Chapter 18

Chu Yan calmly felt the flames, carefully recalling the way Qin Ruomeng used to refine elixirs for him, and then began to operate step by step.

This time, Chu Yan was not as impatient as before. Instead, his mind was as calm as still water. In a blink, he felt the scene around him change, as if it were ten years ago when he was still by Qin Ruomeng's side, and the familiar and gentle voice echoed in his ears.

"Xiao Yan, refining elixirs is all about controlling the fire. Besides the fire, the most important thing is to imbue the elixir with life. You must use your own vitality to sense it. Only then will the elixir be in harmony with you. Only then will it not reject you, and you can make it obey you, serve you, and call you king."

"When that time comes, you will be the Elixir King of the world, and all the elixirs in the world will be at your command."

Chu Yan's eyes turned red, and he clenched his fists.

"Mother—your son will not let you down. Since I am your son, I will definitely become the Elixir King."

Chu Yan moved his divine consciousness, and the primordial energy lifted the herbs from the table and sent them into the alchemy furnace. The flames surged, strong but not fierce, and the herbs were gradually extracted. The air began to fill with a rich elixir fragrance.

Chu Yan sniffed the simple elixir fragrance, his eyes brightening. This was the smell, the purest essence of the herbs that Qin Ruomeng used to extract, not the ash-like smell of his recent attempts.

"Don't rush, don't rush, stay calm."

Chu Yan suppressed his excitement and continued to control the flames, mastering the fire.

After all the herbs were refined into pure elements, Chu Yan placed a twisted Yuan Storage Pill on the table into the alchemy furnace and continued refining it.

---

The night passed quietly, and the east began to turn white.

Today was destined to be a special day. As the first ray of red light rose from the horizon, Tianyong City was bustling with activity. The streets were filled with people, all heading towards the Liu family's residence.

The Liu family's courtyard was filled with the sound of firecrackers. All the important figures in Tianyong City, including some from other tribes and officials from outside the city, gathered together.

Although the Liu family had declined over the years, they were still a prominent family in Changlong Kingdom. Many families hoped to improve their relationship with the Liu family through this visit. Of course, a large part of the crowd was there for Chu Yan.

"Do you know Chu Yan's background?"

"No, but I heard he's very powerful. He's only been in Tianyong City for three days, and he's already made the Qin and Ye families suffer."

"Eighteen years ago, it must have been Chu Yan's mother who saved the Liu family. Over the years, the Liu family has declined, and many people have been eyeing this rich prize. But because of that woman's words, the Liu family has managed to survive for eighteen years."

"This person must have a significant background, possibly from the royal family. We should be cautious and try to befriend him."

At this moment, two mysterious figures appeared in the crowd. Both were dressed in red robes, their faces covered by veils, but their small figures revealed that they were young women.

"Master, with our sect's background, we don't need to befriend the Liu family, do we? Why are we here today?" the shorter figure asked curiously.

"Follow my orders," the taller figure replied.

The little girl behind her pouted but said nothing.

Because many important figures were present, Liu Tianfeng personally came out to greet them. However, when he saw the two figures, he frowned slightly.

The red robes were not a secret in Changlong Kingdom; they were a symbol of the Tian Shan Sect.

The Tian Shan Sect had existed for a thousand years in Changlong Kingdom and was on par with the royal family. Liu Tianfeng, although he had served as a general for many years, had never had any interaction with the Tian Shan Sect. He had not even sent an invitation to them for his daughter's wedding. Why would they send people here?

"Are you the elders of the Tian Shan Sect?" Liu Tianfeng asked respectfully.

"I am Lu Xueting of the Tian Shan Sect. I heard about your daughter's wedding today, so the sect master sent me to offer congratulations," Lu Xueting replied with a bow.

"And me, and me, my name is Qiu Mengxue," the little girl behind her added with a smile.

"It is a great honor for my daughter to receive the Tian Shan Sect's congratulations. Please come in," Liu Tianfeng responded respectfully, making way for them and calling Zhao Wu and Zhao Liu.

"Take good care of these two immortals," he instructed.

After the two entered the Liu residence, Zhao Tu asked Liu Tianfeng, "Did you invite the Tian Shan Sect?"

Liu Tianfeng shook his head. "No, I think they are here for Yan. Many people here today are unfamiliar to me, but they are all important figures in the empire. These old foxes, who used to be so arrogant, have never been so polite to my family before. They are all here to befriend Yan."

Zhao Tu nodded. In such a small city like Tianyong, the only person who could move the Tian Shan Sect was probably Chu Yan.

