Chapter 2: The War God's Bride
The night was cold, the wind slicing through the courtyards of the Shia Family's Royal Palace like a vengeful blade. Shi Feng stood alone in his dilapidated courtyard, a far cry from the opulent halls of his brothers. The roof leaked, the walls were cracked, and the only light came from a flickering oil lamp. Yet, his heart burned hotter than any flame, fueled by the humiliation of the Grand Hall and the memories of his mother's suffering.
Shi Tianhao, you and your spawn will pay, he vowed silently, clenching his fists. I will bide my time, grow stronger, and tear this rotten family apart.
But the heavens seemed intent on testing him further.
The next morning, a resounding gong echoed through the palace, summoning all nine princes to the Throne Hall. Shi Feng arrived, his plain robes a stark contrast to the embroidered silks of his brothers. The hall buzzed with tension, servants whispering behind their hands. Shi Tianhao sat on his obsidian throne, his expression unreadable. Beside him stood an imperial envoy, clad in golden robes, holding a jade scroll emblazoned with the Emperor's seal.
The envoy unfurled the scroll and proclaimed, "By the decree of His Majesty, the Celestial Emperor, the Shia Family is to forge a sacred bond with the House of Yun. The Ninth Prince, Shi Feng, is betrothed to Yun Wushuang, the War God of the Northern Campaigns, to unite the might of Qingyun Province with the valor of the Yun Family!"
A stunned silence fell, followed by stifled laughter from the eight princes. Shi Feng's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. Yun Wushuang? The Female War God?
Yun Wushuang was a name that shook the Celestial Dominion. Born to the prestigious Yun Family, led by General Yun Taishan, she was a prodigy of cultivation and warfare. At the age of twenty-five, she had reached the peak of the Core Formation Realm, her spear said to have drunk the blood of ten thousand enemies. Under the Emperor's command, she and her father had conquered the neighboring kingdoms of Xiliang and Beihuang, their military merits unrivaled.
But whispers followed her like shadows. It was said she was disfigured in the Battle of Ironfang Pass, her once-beautiful face marred by a horrific scar. Her temperament was colder than the northern glaciers, her cruelty unmatched—rumors even claimed she had slain her own father in a fit of rage, though none dared confirm it. Her overwhelming power and independence made her a thorn in the Emperor's side, a blade too sharp to wield yet too valuable to discard.
The Emperor's solution was clear: bind her to the Shia Family through marriage, taming her wild spirit and securing her loyalty. But none of the eight princes wanted her.
The First Prince, Shi Hao, sneered. "Father, this is absurd! Yun Wushuang is a monster, scarred and bloodthirsty. She'd sooner kill her husband than serve him!"
The Second Prince, Shi Lei, chimed in, "Let her marry a dog before she taints our bloodline. Her face alone would curdle the wine at the wedding feast!"
The others laughed, their mockery echoing. Shi Tianhao's face darkened, his voice cutting through the noise like a whip. "Silence! The Emperor's will is absolute. One of you will marry her, or the Shia Family will lose His Majesty's favor!"
The princes exchanged glances, their eyes sliding toward Shi Feng. The Eighth Prince, Shi Yun, stepped forward, a sly grin on his face. "Father, why not let the Ninth Prince take this honor? His… humble origins suit a woman of such… unique qualities."
The hall erupted in laughter, the princes nodding eagerly. Shi Feng stood motionless, his expression calm but his heart seething. These dogs think to use me as a sacrificial pawn?
Shi Tianhao's gaze fell on Shi Feng, cold and calculating. "Shi Feng, you will marry Yun Wushuang. Refuse, and you will be expelled from the family this instant."
The air grew heavy, all eyes on Shi Feng. He raised his head, his voice steady as steel. "I accept, Father."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. The princes smirked, expecting him to grovel or flee. But Shi Feng's mind was clear. This marriage is my chance to escape this cursed palace. Yun Wushuang, scarred or not, is a means to an end. I care not for her face—my heart is for my destined one, not some war goddess.
He stepped forward, his tone bold. "However, Father, as the groom, I request a betrothal gift. I am but a humble prince, with no wealth to my name. Surely, the Shia Family's honor demands I not enter this union empty-handed."
The princes scoffed, but Shi Tianhao's eyes glinted with amusement. "Bold words for a useless whelp. Very well. You shall have the Golden Dragon Armor, a mid-grade spiritual treasure. It will protect you… assuming you survive your bride."
A servant presented a gleaming suit of armor, its scales shimmering with faint draconic aura. The hall gasped—such a treasure was rare, even in the Shia Family. Yet Shi Feng's heart remained cold. A trinket to buy my compliance? You think this washes away my mother's blood?
He accepted the armor with a bow, his face impassive. "My gratitude, Father." But in his mind, he sneered. This armor will serve me well… when I use it to crush you all.
As he left the hall, the princes' laughter followed him.
"Poor Ninth Brother," Shi Yun called. "Hope you survive the wedding night!"
Shi Feng ignored them, his steps firm. The Golden Dragon Armor was a tool, nothing more. His true goal was unchanged: cultivate, grow stronger, and destroy the Shia Family. As for Yun Wushuang, he felt no fear. A scarred war goddess? Let her come. I will use this marriage to rise, and none shall stand in my way.
In the distance, storm clouds gathered over Qingyun Province, as if the heavens themselves sensed the brewing tempest in Shi Feng's heart.
To Be Continued
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