Chapter 1712 Marriage

Wynter reached out to grab the medium's hand. "Is this also part of the costume experience?"

The medium, Layla Orion, was an elderly woman. She didn't reply to Wynter's question.

It was then wynter realized that Layla likely didn't speak Cascadian, as even earlier, she had been chanting in Cantonian.

Layla was the definition of gloomy. It was as if she had been in this place for an eternity, even showing a hint of confusion in her demeanor. She couldn't comprehend why no one spoke their local language anymore.

She paid no attention to Wynter, instead proceeding to pour melted candle wax into the water. With deliberate care, she then sprinkled the water, bit by bit, over a phoenix-shaped coffin.

As someone well-versed in the Arcane Way, Wynter immediately recognized what was happening. This was a ritual for a spirit marriage.

Perhaps fearing Wynter might grow suspicious or be unsettled by Layla's actions, Hamilton stepped forward with a wide smile.

"Young lady, this is one of our local traditions. Decorating the items and using candle wax symbolize blessings for a prosperous year ahead."

Wynter returned the smile, her tone light. "What an unusual tradition. I've certainly never seen anything like it before."

"Other places don't experience such service. That's why it's such a unique experience for our tourists," Hamilton responded matter-of-factly. "We even tie it to our village's legend."

Wynter raised her eyebrows. "Legend? What legend?"

"The tale of the River God seeking a bride." Hamilton was a skilled manipulator. The more groundwork he laid now, the more it would shape everything that followed into nothing more than an experience in his target's eyes.

No matter what happened, he believed that Wynter would never suspect that she was meant to stay there permanently.

But unfortunately for him, his target was Wynter.

"Ah, the River God seeking a bride. If I recall, the textbook version of that story isn't exactly cheerful," Wynter said as she glanced at Layla's expression.

Layla was visibly enraged by her words, muttering something under her breath.

Hamilton gave Layla a subtle nudge before smiling at Wynter as he continued, "The things in textbooks are lifeless and incomplete-they don't capture the full picture.

"When the River God descends... Whether you've seen it or not, as long as you're in its presence, you're guaranteed a long and prosperous life."

Wynter raised her eyebrows again. "Is there such a thing?"

"Of course," Hamilton said confidently. "Those who haven't experienced it wouldn't understand. The River God doesn't just bring us longevity but also grants us great fortune and success."

Wynter chuckled. "The way you're talking, it's as if you've actually seen the River God yourself. Aren't we just here to experience the custom?"

"Yes, it's all about experiencing the custom," Hamilton continued. "Although, you might not believe me if I told you that not everyone here can actually see the River God. But some people truly have. For instance, my mother. Isn't that right, Mom?"

Layla nodded.

"Is it that miraculous?" Wynter asked with raised eyes.

"You might not understand just how remarkable this mountain is. Let me put it this way. This place is built on Celestial Force, and the layout here was guided by a medium." Hamilton spoke with pride.

"Even flying serpents can ascend to dragons. You young folks these days are all about wealth, aren't you? If you do end up meeting the River God, you'd better pay your respects properly."

Wynter didn't miss a beat, keeping her tone light as she replied, "If that's the case, I should definitely say a few extra prayers if I meet it. It would be a shame not to."

"That's the spirit. Time is running short. Mom, hurry up," Hamilton said in Cascadian before suddenly switching to Cantonian. "The River God won't tolerate lateness."

"I know. Where did you find this girl? She's so ignorant," Layla muttered in Cantonian as her gaze fell darkly on Wynter. "I can't stand these unruly ones. What if she offends the River God later?"

Hearing their exchange, Wynter hid her face behind her hand fan, revealing only her amused eyes. She knew they didn't know she could understand Cantonian. If they did, they wouldn't have been so brazen in discussing such matters in front of her.

let on that she understood every word. Instead, she laughed softly. "This outfit is fantastic-the accessories even look like solid

that more people will come here to visit through you young folks' promotion. Anyway, enough of that for now I'll take you to the

grand weddings. Once you're inside, don't panic or make a fuss. There will be offerings in the carriage, and you're welcome to

the hairpin in her hand. "Such

course," Hamilton replied, smiling like a simple and

was just a cultural experience. After all, travel influencers these days often described their

stay on guard in a

know when to get out. But, you must be well- behaved.

I know.

River God remember her for

her gaze sharp as it fixed on Hamilton. "I just called him,

They're still setting off fireworks near the river. Once you're in the carriage, you can try calling

she was in, though, there would never be a chance for her to get

Dalton. It was very uncharacteristic of him to ignore her calls

seem likely that he could pose

hadn't he answered? Could it really just be that

or Wolf along. Especially Wolf if he were to stand by the river, this so-called River

with wearing a

behind Wynter, giving Layla a

them was an especially ornate flower hairpin, adorned with cascading crystal tassels that

preparations, fixed the final touch-a bridal veil-over Wynter's head. At that exact moment, she secured the exquisite

instantaneous. Wynter's thoughts froze, and fragments of her memories seemed to drain from her mind, slipping away like sand through her fingers. Seated before

even picked up a lipstick from the side and began to touch up

all, no one had ever escaped this flower hairpin's

everything except their impending marriage

smiled in satisfaction. "Now, that's better. Stop bringing ones like this again.

before gesturing with his

room. As they approached, they stood behind

that Layla, who had been dressing Wynter, was the village's

and straightened slightly, her voice aged. "Bring the bride to

prepared.

With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the papers skyward while chanting, "One union for

endless longevity.

humbly request

Something metallic jangled faintly.

humbly request your presence!

the carriage. Wynter, like a soulless marionette, was

with complex and exquisite golden patterns, resembling brilliant

flowers of every color vied for attention,

in a magnificent bridal gown, sat at the carriage's

the sunlight, complementing the gold hairpins

distinguished.

the celebratory drumbeats sounded, the carriage slowly began

lined the sides, watching quietly. There were no expressions on their faces, except for

Her eyes were filled with concern, while the others seemed

if the entire place was in a state of hushed anticipation. There were no animals in sight, and under the moonlight, the river lay

truly anxious now. He realized that this was no ordinary wedding ceremony. If the ritual were completed, Wynter's

this! Hence, ignoring the oppressive sound of the

quickly shook Wynter. "Master, wake up! You can't go forward any longer.

enough, Leo quickly noticed something wrong with

shock. "How is this possible? What could possibly trap your

cultivation, nothing ordinary should

in the world.

sensed it. But now, even

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