IVYSCP - Chapter 140

Chapter 140

The bonding ceremony was held at Cangshan.

Wang Changming's face stayed black for an entire month. Chu Qianshan, on the other hand, was in excellent spirits, often dropping by Shangtianqiong to have tea and discuss the arrangements for the two juniors' bonding ceremony with Wang Changming.

"Ai, Changming, come take a look. How about using this Heaven Silkworm Brocade for their bonding robes?" Chu Qianshan set the sandalwood box before Wang Changming, grinning so wide she could barely close her mouth.

Wang Changming gave a cold snort. "Little Cangshan is really pulling out all the stops."

Heaven Silkworm Brocade was something the entire Immortal Realm couldn't produce more than a foot of in a hundred years. The amount needed for two bonding robes would probably exhaust Little Cangshan's entire thousand-year stockpile.

Chu Qianshan's expression held not the slightest reluctance or regret. Smiling, she said, "After all, Qingyue is coming to our Little Cangshan. Naturally we must give her the best."

Wang Changming gave another cold snort, her hands clenching until her knuckles cracked.

After Chu Qianshan left, Wang Changming summoned Ling Qingyue before her, her eyes full of resentment. "Chu Qianshan has come five times in the past few days. She might as well just ride on my head and gloat. Tell me, if you had set the ceremony at Shangtianqiong, would I have to suffer this aggravation?"

Ling Qingyue went over ingratiatingly and massaged her shoulders and back. "Dear Master, didn't I want to keep a low profile? If we held the bonding ceremony at Shangtianqiong, then all the Hundred Immortal Sects would know that Shangtianqiong is sheltering a demon. It would just bring trouble. Cangshan doesn't have close ties with the Central Lands immortal sects, so this is much better."

Wang Changming sighed at those words.

In the past, her little disciple had loved grand displays the most. If this were before, this bonding ceremony would have shaken the Immortal Realm, ensuring everyone knew and everyone saw.

"Actually, your demonic nature is suppressed quite well now, and the Demonic Markings won't easily show either. When word spreads that you've been cured by Gu Huai and Fuchuan, even if the immortal sects harbor suspicions, they won't say anything." As she spoke, Wang Changming glared at Ling Qingyue. "I think you've just been completely bewitched by Pei Yin, your whole heart set on Little Cangshan. Shangtianqiong doesn't matter anymore, and neither does this master of yours."

After being scolded, Ling Qingyue muttered quietly, "It's not like I'm not coming back. At worst, I'll stay three months at Little Cangshan, then come back to Shangtianqiong for three months. That should be fine, right?"

Wang Changming's expression eased slightly. She waved a hand at her. "Tomorrow, have someone bring the Cloud-Mist Jade Marrow from the third floor of the Treasure Pavilion to Cangshan."

Ling Qingyue's eyes widened. "Cloud-Mist Jade Marrow?! Master, you're really giving this to me?"

Wang Changming looked at her with the frustration of a mother hen disappointed by her chick's lack of ambition. "Look at you, so hopelessly unambitious. Little Cangshan has even brought out Heaven Silkworm Brocade. We Shangtianqiong naturally must do better than them! Your bonding robes cannot have only Cangshan's contributions."

Ling Qingyue smiled so brightly her brows curved. "I knew Master dotes on me the most. I'll go get it right now!"

Watching her bounce out the door, Wang Changming couldn't hold back the smile that curved her lips.

To still possess such a disposition after facing life and death, it was truly rare.

---

A month later, on the day of the bonding ceremony, although they hadn't intended a grand affair, when the day came and Wang Changming was about to send Ling Qingyue to Cangshan, people arrived from Piaomiao Sect, Lingxu Immortal Palace, and Wushi Sect. Even the Yue Family sent congratulatory gifts.

Before anyone was even in sight, Chi Que's Quexie Sword had already flown over, circling around the Jiuge Sword. Jiuge was wrapped in red silk today as well, and tied to the hilt was a sword tassel Pei Yin had woven by hand, bright red and wonderfully festive.

Ying Ying and Chi Que walked side by side and presented their congratulatory gifts.

"Congratulations." Ying Ying raised her hand in salute, smiling as she winked at Ling Qingyue in her bonding robes. "The two who once 'couldn't stand each other' are now about to bond."

Chi Que followed closely with: "Congratulations."

Ling Qingyue was very happy today and invited them all to come to Cangshan for the wedding wine.

