Xia Lingwei roared inwardly: "You two shameless dogs deliberately chose to marry on this very day just to ruin my mood, don't you? You, you pair of sluts, you dogs, I will never lose to you!"
Bracing herself against a complete mental collapse, she gritted her teeth and said, "I—I, Xia Lingwei, will never lose!"
"Huh?"
At that moment, Shi Tianqi, standing a few yards away, suddenly raised an eyebrow and said, "Never lose? Hehe... Didn't you guys talk about a bet that day? Well, let me tell you by the way, my master's residence is none other than Youlong Villa in Green Water Villas... I heard your new home happens to have a view of Youlong Villa? Hehe, there's another show in half an hour, hope you guys won't miss it!"
With that, ignoring Xia Lingwei's twisted face that looked ready to go mad, Shi Tianqi simply sneered and walked away.
Chapter 26: The Wedding Begins
Hearing those four words, Xia Lingwei's face instantly drained of color, turning as pale as dirt, and her expression became as desolate as if she were in mourning for her parents.
Moreover, Shi Tianqi spoke in a loud voice, so not only Xia Lingwei heard his words, but the members of the Xia family and Jiang Feichi heard them as well.
"It really is Youlong Villa?"
"Qingcheng—no, Qingyue has staged a stunning comeback this time... rising straight to the heavens in a single bound!"
"The key is that Xia Lingwei and Young Master Jiang also live right over there... Green Water Villas! And Young Master Jiang even said the villa they live in has a direct view of Youlong Villa!"
"Hiss! Truly, enemies are bound to cross paths... If Xia Lingwei has to watch Xia Lingyue coming and going from Youlong Villa every single day, won't she die of jealousy?"
"Tsk tsk tsk, this is getting more and more interesting!"
As the news spread, the crowd began to whisper among themselves. Not only were they discussing it loudly, but they also cast mocking glances toward Xia Lingwei and Jiang Feichi.
At that moment, Jiang Feichi felt like he wanted to die. He desperately wished he could call off the engagement right then and there, get into his car, and speed away...
However, Ye Chen's motorcade refused to move, and their dozens of cars were completely blocked in, making it utterly impossible to leave.
"Get in the car."
On the other side, Ye Chen linked arms with Xia Qingyue and accompanied her toward a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe (Silver Ghost).
This car was known as the most expensive car in the world, entirely handmade in terms of its engine and body, utilizing exclusively aerospace-grade materials!
After rolling off the production line, this vehicle had been purchased by a foreign businessman for 1.5 billion yuan and kept locked away in a castle ever since...
No one had expected that Ye Chen's disciple would manage to get his hands on this car to serve as the bridal car for his teacher and bride.
"What kind of car is this? A Rolls-Royce? I've never seen this model before!"
"If you haven't seen it, look it up online! I've already searched... This car... I—I—holy shit! 1.5 billion!"
"Entirely handmade... aerospace materials... locked away in a castle all this time!"
"Oh my god!"
"Just how many more surprises are there in this wedding!?"
Listening to the onlookers' chatter, even Ye Chen couldn't help being momentarily stunned before looking toward his disciples.
"Being able to do something for our teacher is a lifelong dream for all of us disciples!"
"Teacher and Madam are truly a match made in heaven. Teacher, Madam... it's getting late, we should head back to the estate!"
Hearing his disciples speak thus, Ye Chen could only offer a gentle smile as he accompanied Xia Qingyue and Xiao Ningning into the car!
"What about us?"
At that moment, the members of the Xia family snapped out of their daze. "Ye Chen... Hey, Mr. Ma, Mr. Shi, what about us? We are Qingyue's own family!"
"You?"
Shi Tianqi sneered. "Three days ago, I certainly didn't see any of you acting like Madam's family..."
After a cold laugh, Shi Tianqi bowed toward Xia Junjie, his wife, and Xia Qingcheng. "The three of you, my master has prepared a car. Please come with me..."
"Ah, okay, okay."
Xia Junjie nodded repeatedly. Hesitating for a few seconds, he still couldn't help asking, "Mr. Shi, can my father come along as well? He—he is Qingyue's grandfather, after all!"
"This... I cannot make that decision!"
Shi Tianqi frowned slightly, then glanced at Ma Huayun.
"Since she is Madam's grandfather, the old man may come along as well!"
Ma Huayun said, then turned to the rest of the eager Xia family members. "If you want to attend my master's wedding, it's not entirely out of the question, but... don't go attending two weddings, understand?"
With that, Ma Huayun gave a cold wave of his hand and strode off with his hands behind his back.
"Hehe, Old Ma, you really are vicious..."
Shi Tianqi couldn't help chuckling either, then hurried off after Ma Huayun.
