Fairy, Don't Be Afraid, I Am Blind

"Wangshu, how about you?"

He Shutong looked at Wangshu, his gaze indulgent and expectant.

Her jade hand gently brushed the surface of the pond, stirring up gentle ripples.

This was one of the most important moments in Wangshu’s life, and she was about to witness it firsthand. Whether as a foster mother or a master, she felt immensely happy.

Wangshu blinked her eyes, a little bewildered:

"Do I need to say something too?"

"Senior sister doesn’t understand these formalities, maybe she shouldn’t have to..."

"How can that be? Forming a Dao couple is a very serious matter. Every marriage in the mortal world requires three letters and six rituals, seeking witnesses from the Marriage Bureau in each region. Though the Marriage Bureau cannot govern those in cultivation, wedding vows are absolutely essential. They are the lifelong contract you will make together, proof that you can seek the recognition of the Heavenly Dao."

Wangshu nodded solemnly, then, imitating You Su’s manner, swiftly knelt down. This was the first time in almost fifty years she had knelt to anyone.

"Then I should say them too, please teach me, Master."

He Shutong chuckled, raising his white jade hand. Around them, a sudden bloom of orange-red spark appeared on the trees, adding a festive warmth to the quiet night.

You Su extended his Divine Sense and discovered two red candles standing on the branches. The Master’s ceremonial touch moved him, allowing him to truly feel the Master’s joy at this moment.

"One sentence from me, one sentence from you, follow along with what I say."

He Shutong straightened her delicate willow waist, cleared her throat with a few light coughs, unwilling to be even slightly improper in this sacred moment.

"Hmm."

Wangshu felt the solemnity too, nervously gripping the corner of her robe, waiting for He Shutong to speak.

"A marriage document to declare to the heavens, to proclaim to the netherworld, to present to the ninth heaven, please witness me."

"A marriage document to declare to the heavens, to proclaim to the netherworld, to present to the ninth heaven, please witness me."

Wangshu repeated loudly what He Shutong had said.

"You should say ’Please, Master, witness,’ instead."

He Shutong corrected with a helpless smile, guiding the young girl.

The girl’s head that had been lifted proudly now drooped down again, seemingly a bit embarrassed, but she could sense that neither You Su nor He Shutong had any intention of mocking her. She gathered her courage again, saying:

"Please, Master, witness!"

You Su was secretly surprised. His senior sister usually spoke softly, but this sentence’s volume did not match her aloof demeanor.

"If you break your vow, then willingly your name will be erased from the three realms and there will be no reincarnation."

"If you break your vow, then willingly your name will be erased from the three realms and there will be no reincarnation."

When she said it, she was completely earnest, naturally facing He Shutong, who was the witness.

He Shutong showed a trace of strangeness, correcting, "It’s ’you,’ not ’me.’"

Wangshu looked puzzled, "Master, I am saying ’you,’ not ’me.’

You Su listened with trepidation, completely unable to imagine the Master ever telling him such words.

He Shutong put on a stern face, "Who is supposed to form a Dao couple with your junior brother?"

"It’s me." Wangshu answered decisively, afraid anyone would try to take You Su away.

"That’s right. Do it once more."

Wangshu finally understood the Master’s meaning and said again, "If I break my vow, then willingly my name will be erased from the three realms and there will be no reincarnation."

He Shutong quietly exhaled; Wangshu’s attempt at imitation almost turned into a big joke.

"Wangshu is an innate spirit, You Su is without parents, so I, as Master, witness this and present the pledge for eternity, inscribe the letter-like leaves of red, record it in the mandarin ducks’ ledger."

After He Shutong finished reciting, she took a deep breath and formally declared:

"From this moment, You Su from Chuyun City and Wangshu from Henggao Divine Mountain are to become Dao couples. Completing a contract under one roof, joining in eternal good fortune!"

As soon as the words fell, the candlelight swelled, as if celebrating the significant moment when this couple joyfully sealed their bond.

You Su, moved deeply, accurately grasped his senior sister’s hand.

Upon touch, it was no longer cold but carried a warm temperature, like a piece of warm jade soaked in a hot spring.

Wangshu also clasped You Su’s hand in return; although not quite understanding these etiquettes, instinctively she felt from this moment she and her junior brother had changed.

He Shutong watched the couple in their tender affection, feeling misty-eyed.

"Alright, the marriage contract is sealed, you may arise."

The two then slowly rose, You Su grinning foolishly at Wangshu, unsure of what to say, while Wangshu candidly met You Su’s gaze, as if enjoying it.

The one left feeling awkward was He Shutong, inwardly sighing at how well this couple matched each other. One was oblivious, the other a pure-hearted fairy; they could probably gaze at each other all night without feeling uncomfortable.

"I found Wangshu on the third day of the first lunar month. It was also on that day I started naming and predicting her fate. From this perspective, the third day of the first month is Wangshu’s birthday.

Wangshu has always been very obedient, well-protected by everyone. Only on this day would I allow her some indulgence. Wangshu has a quiet temperament, and at Lotus Peak, we avoid disturbances, so there’s no need for a lavish banquet akin to the grand feasts of other Immortal Families when taking a wife. Three days later, during Wangshu’s fiftieth birthday, on a day befitting for celebration, we four masters and disciples at Lotus Peak will hold a simple wedding banquet for you, how about it?"

This was naturally to You Su, who would not refuse such double joy.

"Everything will follow the Master’s arrangements! But..."

"But what?"

"It’s just I don’t know what to give as a bride price. I’ve never done this before. The Master is the elder of my senior sister, and also mine. Why don’t you suggest something? I’ll make every effort to fulfill it."

"No need for that, we are one family, no need to discuss bride price and dowry. If you can live harmoniously and spend your life together, that is the best gift you can give each other."