Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 185: The Bridal Chamber

The Streets of Heaven Dou Imperial City

Following behind Ning Rongrong, Dai Yao watched as she browsed various stalls, gathering trinkets and ornaments that she fancied. Each new item slipped into her soul tool, a bracelet on her wrist that allowed for storage. He couldn't help but tease, "You really are a little rich girl. Whoever marries you will live a life of luxury."

At his words, Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed as she turned and gave him a pointed look. Her pale blue dress swayed gently as she placed her hands behind her back, glancing up at Dai Yao with a subtle smile.

"Oh? There are some who don't seem interested in such a life," she said, casting him a sidelong glance.

Dai Yao chuckled awkwardly, knowing well what she meant. But sensing he'd rather not continue on that path, Ning Rongrong let the subject drop, and they resumed their stroll through the bustling streets together.

As he walked beside her, Ning Rongrong's laughter and her gentle expression weighed on him slightly. After all, he still hadn't taken Zhu Zhuqing out for such an outing himself. Suppressing a sense of guilt, Dai Yao followed at her side, trying to fulfill his role as a good companion.

But something began to feel strange. The streets were unusually long tonight. Even though he was a power-focused soul master, his years of training in isolation had made him exceptionally sensitive to his surroundings.

"Rongrong, slow down a bit," he murmured.

She turned back, her expression puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Dai Yao spread his spiritual awareness, observing the lively crowd, the vendors calling out, and the various passersby. Everything seemed normal on the surface, yet a sense of dread gripped him. Without another word, he activated his martial spirit, his frame expanding with power as he scanned the area. Oddly, none of the surrounding people seemed to react to his transformation.

"Something's definitely wrong," he thought grimly, then turned to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, come stand beside me!"

Sensing the tension, Ning Rongrong didn't hesitate. She moved to stand back-to-back with him, her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda beginning to spin as she too scanned the area. As soon as the pagoda appeared, a dark wave of killing intent seeped into the air around them, making Dai Yao's heart pound.

"No… could it be Shi Nian?"

He recalled the sinister tactics Shi Nian had used in the original story, drawing in his targets with illusions and manipulating his surroundings. Dai Yao's hands grew clammy. Shi Nian was a Soul Sage with seven rings, and Dai Yao knew he didn't stand a chance against him. Even his powerful fourth soul skill would be useless if he couldn't charge it up in time.

The rough, gravelly voice of their assailant rang out from all directions:

"So, I see you've realized I'm here. Pity it's already too late."

The lively city street vanished before Dai Yao's eyes, replaced by a dark forest, shrouded in shadows and filled with an unsettling quiet.

"Yes… it must be Shi Nian." Dai Yao's heart sank as he realized the full gravity of their predicament. He hadn't anticipated that the trap he'd set for Tang San might be sprung on him instead.

Rongrong gripped his arm, her voice trembling. "Dai Yao, what do we do?"

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Shi Nian's voice echoed ominously through the trees, mocking:

"A pair of lovers bound for death—how touching. Don't worry; I'll grant you your final wish."

The laughter faded, and with it, all signs of their enemy. They both held their positions, waiting, as the forest around them seemed to blur and warp, the swirling colors spinning faster and faster until Dai Yao's head began to spin.

Dai Yao's Eyes Fluttered Open

As he regained consciousness, he felt oddly disoriented, as though a fog had settled over his mind. Something wasn't right, but he couldn't recall what. Looking down, he noticed he was dressed in a red ceremonial robe and wondered aloud, "Why am I wearing this?"

He glanced around, taking in the room's decor, draped in rich red fabrics. Even the bed behind him was decorated in red, giving the whole place an air of festivity.

Outside, voices and laughter rang out, lively and filled with cheer. Peeking out through the window, he saw people bustling about, and everything was bathed in crimson as though this corner of the world was drenched in red.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and a group of people entered. A slightly plump woman at the head of the group gave him a mischievous smile and chirped, "Oh, my dear son-in-law! You're still standing here? It's time to enter the bridal chamber. We've been searching everywhere for you!"

Dai Yao's eyes widened as his mind spun, utterly bewildered.

"Wait, me? I'm getting married? I'm the groom? Where am I, and who am I marrying?"

One question after another tumbled out of his mouth, leaving the people around him just as confused.

"What's gotten into him?" someone whispered.

"Maybe the excitement was just too much, and he's a bit overwhelmed. Once he sees his bride, he'll be fine!" the plump woman chimed in.

With laughter and a few words of encouragement, a couple of sturdy men took hold of him by the arms and ushered him forward. Dai Yao glanced around at the surrounding architecture, his mind starting to clear. The buildings felt familiar, and he began to realize with a start that this was the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's compound.

Moving as though in a trance, he allowed the attendants to paint his face and arrange his robes. With a final flourish, the plump woman exclaimed, "All set!" and the crowd led him into a meticulously decorated room.

As he stepped inside, the heavy wooden doors shut behind him, leaving him alone in the silence. It was then that his awareness began to sharpen, and he took in his surroundings. Everything was awash in shades of red—the drapes, the paper cuttings in the window, the flickering glow of soft lanterns.

Through the thin veil of red fabric, he could see the outline of a woman seated on the bed, her hands resting demurely on her lap. She wore an elaborate red bridal headdress, which obscured her face, but even with her features hidden, Dai Yao felt an inexplicable sense of excitement and trepidation well up within him.

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