The Golden Voyage began its journey to collect guests. Its first stop was Hu Jian’s small, quiet hometown. The arrival of the sky-ship caused a sensation, with the entire town turning out to stare in stunned silence as it hovered majestically above their homes.

Hu Jian’s family and their chosen guests were escorted aboard, their faces looking around in wonder and child-like curiosity. They were simple, hardworking people, and the sheer luxury of the ship was something they couldn’t have even conceived of in their dreams.

As the ship traveled towards Clearwater City, the atmosphere on board was one of joyous disbelief. The guests, guided by the Guild’s impeccable hosts, explored the decks, their conversations a constant buzz of excitement. The primary topic was the engagement of Hu Jian and Mei Fen but of course, there were conversations about who was the mysterious benefactor behind the grand event.

The questioning of who Hu Jian was and who he worked for was on everyone’s lips. The Guild hosts handled these questions with practiced grace. When a guest praised the magnificence of the ship, a host would smile warmly and reply, “It is our organization’s distinct honor to provide this vessel to celebrate the joyous union of our esteemed friend, Master Hu Jian, and the lovely Lady Mei Fen.”

Every word was designed to redirect the praise, to make it clear that Hu Jian and Mei Fen were the couple of the day. The Guild was there only to enhance the couple’s day and make them shine.

Hu Jian’s parents, though proud, were also deeply worried. They found their son and pulled him aside, their voices low and concerned. “Jian’er,” his mother said, her hand gripping his arm tightly, “this is all wonderful, but who are these people? To have such wealth … it is a bit frightening.”

Hu Jian, now filled with a quiet confidence, reassured them. “They are the friends I told you about. They are powerful, but they are good people. Today, they are here for us, to help me show that I have a strong backer too. You have nothing to fear.”

As they arrived at the town, the guests crowded the viewing decks, and a collective gasp went through the crowd. Below them, the venue was beautifully decorated for the engagement party. The Guild had constructed a magnificent, open-air pavilion on a scenic cliffside overlooking the sea.

It was adorned with flowing silks in shades of crimson and gold, and every surface was covered in a breathtaking profusion of thousands upon thousands of flowers of all different types, a vibrant, fragrant tapestry of color and life. Another of the Guild’s ships was already there, an equally impressive vessel that had been used to pick up the guests from Mei Fen’s clan.

The two groups of guests began to mingle, all of them being treated like royalty by the attentive Guild staff. Everything was done to put the couple at the forefront of everything. The layout of the venue was designed to draw the eye to the central ceremonial stage. The music was beautiful but unobtrusive, creating a perfect atmosphere for conversation.

The Guild staff themselves were present but discreet, a silent, efficient force that ensured every guest’s cup was full and every need was met without ever drawing attention to themselves. They were extremely disciplined and Li Yu was very impressed with them, thanking Kui several times throughout the day for the great job he’s done.

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The time for the ceremony arrived. The rites of getting engaged began, performed by a respected elder from Mei Fen’s own clan who was an expert in local traditions. The ceremony was elegant, heartfelt, and steeped in tradition. Hu Jian and Mei Fen stood together, their faces radiant with happiness.

Both families watched from the front, their pride and joy evident to all. Some in Mei Fen’s clan, who had previously been unhappy with the choice and thought the young master of the Iron Peak Clan was a better match, were now smart enough to keep their mouths shut. With friends and power like this, the entire Iron Peak Clan couldn’t hold a candle to Hu Jian.

Li Yu was truly happy for his friend. He stood with Brother Kai and Lin Tao, the three of them watching the ceremony with warm smiles. “He looks happy,” Brother Kai said, his voice filled with genuine affection. “He deserves it,” Lin Tao added. “He’s a good man.”

Seeing their friend, who had for so long been nervous and unsure of himself, now standing tall and confident next to the woman he loved, was a profoundly joyous moment for them all. They all watched on, each with different thoughts in their heads.

After the rites were concluded, the three friends pulled Hu Jian aside to offer their rowdy congratulations. They joked with one another on who would be getting engaged next. “Alright, alright, one of us is down,” Lin Tao said with a laugh, clapping Hu Jian on the back. “That means it’s your turn, Kai! You’re the oldest, you need to be next, or else we won’t have a turn!”

Brother Kai could only laugh it off, saying he had no interest in anyone at the moment, but for a fleeting second, there was a deep sadness in his eyes, a hint of a romance that didn’t go well in the past. Li Yu and Lin Tao both noticed, so they didn’t press him and changed the subject back to the happy events of the present, their friendship deep enough to respect the unspoken boundaries of past heartaches.

With the formal ceremony complete, the grand feast began. Everyone started to eat, with an incredible array of dishes being brought out and served by the Guild’s staff. The food was a magnificent spread, featuring delicacies from all across the region, just as Li Yu had requested.

This was the one area where he added his thoughts in this event, at least making sure there were all kinds of foods, teas, and alcohol to sample. Hu Jian and his now-official fiancée sat at the seat of honor, the undeniable center of attention.

The presentation of gifts began, with various guests and families offering their congratulations. Then came the Guild’s gift. Kui, beaming with his usual cheerful energy, walked up to the seat of honor. He bowed respectfully to the couple. “On behalf of the Golden Shell Guild, we offer our most sincere congratulations. Please accept this small token of our esteem.”

He presented Hu Jian with a high-grade storage ring. He then turned to the crowd, his voice warm and celebratory. “Furthermore, to honor our dear friends Hu Jian and Mei Fen, the Golden Shell Guild is pleased to announce that we will be opening a new branch here in Clearwater City! We believe this city has a bright future, and we hope to contribute to its prosperity. We have offered our friend, Hu Jian, the position of branch leader, should he choose to accept it. For now, let us all raise a cup to the happy couple!”

His speech was mainly there to further add to the show that the Golden Shell Guild is here for this couple, this family. We are also setting up shop here in this city so think twice before you try anything.

The rest of the evening was a joyous affair. Everyone enjoyed themselves into the night. The powerful retainers broke off into groups themselves to chat and discuss. Jian found Kael, and the two of them sampled the various rare liquors, their conversation a low rumble of warriors’ talk about their home continent. Jian was bragging about how he beat this person or this sect or clan.

Bai Yan, Cyra, and Shara found a quiet corner to observe the festivities, their own conversations more subdued but still talkative. Li Yu, however, remained with Brother Kai and Lin Tao, talking into the night, just three friends enjoying a happy, peaceful moment while celebrating their good friend.