After being stunned for a few seconds, the Xia family members immediately understood what was going on.
Ma Huayun meant that if they came to attend the wedding of Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue, they were not to go to the wedding of Jiang Feichi and Xia Lingwei! — And vice versa!
"Of course we're going to attend Qingyue's wedding!"
"Wait for us..."
"We are not going to Xia Lingwei's wedding! We refuse to attend such a petty, spiteful person's wedding!"
"Oh my goodness, this is a Pagani! A luxury car worth tens of millions... No way, I have to take a selfie with the steering wheel in the frame!"
"This is a top-tier Ferrari, my absolute favorite!"
Realizing what was happening, the Xia family members all rushed straight toward Ye Chen's welcoming motorcade, and even the old grandfather was no exception, choosing Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue.
"Grandfather... Didn't you promise to drink our wedding wine?" Seeing this, Xia Lingwei was on the verge of crying tears of anxiety.
The old man said helplessly, "Weiwei, Grandfather wanted to drink your wedding wine, but... but you can see for yourself. Ye Chen knows so many big shots; if our Xia family is to develop in the future, we can't do without his help... Tianqi, you come with me too. As for Junyuan and Liutong, you two go to Weiwei's wedding!"
"What?!"
Hearing these words, Xia Lingwei was so furious that smoke practically billowed from her seven orifices, and her lungs felt ready to explode.
Xia Tianqi was her own biological brother... On the day of her wedding, her own brother wasn't coming to her ceremony, but instead going to Xia Lingyue's?!
Instantly, Xia Lingwei refused to accept this and shrieked, "No! If word of this gets out, won't I be utterly humiliated? Won't I be trampled under Xia Lingyue's feet for the rest of my life?!"
"Weiwei, can't you be a little more sensible? Our Xia family has always been a second-tier family, or even third-tier. This is a rare opportunity for us to build connections. Mom and Dad, keep an eye on her; I'm going with Grandfather to attend Qingyue's wedding." Without waiting for Xia Lingwei to finish venting her emotions, Xia Tianqi followed the old man and left.
"I—I... Wah!!!"
Seeing all her relatives and friends vanish completely, leaving only her parents behind, Xia Lingwei could no longer contain the grievance in her heart and burst into loud sobs.
...
One hour later.
Ye Chen accompanied Xia Qingyue to Youlong Villa.
Youlong Villa was located right in the dead center of Green Water Villas, spanning several thousand square meters. It was surrounded by high-end villas, and although there were over a hundred of them, they were not densely packed at all.
The entire villa district boasted lush landscaping, generous spacing between buildings, and with distant green mountains and nearby clear waters, it made those already luxurious villas look even more picturesque and enchanting!
The green water lake in the villa district stretched for two thousand meters, a section of which brushed right against Youlong Villa... The entire Youlong Villa was built in a classic, antique Chinese architectural style, and viewed from afar, it almost resembled an ancient imperial palace.
Inside the villa grounds were exotic rocks, artificial mountains, pavilions, winding bridges, and running streams—everything one could possibly imagine.
Passing through the courtyard, one came to a three-story residential mansion. Even before stepping inside, everyone was stunned by the exterior of the estate...
"Is—is this Youlong Villa?"
"It truly lives up to its reputation as the premier villa estate in Jinling City!"
"I'd love to go inside and take a look..."
"Take a look at what? Didn't you see the groom and bride haven't even bowed to heaven and earth yet? Just wait patiently... Actually, I want to take a look too, hehehe!"
Amid the stunned gazes of the crowd, Ye Chen linked arms with Xia Qingyue and walked step by step to the ceremonial site.
At that moment, the God of War Chen Junlin announced in a booming voice: "The auspicious hour has arrived! Let the bride and groom bow to heaven and earth!"
Chapter 27: Ye Chen's Identity
"Teacher, Madam!"
"Please, please!"
Amid the cheering and jumping of his disciples, Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue stood ready...
At that moment, Xia Qingcheng ran over and carried Xiao Ningning off to the side.
The two of them stood there quietly.
"First bow to heaven and earth!"
Chen Junlin announced loudly.
Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue bowed toward the direction of heaven and earth...
"Second bow to the high elders!"
As the words fell, disciples immediately rushed forward with stools, while others supported Xia Junjie and his wife, seating them in the chairs.
Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue bowed to their parents once more.
"Bow to each other as husband and wife!"
With that command, the couple exchanged a tender, lingering gaze and bowed to each other...
"The ceremony is concluded! Send the newlyweds to the bridal chamber!"
"Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh!"
"Congratulations, Teacher! Felicitations, Teacher... Congratulations, Madam! Felicitations, Madam!"
