Chapter 1: Qi Cultivation and a Kidnapping Marriage—Great Emperor? Do You Think You're Funny? (Please Favorite and Recommend)
Tianwu Continent, a small town in the Eastern Domain—The Li Family.
The Li residence was festively adorned with lanterns and decorations, cranes gracefully soaring in the sky. The Li family members wore smiles as they welcomed their guests.
Today was the wedding day of Li Xuan from the Li family and Su Wan from the Su family.
In a secluded corner of the Li estate, Li Xuan, clad in dark robes, sat calmly in a chair, sipping a cup of Enlightenment Tea.
He felt a tinge of emotion—he was getting married.
Indeed, Li Xuan was a traveler from Earth. Nine thousand years ago, during the dark turmoil of the Emperor’s Ascension, many prodigies fell like rain.
Unexpectedly, he became an Emperor.
Although his strength was considered weak among the great Emperors through the ages, countless powerful figures perished in that calamity.
Even the supreme beings within the Dark Forbidden Zone suffered heavy losses.
Thus, for nine millennia, Li Xuan could be regarded as the undisputed king in the mountains—no tigers, only monkeys.
He often roamed the Dark Forbidden Zone, visiting old friends. Before reaching Emperor status, he was known for his connections with numerous prodigies.
In Li Xuan’s mindset, since he could not ascend as an Emperor easily, he decided to cling to some charismatic prodigies, making acquaintances to survive.
Perhaps he might even enter the Immortal Realm and secure a place among the elders.
Fate is unpredictable. Who could have imagined that in such an era of raining prodigy deaths and bloodshed among saints, Li Xuan would ascend as an Emperor?
Unfortunately, after nine thousand years, he only had a thousand years left to live. As his time drew near, Li Xuan sought ways to extend his life and explore the path to immortality.
He found nothing.
As for severing himself to become a Supreme Being and entering the Dark Forbidden Zone, he feared being overwhelmed by the supremos there.
After all, even the Enlightenment Tea he drank was looted from within the Forbidden Zone.
After much thought, a lifespan of ten thousand years was not a loss. Having come to this world, he wished to leave something behind, so he returned to his old Li family.
He chose marriage and children, intending to spend his twilight years peacefully.
His bride was Su Wan from the Su family, longtime allies of the Li. Su Wan was a cold and aloof beauty, ethereal as a celestial maiden.
She possessed a rare constitution—the Violet Qi Dao Body.
Li Xuan entered the Su family and negotiated with the Su Patriarch, helping him cross into the Harmonious Dao. He also bestowed resources and connections upon the Su family, propelling them to become a renowned clan in the Eastern Domain.
Similarly, he did not forget the Li family. At that moment, several Li ancestors were secluded in meditation, striving for breakthroughs on their ancestral land.
His strategy for the Li family was low-profile development. After all, with limited lifespan and many enemies, exposure of his ties to the Su family would be dangerous.
Returning to the Li home, only a few knew his true identity. On the Su side, only the Su Patriarch understood Li Xuan’s profound cultivation, but not his true origin.
As for Su Wan, after years of acquaintance, their feelings had grown considerably, leading to this wedding.
Naturally, Li Xuan did not neglect Su Wan—he gifted her spiritual stones, cultivation techniques, weapons—all trivial treasures to him.
He had obtained countless priceless relics from that great war.
While others fought, he collected spoils; it was only right.
Outside, Li family head Li Zhan respectfully looked at Li Xuan. “Ancestor, the time has come.”
Li Xuan nodded softly and rose. Today was his grand wedding day.
...
The wedding commenced swiftly. Members of the Su family rode in on dragon-scale horses.
Li Xuan sat with a slight arch of his brow—interesting. Something felt off about the Su family’s people.
He glanced at Su Wan, whose expression was cold, yet he sensed a flicker of excitement within her.
Excitement? As an Emperor, Li Xuan naturally perceived that Su Wan’s excitement was not due to the wedding ceremony.
Propping his chin with his arm, his gaze playful, he sensed this day would not pass quietly.
Su Wan ascended the high platform, surrounded by a sea of splendid flowers.