Next to arrive were Liu Qingtang and Nie Wenxiao, who also brought Lu Yao along. As soon as Lu Yao saw Ling Qingyue, her eyes reddened and she began to cry. Nie Wenxiao raised a hand and tapped her on the head. "Why are you crying on such a joyous day?"

Lu Yao tried hard to suppress her sobs, sniffling as she said, "I… I'm just too happy. Senior and the Immortal Venerable have finally waited until this day."

The one who came from the Yue Family was the current head, Yue Xian, accompanied by Su Lan and Yue Teng.

Ling Qingyue didn't see Yue Shouming and couldn't help feeling a sense of loss in her heart. When Yue Xian presented the congratulatory gift, she explained that Yue Shouming's body was too weak and she could not come, but she had instructed Yue Xian to use an Image-Recording Pearl to record it all and bring it back for her to see.

The Yue Family's congratulatory gift was a single Jade Slip. With this Jade Slip, if Ling Qingyue ever sought the Yue Family's divination of heaven's mandate or heaven's will, the Yue Family would not refuse.

This was a tremendous gift, equivalent to Yue Shouming giving the entire Yue Family, giving the Heavenly Divination Art itself, to Ling Qingyue.

Not long after the Yue Family arrived, Ling Qingyue heard a distant cry.

Pei Yin was here!

Ling Qingyue couldn't hide the excitement in her eyes. She turned and lifted her head to look. A great azure bird spread its wings and soared high. On the bird's back, a fiery red figure was dazzlingly radiant. The woman stood tall and graceful, her features elegant and refined, her glass-like pale eyes holding a tender smile.

Ling Qingyue heard her own heart pounding wildly. She had seen Pei Si wearing bright red wedding robes in her memories before, and back then she thought no one would ever look so beautiful in red again. But now, seeing Pei Yin wearing the wedding robes that matched her own, Ling Qingyue felt as though the world had lost all color in an instant, leaving only Pei Yin reflected in her eyes.

Ling Qingyue was completely entranced, and Pei Yin on the azure bird's back felt the same. She hadn't been this nervous in a very long time, her fingers rubbing together repeatedly.

The two had eyes only for each other, gazing for a long time without moving.

Logically speaking, Pei Yin should have come down by now.

Behind her, Chu Qianshan saw her still not moving, frowned, and stepped forward. "What are you doing?"

Pei Yin blinked, murmuring, "Master, I'm not in a dream, am I?"

Chu Qianshan: "…"

Chu Qianshan: "Are you not awake yet?"

Pei Yin lowered her eyes and laughed, speaking to herself. "Not a dream. I really get to bring her back to Cangshan."

With those words, Pei Yin rose on tiptoe, stepping on a light breeze to arrive before the crowd. She steadied her slightly flustered heart, saluted Wang Changming, and then, unable to wait any longer, walked toward Ling Qingyue.

Wang Changming, who hadn't managed to say a single word: "…"

Their hands clasped. Ling Qingyue felt the faint dampness of the woman's palm. She squeezed back firmly and whispered, "You look so beautiful today."

Pei Yin's lips curved. "You are very beautiful too."

Far more beautiful than anything she had imagined in her dreams, and stirring her heart far more.

Pei Yin led Ling Qingyue onto the azure bird.

Ling Qingyue asked curiously, "Where did this come from?"

Azure birds were fierce and extremely difficult to tame, not to mention one this huge, which must have already cultivated to the Yao King realm.

Pei Yin pointed to the mark on the azure bird's forehead. "It is the guardian beast of Cangshan's Zisang Family. I went to their home and asked for it a few days ago."

Ling Qingyue caught the pause in her words and asked skeptically, "Asked?"

Was something like this something you could just ask for?

Pei Yin pressed her lips together. "Mm… seized."

Ling Qingyue burst out laughing at that, leaning naturally against Pei Yin. "The dignified Immortal Venerable, seizing someone's treasure for a bonding ceremony, aren't you afraid of losing face?"

Pei Yin raised her arms to embrace her, laughing too. "No loss of face. After today, it will be returned."

The two of them rode the azure bird first, while the others followed behind on skyships.

The azure bird traveled at top speed, far faster than a skyship. During the time they arrived first at Cangshan, Pei Yin had the azure bird circle within Cangshan's territory three full times, drawing out people from the Seven Cangshan Families and the other immortal sects.

