Yama's Wedding
The two of them confided in each other in front of Shu and Kaiyang.
Seeing Yao Guang's excited expression, Xue felt it was the right moment to speak up. He gently pulled Yao Guang from his embrace and said to the sunlight, "Yaoguang, I have come to the court to stay and will not leave again. Will you allow me to accompany you?" After saying this, Xue cautiously watched Yao Guang's reaction. Upon hearing his words, Yao Guang felt a surge of joy in her heart, but she also thought of other matters. Thus, she replied to Xue, "I am naturally happy that you can accompany me, but right now the relationship between the court and the Dragon Clan is tense. Your Underworld has made it clear that you will not participate in the war between the court and the Dragon Clan. While I am glad you want to help me, I cannot let you get involved in this struggle." Yao Guang's words touched Xue deeply. However, what Yao Guang did not know was that Xue had already made a decision in his heart: regardless of the outcome, he would always stand by Yao Guang's side and would not let her face this alone.
So, Xue took Yao Guang's hand and brought her before Shu and the others present. He declared to everyone, "I have come out of the Underworld. The decree of Yama King should have reached the court by now. From today onward, I am no longer the King of Hell; I am just Xue, just Yao Guang's Xue."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned. Shu looked at Xue standing before him, still smiling without a care in the world. In that moment, his heart was completely moved by this man. He had never imagined that someone could go to such lengths for Yao Guang. Shu knew well of Xue's identity. Years ago, Buddha had banished Xue to the Underworld; on the surface, it seemed as if Buddha had abandoned him, but only a few informed individuals knew that Buddha was actually protecting him in a roundabout way. During the war among the five realms, Xue had shone brightly in his final battle, leaving everyone astonished—especially Jade Emperor, who had hoped for years that Buddha would bring Xue into the court. At that time, Jade Emperor's power was unmatched among the five realms. Buddha had resisted pressure for years and did not send Xue into the court; thus, Jade Emperor and Buddha had been at odds for many years without ever meeting face-to-face. Eventually, due to Buddha's reluctance and Jade Emperor having no other options left, Jade Emperor made a ruthless decision: since he could not obtain such a powerful warrior for himself, he would destroy him instead. If Xue remained in the West, its power would be too great. During that time, Jade Emperor often thought that Xue was too bloodthirsty; he had killed so many beings from the Demon Realm without an ounce of compassion. Such a person was unfit to remain in the Buddhist realm or among mortals. If he were to rise up against them again, it would lead to catastrophe.
Aside from those from Underworld and Buddha’s side, humans and deities were already under Jade Emperor’s control at that time. The Dragon Clan had been wavering between these two factions but later agreed to eliminate Xue as well. Eventually, with no other options left for Buddha, he could only negotiate with those from Underworld. They devised a plan to bring Xue into Underworld—a place devoid of sunlight where its dark energy would harm his cultivation and naturally diminish his formidable power. Out of respect for Underworld and Buddha as well as for the West’s sake, Jade Emperor ultimately did not kill Xue; thus began a millennium of unease for him within Underworld.
However, even after all this time, Xue remained a thorn in Jade Emperor’s side. In those final moments back then, it was no longer just about Xue; it was about Jade Emperor’s dissatisfaction with his own power. Even if he was the strongest among the five realms, West and Underworld still possessed enough strength to resist him. After ascending to his throne, Jade Emperor’s oppression of West and Underworld grew increasingly severe; even those from the Dragon Clan who once supported him were mercilessly cast into deep waters.
Few people in court knew about these past events; Shu learned about them out of boredom while observing everything unfold during his time there.
Now this man who once caused headaches for everyone in the five realms had unhesitatingly severed ties with both Underworld and West for Yao Guang’s sake. This act effectively severed any connection between Underworld and Western Buddha; thus Jade Emperor would no longer have any authority over what happened to Xue in the future. Yet this action also placed Xue himself in a precarious position—perhaps even more dangerous than Yao Guang’s current situation. It should be noted that back then, Xue’s remarkable skills were something many coveted; now aside from those skills he possessed nothing else that commanded respect or fear. It wouldn’t be long before someone came looking for him with intentions of seizing his abilities for themselves. Do not think that deities are noble; they are just like mortals—they have their own greed and desires—only their desires often extend beyond mere physical needs.