Guests offered blessings and whispered among themselves.
“I heard Li Xuan is a child of a distant Li ancestor, with high status.”
“The Li and Su families have been allies for many years. Li Xuan and Su Wan are a match made in heaven.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
...
Among the crowd, a young man listened to the murmurs with a sneer.
“Su Wan and I are true love. Li Xuan? Not worth mentioning!” Ye Bufan muttered bitterly.
A voice echoed in his mind, “Exactly. I support you, disciple. Su Wan’s special constitution is of great use to you. The Su family’s connections run deep. Since you and she are true love—”
“Then snatch her away. The small Li family can be wiped out by me with a single hand.”
Ye Bufan nodded, eyes alight with excitement. “Thank you, Master. Li Xuan doesn’t deserve Wan’er. If he doesn’t know his place, I will personally defeat him!”
---
On the high platform, Li Xuan watched Su Wan.
A ceremonial bell rang out, and a smiling intermediary from the Holy City asked,
“Su Wan of the Su family, do you consent to unite in marriage with Li Xuan of the Li family...”
Before Su Wan could respond, a brazen voice interrupted.
“Wan’er does not wish to!”
Ye Bufan stepped forward, a smile on his face and loving eyes fixed on Su Wan. “Wan’er will never marry Li Xuan. She belongs to me! Wan’er, come with me! Li Xuan is unworthy of you!”
Everyone was stunned, turning to look at Ye Bufan.
Someone was attempting to snatch the bride?!
What a thrill!
In broad daylight, in front of all eyes, someone dared to seize the bride!
Instantly, the Li family was incensed, glaring fiercely at Ye Bufan. Who dared to steal a bride from the Li family?
A voice sounded in their heads—it was Li Xuan, urging calm.
“A mere Qi Refining cultivator dares to snatch my bride? You think you’re amusing?”
Li Xuan spoke coldly. This would-be bride-snatcher, Ye Bufan, was peculiar—he carried the remnant soul of a saint, and his eyes were extraordinary.
More strangely, there seemed to be the aura of Destiny about him. Impossible.
Only by becoming a great Emperor could one break Destiny, and Li Xuan had never encountered Destiny elsewhere.
Yet here he was, daring to snatch a bride?
He had never seen such brazen foolishness.
A Qi Refining disciple attempting bride-snatching—ignorant of death!
The guests laughed.
“What? A Qi Refining disciple dares?”
“What trash, how dare he show his face?”
“Who does he think he is?”
...
Ye Bufan sneered at their ignorance. They had no idea how powerful he really was.
His eyes flashed with double pupils as he declared loudly, “I, Ye Bufan, and Wan’er are true love!”
A hush fell over the crowd. Su Wan was deeply moved.
Seeing Ye Bufan’s double pupils, the crowd recalled.
“Ye Bufan? The mysterious youth with double pupils?”
“Exactly. Rumor has it he has an extraordinary background, favored by the Dawn Moon Sanctuary! That sanctuary is connected to the great Emperors! It’s said the Emperor gave them a promise!”
“No wonder Ye Bufan dares to snatch the bride. Double pupils, and rumored to have saintly potential!”
The crowd was astonished, many looking at Li Xuan with pity.
To be outdone by Ye Bufan in a bride-snatching—what a disgrace for Li Xuan and the Li family.
Listening to the stunned murmurs, Ye Bufan was smug. He was the famous double-pupil Ye Bufan!
He gazed affectionately at Su Wan. “Wan’er, come with me!”
Li Xuan’s gaze was calm as he looked to Su Wan. “Su Wan, what do you say?”
His tone was gentle, even smiling.
Though the Su and Li families were allied, Li Xuan’s heart was steeled with murderous intent. As an Emperor, forged through countless battles, to have his wedding day interrupted was a death sentence.
Su Wan took a deep breath, her eyes moist with tears and affection.
The moment Ye Bufan appeared, she was deeply moved.
Now, she stepped forward, casting aside her phoenix crown.
“That’s right. Ye Bufan and I are true love!”
Moved by her own feelings, she looked at Li Xuan.
“Li Xuan, I do not love you at all!”
