Weapon seller in the world of magic

Inside the hall, the Emperor leaned back against his throne, resting his elbow on the armrest and tapping his fingers thoughtfully even for several moments after Frost left the room. A smile crept across his lips, not warm, but intrigued.

”This Lu Zhen…” he murmured. ”Interesting. He actually made a third-stage transcendent beast acknowledge him as master. Blizzard Pegasus’s aren’t like other beasts. Based on its strength, this is a second-generation beast that retains the core divine authority of its mother. Not even I have such a capability. I wonder how he did it...”

The fifth prince stepped forward respectfully, interrupting his thoughts. ”Your Majesty, our spy reports were investigated thoroughly. They confirm that he has a family in the mortal realms. But we still have no information on which world they reside in.”

”Why not?” the Emperor asked with a frown.

”Because only three living people know,” the prince replied. ”Lan Jing, who was believed to be expelled years ago, Lu Zhen himself, and his sister Shang Jiao, the new inheritor of the Blizzard Pegasus line. We can’t do anything to Lu Zhen. Shang Jiao is well protected, and Lan Jing was the son of the former patriarch. Lan Yujin wouldn’t sit still if we hurt his son.”

The Emperor tapped his fingers twice, then made his decision.

”Then abduct Lan Jing. Do not injure him. Use hypnosis and extract the information quietly, and erase his memories afterwards. I want the location of their world at all costs.”

The hall fell silent. The ministers exchanged anxious glances.

Then the Emperor added, almost casually, ”This Shang Jiao… the inheritor… how old is she now?”

”Eight heavenly years (18), Your Majesty,” the fifth prince answered.

”Already of marriageable age…” the Emperor murmured, his eyes gaining a calculating gleam. ”Good. Very good.”

His smile deepened, slow, cold, and dangerous as he then said, ”Summon the Crown Prince.”

Later;

Ice Palace of Lan clan, Azure Frost Dominion;

When Frost repeated the Emperor’s words, Mark’s eyes widened, before his brows drew together sharply.

”Accepted the deal?” he muttered, leaning back in disbelief. ”How? Why?” He crossed his arms and paced once around the room, his mind moving faster than his feet. ”Hei Zhenyu told me that the Emperor dismissed that proposal without even thinking. Even when Hei Zhenyu brought it up personally, the Emperor refused.” His pacing slowed, his voice dropping to a contemplative murmur as he gazed out the window at the shimmering barrier Frost and Pyro had erected. ”Did he change because of the Blizzard Pegasus’ return? No… someone like him doesn’t just shift decisions in a few days because of political pressure or my sudden rise.”

He exhaled slowly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ”And the strangest part, he still hasn’t replied to my independence letter. No royal decree, no threat, no warning, no envoy. Not even a spy group is trying to test our borders. Nothing.” Mark stared at Frost for a moment before sighing. ”Regardess of mortal realm or even the Celestial realm, there is one common factor among all the monarchs. They all have big egos, and none of them would like to easily lose a chunk of their land without getting anything in return. He’s planning something. But until the wedding day arrives… I guess all I can do is wait.”

*

The week slipped by quickly, consumed by nonstop preparations.

The entire Lan Clan territory transformed: lanterns glowing with icy-blue light hung along every walkway, banners bearing the crest of the Blizzard Pegasus fluttered across the central square, and cultivators and disciples rushed from one end of the estate to the other carrying gifts, arrangements, and ceremonial items.

And then, finally, the day arrived.

The wedding day of Lan Xia and the new Sect Master.

Lan Clan had never seen such a crowd in centuries. Every guest courtyard was filled to capacity and they even had to open the outer pavilions for the overflow. Hundreds of VIP guests gathered at the gates, their entourages stretching into the distance like a sea of banners and shimmering robes. Some had arrived from other dominions entirely, drawn either by curiosity, respect, or the desire to assess this strange child-sect-master who defied the imperial palace.

But nothing caused more stir than the sight of the imperial envoys.

Two princes arrived as representatives of the Heavenly Ocean Empire, a gesture so unprecedented that even ancient clan elders exchanged anxious looks the moment their ornate flying ship touched down.

