Chapter 181: Cherishing the Present

Chapter 181: Cherishing the Present

Zhou Yun was only briefly awake before Guan Yuanfeng took him back to the Cloud Peak Mountain Villa, where he fell into a deep sleep and did not wake up for a long time.

Yao Huan came to check his pulse and said it was likely due to psychic exhaustion, advising that he should just sleep well and not be disturbed.

Although the city of Guixu had just experienced a major event and there were many tasks to wrap up and handle, Guan Yuanfeng stayed at the Cloud Peak Mountain Villa, unwilling to leave Zhou Yun. He managed all his work from home, with documents delivered daily for his signature.

After sleeping for three full days, Zhou Yun finally woke up, everything normal. However, he could no longer go to the hospital, as his identity had been completely exposed during the live broadcast, and he was now in the spotlight. He took Guan Yuanfeng's advice and worked diligently from home.

The city of Guixu released an official statement, classifying the event as a terrorist attack and publicly disclosing evidence of the destruction of their island laboratory.

In addition, they briefly announced the wedding of the city lord Dong Jun and General Guan.

As long as Zhou Yun did not go out, his days were no different from before. Guan Yuanfeng, on the other hand, was different. Since the wedding announcement, he was inundated with endless phone calls and emails, all from important people—former comrades-in-arms, old superiors, teachers, classmates, relatives, and old friends—all emerging and requiring his personal response.

Guan Yuanfeng had to inform them all about the wedding details and promised to send electronic invitations.

Zhou Yun simply smiled beside him. Guan Yuanfeng, noticing his strange smile, hung up the phone and asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Zhou Yun coughed lightly, not wanting to tease General Guan for his eagerness to announce it to the world, and only said subtly, "Nothing, General Guan is righteous and well-connected. I wonder how many guests the small island can accommodate."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Don't worry too much, many will just send gifts. In these chaotic times, many have reservations and won't come in person."

Zhou Yun laughed, "True, not to mention whether they believe in Guixu, what if there's another terrorist attack like in the arena, or a tsunami, hurricane, or snowstorm? On the island, there's no help to call for..." He saw Guan Yuanfeng's reproachful look and closed his mouth. Guan Yuanfeng said, "Our wedding will be perfect, everything will go smoothly."

Zhou Yun felt a bit guilty and changed the topic, "How's the competition going?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "It continues, the number of viewers has doubled, and the youth finals are out. Ren Duoduo won the championship. The data center urgently expanded the servers, and online applications to live in Guixu have doubled. The city hall is very busy. You can continue to watch the arena matches."

Zhou Yun said, "Okay, shall we go together?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "I have a small matter to arrange, you go first. The wedding rings are being delivered today, you should try them on."

Zhou Yun agreed, and Guan Yuanfeng had Dong Kexin arrange a car. Dong Kexin also brought the guest list for him to confirm, and he went downstairs to handle related work.

Zhou Yun lazily lay on the bed for a while before going downstairs to the backyard garden to pick some vegetables. After selecting the freshest ones, he returned to the front and heard Guan Yuanfeng talking with Taoist Master Yunyin and Master Xinhai.

"After waking up, he hasn't used his psychic abilities, and he seems to lack energy."

Master Xinhai said, "It's probably psychic exhaustion, he just needs to rest slowly, right?"

Guan Yuanfeng shook his head, "I watched the recording afterward, the thick fog, the full deployment of controlled psychic plants, all four types of psychic abilities were used. It felt more like psychic dispersion... If he hadn't woken up then..." He didn't mention the Lotus and the dream, but the dream was originally cast on the enemy, yet Zhou Yun was deeply trapped in it. He feared that if he hadn't returned in time, Zhou Yun might have self-destructed in the dream, dissipating into the universe, becoming one with the heavens?

Taoist Master Yunyin pondered, "Everything has its number, the heavens have their energy. The Taoist concept of the interaction between heaven and man indeed speaks of ascension to immortality. The great master Qiu Changchun once ascended to immortality amidst dense auspicious clouds and flying cranes... However, now that Lord Zhou is conscious and his physical examination shows no major issues, there should be no big problem. General Guan, there's no need to worry too much."

Master Xinhai also smiled, "Since there are earthly attachments, naturally one cannot transcend the mundane. General, cherish the present with the city lord."

Guan Yuanfeng remained silent.

Zhou Yun quietly turned and went upstairs, pretending not to hear.

Since waking from that dream, Guan Yuanfeng had stayed by his side, sticking to him closely. Now he understood the reason. He was touched but also aware that with the past and present intertwined, he sometimes struggled to distinguish reality from illusion. As the master said, cherish the present, treasure the moment.

Half a month later, with favorable weather, the wedding proceeded as scheduled.

The molten evening glow cascaded into the vast blue waves, gilding the edge of the sea. The crisp wind carried the salty scent of the sea, and in the distance, a white line of waves surged onto the fine-grained sand, chasing and spraying silver foam.

The island of Orange Snow, adorned with flowers and balloons, was like a fairy tale dream, filled with music and laughter.

The ten-mile-long beach had been adorned in advance with flower canopies, countless outdoor buffet tables, flowers, balloons, and white lace curtains dancing in the sea breeze.

Rows of lanterns along the edge of the beach were lit, emitting a soft orange glow. Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be giant mutant fireflies, their abdomens glowing brightly, flapping their wings, and shimmering over the sea.

