"Who are you all? What are you talking about?"
Vahn's voice trembled as he feigned ignorance, pretending to be nothing more than a confused mortal. If he had no information, it was better to act like a fool.
But his act only drew sharper dissatisfaction.
The first woman sneered with contempt.
"So be it, Seraphina. You kind-hearted fool may keep him if you must. But remember this, this mortal should never cross my path. Should he show his face before me, I will end him without hesitation."
Her presence vanished like a shadow swallowed by darkness.
Second woman scoffed, her tone fiery.
"Tch. Pathetic. Train your body and sharpen your will, boy, or don't ever dare stand before me. Weaklings deserve nothing but scorn."
Her silhouette illuminated like a blazing torch before dissolving into sparks.
The third let out another chuckle.
"Fufufu… so timid, so naïve. But perhaps there's charm in that too. Let us meet again when you've grown into a man, little husband."
Her laughter reverberated like chrysanthemum in the wind before she, too, disappeared.
The Fourth woman's voice was like whispers carried on starlight:
"Fate has spoken. Whether you wither or endure, we shall see in time."
Her shadow dissolved into silver dust, fading like constellations at dawn.
The fifth one giggled mischievously.
"Haha! He really doesn't know anything! This will be fun. Don't die before I get to test you, okay?"
Before leaving, the sixth one gave a sharp command:
"Remember this well, boy. You were only chosen. Prove the gods right, or prove them fools—I do not care. But if you fail, and you will regret ever stepping in our world."
With a wave of icy wind, she disappeared as well.
Finally, silence descended.
Only the woman called as Seraphina's silhouette remained.
He was curious. But there's also caution of the unknown in his heart that made him hesitate.
But then as if hearing his wish, the mist suddenly moved as if alive. They drifted apart ro reveal a holy figure stepping forward.
At first glance, Vahn got his breath stolen away.
And why not?
Each of her movement bore the quiet majesty of dawn breaking over the horizon.
Her golden hair fluttered in waves, glowing soft like sunlight like reflection on a clear river. They cascaded behind her shoulders in a way that framed her face with an otherworldly glow.
Her serene blue eyes were deep, enough to hold both the sky and the sea. When they fell upon Vahn, they expressed warmth that eased the tension on his chest.
Her features were delicate but refined, the kind of beauty sculptors would cry day and night to capture. Her lips were all natural, not too sharp not too soft, as though they were made for both prayer and gentle smiles only.
Her smile was calm and gentle.
Her pale skin was flawless, emitting a holy radiance, making her seem untouched by the mortal world.
She wore flowing white robes trimmed with gold, embroidered in patterns that shimmered like constellations. The fabric that floated with every step, looked as if made from morning clouds
Lastly, In the middle of her chest, a lotus-shaped pendant hung with gentle light, bathing her form in a sacred glow.
She was beautiful not in a way that inspired desire alone. But in a way that could calm anyone's heart. Her presence brought peace, like she was the embodiment of hope itself.
"Do not fear, Vahn. Though the others scorn you, I will not leave you behind. Weak or strong, lost or found… you are my husband. And I will stand by you, no matter the storms ahead."
Vahn pretended to be a ignorant mortal.
"W-who are you? Did the heavens truly send you as my wife?"
Seraphina's gaze softened, her smile as radiant as the morning sun.
"There is no need to be so tense, Vahn. I am Seraphina Dawnlight, Saintess of Light and Healing. And from this day forward, I carry another identity as well—the First Wife of Vahn Necrotis."
Her words fell like a gentle melody, yet they struck his heart harder than thunder.
Saintess of Light… He had heard of her that title countless times. Every child in the village grew up on stories of her miracles. Tales of her kind heart and peerless healing arts spread across kingdoms and empires, passed down as cherished bedtime stories.
It was said that she had once purified an entire corrupted sea with nothing but her holy radiance alone. That she walked into lands where plague and despair reigned, and left behind hope where none should have remained.
Some called her the Priestess of Gods. Others revered her as the Mother of Kindness. To the desperate, she was the Last Bastion of Virtue.
And now, she stood before him. Not as a distant legend, but as his wife.
It was ridiculous, but true.
She then extended her jade-like fingers and said,
"Come with me, Vahn. I will take you to our holy land. Patriach Dimidium would be very happy to see you."
As soon as she said this, Vahn snapped out of his stupefied reverie at once, his mind becoming clear and sharper than any blade.
The place she spoke was obviously filled with immortal cultivators. For a beginner like him, it was too dangerous.
But he also knew he couldn't deny her outright. What if some more crueler force came to take him if she returns empty-handed?
Them he might left with no freedom at all.
So he hesitated a little before speaking.
"It doesn't seem I can deny, can I?"
"No, you can't, Vahn. Someone else would come take you if you don't come with me. And tbey wouldn't be so kind," She stated.
"I see. Then before I leave I want to say my Farewell to everyone? Can you grant this request of mine?"
He gazed at her with watery eyes, as if the sudden parting was too much for him.