In resplendent crimson robes adorned with golden dragons, the Ming Zhi Tian Dragon Cauldron exuded an imposing presence. He was a paragon, a true dragon among men, embodying the most glorious achievement a man could aspire to: the favor of his beloved. Hand in hand, they stood as the officiant boomed, "Hand in hand we shall grow old, a hundred years of harmony, ten thousand years of shared hearts, a perfect union of jade and gold!"
"To all present, we wish you smooth sailing, double happiness, boundless prosperity, wealth in all seasons, longevity, great fortune, auspicious stars, treasures aplenty, everlasting love, perfection in all things, a hundred years of bliss, a thousand wishes granted, and ten thousand blessings! May it all be as you desire!"
"Now, we invite the bride and groom to speak."
Ming Zhi Tian raised his goblet first. "Everyone, let all troubles and ill fortune vanish like smoke. I shall drink ten cups first."
"Gulp, gulp, gulp..."
He downed ten cups of potent liquor, and the crowd applauded, exclaiming over his impressive capacity. The newlyweds clinked glasses, and the guests at thousands of tables echoed the gesture. Ming Zhi Tian announced, "Forgive any lack of hospitality. Please eat well and drink heartily. Make yourselves at home. Ming Zhi Tian toasts you all!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers! Cheers!..."
The chorus of agreement resonated, filling the hall with thunderous sound!
As the wedding ceremony concluded, a collective cheer erupted, "The ceremony is complete! The bride and groom to the bridal chamber!"
Ming Zhi Tian took the hand of Empress Xing Chen. He had yearned for this moment for so long, always suppressing his feelings for her in the name of pride. Such a scene had often flickered through his dreams, though he had never dared to believe the man in them was himself. Today, his wish had finally come true.
Moved, he declared, "Chen'er, in this life, and in the next, I, Ming Zhi Tian, swear to you: inseparable, devotedly loving our fleeting existence."
Empress Xing Chen asked, "Why inseparable?"
Ming Zhi Tian gently caressed her delicate hand. "Because I am most at ease when I am with you."
"I would die for you, perish for you, and willingly be a commoner for you."
Empress Xing Chen chuckled. "Even now, you joke?"
Ming Zhi Tian kissed her hand. "I am serious."
Suddenly! Just then, before Ming Zhi Tian could lift Empress Xing Chen, the void above tore open with a howling wind that sent tables and chairs flying, causing chaos!
"Who?!" Ming Zhi Tian activated his Immortal Eye, only to be forcefully separated from Empress Xing Chen by an invisible, overbearing force!
"Chen'er!"
"Husband..."
An unseen hand, swifter than the Immortal Eye's gaze, snatched Empress Xing Chen into the void.
Ming Zhi Tian instantly summoned the ancient divine artifact, Blazing Light, and unleashed a slash!
An ancient voice echoed from the void: "Begone!"
A destructive slash erupted from the void, obliterating everything in its path!
"Rumble!"
Everyone scrambled to dodge. Witnessing this, Ming Zhi Tian instantly transformed into the Puppet of Divinity, shielding the guests from the fatal blow!
"Bang!..."
The entire roof was cleaved off, crashing to the ground! Dust billowed!
The void sealed shut. Ming Zhi Tian, without even catching a glimpse of the intruder, had his newlywed wife abducted.
Ming Zhi Tian slashed through space with Blazing Light, preparing to pursue!
The assailant vanished without a trace, leaving Ming Zhi Tian with no direction, forcing him to desist.
Suddenly, a dim light reappeared, and the Divine An Longevity Art began to speak, its voice demonic: "Do you crave power?"
"Who is it?!" Ming Zhi Tian turned, but saw no one.
"Otherwise, why do you think your body possesses an unending supply of strength?"
"Who are you?!" Ming Zhi Tian suddenly realized the voice emanated from within his own body, from the Divine An Longevity Art.