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You May Kiss The Bride
Lina sat on her bed the night before her wedding, the soft moonlight casting a peaceful glow in her room. She was immersed in deep thinking, her mind grappling with the weight of the day’s distressing events. Despair weighed heavily upon her as she replayed the scenes in her memory, the uncertainty of restoring her former human self and the possibility of reversing her transformation looming over her like a shadow.
Overwhelmed by her emotions, she found herself on the verge of unconsciousness when she teleported for a second time earlier when her instincts urged her to intervene and stop Qingcang from causing trouble. In a moment of solitude, her voice barely audible, she murmured, “That rascal.”
Only last night had she lived as a human, conversing with Qingcang, her otherworldly visitor and savior. But now, as she sat in her room, she felt utterly lost and desperate to reclaim her previous life.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips, her voice filled with determination and resignation. “I have to talk to him,” she whispered to herself, the weight of responsibility evident in her tone. “I won’t let him imprison himself here for my sake, and I can’t be selfish with him. He had a life before he met me.”
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Alone in the backyard, Qingcang sought solace in the stillness of the night. The moon shone brightly, casting its ethereal glow upon the landscape. He carefully poured himself a cup of tea, the delicate aroma wafting through the air. As he brought the cup to his lips, memories of his anger and frustration flooded his mind—memories of the same cup he held in his hands, shattered in a moment of uncontrolled emotions when Lina had repeatedly mentioned Yichen. Yet, he repaired it later. Lost in his thoughts, he savored each sip of tea, finding solace in the simple act. The night seemed to hold answers, a sanctuary for reflection.
During this quiet moment, her determined voice reached the Moon Supreme’s ears. “Dongfang Qingcang,” she called out, her words expressing urgency. I’ve been thinking about something you said.”
Qingcang turned his head, his eyes meeting hers as she appeared before him. The air held a sense of anticipation as she pulled out the chair, seating herself opposite the Moon Supreme at the small table. Her eyes met his, and he could see the weight of her words in the intensity of her gaze. “About what?” he inquired, his voice calm yet tinged with curiosity.
“When you spoke of returning to your world once I die, I want you to take the words back.”
Qingcang blinked, caught off guard by her sudden decision. His brown eyes widened slightly as he processed her words, the weight of her request sinking in. “Why?” he questioned, his voice tinged with surprise and curiosity. His gaze locked onto hers, searching for answers amidst the sea of emotions in her eyes.
Lina drew a deep breath, her delicate features etched with determination and sorrow. She knew what she was about to say would be difficult to tell, but she steeled herself for the task at hand. Her voice, though tinged with sadness, resonated with unwavering resolve. “I want you to be free,” she began, her voice expressing sorrow. “You’ve already done so much for me. When you see the portal, do what you want, even if it means returning to your world,” she responded, her words gently floating in the air like fragile petals.
Qingcang was left momentarily speechless, his thoughts swirling like a fierce storm. Lost in contemplation, he pondered her words, their significance seeping into the raging battle within his heart. After a brief pause that felt like an eternity, he finally found his voice, his words laced with determination and lingering concern. “I still have to find the mastermind behind the black magic that has afflicted you,” he said, his voice like the steely edge of a blade cutting through the darkness.
She nodded in acknowledgment, her eyes betraying her deep concern. A torrent of emotions swirled within her, tugging at her heartstrings.
A slight frown formed on Qingcang’s face as he leaned forward, studying her troubled expression. The lines on his forehead deepened, a testament to his genuine concern. Tilting his head ever so slightly, he blinked before asking, his voice filled with curiosity. “What is it now? Didn’t I assure you that I’ll find the culprit?” he inquired, his voice gentle but firm.
Profoundly sighing, she returned the Moon Supreme’s unwavering gaze, her eyes fixed on his concerned expression. She gathered her thoughts, struggling to put into words the weight that burdened her heart. “That’s not what I’m worried about,” she began softly, her voice laced with fear and tenderness.