Shu looked at Xue with some concern. Did he truly understand how dangerous his situation was?
At this moment, Yao Guang did not share Shu’s level of concern; she was simply worried about Xue’s feelings. When Buddha banished Xue to Underworld all those years ago, why did Yao Guang react so angrily? It was because she understood that beneath this seemingly cold exterior lay an inner pride beyond ordinary comprehension. Yao Guang had seen how Xue smiled when praised by Buddha and how he diligently practiced alone after being ridiculed by his peers. Although she witnessed these moments through a mirror-like reflection, she knew that deep down inside him resided an extremely proud individual; if he had been abandoned by Buddha back then during his thousand years in Underworld it might have gradually healed some old wounds—but how could someone so proud endure a second blow?
"Xue, are you alright?" Yao Guang asked anxiously as she looked at him, fearing she might see hidden pain behind his smiling face.
What kind of person was Xue? He turned around and saw Yao Guang’s worried expression; he immediately understood her concern for his feelings at this moment. Ruffling her hair gently with a smile he said, "Yaoguang, don’t worry; I’m fine."
Yao Guang was still worried about Xue. Perhaps no one in this world understood Xue's feelings better than Yao Guang.
“Xue, it’s alright. Once this war is over, I will definitely go to the Underworld and cause some trouble,” Yao Guang said angrily.
Hearing Yao Guang's childish words, Xue couldn't help but laugh.
“Yao Guang, you don't need to think of me as so fragile. You should know that I was once the Wheel King, at least a king of the Underworld for thousands of years. What could possibly make me feel sad or pained? I'm not the same Xue who would be depressed over trivial matters anymore. As long as I have you by my side, that's enough!” Xue thought to himself. Strangely, this time he escaped from the Underworld without the sorrow and pain he felt when he was cast down by Buddha; instead, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Perhaps it was because Yao Guang was by his side.
Yao Guang still looked at Xue with disbelief, but since Xue said so, maybe he really had let go of his burdens? Yao Guang carefully observed Xue's expression, confirming that he wasn't lying; Xue's happiness radiated from within. This was good; it made Yao Guang happy to have Xue with her. After this war ended, she would actively ask the Jade Emperor for a leave of absence. Whether it was to exorcise demons in the mortal realm or just to stay with Xue in the court, as long as they could be together, Yao Guang felt it didn't matter where they were. Without these constraints, perhaps they would be even happier together. In fact, during her time back in the court, what Yao Guang missed most were the days spent with Xue in the human world and the human pursuit of love and devotion—these memories deeply resonated with her.
“Come on, come on! Do you two even see us Brothers here? It's been so long and you haven't even glanced our way,” Kaiyang teased as he watched the two.
Seeing Kaiyang teasing her, Yao Guang initially didn’t feel embarrassed, but now her face turned red.
At that moment, Xue became shameless. He turned to Kaiyang and said, “Oh dear, it's my fault for making my brothers feel bored.”
Hearing Xue speak like this, Kaiyang could hardly believe his ears. Although he wasn't very familiar with Xue, he knew of his heroic deeds during the great battle between gods and demons. Kaiyang had always regarded Xue as his rival; however, now his rival was teasing him right in front of him. This was hard for Kaiyang to accept. He had always thought someone like Xue would be serious and upright but never expected him to be like this…
Yao Guang watched Kaiyang's dumbfounded expression and felt delighted. In the Big Dipper Seventh Star group, Kaiyang was known for being quite talkative. Yao Guang often struggled to keep up with him; but now with Xue's help, she believed she could finally leave Kaiyang speechless in the future. (To be continued.)
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