wicked divinity

Peerless Beauty

When Xiao Ying was alive, Elder Xiao Lie held an unparalleled position in the Xiao Clan. Even the then-family head treated him with great respect. The reason was clear—Xiao Ying's astonishing talent destined him to become the strongest of his generation within the Xiao family. In a world where Xuan power reigned supreme, Xiao Lie, as Xiao Ying's father, naturally commanded reverence from all members of the Xiao clan. However, after Xiao Ying was assassinated and Xiao Lie's only grandson, Xiao Che, was revealed to have a damaged Xuan meridian, Xiao Lie's status plummeted despite being the strongest in Flowing Cloud City. With his son dead and grandson incapacitated, who would still fear him? His standing in the Xiao Clan had fallen drastically.

Xiao Lie didn't lose his temper. He had long grown accustomed to these people's mockery and sarcasm. Smiling faintly, he said, "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. Be sure to drink plenty during the feast."

"We've already honored you by coming; drinking is unnecessary. My eldest grandson, Xiao Chengzhi, has just broken through to the seventh level of Initial Xuan Realm. I've wasted enough time here and must immediately assist him in stabilizing his cultivation." Elder Three, Xiao Ze, stood up while speaking.

"Chengzhi has reached the seventh level of Initial Xuan? To achieve such heights at seventeen, his future is truly boundless! No wonder you look so radiant today, Elder Three. Congratulations!" Elder Four, Xiao Cheng, also rose, congratulating Elder Three with apparent astonishment.

Despite Xiao Lie's admirable composure, a shadow of anger flickered across his face. These four used to treat him as a brother, often showing deference and flattery. But ever since Xiao Ying passed away and Xiao Che was confirmed to have a damaged Xuan meridian, their attitudes toward him changed dramatically. They now barely acknowledged him. Countless times, they boasted about their own sons and grandsons in front of him, and even on his grandson's wedding day, they continued to mock him openly, flaunting their grandchildren's achievements to rub salt into the wounds of his deepest regrets.

The sudden shift in atmosphere caused Master of Ceremonies Xiao De to break out in a cold sweat. He hurriedly skipped over the remaining formalities, shouting shrilly, "The newlyweds will now be escorted to the bridal chamber… Guests, please proceed to the banquet!"

Amidst the continuous sounds of gongs and drums, Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue, having completed the mutual bows, walked together into Xiao Che's courtyard under everyone's watchful eyes. The bridal chamber was the room Xiao Che usually lived in, now adorned entirely in red—a grand red carpet embroidered with dragon and phoenix auspicious clouds, large double-happiness characters, rooms festooned with red silk ribbons and sashes, and a dazzling golden candle stand holding two large red candles that shimmered brilliantly. The candle bodies were intricately painted with ascending dragons and phoenixes, their flickering flames reflecting off nearly floor-length golden glass curtains, casting a dreamlike haze throughout the room, isolating it from the outside world in a dazzling display.

Xia Qingyue was led to sit on the bed by her maid, Xia Dongling, who then silently exited and closed the door. An instant silence enveloped the room, leaving only the faint sound of breathing audible.

Sitting quietly, Xia Qingyue emitted no sound. Xiao Che did not approach her but instead stood near the door, staring outward, his eyes clouded with gloom.

"Seeing your grandfather treated this way, especially on your wedding day, must feel terrible, doesn't it?"

A gentle yet cool voice broke the silence... Xiao Che's expression shifted slightly. Surprisingly, Xia Qingyue had initiated conversation, though her words stung.

Turning his gaze, Xiao Che hesitated before saying, "You should remove your phoenix crown. It's heavy and will become uncomfortable if worn for too long."

According to the customs of the Tianxuan Continent, the bride's phoenix crown must be removed by the groom himself. However, recalling the icy sensation he felt earlier when attempting to assist her, the proud Xiao Che refused to invite misfortune again. Moreover, he doubted Xia Qingyue would genuinely allow him to help remove her crown.

Xia Qingyue paused briefly before lifting her delicate hand, silently removing the pearl-tasseled phoenix crown. Instantly, a breathtakingly beautiful face appeared before Xiao Che's eyes. Her gaze lifted, and the moment their eyes met, Xiao Che froze momentarily. Her eyes were indescribably beautiful, as if all the serene and sparkling ripples in the world had converged into these dreamlike orbs. Not even the most accomplished painter or eloquent words could capture or describe their essence. Her skin was smooth as jade, surpassing snow and frost, her translucent complexion glowing even in the dim light of the room. Her lips resembled the tenderest petals, her exquisitely defined nose appearing carved from the finest white jade, exuding an innate nobility and pride.

"Indeed... beyond compare..." Xiao Che murmured, unable to blink or look away. Those enchanting eyes seemed like an abyss with infinite gravity, pulling his consciousness and thoughts into their depths, making it impossible to extricate himself.

Though they had been betrothed since childhood, aside from brief encounters during their younger years, this was the first time Xiao Che had seen Xia Qingyue's true appearance after the age of ten. Due to her seclusion and his self-imposed confinement within the Xiao estate (stemming from his awareness of his disabled Xuan meridian and the resulting feelings of inferiority), Xiao Che had only heard fragmented descriptions of Xia Qingyue's peerless beauty. In his mind, he had vaguely sketched an image of her.

