Sitting at the tea table, Li Xiangyi and Wan Mian shared a quiet moment together before the wedding day. The atmosphere was tense as they sipped their tea.
Wan Mian glanced at Li Xiangyi, her eyes filled with longing. "Tomorrow is our big day. Are you excited, my love?"
Li Xiangyi forced a smile, though his heart felt heavy. "Of course, I am," he replied, his voice lacking its usual warmth.
Wan Mian reached out to touch his hand, but he withdrew slightly. "Is everything alright, Xiangyi?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
Li Xiangyi hesitated before answering. "I... I'm just nervous about tomorrow. It's a big step," he said, his gaze drifting away.
Wan Mian's expression softened, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I know it's not easy for you. But remember, I'll always be by your side," she reassured him, squeezing his hand gently.
Li Xiangyi managed a small nod, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing, that the love he once felt for Wan Mian had long faded away. Yet, he knew he had to go through with the wedding for her sake, even if his own heart wasn't fully in it anymore.
On the wedding day, the Sigu Sect was adorned with traditional Chinese decorations, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Red lanterns hung from every corner, casting a warm glow over the courtyard. Delicate cherry blossom branches adorned the entrance, signifying love and new beginnings.
Guests arrived dressed in their finest attire, their footsteps echoing against the ancient stone pathways. Each guest carried a small gift, wrapped in red and gold paper, to present to the newlyweds as a symbol of their blessings.
Meanwhile, the bride, Wan Mian, was meticulously prepared by her attendants. Her hair was adorned with intricate hairpins and a delicate red silk veil cascaded down her back, symbolizing happiness and good luck. Her crimson wedding gown, embroidered with golden dragons and phoenixes, shimmered in the sunlight, a symbol of prosperity and marital bliss.
Across the courtyard, the groom, Li Xiangyi, was also getting ready. He donned a traditional black silk robe embroidered with gold thread, a symbol of his status and wealth. His hair was neatly arranged, adorned with a single white flower, representing purity and fidelity.
As the guests gathered in anticipation, the wooden bridge leading to the main hall was adorned with red silk banners and fresh flowers, creating a picturesque scene. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as everyone awaited the arrival of the bride and groom, ready to witness the union of two souls in love.
As Li Xiangyi prepared for his wedding, Wan Mian's maid entered his chamber, bearing a letter and a sword. Li Xiangyi's eyes widened with surprise as he examined the shaoshi sword, his brow furrowed with confusion, his mind lost in a tumult of memories. Yun Biqiu who was there in the room with him observed his reaction, concern flickering in his eyes.
Li Xiangyi's heart pounded in his chest as the vivid memories played out in his mind like scenes from a forgotten dream. He could feel the warmth of the man's presence beside him, his laughter echoing in the depths of his soul. But as the figure turned to face him, a veil of darkness obscured the features, leaving only a void where the face should have been.
The guests were all waiting in a big room, looking around at the pretty decorations and bright candles. Fang Duobing was there too, feeling nervous. His heart was pounding fast, and he felt unsure about what to do. Would he be okay when he saw Li Xiangyi? Would he be able to move on from the past and look towards the future?
As Li Xiangyi stood on the stage, his heart pounded in his chest like a drumbeat echoing in his ears. Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding him, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at his insides. His smile felt forced, his movements stiff and unnatural.
The sudden darkening of the sky cast an eerie shadow over the gathering, whispers of foreboding spreading among the guests like wildfire. Wan Mian's heart sank as she looked up, sensing the weight of impending doom.
Then, Shan Gudao emerged with his army of zombies, his laughter echoing ominously through the air. "Your end has come," he declared with malice, his eyes gleaming with sinister intent.
Li Xiangyi's surprise was palpable as he recognized his former senior. "Shan Gudao?" he exclaimed, a mix of relief and confusion coloring his voice. "I thought you were dead."
But Shan Gudao's laughter was cold and mocking. "Alive and well, my dear Li Xiangyi," he sneered. "And here to finish what I started."
Li Xiangyi's heart sank as Shan Gudao revealed his treacherous intentions. "You poisoned me?" he whispered, betrayal etched in his features.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd, the realization of Shan Gudao's deceit settling like a heavy cloud over their heads. Fang Duobing's eyes narrowed as he recognized the enemy before them. "These are the same creatures we encountered in Shishou village," he observed grimly, his voice tense with determination.
"They fear fire!" Fang Duobing's urgent cry pierced through the chaos, rallying everyone to unleash their fiery skills against the encroaching horde. As flames danced around them, illuminating the battlefield, Li Xiangyi's mind was suddenly flooded with memories of past encounters with these creatures. Overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of recollection, he sank to his knees, clutching his head in agony.
In the midst of the chaos, Fang Duobing sprang into action, shielding Li Xiangyi from harm. "Are you alright?" he called out, concern etched in his voice.
Li Xiangyi's gaze met Fang Duobing's, and in that moment, the missing pieces of his memories began to slot into place. He remembered their shared moments, their partnership in solving cases, and Fang Duobing's unwavering dedication to protecting him.
With clarity returning, Li Xiangyi recalled the truth—that it was Fang Duobing who had penned the heartfelt letters, not Wan Mian. The sword gifted by Wan Mian had been found in Fang Duobing's possession, a revelation that now made sense. Rising to his feet, fueled by newfound resolve, Li Xiangyi locked eyes with Shan Gudao, determination burning in his gaze. It was time to confront the leader of this malevolent force head-on.
"They're multiplying!" one of the seniors exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice. "What's our next move?"
Fang Duobing's mind raced as he recalled the creatures they had encountered in Shishou village. "We have to locate the source," he muttered, scanning the area for any sign of the elusive mother bug.
"The mother bug must be controlling them," Fang Duobing thought, his determination growing with each passing moment. He searched every corner of Sigu Sect, his focus unwavering. Then, a realization dawned on him—Xiao Ji was missing.
Racing to Xiao Ji's chamber, Fang Duobing found him deep in meditation, clutching onto a mysterious box. With swift action, Fang Duobing seized the box and confined Xiao Ji to his chamber.
Emerging from the chamber, Fang Duobing was met with a scene of chaos. Shan Gudao lay battered on the ground, surrounded by the elders, while the zombies were securely locked away.
Madam Qin's eyes widened with realization as she identified the creature. "It's a mother bug!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency. Fang Duobing wasted no time and swiftly collected a drop of blood from Shan Gudao's finger, hoping it would bring an end to the creature's control.
But to their dismay, the mother bug remained unaffected. "Why isn't it working?" Fang Duobing questioned, frustration creeping into his voice as they watched the bug continue its sinister existence.
Madam Qin stepped forward, her expression grave. With a steady hand, she made a small incision on Li Xiangyi's finger, allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the mother bug. However, their hopes were shattered when the bug remained unharmed.
"You are descendet of Nanyin royalty," Madam Qin declared, her voice tinged with concern. "Your blood should have destroyed the bug. But it seems your blood has been tainted, losing its power. Only the true heir of the Nanyin sect can kill this creature."
"I am the descendant of Nanyin royalty!" Shan Gudao roared defiantly, his voice echoing across the courtyard. "The heavens favor me, which is why the mother bug remains alive!"
Madam Qin's expression remained resolute as she shook her head. "You are not the true descendant," she stated firmly, her tone unwavering. Shan Gudao's facade crumbled, and he sank to his knees in defeat and frustration, the truth of his deception weighing heavily upon him.
To be continued..