Qingcang’s eyes reacted, locking onto Lina’s gaze, searching for the hidden depths of her soul. He was attentive; his concern etched on his face like a gentle caress. “Then what is the issue?” he inquired, a trace of impatience seeping into his tone, born out of a desire to understand and provide relief.
Sighing, she returned the Moon Supreme’s piercing gaze, her eyes locked onto his concerned expression. The moonlight cast a gentle glow on their faces. “Will you be okay in your world?” she questioned, her voice laced with genuine worry. Qingcang’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, his head tilting in response, awaiting further explanation. “I mean—” she began, her words cut off by his swift interruption.
“No one matches my strength there,” Qingcang interjected with an edge of arrogance, his face scowling as he dismissed any notion of vulnerability.
She could not help but scoff, averting her eyes momentarily. ‘There he goes again, boasting about his overpowering abilities,’ she thought, raising an eyebrow in subtle disbelief. Her gaze met his once more, her tone firm but gentle as she clarified, “I wasn’t referring to your physical strength; I meant mentally. Are you lonely there? Do you have friends?”
Qingcang arrogantly scoffed in response, his voice dripping with superiority. “Hmph. As the feared Moon Supreme, I do not need friendship or being well-liked.”
Qingcang’s harsh words struck her like a slap in the face, leaving a stinging sensation of disbelief in their wake. She had not anticipated such a cold and callous response from him, the walls of his self-assured persona towering higher than she had imagined. Her voice faltered as she whispered, her words barely audible, “I… I see.”
Noticing her reaction, Qingcang’s senses sharpened. He locked his gaze onto her eyes, searching for the meaning behind her brief words. Realizing she was about to walk away, an instinctual impulse surged through him, causing him to seize her hand and startling her and himself. As she turned to face him, he stared at his hand with widened eyes, uncertain why he had prevented her from leaving. The touch of her hand felt strangely familiar, and with each grasp, he discovered a new sensation that built upon their previous hand-holding encounters. ‘Nonsense,’ he silently protested. Exhaling sharply through his nose and clenching his jaw, his eyes wide, he abruptly released her hand and teleported into the night sky, leaving her bewildered.
‘What’s his problem?’ Lina wondered, her eyebrow furrowing in confusion as she watched Qingcang’s aura dissipate, the remnants of his presence fading into the darkness.
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Having teleported to the rooftop, Qingcang was surrounded by his aura while the faint, shimmering glow of red orbs gradually vanished. Standing beneath the expansive night sky, he directed his gaze towards the moon, his thoughts drifting back to the unexpected touch of Lina’s soft hand. Raising his hand to the level of his chest, he instinctively replicated the position where he had held her hand just moments ago. ‘That woman…’ his mind echoed, fixating on his hand with unwavering focus, searching for answers within himself.
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The day of the wedding arrived, filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervous excitement. Overwhelmed by the swirling revelations, Lina’s mind raced. ‘I can’t believe it,’ she thought, her astonishment echoing through her every fiber. ‘Two days ago, I was a human. But today, I’ve got the man who raised me in the orphanage, my trusted guardian, by my side. Right next to him is my buddy, like a brother to me who was also raised in the orphanage, both standing there as my two witnesses,’ she thought, the weight of the moment settled upon her as if the universe had conspired to bring them together. A quivering breath escaped her lips, her heart brimming with perplexity. ‘And now, I’m about to tie the knot with the Moon Supreme.’
A week earlier, she had informed her two witnesses that Dongfang Qingcang required a residence permit, which was why she was helping him, but under the condition that their wedding remained a secret. Fearing their curiosity might lead to unwanted questions; she knew she had to devise a convincing lie to prevent them from further investigation. After hours of conversation, she finally obtained their blessing and support for the marriage.
The wedding was intended to be small, involving only five individuals: the officiating clergyman, the two witnesses, and Dongfang Qingcang, along with his soon-to-be wife, Lina. However, it turned out to be anything but simple. They found themselves on the terras of the city’s most opulent estate, adorned with an abundance of delicate flowers in various shades, their fragrance hanging in the air. The breathtaking ocean stretched out in the distance, its azure waves crashing against the shore, adding an element of ethereal beauty to the surroundings.