But now, upon finally seeing Xia Qingyue's true visage, the imagined silhouette dissolved instantly. Her beauty far exceeded his expectations, defying description. Even Xiao Che, carrying memories from two lifetimes, found himself momentarily entranced by her face, losing focus.

Known as the most beautiful woman in Flowing Cloud City, Xia Qingyue could easily be hailed as the most beautiful in the entire Cangfeng Empire without raising any doubts in Xiao Che's mind. He couldn't fathom what kind of splendor could surpass the beauty before him. And she was only sixteen, her full potential yet to bloom. Imagining her allure in a few years left Xiao Che speechless—perhaps her beauty would reach an almost ethereal level.

How could such a girl, whose every smile and frown could captivate the world, exist in a small city like Flowing Cloud, and today become his wife? Xiao Che felt a profound sense of unreality.

"And you… are not exactly as rumored or as I imagined."

Rising gracefully, Xia Qingyue's captivating figure was revealed. She approached Xiao Che, her gaze soft as water, her lips parting slightly. "It's said that your Xuan meridian is damaged, condemning you to remain at the first level of Initial Xuan forever. Because of this, your constitution is frail, your personality becomes self-deprecating and timid, rarely venturing out to see people. Your only companions seem to be your aunt Xiao Lingxi and my younger brother Yuan Ba. The only redeeming quality attributed to you is your appearance."

"Your Xuan energy is indeed weak and murky, confirming your damaged Xuan meridian. However, the rumors about your character seem entirely wrong."

Stopping less than three steps away from Xiao Che, Xia Qingyue stared directly into his eyes. "Though you try to conceal it, there's unmistakable pride in your demeanor—from the moment I saw you until now, contrary to the supposed timidity. Earlier at my home, when I used Xuan energy to freeze your arm, your calm reaction shocked me. If your arm hadn't stiffened briefly, I might have doubted the effectiveness of my Xuan artistry. Then, during the ceremony, both you and your grandfather were mocked in such an important setting, yet your anger lasted only a fleeting moment before vanishing completely. Neither your expression nor your heartbeat showed any abnormal fluctuations... A middle-aged Ling Xuan realm expert would find it hard to maintain such composure!"

"Even when looking at me, your gaze was mesmerized but never scattered!"

"You may indeed have a damaged Xuan meridian, but your true nature and mental fortitude have eluded everyone." Xia Qingyue spoke softly, her gaze unwavering, penetrating deeply into Xiao Che's eyes, which seemed bottomless.

Xiao Che was startled.

As Xia Qingyue drew closer, a captivating scent filled his nostrils, but his mind was overwhelmed with shock. Indeed, he was proud, always so regardless of whom he faced. In his previous life on the Cangyun Continent, he had faced countless powerful foes, each more formidable than the entirety of Flowing Cloud City combined. Though his current strength was pitiful, his spirit remained unchanged, and this pride manifested naturally rather than deliberately. Despite his current condition and circumstances, he tried to hide this arrogance.

Yet Xia Qingyue had pierced through everything, revealing not only his hidden pride but also his inner state!

Throughout their journey from the Xia residence to the Xiao estate, Xiao Che had assumed Xia Qingyue paid him no heed. After all, one was a celestial pearl, the other a despised mud—this was natural. But it turned out she had observed him meticulously the entire time, unnoticed by him.

Xiao Che's gaze toward Xia Qingyue transformed. These eyes, not only stunningly beautiful, seemed capable of piercing through one's soul. Her sharpness and meticulous thought processes astonished him...

Remember, Xiao Che possessed memories and experiences from two lifetimes, enduring a mindset that remained unshaken in the face of powerful adversaries and death. Yet, she had seen through him so effortlessly!

Was she truly just a sixteen-year-old girl?

How could a sixteen-year-old possess such an almost supernatural gaze and insight?

Xiao Che began to suspect whether Xia Qingyue might also be a reincarnated soul like himself.

"Are you enduring?" Xia Qingyue asked gently.

"Enduring?" Xiao Che let out a seemingly self-mocking laugh. "Perhaps. But my damaged Xuan meridian is a fact. On the Tianxuan Continent, having a damaged Xuan meridian means a lifetime at the lowest rung, looked down upon by all. Does it matter if one is truly weak and timid or silently enduring?"

Endurance? Bah! Yesterday's Xiao Che matched perfectly the rumors Xia Qingyue had heard. But no matter how intelligent Xia Qingyue was, she could never imagine that today's Xiao Che carried an entire lifetime's worth of memories more than yesterday's version! His temperament and mental state had fundamentally shifted.

Xia Qingyue's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. Her soft jade-like hand suddenly rose, two fingers extended, pointing into the void toward Xiao Che's chest. Instantly, a cooling but not freezing sensation spread from his chest across his entire body. As Xiao Che opened his mouth to question her actions, the cooling sensation vanished abruptly. Xia Qingyue withdrew her hand, her petal-like lips moving softly: "Your Xuan meridian is indeed damaged, but not congenitally. It seems to have been attacked when you were very young, destroyed by the force used against you!"