Extraordinary Evil God

6

When Xiao Ying was still alive, Xiao Lie’s standing within the Xiao Clan was unparalleled, even commanding the respect of the then clan leader. The reason was evident: Xiao Ying’s extraordinary talent marked him as the destined future powerhouse of his generation in this world where profound strength reigned supreme. Naturally, as Xiao Ying’s father, Xiao Lie was revered by all. Yet with Xiao Ying’s tragic assassination and the revelation of Xiao Che’s crippled profound veins, Xiao Lie, despite still being the foremost expert in Floating Cloud City, was a shadow of his former self in the clan’s eyes, his influence all but erased.

Unperturbed, Xiao Lie met their barbed taunts with a calm smile, saying, “Thank you all for honoring us with your presence. Please make sure to enjoy the feast later and have a few extra cups.”

“We’ve shown our faces as a courtesy, but as for the drinks, we’ll pass. My eldest grandson, Xiao Chengzhi, has just broken through to the seventh level of the Elementary Profound Realm. With time slipping away here, I need to go stabilize his progress personally.” With that, the Third Elder, Xiao Ze, stood to take his leave.

“Chengzhi has already reached the seventh level? At just seventeen, he’s achieved such a feat. His future is boundless. No wonder you’re in high spirits today, Third Elder! Congratulations!” The Fourth Elder, Xiao Cheng, also rose, exclaiming in surprise as he offered his congratulations.

Even Xiao Lie’s unshakable composure flickered with a brief glimmer of anger. These four, once his sworn brothers, had fawned and shown him great respect. But ever since Xiao Ying’s passing and the discovery of Xiao Che’s crippled profound veins, their attitudes had drastically changed, gradually shifting to dismissive disregard. Time and again, they flaunted the accomplishments of their own sons and grandsons, and today, even at Xiao Che’s wedding, they were taunting him openly, gouging at his most painful wound.

Sensing the uncomfortable tension, Xiao De, the officiant, began to sweat profusely and, skipping all remaining formalities, immediately raised his voice to announce, “The bride and groom will now proceed to the bridal chamber. Honored guests, please proceed to the feast!”

Amid the joyful sounds of drums and flutes, Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue, having completed the formal bows, walked together toward Xiao Che’s courtyard, where the bridal chamber awaited. His room, transformed with lavish red decor, was a vivid display of joy: intricately embroidered red carpets with dragon and phoenix motifs, large banners bearing the double happiness symbol, and countless red silk drapes and ribbons. Gold-gilded lamps bore vibrant red wedding candles sculpted with soaring dragons and phoenixes, their flickering flames casting an otherworldly glow on the nearly floor-length beaded curtains, shrouding the room in a dreamy, shimmering light.