In his heart, Zhang Jian still felt a trace of joy.
The Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart truly is of unparalleled divine profundity.
At this moment, he hadn't fully harnessed the maximum potential of the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart.
The great success of the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart lies in one's own knowledge and the accumulation of foundations. Once he has accumulated enough, he believes it will provide even more miraculous assistance.
...
In front of the Three Ancestors Temple, Bai Nu slightly nodded toward both Yuhe Daoist and Xue Daoist. Two dragons instantly returned to Bai Shui Dragon Palace.
Although they helped Bai Nu secure the eight hundred miles of Bai Shui Territory, this battle had resulted in quite a few aftereffects that needed to be resolved.
In addition, according to his original plan, he also needed to refine his Lifebound Dharma Artifact.
Zhang Jian hoped to successfully refine his Lifebound Dharma Artifact before entering the capital for the spring examinations.
...
Bai Shui Dragon Palace
Divine Office was grand and imposing; outside the Dragon Palace, Bai Liying's jade-like face was difficult to keep calm. She gazed deep into the Dragon Palace; just now, Zhang Jian had entered the palace with Bai Shui Dragon Monarch.
She knew that the matters discussed inside would inevitably be related to her.
No matter what, she didn't wish for discord between Zhang Jian and the Dragon Palace because of this. Yet deep in her heart, she felt a fleeting ripple.
Ordinarily, she was solely focused on the Great Dao, with her eyes set only on the wish for longevity. However, at this moment, she found herself somewhat hopeful. Deep down, she was somewhat repelled by this hope.
At this moment, she was hesitating.
She was unwilling to destroy her wish for longevity because of feelings for another.
However, these feelings were already an obstacle she couldn't avoid.
The Dragon Maiden was also experiencing turmoil within her heart, but she quickly composed herself and walked over to the swing nearby.
At this moment, it was as if she had returned to her childhood, when her mother was still sheltering her side.
Hundreds of years passed, her mother had long passed away.
No matter if her father was suppressed, hunted, or living under others' roofs, she never gave up; she continued diligently cultivating.
After an unknown amount of time, the palace door opened, and Zhang Jian emerged with a solemn expression from the Central Palace door.
Zhang Jian caught sight of the Dragon Maiden sitting on the swing.
In his impression, the Dragon Maiden mostly dressed in black, was composed and calm, rarely seen so relaxed, lively like a blossoming maiden.
The Dragon Maiden sensed Zhang Jian's gaze, and with a silver bell-like laugh, she said.
"Elder Brother, no need for that. Just spit it out. Whatever the result, I will accept it with pleasure!"
Zhang Jian stepped forward, lightly pushed the swing, found it amusing and said: "What outcome do you think, Younger Sister?"
After a slight pause, he added: "You're graceful and virtuous, your deeds are decisive. Truth be told, I've long admired you. I feared being too frank might be presumptuous in the past, but now, as heaven bestows this fortune, it allows us to form a delightful union!"
Hearing this, Bai Liying gave Zhang Jian a sidelong glance, her eyes carrying a hint of playfulness and joy, having an idea of the agreement reached within the palace.
Surely enough, Zhang Jian cleared his throat again and said.
"Younger Sister, I have just spoken with…"
After a slight pause, he added: "Proposed to Father-in-law, and he has agreed. In a few days, I'll properly marry you as my prime wife!"
"However, you know that I've been engaged to my cousin. There may be grievances, but after the marriage, there will be no distinction between prior and latter, how do you see this?"
Zhang Jian felt that admitting this did seem rather insincere.
But it was also a sign of his sincerity.
After all, his status had been elevated considerably lately, beyond what it used to be!
Bai Liying's expression shifted!
"Two main wives?"
"Indeed, the custom of three wives and four concubines is for dukes and nobility, but as your brother, I am confident about my future. After becoming an advanced scholar, aiming for a noble rank shouldn't be difficult!"
Zhang Jian smiled gently, maintaining a smiling expression.
The Zhang Family was a large clan, and as the future patriarch, it was his responsibility to extend the lineage, strengthening the family. Marrying another was no big deal, as he just intended to briefly jostle in the mortal world.
However, for Bai Liying, this was significant.
Though he persuaded Bai Nu, if Bai Liying didn't agree, it would be problematic.
At this, Bai Liying smiled sweetly: "Elder Brother, why make it so complicated? You often helped my Dragon Palace, and your kindness to my father is immense. I am willing to extend your lineage!"
After a slight pause, she added.
"But after extending your lineage, may you allow me to return to the Dragon Palace, to cultivate the Great Dao in peace!"
Saying this, she stood up.
Her earnest eyes fixed on Zhang Jian.
Zhang Jian raised his head in amazement!
"This feels like a tales of the supernatural..."
But looking into Bai Liying's sincere eyes, Zhang Jian thought for a moment and agreed.
"I don't see why not!"
Hearing this, the Dragon Maiden's heart lightened slightly, her bright eyes filled with a hint of a smile, her smile blossoming like a flower:
"Also, Brother Zhang, I must enter the family first!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian frowned slightly. In his view, it would be best for both wives to enter the family simultaneously.
At this moment, a hearty voice from within the Dragon Palace, Bai Nu said:
"This is easy to handle, Ah Yu, since you have agreed to this matter, why not hold the wedding directly in the Dragon Palace? It would double as a celebration for my release from the seal!"
Diverging from worldly customs?
Hearing this, Zhang Jian felt a bit moved, meeting the Dragon Maiden's smiling gaze; he promptly nodded and said.
"In that case, let's follow Father-in-law's suggestion!"
Zhang Jian wasn't indecisive. However, as he was to fulfill the marriage agreement, he insisted on bringing Zhang Yi and Madam Zhang Qi over first.
Bai Nu nodded: "As it's a happy occasion for both families, of course, the in-laws must be invited!"
Immediately, Bai Shui Dragon Palace was bustling with preparations as Bai Nu began directing many shrimp soldiers and crab generals to arrange the Dragon Palace.
In truth, there weren't many guests in the Dragon Palace.
A thousand years have passed, and former friends and family have mostly dispersed.
Especially at this time, with his Divine Dao trial impending, he didn't want unnecessary complications.
Only some local spirit monsters, divinities, and a few influential cultivator leaders were invited.
Among them were Zhang Yi and his wife.
Initially bewildered, Zhang Yi and his wife found themselves at the Bai Shui Dragon Palace, escorted by the Dragon Palace's Divine General to partake in the wedding banquet.
It was only after seeing Zhang Jian that they realized the wedding was for Zhang Jian and the princess of Bai Shui Dragon Palace.
The couple was at a loss.
Madam Zhang Qi, while internally grumbling, felt powerless to prevent it.
Zhang Yi, although silent outwardly, was extremely content with this marriage.
If Zhang Jian became the son-in-law of Bai Shui Dragon Palace, it would be tremendously beneficial for the Zhang Family.
Especially when he saw the Dragon Maiden, radiant like a flower, he was increasingly satisfied.
The wedding proceeded as customary; after the banquet came the rites of bowing to heaven and earth, then entering the bridal chamber.