Pei Yin had never been one for such flamboyant conduct, but she knew Ling Qingyue liked it.

Ling Qingyue wrapped her arms around the woman's waist, unable to resist kissing her.

Pei Yin lowered her eyes and responded tenderly.

After they parted, Ling Qingyue still held Pei Yin tightly, refusing to let go. She pressed against the woman's shoulder and sniffled. "Pei Yin, I'm so happy."

Pei Yin cupped her face, stroking gently. "It is supposed to be a happy day."

The azure bird arrived at Little Cangshan together with the skyships. Pei Congyi and a few others were already waiting. Yu Liuli and Qiu Feng had come to Little Cangshan ahead of time.

The rites of bonding in the Immortal Realm only involved bowing to heaven and earth. Under the Heavenly Dao's witness, both parties' essence blood was fused into a bonding stone to form a Bond Imprint. The Bond Imprint would appear on the inner wrists of the bonded pair, linking their hearts and minds and merging their intent.

Atop Little Cangshan, with many close family and friends behind them, Ling Qingyue and Pei Yin stood side by side. They raised their hands and bowed to heaven and earth, then took out the bonding stone. Scarlet and pale-gold Spiritual Energy intertwined upon it, gradually merging until indistinguishable from one another.

The two exchanged a glance. Without hesitation, they drew essence blood from their hearts and merged it into the bonding stone.

The essence blood fused with their Spiritual Energy, splitting into fine threads upon the stone, which finally settled on the inner sides of their wrists as two tiny red moles.

The bond was formed.

Ling Qingyue lowered her head and stroked the red mole on her wrist. This was the symbol of her bond with Pei Yin. A sudden heat flooded her eyes. She felt the emotion coming from the other person through her heart, just as excited and exhilarated as her own.

Smiling, she turned her head and found that Pei Yin's eyes were also red, her pale irises already misty.

Ling Qingyue reached up to stroke the corner of her eye. "The bond is done. Why are you crying?"

Pei Yin also used her hand to brush Ling Qingyue's cheek, then showed her the glistening moisture on her fingertips, smiling without speaking.

Ling Qingyue had shed tears before she did.

After the bond was formed, everyone gathered at Little Cangshan to offer their congratulations. Ling Qingyue and Pei Yin held wine cups and returned each toast. Ling Qingyue's alcohol tolerance wasn't great, but she was simply too happy. Even with Pei Yin trying to stop her, she still drank quite a lot.

"Pei Yin…" Ling Qingyue nestled drunkenly in Pei Yin's arms, her speech already slurring.

Pei Yin's steps were a bit unsteady too, a flush flying onto her fair cheeks, but her arms still held Ling Qingyue steadily and securely as she carried her back to their room.

"Mm, I'm here."

Ling Qingyue's cheeks were burning hot. She pressed against Pei Yin's neck and rubbed again and again, seeking more coolness.

Fiery breaths sprayed against the hollow of her neck. Pei Yin's breathing turned ragged. She lowered her head and kissed Ling Qingyue's cheek, murmuring softly, "We're almost there."

Ling Qingyue hummed lightly, mumbling incoherently, "Pei Yin, today… we, we bonded, we bonded."

"Mm, we bonded."

Pei Yin released a thread of Spiritual Energy from her fingertip to open the door and strode inside.

She gently laid the person down on the bed. Before she could rise, two hands hooked around her neck and pulled her back down.

"Don't go…" Ling Qingyue opened her eyes, still a haze within.

"I'm not going." Pei Yin coaxed, "Be good, the bonding robes haven't been taken off yet."

Ling Qingyue frowned and looked at the bonding robes on their bodies. "Bonding robes?"

The clothes were indeed a bit too much.

With a flick of her fingertip, the complicated bonding robes on both their bodies vanished in an instant, folded neatly and placed on the low table in the room.

Pei Yin's breath immediately caught. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Ling Qingyue, whose neck and chest were tinged crimson from intoxication.

She slowly bent down and kissed the soft lips, asking softly, "Drunk?"

Ling Qingyue forced her eyes wide and shook her head. "No."

Pei Yin asked again, "Then do you know what we're supposed to do next?"

Ling Qingyue looked at Pei Yin and blinked. Then suddenly, she pressed down on Pei Yin's shoulders and flipped their positions. Panting, she sat on top of Pei Yin, her palms weakly bracing against her waist and abdomen to hold herself steady, still remembering to answer the question. "I know."