Guan Yuanfeng, dressed in a military uniform adorned with medals, looked handsome and upright. Zhou Yun, in a white suit with a flower brooch on his chest, walked down the flower-strewn aisle with Guan Yuanfeng amidst the applause of the guests to the wedding ceremony stage.

Many high-ranking military officers attended the wedding in their formal uniforms. Ye Yuqing, Ren Yuefei, Luo Shouchang, Fu Shaogang, and other military leaders from various regions were present, accompanied by several administrators of Guixu City, seated at the head table, quietly discussing the situation in the north. Many base leaders also arrived, taking advantage of this rare opportunity in the post-apocalyptic world to exchange experiences and discuss how to cooperate with Guixu to establish a foothold in the new era.

General Tan arrived at the scene in a solemn military uniform. After transplanting a crystal core, his white hair had turned black, and he appeared rejuvenated. He officiated the wedding: "In this age cloaked in darkness and despair, on this land washed by storms yet still shining with the light of civilization, I am delighted to witness an extraordinary wedding today—the wedding of Zhou Yun, the Lord of Guixu, and General Guan Yuanfeng of the Southwest Military Region."

"In times when war and disaster loom, testing human emotions and beliefs, Guan Yuanfeng, as a fearless soldier, stood on the front lines safeguarding our homeland. He has made outstanding contributions in safeguarding survivor bases, rescuing survivors, eliminating zombies and mutant creatures, and eradicating anti-human terrorist organizations. Today, as a representative of the military, as Guan Yuanfeng's mentor in the army, and as his elder, I am pleased that he has found a lifelong soulmate in this post-apocalyptic world."

"Lord Zhou Yun, as a doctor and a researcher, has made significant contributions in the fields of psychic activation, crystal core binding, crystal core weapons, and mutant herb research. Like the first light of dawn, he has brought new hope for human survival in the post-apocalyptic world. As the Lord of Guixu, he is humble and fair, providing comprehensive protection for survivors and setting an excellent example for other survivor bases. On behalf of the military, I extend the highest respect to Lord Zhou Yun for his efforts and contributions in this post-apocalyptic era."

"You have stepped forward in the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world, protecting survivors with your flesh and blood, illuminating the path of survival with wisdom. Confronting the storms of this era, you have shielded yourselves with love and wielded responsibility as a sword, facing future challenges together. Your marriage is not only a commitment to each other but also a hymn to the brilliance of humanity, a steadfast belief in love and hope."

"May your marriage endure like the stars; may your love remain steadfast till old age."

"Finally, let us raise our glasses to the happy marriage of Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun, to their bravery, wisdom, selflessness, and dedication!"

Amidst the cheers of everyone, Zhou Yun and Guan Yuanfeng exchanged wedding rings, embraced, and kissed passionately. Guan Yuanfeng held Zhou Yun tightly, kissing him with fervor.

Zhou Yun had expected a simple ceremonial kiss, but Guan Yuanfeng's intensity quickly drew him into the moment. After the deep kiss, Guan Yuanfeng held him for a long time, and the applause from the crowd, like a tidal wave, continued unabated.

In the midst of the joyous noise, Zhou Yun heard Guan Yuanfeng whisper in his ear, "Thank you for choosing to stay with me."

Zhou Yun held his hands in return, and they smiled at each other, knowing no words were needed.

In the VIP area below, Qin Sheng let out a long sigh: "Finally, we've successfully completed a major event."

Qin Mu glanced at him: "It's a great day, don't say anything inappropriate."

Qin Sheng replied, "You don't understand. General Guan has been micromanaging every detail, double-checking everything. The pressure on us has been immense. Even Sister Kexin quietly complained that General Guan is too anxious. Who would dare to challenge Guixu now?"

Ye Yuqing remarked coolly, "Though good things come to those who wait, Lord Dongjun has many options. Of course, General Guan is anxious, given how fiercely he's asserting his claim." Many were thinking of ways to invite Dongjun to their bases. Not to mention the benefits the early bases like Mobei and Jingnan received, even the Sanchu and Xining bases gained a lot from the crystal core weapons. The early advantages of the Lindong base were gone, and due to the shadow bat loophole left by the earlier Haiyuan Laboratory, he owed Guan Yuanfeng a huge favor, which he would have to repay slowly, humbling himself before Guan Yuanfeng. Who would have thought that two years ago, he was the deputy commander of the alliance, and Guan Yuanfeng was just a special forces team leader... Truly, a husband's status is elevated by his spouse, Ye Yuqing thought sourly.

Ren Yuefei smiled, "Love is truly beautiful."

The wedding ceremony was simple and low-key, not broadcasted publicly, with only a few journalists invited.

After the ceremony, the guests watched a fireworks display over the sea and released the mutant fireflies along the coast. The twinkling fireflies and the starry sky created a mesmerizing scene, and the evening banquet ended in a joyful atmosphere.

Most guests stayed overnight on the island, while some high-ranking leaders of major bases and military officials, such as General Tan, left the island after giving their blessings.

However, the beach at night still hosted an unplanned bonfire party. Shen Lan played the piano by the sea, and Qin Sheng's band performed passionately on the sand.

The top three contestants from each group in the Tournament were invited to the wedding. Most of these participants were young psychics, lively and outgoing, making the beach come alive with music, drumbeats, laughter, and the sound of waves echoing into the night.