Happiness of eternity

46) Red festivity

It has been a month since the Phoenix Mountain hunt took place and the announcements were made to the cultivational world about the marriages of the eldest two heirs of Gusulan. As the heirs to a prominent sect, the celebrations were vivid and lively. The usually peaceful mountains of Gusu have been turned into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds by all the people who come and go as they pleased to get everything done as perfectly as possible. 

Though most of the Gusu elders thought that it was a bit too chaotic, it was just because they didn't see the situation of Ghost City and the heavenly realm. That would be pure chaos because they too have been preparing the after parties for the newlyweds for the sake of every other ghost and deity who will be missing the big wedding in the mortal realm. With their normal celebrations already being chaotic and extravagant... the celebration of their eldest two heirs' wedding would only be a few hundred times more chaotic and exorbitant to say the least. Nothing could be helped though.

As the auspicious day approached, Hua Ying watched his two eldest babies with a mixture of pride and nostalgia as he watched them getting ready. He watched them both adorned in exquisite silk robes, their hair styled intricately with delicate ornaments, embodying the epitome of grace and beauty.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he reminisced about the moments they shared together. Though the count was low and handful, he still valued them all like treasure. He wasn't there when his precious A-Yuan came to this world or when he spoke his first word. He wasn't there when his beloved A-Yu earned his title as the sixth calamity or when he fell in love with the man in his dreams. But standing here today, amidst the bittersweet emotions, there was an overwhelming sense of joy knowing that his beloved sons are embarking on a new chapter of their lives and he is here to witness it all from the beginning to the end. 

Though he really wanted to snatch them both and hide them away so he could keep them all to himself for some more time, he held himself back from doing so. He just busied himself with the final preparations, ensuring every detail of the wedding ceremony was flawless and spot-on. As he helped his sons don the intricate bridal attires, he whispered words of wisdom and blessings, imparting the lessons his adoptive mother and Madam Yue taught him back at Cang Qiong Mountain sect when he was groomed to become Yue Shaoqing's wife. 

In that poignant moment, he couldn't help but remember that he had never gone through a proper wedding ceremony like this one even though he ended up being married to his beloved soulmate more than one time already. It was either unintentional, like what happened inside the cold cave and in front of Lan Yi decades ago, or just a forehead ribbon tying, like when they properly confessed to each other, or they just dual-cultivated till their souls bond and merge into one. Even the last time where he actually dressed up as a bride, it was to marry someone else and not Lan Wangji. Seeing his sons today, he couldn't help but wonder how it would be to go through this, knowing that he is going to end up with the man who owned his soul. He felt a pang of pain in his heart when he remembered how much he had really missed in his life because of the selfishness of some random people. But he didn't divulge in that for too long as he watched his sons in pride, caressing their cheeks lovingly. 

"My sweet little babies, as you're about to start this grand adventure called marriage, remember to keep your spirit bright and your heart full of mischief. Stay true to your heart, laugh loud, love fiercely, and never let anyone dull your shine. Life's gonna throw some twists and turns, but you've got the spirit of a fierce fighter in you. My heart will always be right there with you, cheering you on through every battle and victory. So, my little radish and my playful gremlin, go out there and make every moment sparkle with your mischievous charm. Mom's got your back, now and forever! If you ever wanted someone to help teach your husbands or anyone else for that matter, some lessons... A-niang is here to the rescue. Don't forget to call me. Your a-die wouldn't appreciate that for sure but bleh, I wanna join the fun as well. So drag me in." Despite how heavy his heart is feeling, Hua Ying spoke with his usual playful tone, winking at his two boys for an added effect at the end. Then with a serious tone, he reminded;