"Strike up the music, let the dancing begin..."
Following Chen Junlin's final announcement, Ye Chen's disciples all cheered, broke into song, and started dancing with unrestrained joy.
One must realize that these disciples were either Gods of War who defended their country, terrifying Gods of Death who struck fear into the hearts of men, regional overlords, or even the richest people in the world... and so on!
Yet at this moment, they were jumping and cheering with the innocent happiness of children.
At the same time, two rows of Kunlun disciples dressed in colorful garments entered in orderly fashion, holding musical instruments and beginning their performance...
As the music swelled, eighteen ethereal Kunlun maidens suddenly descended from the sky. wisps of white mist drifted across the ground from out of nowhere, and those eighteen female disciples holding swords began to dance gracefully in the center of the courtyard like fairies from a heavenly palace. Their breathtaking dance was utterly mesmerizing!
"Wow, this is simply too gorgeous! I imagine the fairies of the Jade Pool in heaven look just like this when they dance!"
"This wedding is simply peerless. This trip was truly worth it!"
"I'm so envious of Qingyue. From today onward, Qingyue is going to live a life like an immortal fairy!"
"Only... just what kind of identity does that Ye Chen actually have?"
The moment Ye Chen was brought up, everyone fell silent.
Aside from Ye Chen's disciples, neither the members of the Xia family nor the visiting guests had any idea who Ye Chen really was...
"Grandfather..."
Xia Tianqi started to speak, then hesitated.
"Don't ask."
The old man shook his head. "To inquire about Mr. Ye's identity right now would be terribly rude... Besides, look at who is standing right over there—Ma Huayun, Shi Tianqi, and generals in military uniform. Do you dare go and ask?"
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"
Xia Tianqi waved his hands hastily; he certainly didn't have the guts to question Ma Huayun and the others.
After the Kunlun female disciples finished their sword dance, internationally renowned female singers took the stage to perform, followed by famous opera artists... In short, everyone who managed to take the stage was an internationally celebrated figure.
Meanwhile, tables were set up throughout the courtyard, and women in red cheongsams began serving dishes to the low tables. Every single chef responsible for the cooking was a Michelin three-star chef!
It wasn't until evening approached that the guests gradually began to disperse.
As for the tradition of teasing the bridal chamber, none of the disciples possessed the courage for that!
They quietly left their wedding gifts behind and slipped away one by one...
Watching those famous heavyweights leave one after another, the Xia family members finally let out a breath of relief. What an emotional rollercoaster of excitement and terror they had experienced today! They were thrilled, yet terrified!
Chapter 27: Ye Chen's Identity (Duplicate marker handled)
"Go on and ask about Ye Chen's identity, Grandfather," Xia Tianqi whispered.
"Alright!"
The old man nodded. Seeing that the foreign guests had already departed, he walked up to Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue with a smile on his face and asked, "Well now, my good grandson-in-law... It's been so long, but we still don't know your true background. Look, we're all family now, why don't you just tell us your identity?"
"Yes, yes!"
The rest of the Xia family also pricked up their ears, hope shining in their eyes as they waited for Ye Chen's answer.
"Me?"
Ye Chen lifted his eyelids, swept a glance over the Xia family members, and replied indifferently, "My identity is simply that of a teacher. I've said that before!"
"A teacher?"
Everyone frowned. Ye Chen had indeed said those exact words previously.
However, who on earth would believe that?
Yet Ma Huayun and the others genuinely called Ye Chen "Teacher" right to his face, one after another, with absolute sincerity.
"That answer leaves us rather confused!"
The old man said with a troubled expression, "Grandson-in-law, can you at least tell us why all those big-time figures address you as Teacher?"
"To impart the Dao, to teach professional knowledge, and to resolve doubts."
Ye Chen couldn't be bothered to answer any further and stated flatly, "Now then, my disciples have all cleared out... Who knows how many years it will be before they ever visit Jinling City again! Old man, if you harbor any other schemes, I advise you to put them away as soon as possible."
With that, refusing to entertain the Xia family any longer, Ye Chen simply linked his arm with Xia Qingyue's and returned indoors.
"This... Grandfather, was what he said true?"
"Does that mean we won't be able to utilize these connections after all?"
"Without those students of his, what the hell is Ye Chen anyway... Can we really count on him?"
"Grandfather, what should we do?"
Seeing Ye Chen state the reality of the situation with such cold indifference, the Xia family members could no longer sit still. Feeling as though pins were pricking their backs, they muttered, "Is it still not too late for us to go attend Weiwei and the Jiang family's wedding?"
"Huh?"
The old man was startled. "Hurry up and go! Since we can't count on Ye Chen anymore, we must rush over to the Jiang family. We can't afford to lose that backing too!"
