In the foremost seats, Xie Meng sat to Eli Shan's right, while Chao Xen took his place on the left.
After settling down properly, their gazes fell upon the city lord, clad in luxurious attire, seated majestically upon a towering stage. Before him, a beautiful girl sat veiled in bridal attire, her emotions shrouded beneath the layers of fabric.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the assembly as a figure, cloaked in full black, his flowing beard trailing behind him, ascended to the wedding stage with the solemnity of a sage. Sitting in the middle, his gaze swept over Luo Xiao, then to the city lord, before he spoke in measured tones, "Lord, do you consent to this marriage? And do you vow to ensure your bride's eternal happiness?"
Without hesitation, the city lord replied, "Yes."
The sage-like figure then turned his attention to the girl, "Do you willingly pledge your life to your husband?"
No response...
The sound of a gentle cry echoed through the hall.
As the soft cries reached Chao Xen's ears, his heart quivered with emotion. He clenched his fists, his fury simmering within.
On the wedding stage, the sage-like man asked the question once more, "Do you willingly pledge your life to your husband?"
Still, there was no answer, only the crescendo of her sobbing.
The crowd was already used to it. They knew that this was a forced marriage, but what could they do about it? They could only watch helplessly. Moreover, even if anyone could help, they would never dare to offend the city lord for a mere countryside girl.
With a gentle smile aimed at the onlookers, the city lord offered his reassurance, "Perhaps she is crying over parting with her family after the wedding." He then turned his gaze to Luo Xiao, the smile still lingering on his face. "Fear not, Luo Xiao. I will take care of your family for you."
Hearing this, Luo Xiao's heart trembled violently within her chest. She knew the meaning behind the city lord's sentence. If she dared to resist anymore, her beloved family would bear the brunt of his wrath!
In that agonizing moment, memories of carefree days spent with the boy from her village flooded her mind. From childhood to adulthood, they had forged a bond that transcended time and place. She remembered how she promised to spend her whole life with him. She didn't want money, luxury, or other things, all she wanted was to spend a normal life with the man she loved the most.
But now, as she gazed upon the man before her, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over her hopes and dreams, she felt the weight of reality crashing down upon her like a tidal wave. The life she had envisioned, the love she had cherished, it all seemed like a fragile fantasy, cruelly shattered by the man before her! If she were to run or kill herself, this man would destroy not only the man she loved but her whole family and village too!
After thinking for a while, she drew in a deep breath, her eyes ablaze with unwavering resolve to sacrifice herself for her beloved. "I..." she began, "agre—" Before she could finish her sentence, a familiar voice interrupted her. "Luo Xiao."
Startled, she looked up, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. Standing before her was the man she cherished above all others. His presence filled her with both relief and worry.
"Never agree with him!" he exclaimed in a hurry. "Don't worry, I will fight him to the death! You just stand up and run from here! I won't let you sacrifice yourself for me or the village!"
All eyes turned to the man standing amidst the chaos, his garments torn and stained.
Looking at him, Luo Xiao felt warmth and happiness, but deep down, she knew that fighting against the city lord would be futile. No matter what they did, Chao Xen's life would be in grave danger.
With all these thoughts swirling in her mind, Luo Xiao couldn't contain her emotions any longer. Her voice quivered as she shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks, "No, Chao Xen, please run. Don't come here!"
Ignoring her words, Chao Xen dashed toward the city lord, channeling all of his cultivation into his fist as he launched himself toward the imposing figure.
However, the city lord didn't even spare a glance at him. Just as Chao Xen's punch was approaching him, the city lord vanished from his position, reappearing with a swift kick aimed at Chao Xen's stomach.
Boom!
The impact was so thunderous that it sent Chao Xen hurtling into the wall with a sickening thud. He crumpled to the ground, blood spewing from his mouth as darkness threatened to consume his consciousness.
"No! Chao Xen!" Luo Xiao cried out loud.
Struggling to maintain consciousness, Chao Xen staggered to his feet, a stubborn smile on his lips as he faced the city lord. "I... I won't let you marry her!"