Initially, she had no plans to rent a reception hall for dancing, as she never believed she would remain married to Qingcang. There would be no grand celebration or unnecessary extras. She was initially against having a wedding cake, but after discussing it with her two witnesses a week earlier, she had relented and agreed to include one.
A picturesque scene unfolded before them as they walked along the flowery pathway toward the white platform. The circular tent-like venue exuded elegance with its delicate white lace and floral decorations. It provided the perfect sanctuary where their sacred vows would be exchanged, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of nature. The sun bathed the scene in its warm, golden rays, casting a gentle glow upon the ceremony. A soft, refreshing breeze caressed their faces, giving them peace and hope.
Lost in his thoughts, Dongfang Qingcang stood facing the vast ocean; his mind flooded with memories of the moments he had shared with Lina since their first encounter. As he gazed into the horizon, he could not help but think, ‘That woman…’
Qingcang, a figure of undeniable elegance, wore a tailored tuxedo that blended modernity with a touch of classical refinement. The extended tail of his tux gracefully trailed behind him, accentuating his tall and commanding stature. His attire was entirely black, including the vest. The delicate fusion of gold and black tie added a subtle touch of sophistication. She knew that this style resonated with his preferences and suited him perfectly.
Qingcang reminisced about the moment he first encountered her in the portal, how she displayed arrogance towards him, and how he had saved her life from the malicious creatures. He recalled their kiss in the portal, annoying each other, falling together through the sky, witnessing the enchanting aurora borealis and the comforting hug she had given him when she thought he had left her. Their close-mouth interaction for altering her taste buds, the two kisses they shared when she accidentally fell onto him, their visit to the amusement park, his role in mending her broken heart, and last night when he had held her delicate hand—all these memories flooded his mind.
As Qingcang turned around upon hearing footsteps, he initially failed to notice the two men accompanying the woman who had captivated his gaze. It took him a moment to recognize that this woman was the same ‘Silly Little Human’ he was about to marry.
Lina had elegantly styled her loose hair and curled it to create elegant waves that cascaded down her back. Enhancing her look, she adorned a stunning rose gold headpiece, similar to the Moon Tribe’s fashion in Qingcang’s world. A delicate chain rested on her forehead, showcasing a mesmerizing round diamond pendant at its center. Her eyeshadow’s warm, rose gold hues beautifully complemented her pink lips, adding a touch of allure to her overall appearance. Her eyes were accentuated with skillfully applied black eyeliner, creating a captivating cat-eye look that revealed her playful and spirited personality.
Dressed in a flowing white wedding dress, she exuded ethereal grace. The sleeveless dress hugged her upper body perfectly before cascading down, allowing the fabric to flow freely from her waist and gracefully sweep the floor with each step. To accentuate her ensemble, a rose gold belt adorned her waist, mirroring the exquisite headpiece she wore. The dress featured a heart-shaped collar, adding a touch of romance to her bridal attire. The lower portion of the gown was adorned with iridescent-colored lace resembling delicate flower petals, which added a special touch to her overall look.
As she made her way towards Qingcang, her eyes were fixed on him, oblivious to the quiet conversation between her two witnesses. “Isn’t all this too much?” her friend whispered, voicing her concerns about the extravagant display. “All for a residence permit?”
The other witness, who happened to be the person who had raised her, responded, expressing surprise at the grandeur surrounding the occasion. “It’s her decision. I’m actually surprised that the man paid for everything,” he replied, alluding to Qingcang’s generosity. “But yes, it’s too much for a fake marriage.”
‘It’s not fake. At first, I thought it would be fake, but now…’ Lina thought. Unbeknownst to the two conversing individuals, she overheard their discussion, causing her to interrupt their exchange abruptly. “I heard that. And no, it’s a real marriage,” she responded with unexpected assertiveness, capturing their attention, startled by her response. “After spending time with him, I realized there’s no one else I want as my husband but him. He’s more of a man than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Lina failed to notice that they had approached Qingcang, his shocked expression revealing that he had heard every word she had spoken.
