Chapter 791 - 394: The Grand Wedding Day

Chapter 791: Chapter 394: The Grand Wedding Day

"Cheng Zongyang greets the elders."

Cheng Zongyang’s voice, steady and powerful, echoed throughout the room. With a solemn expression, he cupped his hands and bowed to the village elders.

One could say that everyone in the Cheng Family Manor was practically family now.

In this land filled with warmth and affection, the elders had witnessed the growth of the younger generation.

Every familiar face was a precious part of his memory. Here at home, status didn’t matter—only seniority. It was only natural for him to bow.

He was also setting an example, lest any descendants who left this place return with their noses in the air.

That would mean the clan ideology he had established had failed.

The applause and cheers from the crowd instantly grew more fervent, the sound like surging waves crashing against everyone’s hearts, one after another.

This applause and cheering was not just out of joy for Cheng Zongyang’s return, but also out of gratitude.

Without Cheng Zongyang, these people who had once fled as refugees might have perished somewhere unknown. If not for him, their children and grandchildren would not have the lives they did today.

Many had since intermarried, and some had even become disciples of the Cheng Family’s Earth Branch Lineage. They were all considered one of their own now.

Just then, Cheng Zongyang saw his parents and uncles approaching, along with Cheng Zongliang and Zhou Zhendong. The corners of his mouth lifted into a warm smile as he said, "Father, Mother, Second Uncle..."

His voice trembled slightly, each name seeming to be drawn from the very depths of his heart.

His gaze lingered on his family’s faces, as if trying to make up for all the years he had missed. He smiled and said, "I’m not late, am I?"

The people around them parted to form a path, standing quietly on either side with eyes full of emotion.

Cheng Guanghai carefully studied his eldest son. The boy before him was a grown man now, but the memory of the independent and sensible child he once was felt like only yesterday.

But the one standing before him now was a mature, steady man who had weathered many storms.

Cheng Guanghai’s hand came to rest on Cheng Zongyang’s shoulder. It trembled slightly, as if he were patting the shoulder of his young son once more. His eyes reddened as he smiled and gave his son’s shoulder a firm squeeze—a silent exchange between father and son that conveyed a thousand unspoken words.

He opened his mouth, then closed it, finally managing a smile. "It’s good to have you back."

"My son!" Mrs. Zhou of the Cheng Family could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed from her eyes.

She rushed forward and threw her arms around her son, hugging him with a strength that seemed to want to meld him into her very being. Her body trembled as she choked out:

"I’ve missed you so much! All these years, I’ve been hoping every single day that you’d come home for a visit, but I know your work is important..."

Her words were broken by sobs, every syllable steeped in years of longing and worry.

She hadn’t seen him in six or seven years. The teenage boy he once was had vanished, his youthful features replaced by the face of a mature, steady man.

"Alright, now. Our son is back. This is a happy occasion," Cheng Guanghai said.

"Happy, I’m happy. These are happy tears," Mrs. Zhou of the Cheng Family said, quickly wiping her eyes.

Everyone laughed.

Cheng Zongyang simply took out a custom-made, exquisite Jade Hairpin and said with a smile:

"Mother, this is a gift I had made for you. When you take the main seat tomorrow, you’ll look even more beautiful wearing it."

"Yes, yes, of course. I’ll love anything you give me," Mrs. Zhou of the Cheng Family said, wiping away another tear.

Cheng Zongyang took out more gifts, turning to Cheng Zongliang, Zhou Zhendong, and the others.

Cheng Zongliang’s eyes lit up. "Is there something for us, too?" he asked.

As he spoke, he turned to his two wives. "Come here, you two."

The sisters Zhaodi and Laidi came forward, a little bashfully. They curtsied deeply. "Greetings, Elder Brother."

"Of course," Cheng Zongyang chuckled, not minding his brother’s antics. He then produced two Jade Boxes. "These are your wedding gifts. Wearing them will be beneficial for you."

"Thank you, Elder Brother." The two sisters accepted them, still a bit shy.

"What about my sister-in-law’s gift?" Cheng Zongliang snickered. "Brother Dong and I got married on the same day. Surprise! Weren’t expecting that, were you?"

"You little brat, don’t be ridiculous," Cheng Guanghai shot his second son a glare from the side.

"You think there’s anything that happens in the Realm of Ten Thousand Races that I don’t know about?" Cheng Zongyang gave his restless brother a knowing smirk, as if to say, ’Are you asking for it?’

"HAHAHA!" The onlookers burst into laughter at the sight.

Cheng Zongyang ignored him and took out three more gifts, handing them to his older cousin, Zhou Zhenyuan, and his wife.

"Cousin, I couldn’t get away when you two got married. I missed your wedding, and I missed Xingzu’s hundred-day celebration. As their uncle, that’s just not right. So, let me make up for it all today."

"Zongyang, you... this..." Zhou Zhenyuan said, a little flustered. "Zongliang already brought us your gift. You shouldn’t have..."

Cheng Zongyang smiled. "Cousin, we’re all family. It’s just a small token. Please, take it."

"Alright, then. Thank you, cousin." Zhou Zhenyuan accepted it with both hands.

"Thank you, cousin," his wife said, stepping forward happily while holding their child.

Cheng Shou’Er was originally from the Earth Branch Lineage. After she and Zhou Zhenyuan met, they gradually grew close and got together.

She used to call Cheng Zongyang ’Young Clan Leader’ or ’Elder Brother.’ Now, her form of address had changed.

Cheng Zongyang didn’t mind the change in status or address. But looking at the chubby little Zhou Xingzu, he chuckled and took the baby into his arms.

But the baby, afraid of strangers, immediately burst out crying, "WAAAAH!"