Chapter 184
by fanqienovelChapter 184: The Truth About the Followers
You You felt an uneasy premonition, as though she’d missed something vital. The foreboding intensified as the Star Picking Ceremony commenced.
When they reached the front hall, guests from various sects had already gathered in the square. A floating platform hovered above, constructed through formations. Two identical yet half-overlapping formations were carved onto it, their complex talismans swirling restlessly. The man who’d stood beside Qing Yu Celestial Maiden earlier now waited solemnly within the left formation.
“That formation…” You You murmured.
Feng Rong—though no expert in formations—blurted out, “The Heart Union Formation! For binding partners!” His grip on her hand tightened oddly, his gaze lingering with something like… envy?
Qing Yu Celestial Maiden arrived then, clad in majestic crimson robes far grander than before. Her makeup accentuated her beauty, drawing an awed gasp from Wu Yue. A handsome man supported her arm, head bowed as they advanced toward the platform. After a few steps, he passed her to another man, who repeated the gesture. You You counted four such men along the short path—all Nascent Soul cultivators.
Recalling Wu Yue’s mention of five Followers, You You realized these four must be the ones excluding her partner. Yet unlike the radiant Qing Yu and her eagerly awaiting partner, these men wore expressions of silent anguish, their sorrow stark against the festive backdrop.
Glancing around, You You noticed spectators observing the Followers with pity rather than confusion. Her unease grew.
The fourth Follower guided Qing Yu to the formation’s center but suddenly clutched her palm, refusing to let go. Her partner stormed forward, wrenching their hands apart before leading Qing Yu into position.
As the Heart Union Formation activated, white light engulfed the platform. Ancient chants echoed while talismans wove around the pair. Petals rained down as birds sang and gentle glow illuminated the Sect. The crowd erupted in cheers—yet Qing Yu’s four Followers had vanished, retreating in separate directions with unchanged grief.
“Why aren’t her other Followers happy?” You You whispered to Wu Yue.
“Would you be?” Wu Yue sighed. “Choosing a partner means cutting ties with Followers. Years of devotion can’t be abandoned easily, even for her final wish.”
“What?” Cold dread pooled in You You’s stomach. “What’s their relationship?”
“A life-death bond!” Wu Yue blinked. “In the Mortal Realm? Husband servants.”
……
Husband servants?!
If Followers equaled husband servants, then Establishing Contracts meant… marriage licenses?!
She’d already signed THREE?!
(Д≡Д)
Her mind buzzed like struck temple bell.
“Noblewomen often keep multiple husband servants,” Wu Yue prattled. “I’d never pick a partner—why not more Followers? Sister You, listen—”
“Silence!” Feng Rong clamped hands over You You’s ears, dragging her away. Only when Long Xi restrained Wu Yue did he release her, cheeks flushed as he muttered, “Partnerships… aren’t terrible. But you must choose me!” He squeezed her hand desperately.
……
Receiving no answer, Feng Rong bargained, “You’ve three Followers. The old man doesn’t count. Yuan Qi’s contract was necessity. Only I…” His voice dropped. “Only I was your true choice. So—pick me!”
Edging closer, he darted a furtive kiss to her cheek while the crowd cheered.
You You, mentally shattered: ……
She needed silence. Now.