With that, the Xia family members hurried hastily away from Youlong Villa.
Meanwhile, standing by the third-floor French window, Ye Chen gave a cold, faint smile. "In order to avoid embarrassment, Jiang Feichi and Xia Lingwei didn't even come to Green Water Villas. They're likely going to run into an empty house!"
"Then what on earth is your real identity?"
Behind him, Xia Qingyue looked at him with curiosity, her seductive peach-blossom eyes filled with questions.
"My identity? I'm your husband..."
Ye Chen chuckled, wrapped his arms directly around Xia Qingyue, and smiled infatuatedly, "You know, your sister isn't half bad—she was very sensible taking Xiao Ningning away!"
"Ah~"
Instantly, Xia Qingyue let out a soft cry, her pretty face flushing crimson at his words. She knew that with the wedding over, it was time for the bridal chamber...
"Bad guy~ I'm asking you a serious question, and you're not even answering properly."
Xia Qingyue's face grew hotter and redder, too embarrassed to look at Ye Chen anymore, she simply buried her face against his chest and feigned confusion.
"I answered perfectly well!"
Ye Chen replied with an innocent expression, "I am a teacher by trade. As for my identity... if you must have an explanation, then I am Ye Kunlun!"
The patriarch of ten thousand Kunlun disciples, Ye Kunlun!!
As for the outer sect disciples beyond Kunlun itself, they all knew the title of Ye Kunlun as well...
However, to an ordinary person like Xia Qingyue, the name Ye Kunlun was simply too profound to comprehend. Even the heads of the top-tier families in Jinling City had no inkling of the weight carried by those three words, "Ye Kunlun"!
"Ye Kunlun...?"
Xia Qingyue was slightly startled, softly murmuring the three syllables. Then, her face turning crimson, she whispered as softly as a mosquito's buzzing, "No matter what your identity is, I only know one thing: you are my husband!"
Chapter 28: Star-Crossed Lovers
At that moment, the only two people remaining in the entire Youlong Villa were Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue...
Even Xia Junjie and his wife were gone.
As for little Ningning, the little girl had been led away by the hand by Xia Qingcheng to play outside.
"Right now, this world belongs exclusively to the two of us!"
Ye Chen gently breathed in the scent of Xia Qingyue—her sweet hair, her faint natural fragrance—these aromas continually drifted into his nose, making him feel profoundly at peace.
Yes, completely at peace!
"I've waited five whole years for this day!"
Holding Xia Qingyue close, Ye Chen said softly, "I'm sorry... I've let you suffer these past five years!"
"It wasn't suffering~"
Xia Qingyue shook her head gently. "To live to see this moment makes everything worth it!"
As their eyes met, Ye Chen leaned in to kiss her, but suddenly heard a rumbling sound echoing from outside.
"Brother-in-law, it's bad, Brother-in-law..."
At that moment, Xia Qingcheng rushed in screaming, shoving the door open abruptly to find Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue locked tightly in an embrace... The young girl's face immediately flushed crimson. "Sister, Brother-in-law, it's bad! The Jiang family brought people here to cause trouble!"
"Daughter, daughter, come out quickly!"
Xia Junjie and Zhang Lan also rushed into the room carrying Xiao Ningning. "You guys went way too far bullying Jiang Feichi today, and now they've brought people to wreck the place. What are we going to do? All your disciples have already left..."
"Jiang Feichi?"
Ye Chen's eyes turned icy. Today was his grand wedding day, and right now was supposed to be his bridal night with Xia Qingyue.
How dare anyone come here to stir up trouble?
"I'll go take a look."
Frowning slightly, Ye Chen patted Xia Qingyue gently and instructed, "You guys stay in the room and don't run around..."
"I'll go with you," Xia Qingyue said with concern.
"Sis..."
Xia Qingcheng tried to stop Xia Qingyue, but failed to hold her back.
Stamping her foot lightly and biting her lip, she had no choice but to follow her sister outside.
Outside the main gates of Youlong Villa, three large bulldozers were parked, their drivers wearing hard hats and revving the engines with deafening roars, looking as though they might plow right through the gates at any second.
Jiang Feichi stood among a group of young scions between the bulldozers, a cold sneer plastered across his face.
"Ye Chen, weren't you acting all high and mighty today?"
"Damn it, my wedding today was completely overshadowed by you until I lost all my face!"
"Fortunately, your disciples have all cleared out... Hehe, I made sure to send people to watch them leave. Right now, they've already departed Jinling City."
"By the way, let me inform you that I've jammed the cell signals in this area. Right now, if you scream to the heavens there's no response, and if you call to the earth there's no reply!"