"This is our…" Ling Qingyue smiled as she kissed Pei Yin, like a chick pecking at grain, dotting kisses across her entire face, "wedding night."

Pei Yin closed her eyes and laughed softly. "Are you drunk or not?"

Earlier she could barely walk and had to be carried back, yet she still remembered the wedding night and still had the strength to pin her down.

Ling Qingyue blinked at her. "Guess."

Pei Yin raised an eyebrow.

Fine, not drunk, just learning to play tricks now.

Their gazes met, no more words needed. Ling Qingyue kissed her again, and this time it was no longer a light peck. The tip of her tongue swept across Pei Yin's lips, impatient to seek out the same wet warmth and softness to tangle with her own.

A faint hint of alcohol mixed with a clear sweetness, drawing one in, impossible to pull away from, as if no amount of kissing was enough, as if she wanted to swallow her whole.

The moment Ling Qingyue snapped back to clarity, she almost thought her demonic nature had broken free. During a pause for breath, she checked herself and found nothing abnormal. It was just that her desire for Pei Yin had left her somewhat dazed.

Ling Qingyue licked the glistening moisture at the corner of the woman's lips and murmured, "Pei Yin, it seems I can't bear to leave you anymore."

The area around Pei Yin's eyes had already bloomed with amorous color. Hearing Ling Qingyue's words, she pressed down on the back of her neck and kissed her deeply again, her voice muffled and indistinct. "Not allowed to leave."

Pei Yin had long been aroused. Ling Qingyue felt it, that moist heat rubbing against the side of her waist that could not be ignored.

She gently pushed Pei Yin's shoulders to separate, lowered her eyes to look at her, and swallowed. "I want some water."

Pei Yin asked breathlessly, "Thirsty?"

After drinking, one tended to feel hot, and indeed one would be thirsty.

Ling Qingyue didn't speak, still watching her. Then she slowly parted her lips to reveal a sliver of wet, red tongue.

In a flash of sudden understanding, Pei Yin closed her eyes and bent her legs up.

Ling Qingyue went down, kissing her and getting water at the same time.

Pei Yin's soft moans came by her ear, the sound lilting and low and husky, winding around Ling Qingyue's ear and making her uncontrollably excited. This excitement fed back into the tip of her tongue. She took the swollen bud between her lips and sucked, drawing out even more unrestrained, unbearable sounds.

She drank several mouthfuls of water in succession, drank a bit too hastily, nearly choked, and some splashed onto her face.

Pei Yin's waist trembled lightly, her fingers gripping the soft cushion beneath her so hard her knuckles turned white. After catching her breath, she slowly opened her eyes and saw Ling Qingyue propped above her, eyes bright, the corners of her lips, the tip of her nose, and her cheeks all carrying a touch of glistening moisture. She smiled and extended the tip of her tongue to lick it away.

Pei Yin sucked in a breath, a trace of red spreading through the whites of her eyes. She stared intently at Ling Qingyue, her knee sliding up along the inside of her leg.

Ling Qingyue let out a muffled groan. Meeting Pei Yin's smiling eyes, she sat down onto her. Pei Yin's frame was slender but didn't feel bony. Her skin was fair as jade, and even when aroused, it wouldn't flush with vivid color. That vivid color mostly appeared around her eyes and ears. Ling Qingyue liked that very much.

After playing by herself for a while and running out of strength, Ling Qingyue flopped down onto Pei Yin, whining and coquettish. "I'm tired. You do it, okay?"

"Okay."

Pei Yin sat up and gathered Ling Qingyue into her arms. A glimpse of the dripping wetness on her knee made her curve her lips into a smile.

The alcohol haze surged up. Ling Qingyue buried her head in the crook of the woman's neck. Any shyness she might have had in the past seemed to have been tossed aside. She held Pei Yin's fingers between her teeth and refused to let go, the ambiguous moans spilling from her throat left completely unchecked.

Pei Yin took Ling Qingyue's hand and brought it to her lips, kissing the red mole on the inner side of her wrist over and over.

"Qingyue, Qingyue…"

Ling Qingyue heard her calling her name and answered with a nasal hum.

Panting, Pei Yin spoke her heart. "I love you."

In that instant, Ling Qingyue hugged Pei Yin tightly, gripping her shoulders. Her mind went completely blank, but she still remembered to respond to Pei Yin's words.

"Mm… I, I love you too."

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