Although Zhao Tu still did not know Chu Yan's identity, from the Qin family's forced departure from Tianyong City, it was clear that Chu Yan's status was likely above the royal family, possibly even a descendant of a celestial sect.

After greeting all the guests, the wedding ceremony officially began.

Although Chu Yan was a赘婿 (a son-in-law who lives with his wife's family), to show respect, he stayed at the Liu residence early in the morning, while Liu Qingcheng arrived in a flower sedan from another part of the Liu residence, clearly demonstrating the Liu family's high regard for Chu Yan.

Liu Qingcheng looked exceptionally beautiful today, with light makeup, no powder, her hair high in a bun adorned with a golden phoenix crown that shone brilliantly, and a long red dress with golden embroidery. When the curtain of the flower sedan was lifted by the bridesmaids, she looked like a colorful phoenix descending, just as her name suggested, a beauty that could make a city fall.

"What a beautiful bride."

When Liu Qingcheng stepped out of the flower sedan, all the men present were breathless, even though her face was still hidden, she was already breathtakingly beautiful.

Accompanied by two bridesmaids, Liu Qingcheng walked to the main hall. Chu Yan was already waiting there. When he saw her, he smiled.

Mother, can you see? Today, I am fulfilling your wish and marrying Qingcheng. Although you are not here, rest assured, I will soon bring my wife to save you.

"The bride is in your hands now, son-in-law," the bridesmaids said with a smile, handing Liu Qingcheng to Chu Yan.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her," Chu Yan replied, taking Liu Qingcheng's hand and looking at her exquisite features. "Wife, you look beautiful today."

Hearing Chu Yan call her "wife" again, Liu Qingcheng rolled her eyes but silently accepted the title.

Next came the traditional wedding ceremony. Liu Tianfeng and the Liu family elders sat in the main hall, smiling at the newlyweds.

"Yan, from today, you are part of the Liu family. If anyone bullies you, you can tell Uncle Liu."

"Uncle, after today, Chu Yan will call you father," Liu Mu said with a smile.

Liu Tianfeng paused, then laughed. "Right, right, I'm so happy I forgot. Yan, from now on, I am your father. I may not have great abilities, but in Changlong Kingdom, if you have any trouble, I will stand up for you!"

Chu Yan felt warm inside. He looked at Liu Qingcheng and smiled. "Wife, did you hear that? From now on, Father will stand up for me. If you bully me, I'll tell him!"

Being teased in public, Liu Qingcheng's delicate face turned slightly red, and she glared at Chu Yan.

"Ha, Old Liu, let's proceed with the ceremony. We're all waiting to drink the wedding wine," Ye Tao said with a smile.

Liu Tianfeng nodded, and the ceremony continued. The master of ceremonies stood in the center of the main hall and called out to the newlyweds.

"First, bow to heaven and earth!"

Liu Qingcheng and Chu Yan turned to the door of the main hall, knelt down, and bowed to heaven and earth.

"Second, bow to the elders!"

They turned again and bowed to Liu Tianfeng and the other elders of the Liu family.

Surprisingly, the entire process went smoothly, disappointing many who had expected a kidnapping or some other disruption.

Many young men in Tianyong City sighed, knowing that their dream girl was about to become someone else's wife.

However, no one dared to speak up, as Liu Mu stood by with a sharp sword, ready to strike anyone who dared to cause trouble.

"Finally, bow to each other!"

This was the last step. If no one caused trouble now, the newlyweds would soon be sent to the bridal chamber, and it would be too late to cause any disruption.

Many disciples in Tianyong City were restless, hoping someone would stand up to stop the wedding.

Chu Yan and Liu Qingcheng turned to face each other. Chu Yan, unusually serious, said, "Wife, from today, you are my wife. I promise to take good care of you. You will handle the outside, and I will handle the inside."

"..."

Hearing Chu Yan's words, many people inwardly cursed, but Chu Yan seemed to enjoy it, smirking at the disciples.

Finally, the most crucial moment arrived. The newlyweds bowed to each other, completing the final step of the ceremony. But at the same time, a commotion broke out outside the Liu residence, a late disruption.

"You can't go in, miss!"

"Stop her, quickly! Stop her!"

"Hmph, we'll see who dares. I, the princess, will not believe that I can't enter a small family like the Liu family. A San, if anyone steps forward, break their legs!"

After the commotion, a defiant voice echoed from outside the main hall. Everyone frowned, and many who had hoped for the wedding to be disrupted were excited.

Finally, someone is standing up.

"What's happening?"

Liu Tianfeng's face darkened. Today was his daughter's wedding day. Who dared to cause trouble here?

Liu Mu also drew his sword.