Looking at him, the city lord sighed heavily, his expression pained. "I had hoped to avoid any bloodshed on the joyous occasion of my wedding." His voice wavered with a mixture of sadness and anger as he took a step forward. With a flick of his wrist, a sword materialized in his hand. "But... it seems I have no choice but to do it so."
Luo Xiao's heart plummeted as she realized the gravity of the situation, her voice trembling with desperation as she pleaded for mercy. "I agree. I agree to the marriage. Please, just spare him."
The city lord's gaze softened as he returned his attention to Luo Xiao, his smile imbued with gentle reassurance. "If my beloved bride wishes for his safety, then rest assured, I shall not take his life."
Suddenly, the guards popped up one after another, grabbing hold of Chao Xen. The city lord's expression darkened as he glared at them, his voice laced with fury, "You incompetent guards let a rat sneak in! Take him to the cells, but don't lay a finger on him. My wife wouldn't be too pleased about that."
Clap!
Clap!
Clap!
As the city lord finished his sentence, the sound of applause echoed through the hall.
Turning to the source, he spotted a man clad in black, a smirk playing on his lips. "You love your wife quite a lot." Eli Shan rose from his seat, a glint of defiance in his eyes. "Then why are you forcing her into marriage against her will?"
Chao Xen, amidst the chaos, felt a surge of relief upon recognizing the newcomer's voice. Even if he were to die now, as long as Eli Shan could save Luo Xiao, that would be sufficient for him.
But before Eli Shan could continue, another voice cut through the tension like a knife. Rising from his seat, Hao Yu leveled a stern gaze at Eli Shan, his tone laced with resentment. "Eli Shan, restrain yourself. This is not the schoolyard where you can do whatever you want."
Eli Shan turned his icy gaze towards Hao Yu, his expression impassive. "Silence," he commanded, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.
To Hao Yu's astonishment, his mouth snapped shut, rendered speechless by Eli Shan's mere command. He struggled in vain to utter a word but found himself powerless against the unseen force that held his tongue captive.
What kind of realm was this?
He can silence someone with just his voice? He looked at the Eli Shan with astonishment.
Ignoring the murmurs and disbelief, Eli Shan strode towards the guards restraining Chao Xen. With each step, the air seemed to grow heavier, the weight of his presence pressing down upon them like an insurmountable mountain.
Drawing closer to them, Eli Shan extended his hand, firmly placing it on their shoulder. In an instant, the ground below their foot shattered, and their body bent down under an overwhelming pressure that seemed to crush every single bone of their body.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
"Aaah," their cry of agony echoed through the hall as they felt their consciousness slipping away.
"Silence," Eli Shan commanded once more, and suddenly, the guards felt as if an unseen force had sealed their mouths shut, rendering them unable to speak.
Turning his gaze to Chao Xen, Eli Shan questioned, "Why do you have to be so hasty?"
Chao Xen, coughing up more blood, replied weakly, "I apologize, brother Eli Shan."
Eli Shan shook his head gently. "Rest here for now," he instructed before striding towards the city lord.
The city lord looked down at Eli Shan with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. "I will overlook your action if you go down and enjoy our wedding ceremony."
Eli Shan offered an innocent smile. "This girl is someone I know from my childhood. It's only natural that I intervene when someone forces her, isn't it?"
The headmaster shook his head in resignation, muttering to himself, "I knew at the beginning that if he is here uninvited that meant he is not up to anything good."
Fueled by anger, the city lord clenched his fists and took a threatening step forward. "What proof do you have that this is a forced marriage?" he demanded.
Eli Shan nodded and directed his attention to Luo Xiao. "Speak up. Do you wish to marry the city lord?"
No response...
Perhaps the man standing before her could indeed save her from this forced marriage, but at what cost? If she were to agree with Eli Shan, her village would likely face devastation and ruin.
Witnessing her silence, Chao Xen cried out, his voice echoing through the hall. "Luo Xiao, you don't have to sacrifice yourself for the sake of others. Today, speak the truth."
The city lord's cultivation flared with anger, his voice growing hoarse with fury. "Eli Shan, if you do not go down this instant, you will face the consequences of your insolence."
