Fairy, Don't Be Afraid, I Am Blind

Everything went even smoother than You Su imagined.

There were almost no waves, and when the twilight had completely descended, the sky was draped in a brilliant starry moonlight, the clear waters of the Lotus Pool reflected the myriad stars, and bright red candles burned on the table, casting a blush on everyone’s faces.

You Su thought it would be a very long night, yet in the blink of an eye, the banquet reached its final moments.

"Heaven sent a perfect match for a happy marriage; united in heart, two swallows nest; the auspicious door opens, shining with blessings, the couple enters the hall in unity."

He Shutong proclaimed solemnly, serving as the sole witness while also playing the role of the officiator.

Wangshu obediently led You Su to kneel together, facing the Furong statue standing in the pool.

Ji Lingruo stood beside them, her beautiful eyes darting, and her gaze towards their silhouettes was somewhat complicated.

It was You Su’s first time attending a wedding, and also his first time as a groom. Though he prided himself on having more worldly experience than his senior sister, he didn’t realize he should kneel, yet his senior sister had already done so, evidently having rehearsed with their Master beforehand.

"Since we are all family, we shall keep it simple, omitting the formalities like Steps of the Illusion and Salute to the Supreme. I will perform the crown ceremony for you; once you have bowed to heaven and earth, you are partners accepted by the Heavenly Dao."

"We will follow Master’s arrangements."

You Su knelt earnestly, meticulously. He felt his heart pounding like a drum, extremely nervous.

"Wangshu, you go first."

Wangshu slightly bowed her head, revealing a neck smooth as jade.

He Shutong gathered the girl’s snow-white hair and with a blood jade hairpin styled it into a maiden bun.

"You Su, it’s your turn."

You Su quickly bowed his head, seeing He Shutong somehow retrieve an exquisitely decorated feather crown, which was slowly placed on You Su’s head.

The two did not strive for luxurious attire, simply dressed, yet the headpieces added a sense of ceremony.

Once the ceremony was completed, He Shutong’s eyes revealed gratification, her expression exceedingly gentle.

"Bow to heaven and earth."

"Master... let me."

Ji Lingruo suddenly spoke, interrupting He Shutong who was about to proceed with the ceremony herself.

He Shutong looked at the girl with surprise, her gaze questioning ’is this alright’?

Ji Lingruo softly nodded; it wasn’t suitable for their Master to act as both matchmaker and parent.

Though feeling a bitter ache within, she sincerely wished the newlywed couple well, wanting to offer them a complete wedding ceremony—not seeking a role for herself.

"Then... I’ll leave it to Lingruo."

He Shutong sensed the girl’s determination, moved once more by her magnanimity, deciding inwardly that she must remind Wangshu to treat her junior sister even better in the future.

Ji Lingruo cleared her throat with a few light coughs, then raised her graceful head, seemingly growing nervous herself, solemnly declared:

"First bow to heaven and earth!"

You Su and Wangshu followed orders, bowing lightly to the ground.

"Second bow to parents!"

They bowed again to He Shutong, and unlike the bow to heaven and earth, You Su’s bow to He Shutong was extremely deep, even leaving a red mark on his forehead.

He Shutong pressed her lips together, knowing this was the young man’s way of showing respect. In his eyes, this parent was far more significant than heaven and earth.

"Third, husband and wife bow to each other!"

You Su and Wangshu finally stood up, turning to face each other.

Without hesitation, they bowed to each other simultaneously.

At this moment, You Su felt as if an invisible thread tightly connected him with the woman before him.

"Ceremony complete, you may rise."

He Shutong smiled serenely, feeling a sense of relief. It was not only the couple who had completed a major life event but for herself as well, thankfully without mishap due to her.

You Su eagerly took Wangshu’s hand, realizing it was warm and hot, indicating his senior sister was also nervous, as her temperature only revealed itself when extremely emotional.

"It’s great. Now my disciples are no longer merely like family but truly one family..." He Shutong mused.

"Why just mention disciples, Master and us are family too."

You Su was finally content, his mood elated. Once thinking himself the most unfortunate, now he felt like the luckiest person in the world.

"Well said." He Shutong nodded with a soft smile, "It’s late, Wangshu has kept me company for three days, she should return to you. Newlyweds have much to say, so you two go ahead. It’s also fitting since Lingruo and I have things to discuss."

Though there was no formal sending to the bridal chamber, it was understood.

Ji Lingruo pressed her lips, knowing He Shutong was sending them away for the couple, feeling helpless yet understanding.

"Yes, senior brother and sister, you go ahead, I’ll clean up here."

You Su felt reluctant, but Ji Lingruo’s resolve was clear.

He could only sigh inwardly, silently cherishing his junior sister’s kindness.

Watching the couple’s smiling back fade away, Ji Lingruo felt a sense of loss, and He Shutong saw it all.

"Three years ago when you joined the Mandarin Duck Sword Sect, I thought being here was your luck. Now I feel, having you is You Su’s luck."

"Thank you, Master..."

"No, I should thank you for Wangshu."

...

You Su and Wangshu did not return to their room but sat in the courtyard gazing at the sky.