“I don’t know how you persuaded the ancestor, but I absolutely won’t marry you! You’re not worthy of me!”
“If it weren’t for the ancestor, I would have canceled this marriage long ago!”
Su Wan looked at Li Xuan with a sense of liberation, flashing a radiant smile at Ye Bufan.
She had never smiled at Li Xuan like this because she believed he was unworthy.
Li Xuan’s face remained calm.
The crowd pitied him—how tragic.
“Is this also the sentiment of your Su family?” Li Xuan asked quietly.
---
Su Wan sensed something amiss. How could Li Xuan remain so calm?
The Su family grew impatient.
“What is the Li family? You, Li Xuan, do not deserve our Su family’s prodigy!”
“Wan’er is the daughter of our Su family’s head! You, Li Xuan, are unworthy!”
“If not for the ancestor, we would have broken the engagement long ago!”
Su family head Su Xiao stroked his beard arrogantly.
“Li Xuan, the matter is clear. I advise you to accept your fate! Su Wan of the Su family is not someone you can covet!”
They no longer regarded the Li family highly.
The Su family’s connections were vast, and Su Wan possessed the Violet Qi Dao Body.
Their future son-in-law, Ye Bufan, had double pupils and the backing of a sanctuary.
Li Xuan smiled playfully. “Accept fate? Covet? I’m curious—who gave you the courage?”
“Oh? The Li family plans to resist? Li family head, you are not wise.”
A figure stepped forward. The sect master of the Tai Long Sect, standing beside Ye Bufan.
Though aged and frail, his aura was formidable—a Refined Void Realm cultivator.
“Brother Ye Bufan is under my protection. He and young miss Su Wan are truly in love. I advise the Li family not to act rashly.”
His words were a veiled threat.
Ye Bufan greeted him warmly, “Brother Tai Long.”
He had not expected Brother Tai Long to arrive. Through his master, he had come to know the man.
His master was immensely powerful and had recognized the wounds on Brother Tai Long.
After a few words, Ye Bufan healed the Tai Long sect master, who then swore brotherhood with him.
They became sworn brothers.
The Tai Long sect master narrowed his eyes, dismissing the Li family entirely. As a Refined Void cultivator, he had been protecting Ye Bufan’s path—it was his loyal brother.
Li Xuan chuckled. A Refined Void cultivator?
The Tai Long sect master frowned and looked at Li Zhan.
“Li Zhan, do you think throwing out this person will end the matter?”
Li Zhan’s expression was blank, as if gazing upon the dead.
“Li Xuan the ancestor represents the Li family!”
The Li family’s fury was palpable, barely restrained.
Frustration, humiliation!
“Head, let’s fight them!”
“We Li family are not cowards!”
...
The Tai Long sect master displayed his might, suppressing all opposition.
“Hmph. I’ll give the Li family a chance. Let Brother Bufan compete with Li Xuan. The stakes: all of the Li family’s resources. How about it?”
He believed Brother Bufan could defeat Li Xuan; at worst, he would intervene covertly.
Ye Bufan stepped forward.
“Li Xuan, if you’re a man, fight me!”
People shook their heads. The Li family was doomed.
A Refined Void cultivator protecting a double-pupil disciple—it was over.
Li Xuan casually picked his ear with his pinky, smiling at the crowd.
“I’m just asking who gave you courage. Why so much talk?”
He stepped forward.
“Refined Void? Strong? You want me to fight a Qi Refining? Are you insulting me?”
At that moment, his aura shifted.
The atmosphere changed as a powerful presence surged forth; the air seemed to freeze.
Some trembled and gasped.
“A Great Being?! The aura of a Great Being!”
The Tai Long sect master’s face drained of color, bloodless.
“Impossible, a Great Being?!”
He refused to believe it.
He sensed no cultivation from Li Xuan before.
Yet Li Xuan was a Great Being!
His mind reeled.
“Fellow Daoist…”
He called out, attempting to ease the tension.
“Guess right, but no reward,” Li Xuan said, snapping his pinky.
In an instant, the Tai Long sect master’s body exploded, leaving only a severed head behind.