“I… I’m…” Lina stammered, finding herself at a loss for words, caught off guard by Qingcang’s sudden nearness. Her surprise halted her mid-sentence, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Qingcang tilted his head, his curiosity piqued and intrigued by Lina’s reaction.
Trying to regain her composure, Lina swiftly redirected her attention to the pious elder who patiently awaited her to stand beside the Moon Supreme. Realizing the need to shift the focus away from herself and her confession, she cleared her throat and uttered, “I’m here,” deliberately changing the subject and avoiding further confrontation regarding her previous statements about Dongfang Qingcang.
Sensing the tension in the air, the officiating clergyman spoke up, breaking the momentary silence. “We have gathered here today to unite a young couple,” he declared, resonating sincerely. Proceeding with his speech, he invoked the sacredness of the occasion and the significance of the union between Lina and Qingcang.
As the clergyman continued his heartfelt words, Qingcang and Lina stole subtle glances at each other, their eyes communicating a depth of conversation that words could not express.
At that moment, Qingcang was taken aback by the genuine sincerity he had witnessed in Lina’s words. ‘I didn’t feel any lie in her words,’ he thought, captivated by her unexpected admiration for him.
The pious man concluded his speech by offering prayers that invoked the blessings of the divine upon this sacred union, sealing their fate with the hope of a blissful and prosperous future together.
‘Dongfang Qingcang, I don’t know what the future holds, but each moment spent with you has lightened the burdens off my shoulders. At first, I believed this marriage would lack love, but now I realize that I’m marrying my best friend,’ Lina thought, a slight smile gracing her thoughts as she stole glances at him, now standing on the opposite side.
The solemn and devout clergyman turned his attention to Lina, addressing her with a tone of seriousness and trust. “Will you, Lina, take Dongfang Qingcang to be your lawful wedded husband, to cherish him in sickness and in health until death do you part?” His eyes were filled with warmth and anticipation as he patiently awaited her response.
Lina found herself momentarily rendered speechless by the weight of the moment. This was it—the moment she had perhaps underestimated, now standing before her, demanding a definitive answer. In that brief yet profound silence, her gaze turned towards Qingcang, who stood across from her. A cascade of cherished memories flooded her mind, eliciting a tender smile as she reminisced about their cute moments together. The image of his adorably startled expression when she playfully pinched his cheeks to draw his attention towards a meteor shower. But her most cherished memory was when her frozen heart thawed as she intimately slept on his lap. With a faint smile, she finally replied, “I do.”
Qingcang stood there, frozen in a state of astonishment. The sheer sincerity of Lina’s vow to be his wife had never been within the realms of his anticipation. Doubts swirled in his mind, causing his thoughts to twist and turn in confusion. ‘Didn’t she desire a divorce?’ he wondered, grappling with the conflicting reflections coursing through him.
Undeterred by the unexpected turn of events, the clergyman pressed on, his voice resonating with solemnity as he turned his attention to the Moon Supreme. “Will you, Dongfang Qingcang, take Lina as your lawfully wedded wife, to protect her in sickness and in health until death do you part?”
Qingcang’s gaze shifted downward, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as he pondered the sincerity behind Lina’s pledge. He was aware that she underestimated his ability to discern her lies. Yet, on this day, she had spoken only the truth. Lifting his head, he was intrigued by her beautiful, expressive eyes. Losing himself within them, he momentarily forgot his response. Eventually, breaking free from the trance, he found himself uttering the words, “I do.”
A warm, approving smile graced the clergyman as he extended his hands, revealing two exquisitely crafted rings. “With these rings, you shall be united,” he declared, presenting a smaller ring to Qingcang and a larger one to Lina. Fashioned from shimmering gold, both rings bore intricate engravings of the intertwined letters “M” for Lina and “Q” for Qingcang. Her ring stood apart, distinguished by a big diamond that adorned its center, sparkling like a radiant star.
