Su’s eyelashes were damp. He waited for a moment. The flame burned brightly again, a deep and fiery passion.

After an unknown amount of time, in his hazy consciousness, the hand covering his eyes was pulled away, and a low voice whispered in his ear, “I want to hear you call my name.”

He opened his eyes. “He Zhenling?”

He Zhenling stared at him intensely, his throat moving. “…The one you called me during the livestream.”

Lin Su took a moment to react, then suddenly remembered.

It had been easy to tease him then, but now it was difficult to say. He only paused for a few seconds, but the thought that He Zhenling’s emotions would be swayed by it made him eagerly suppress his shyness, lean in, and call out the name.

The man above him buried his face in his neck, responding, “Mhm.”

A fervent kiss swept over him, engulfing him.

Bright sunlight streamed into the room from the window.

Silhouettes could be seen through the curtains, and red silk was piled on the floor.

Lin Su shifted a couple of times and propped himself up.

A divine official’s body was unlike a mortal’s, recovering quickly. But he still felt a bit strained now. He rested for a moment before pushing himself up, meeting the gaze of the culprit beside him.

He Zhenling was leaning against the headboard, watching him.

At this moment, the icy depths of his eyes seemed to have gone through a spring flood, completely thawed.

“Do you want to sleep a little longer?”

“No need, I’m full of energy.”

Lin Su propped himself up with seeming composure, his gaze moving to He Zhenling’s shoulder and neck. Near the old, years-old mark, many new ones were layered on top.

He touched them. “You suffered yesterday.”

He Zhenling gave a half-smile, his face full of satisfaction, and conceded verbally, “Mhm, it’s all thanks to President Kun Kun’s mercy.”

Lin Su draped a robe on and got up, thoughtfully saying, “You should sleep a bit more.”

A chuckle came from behind him as he also got dressed.

It seemed quiet outside.

Lin Su walked to the window and looked out. The noise and excitement of last night had long since dispersed. The gathering of prominent figures from all three realms was truly a wedding of the ages.

After all, most divine officials kept to their own territories and hadn’t seen each other in centuries.

Let alone two divine officials falling in love and uniting.

As Lin Su was thinking, he turned his head.

He Zhenling stood beside him, his side profile illuminated by the sunlight, handsome and clear. The lingering desire in his originally cool features made him look particularly captivating.

He couldn’t help but reach out and stroke that handsome face. “Sigh, and I was the one who happened to meet you.”

He Zhenling glanced sideways. “…”

He skillfully ignored the man’s phrasing and smiled. “You were the one who happened to meet me.”

Lin Su squinted at him. Hmm???

He Zhenling looked at him for a few seconds, then furrowed his brow slightly. “The Inspector General’s duty is to monitor the power and responsibilities of ghosts and gods. The celestial masters of the human world are supervised by the human world’s association.”

He paused. “So when the chaos happened in the celestial master world back then, by the time I knew… you had already set all destinies straight.”

“But now, I’m in charge of both realms.”

Lin Su froze for a moment, a sudden clarity dawning on him. “You…”

He Zhenling’s lips curved as he looked at him quietly.

It was indeed difficult for divine officials to meet, but unless—

“You can just assume that I deliberately met you.”

Lin Su held his breath for a few seconds, his heart thundering. He had thought that in the long river of time, someone had stopped for him. But it turned out, they had come for him all along.

His heart swelled like a tide. He pulled He Zhenling in and buried his face in his chest.

“Sigh… you have a secret crush on me.”

The body before him seemed to shudder slightly, then laughed. “What about you?”

“Isn’t it obvious for me?” Lin Su said with his face buried. “Of course, my love for you flickers on and off.”

He Zhenling looked down and praised, “It’s impressive how you can make ambiguity sound so artistic.” After a moment, he placed a hand on the smooth nape of his neck. “You won’t be flickering on and off anymore.”

Lin Su was the flame that guarded the human world.

He had once fallen silent for seventeen years, but now, he finally held this eternal flame in his arms.

The flame in his arms moved, and Lin Su looked up. “?”

The early spring sunlight streamed in, melting away the entire long, cold winter. He Zhenling looked at him, his eyes filled with a soft light.

“We will be together for ten thousand years.”

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