Eli Shan smiled innocently, a smile that sent a shiver down Hao Yu's spine. "You may have a point, city lord. Even I'm starting to think this is all a waste of time," he said, shifting his gaze downward to Luo Xiao. "Didn't I give her the chance to speak her mind about marrying you? Yet, she remains silent," he remarked, turning back to the city lord, his innocent smile still intact. "However, I made a promise to the village elder in my childhood, and I cannot go back on my word, can I?"
The city lord stepped forward. "This is your final chance. Will you back down or not?"
Eli Shan shook his head, firm in his resolve. "I apologize, but I can't abandon her alone against her wil..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a powerful punch hurtled towards him with a lightning speed. This punch was so swift that observers couldn't even perceive its movement. However, just as the punch was about to strike Eli Shan, the Headmaster materialized between them with astonishing speed. With a burst of cultivation, he intercepted the city lord's blow with both of his hands. Nevertheless, the force of the punch was so formidable that the Headmaster's veins bulged and his eyes squeezed shut under the immense pressure.
"Little Eli, perhaps this is a misunderstanding," the Headmaster implored, his voice filled with concern. "The city lord is at the second stage of the origin realm. How could he be in the wrong? Let us depart from this place and discuss this matter somewhere else."
Eli Shan felt a wave of gratitude wash over him for the Headmaster. Not only had he intervened, defying the city lord's authority, but he had also indirectly revealed the city lord's cultivation realm, allowing Eli Shan to comprehend the extent of his power and persuading him to retreat. This act of selflessness and support from the Headmaster touched Eli Shan deeply.
However, Eli Shan shook his head gratefully. "I am truly thankful for your help, Headmaster. However, everyone here knows about the city lord's past actions and his current behavior. And normally this was none of my business, but this girl is someone I cannot ignore."
Turning his gaze towards Luo Xiao, Eli Shan spoke with unwavering determination, "This is your final opportunity. I have saved your village, and I have the means to protect you and Chao Xen too. Speak now, what do you truly want."
Upon hearing Eli Shan's assurances, Luo Xiao's confidence grew, her voice trembling yet determined. "I-I do not wish to marry! Please, save me and Chao Xen. I-I beg of you."
The city lord's anger reached its peak upon hearing her plea. Clenching his fist tightly, he turned his wrath towards Eli Shan. "I initially intended to refrain from confrontation on the day of my wedding. But now, I see that the woman accompanying you is infinitely more beautiful than this girl. She would make a better bride, don't you agree?"
With a ferocious roar, he channeled all of his cultivation into his fist, launching a devastating blow towards Eli Shan.
The Headmaster, standing in the middle, sighed deeply. "What misfortune have I brought upon myself to have a student like you?" With a resigned shake of his head, he too countered the city lord's assault with a powerful punch.
The sudden turn of events left everyone in shock. First that stupid teenager, then the renowned champion Eli Shan, and now even the revered Headmaster of the holy school? Despite the Headmaster's formidable strength, how could he possibly contend with the city lord? Wasn't challenging him an act of fool?
As Eli Shan witnessed his Headmaster fighting on his behalf, a wave of gratitude washed over him, warming his heart.
As their fists collided, the city lord's fury intensified. "Headmaster, are you truly willing to oppose me?" he shouted.
The Headmaster sighed deeply. "I would rather not, but I cannot stand by and watch my favorite student be killed by your hand, can I?"
Gasps of astonishment echoed through the hall as many struggled to withstand the pressure and collapsed to the ground.
With a fierce glare, the city lord unveiled his second stage of origin realm cultivation, his muscles tensing as he unleashed a ferocious punch aimed at his opponent.
The Headmaster, undaunted, met the challenge head-on, retaliating with a swift and precise strike of his own. Yet, despite his skill and determination, the city lord's punch carried an overwhelming force that reverberated through the air. The impact of their collision left a thunderous voice behind, the sheer power behind the city lord's blow shattered the bones in the Headmaster's fist with a sickening crunch.
Stunned by the intensity of the blow, the Headmaster staggered backward, his face contorted in pain as he fought to maintain his balance. But before he could stand properly, another punch landed on his chest, hurtling him uncontrollably toward the entrance gate of the ceremony, a trail of dust and debris leaving behind.