Lina’s hand moved forward with grace and gentleness, catching Qingcang off guard as she lovingly and deliberately slid the ring onto his left finger. The delicate touch sent a pleasant shiver down his spine, reminding him of the tender intimacy they had shared during the previous two nights of sleeping on his lap and holding her hand.
Qingcang’s thoughts swirled in confusion in that fleeting moment. ‘This woman… what is she?’ he pondered, gaze momentarily shifting from Lina’s enthralling eyes to her soft hand. She raised her ring finger, subtly indicating the proper placement according to the customs of her world. He quickly grasped her unspoken intention, proceeding with the utmost care as he gently slipped the ring onto her finger while maintaining a delicate hold on her hand. A mild blush graced her cheeks at the intimate gesture. ‘She is completely healed,’ he realized, sensing the steady rhythm of her pulse and energy.
The pious man handed papers and a pen to the young couple and the two witnesses, instructing them to sign and formalize the marriage. Once the documents were signed, the man presented the marriage certificate to Dongfang Qingcang, who tucked it into a pocket nestled within his tuxedo. The ceremony had reached its climax as the clergyman stood before the couple. “I now pronounce you man and wife,” he began, his voice resonating through the grand hall. The air was thick with anticipation as the attendees held their breaths, waiting for the final moment of the ceremony. He continued his speech, “You may ki-” but his sentence was abruptly cut short, leaving everyone startled and perplexed by the interruption.
Qingcang’s eyes were fixed on Lina as he still grasped her hand. He eagerly awaited this precise moment and was determined not to let it slip away. Sensing the weight of his decision, he made a bold declaration. “Let’s go,” he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination. Without any hesitation, he swiftly scooped her up in his arms, resembling a traditional bridal carry. The unexpected action caught her off guard; her mind was uncertain about his intentions. As he swiftly walked away from the ceremonial platform, the clergyman and the witnesses stood there, stunned and stupefied by the scene unfolding before them.
“…Kiss the bride…” the clergyman managed to utter, his voice trailing off as he concluded his unfinished sentence. He cleared his throat to salvage the disrupted moment and regain his composure. His thoughts wandered alongside the perplexed witnesses, pondering Qingcang’s impatience. ‘He couldn’t even wait until the wedding night… That man lacks tolerance,’ he silently mused, pressing his hand to his forehead and releasing a heavy sigh. Though taken aback by the strange events, he hoped for a fruitful marriage. ‘May they now make many healthy babies,’ he wished silently, closing the chapter on the peculiar ceremony.
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Qingcang propelled himself through the expansive sky with astounding swiftness, clutching Lina in his powerful embrace as they embarked on their daring adventure. The rush of wind against their faces and the exhilaration of flight filled their senses. However, the piercing screams that escaped her lips grated upon his ears, igniting a flicker of frustration.
“DONGFANG QINGCAAAAANG, YOU CRAZY HUSBAND! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME KILLED?” Lina’s voice boomed, carrying her distress to the skies above, her hands instinctively reaching out, aiming for Qingcang’s face in a desperate attempt to capture his attention.
“Stop blocking my view!” Qingcang retorted, his annoyance and impatience growing, his voice battling against the rushing wind. His eyes, focused and determined, scanned the horizon as he resumed their flight. Sensing the urgency of the situation, he slowed his pace, allowing his firm grip to seize hold of Lina’s hand, carefully prying it away from his eyes.
“What are you doing? And where are we even headed?” Lina’s voice cut through the gusts of wind, her impatience evident in her tone. She leaned closer to Qingcang, her voice carrying a tinge of urgency.
Qingcang, momentarily distracted by Lina’s proximity, reestablished his focus and replied with determination, his eyes locked on their destination. “We’re going to open the portal,” he responded, continuing their flight toward her opulent mansion.
All original additions in “The Moon Supreme, Dongfang Qingcang” are copyright © 2022 by Aurora Luxi. All rights reserved.
Aurora Luxi 