The Fifth Prince emerged first, a tall figure robed in deep indigo, his eyes sharp and unreadable. He was infamous, known throughout the plane not only as a genius strategist but also as the man who controlled an invisible web of spies spread across countless worlds. His mere presence caused the grand elders to stiffen, and even the guards straightened nervously.

But the second envoy drew even more gasps.

Prince Zetian.

The Emperor’s eldest grandson, heir to the Crown Prince, already a demigod at merely eight heavenly years, the same age as Shang Jiao. His appearance caused a noticeable ripple among the younger disciples, especially the girls, who immediately whispered about his cold handsomeness and overwhelming aura. He always wore a half mask, which only make it seem like he was purposely trying to avoid attention.

Lan Clan elders, however, reacted very differently when they realized the unspoken meaning.

Two imperial envoys…

One a strategist…

The other, a marriageable crown-blooded prodigy the same age as Shang Jiao…

It isn’t that difficult for them to think of what conditions will be in the peace treaty that they brought.

The atmosphere subtly tensed, especially around the grand elders who exchanged grim looks. If the palace wanted leverage in the Lan Clan, the easiest method was marriage alliances, and Shang Jiao was an obvious target.

*

The morning of the wedding rose with a quiet solemnity that wrapped the entire Lan Clan Estate in a veil of soft white mist.

Frost hung on the rooftops like silver cloth, and disciples wearing ceremonial blue robes moved briskly through the courtyards with lanterns, banners, incense holders, and jade trays.

Security was at its absolute peak.

Every elder from the sect had been assigned to guard a cardinal direction, and top inner-sect disciples were patrolling the skies in rotating formations, making sure nothing disturbed the auspicious day.

Even the imperial envoys had stationed their personal guards near their resting areas.

Inside the groom’s preparation chamber, Mark sat quietly in front of a polished bronze mirror.

A ceremonial attendant moved around him with careful hands, adjusting the layers of his wedding robes.

A crown-like headpiece sat on the table, waiting to be placed. Frost and Pyro stood outside the door, keeping everyone away from the chamber, yet Mark could still hear faint murmurs of disciples marveling at how youthful their Patriarch looked despite the majestic attire. Of course, that’s because he was young, He thought.

Mark stared at his reflection for a long moment. He wondered what Song Yue would say if she saw him right now. He exhaled slowly, clearing those thoughts, and finally stood up.

A knock sounded, followed by Lan Jing’s calm voice. ”Xiao Zhen, everyone is waiting outside. Shall we proceed?”

Mark nodded silently and rose.

The attendant placed the headpiece on him, and as he stepped outside, the air shifted immediately.

Elders bowed. Disciples lowered their heads. Even Prince Zetian and the Fifth Prince paused their conversation and raised their eyes toward him.

A solemn procession was already arranged at the entrance: musicians with ancient string instruments, ceremonial guards holding long spears with white silk tied under the blades, and two young disciples carrying red lanterns at the front.

Mark took his place in the center and began walking forward, his steps slow and composed, each movement echoing the authority he now held.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the estate, inside the Phoenix Pavilion, Lan Xia stood in front of her own mirror. She wore an icy blue bridal gown embroidered with silver feathers

She held her hands together tightly, trying to calm her trembling fingers. Behind her, Elder Yuxuan adjusted the final ornament in her hair while Shang Jiao watched with shining eyes, teasing Lan Xia lightly about how she had finally stolen her brother away.

Lan Xia tried to hide her nervousness, but her voice betrayed her when she spoke. ”Master… I don’t know… but it feels weird...”

Yuxuan smiled softly and touched her shoulder. ”Every bride feels that on her wedding day. Just breathe. You are entering a new life today.”

Lan Xia lowered her gaze, her cheeks warming under the veil. ”He said he didn’t feel for me that way… but he still kept his promise.” Her voice softened further. ”I will make him see me as someone he trusts… someone he can lean on.”

Yuxuan crossed her arms as she shook his head, ”Feelings change over the time, Xia. That’s why I didn’t say anything about his emotional preference always being his first wife. As long as he is going to be a dutiful husband and spend enough time with you, things always change.”

Lan Xia took a slow breath, steadying her heart. She nodded.

Outside, a ceremonial maid announced, ”Bride’s procession, prepare!”