Turning his attention back to Eli Shan, the city lord prepared to attack again. But before he could act, the Headmaster appeared between them once again. "Brat, what are you doing? Can't you see his strength? Run from here as fast as you can," the Headmaster urged, unleashing a powerful technique, drawing upon his life essence to protect Eli Shan.
Seeing him using this technique, the city lord's anger grew even more. He clenched his teeth, using his most formidable technique too. "Old fool, you're sacrificing your life essence just to protect this brat? Today, I promise to kill both of you!" the city lord roared.
However, just as the Headmaster was about to unleash the technique, he felt a gentle yet commanding hand landing upon his shoulder, causing the technique to dissipate into thin air.
Silence...
The Headmaster's body trembled as he turned to face Eli Shan, his eyes widened in shock. "Y-You..."
Even the city lord was taken aback.
What had this young man done?
Before anyone could comprehend anything, Eli Shan appeared in front of the city lord in a flash and waved his hand gently.
"Shhhh..."
In an instant, a high and mighty force appeared before the city lord, hurling him against the wall with a deafening crash.
Boom!
The onlookers watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend the events that had just unfolded before their eyes.
This man was the city lord, the strongest person in the city. How could someone toy with a person like him? They looked at Eli Shan as if they were looking at a ghost.
Eli Shan waved his hand once more, summoning the wind to bring the city lord closer.
Extending his hand, Eli Shan seized the city lord by the neck. "You wanted to take my girl, didn't you?" Eli Shan asked with an innocent smile on his face.
To the city lord, it was the most chilling smile he had ever seen. Before he could utter a word, a lethal combination of wind intent and sword aura surrounded him.
"Aaah!"
The wind intent sliced through the city lord's flesh like a sharp blade cutting through butter, exacting a merciless vengeance for the lives he had destroyed and the women he had exploited.
"You've destroyed the lives of countless women, treated ordinary people as mere objects. And now, you dare to set your sights on my girl, huh? Today, no one can save you!" Eli Shan's anger surged with each word, reaching its peak as he uttered the final words. With an explosive burst of rage, he hurled the city lord against the wall with bone-shattering force, unleashing the full extent of his fury.
Boom!
The city lord crumbled on the ground, bloodied and broken, his fate sealed by the merciless hand of Eli Shan. Using every ounce of his remaining strength, he looked ahead and saw Eli Shan approaching him as a god of death.
Looking around, he saw that even his hundreds of elite guards didn't dare to intervene, cowed into submission by Eli Shan's terrifying presence.
"It seems my time has come," the city lord muttered, resigned to his grim fate. But just as he prepared to meet his end, he caught sight of another figure rushing toward him.
Just when Eli Shan was about to approach the city lord to deliver him a finishing blow, he saw Hao Yu standing before him, his eyes resolute. "Eli Shan, that's enough. Please spare my father".
Recognizing the vast power gap between himself and Eli Shan, Hao Yu refrained from engaging in futile combat.
Seeing his classmate's heartfelt plea for his father's life, Eli Shan felt a pang of empathy. However, he was not sure whether sparing him would be the right decision. After a moment of contemplation, Eli Shan finally surrendered, his voice heavy with resignation. "Your father had killed people like ants, married girls with force, he is not worthy of being the city lord, take your father and leave this city."
Hao Yu nodded in gratitude. He lifted his father and began to retreat. However, before they could go far, Eli Shan thought of something and suddenly appeared before them once more.
Looking at him, Hao Yu thought that Eli Shan had changed his decision. But, in the next moment, his eyes widened in surprise when Eli Shan retrieved a small bag filled with golden coins and handed it to him.
"Take this," Eli Shan said, offering the bag to Hao Yu. "Settle down in a good place. Cultivate well, and strive not to follow in your father's footsteps in the future."
Hao Yu hesitated at first, unsure of what to make of the situation, but eventually, he accepted the bag with a grateful bow. "Thank you so much, Eli Shan," he said earnestly, before turning to depart, leaving everyone behind.
Initially, Eli Shan promised himself to kill the city lord upon hearing about Xie Meng. However, upon seeing Hao Yu, his classmate, he felt a twinge of guilt and decided to let them go for now.
But if he dares to do anything like this again, then no one will be able to save him!