Tonight, the sky above Onia Star was unusually clear, the entire city bathed in starlight. The newly completed Celestial River Hotel had opened its deepest aerial garden for the very first time—prepared to witness a wedding that would send ripples across the entire Star Alliance.
At the garden’s center, a suspended bridge stretched across the air, its surface flowing with soft, luminous patterns. Silver-white petals drifted through the sky, carried by the wind, each one catching the glow of floating lotus lanterns above, scattering fragments of light like stardust. The lanterns swayed gently, intertwining with the falling petals to create a dreamlike, celestial sea.
Guests from all major star systems had gathered.
Navien wore a flowing robe of luminous silk, eyes solemn; Rain’s chest gleamed with medals of valor.
Il, Veli, and Philip, along with the other female officers, stood in formal attire, the atmosphere reverent. Gu Qing’s companions gradually entered:
Ace in a black-and-red suit restrained their excitement, though their spiritual aura flickered faintly; Loes in a pink suit, elegant and composed; and the women who had once been under Gu Qing’s protection quietly took their seats amid the silver flower rain, eyes full of blessings.
A majestic overture rose, classical and grand, telling the tale of two solitary lights meeting, merging, and finally blooming together.
As the main gates slowly opened, lanterns along the red carpet lit in sequence, as if stars themselves were guiding the way.
Gu Qing stepped forward first. Dressed in a deep black, intricately tailored wedding suit, sharp lines like a blade, sleeves and hem embroidered with flowing star maps in silver thread. His brows and eyes were sharp as a sword, aura calm and commanding. His long hair was bound high with a gold chain, exuding both coldness and authority. Yet all eyes soon shifted to the figure at his side.
Silver-haired Milton Collins walked hand in hand with him. Milton wore a form-fitting silver-white suit, intricate patterns of ice blue and gold thread. His moonlit hair partially bound by a silver chain revealed the delicate porcelain-like nape. His violet eyes were clear, lips softly red, and while his features retained the composed, noble presence of a star general, a gentle warmth surfaced whenever he glanced at Gu Qing.
He was like a cold, precious moon, forming a perfect counterpoint to Gu Qing’s deep, fiery presence—a harmony of strength and gentleness, sword and moon. Together, they brought a sacred quiet to the bustling hall.
Above, the little celestial mascot burst into the sky like opening fireworks, squealing in excitement: “Wow!! This aura!! It’s like the gods of stars descended! My heart can’t take it!!”
Whispers rippled among the guests:
“…Incredible… how perfectly matched they are.”
“Milton is usually so stoic, but standing beside Gu Qing, there’s this indescribable tenderness.”
“Oh my… I think I believe in love now…”
“Together, they just reset the Star Alliance’s standard of beauty!”
Hand in hand, Gu Qing and Milton walked along the red carpet laid out like a river of stars, ascending toward the dais.
On the carpet, Milton’s fingertips felt cool, his heart fluttering with unprecedented nervousness. At this moment, he was no longer the strategist commanding armies on the battlefield—he was a man about to pledge his life to the one he loved.
Gu Qing sensed his unease and intertwined their fingers. Warmth and steadfast strength flowed through their touch, instantly calming Milton’s stormy heart.
Their eyes met again, a burning, tender light igniting in Milton’s gaze. Together, they advanced toward the dais, calm yet resolute, as silver petals rained upon their shoulders. At that moment, their brilliance outshone every star and floating lantern in the hall.
Along the red carpet, Rain and Navien raised their glasses in tribute, sincere congratulations shining in their eyes. Il was crying noisily, Philip’s eyes were wet, and Veli dabbed tears with a heart-patterned handkerchief. Ace’s eyes glimmered with restrained tears, deliberately looking away, while Loes pretended not to notice, a subtle smile curling at the corners of his mouth. The women under Gu Qing’s protection shared quiet smiles, the entire space suffused with warmth and shared joy.
Guests held their breath, anticipating the Star Stone Ceremony, a symbol of soul-bound unity, the air heavy with solemnity and quiet excitement.
Marshal Akran Hubert ascended the dais, military uniform impeccable, bearing a rare softness beneath his serious expression. He surveyed the hall, voice steady and commanding:
“Today, the Star Alliance witnesses an extraordinary union. Not only a vow between two officers, but the merging of two souls. Gu Qing, steadfast and wise, our most reliable ally; Milton Collins, proud general of the insectoid fleet, calm and resolute, bringing vitality to the Alliance.”
“Forged by war, tested by time, their love endures. Marriage is more than the joining of lives—it is the fusion of two cultures. May your union, like the stars, shine eternally, illuminating every future dawn.”
Applause erupted, filling the aerial garden with blessing and joy.
Marshal Akran paused, voice deepening with solemnity: “Now, we proceed with the ancient interstellar tradition—the Star Stone Ceremony.”
He held up a crystal-clear Star Stone, voice grave and reverent: “The Star Stone is a time-honored wedding ritual. Lovers infuse it with their spiritual energy, a testament to the unity of their souls.”
“In the vast sea of stars, few can fully light a Star Stone. It is said that only couples with spiritual compatibility of ninety percent or higher can make it shine brilliantly.”
The marshal handed the Star Stone to Gu Qing and Milton. As they poured their spiritual energy into it simultaneously, the stone erupted in dazzling brilliance, a beam of light shooting into the heavens, illuminating the entire hall.
Guests murmured in astonishment: “Unbelievable… their spiritual sync is that high! Such a rare miracle!”
Marshal Akran nodded solemnly: “Under the witness of the boundless stars and this Star Stone, may the couple now pledge their final vows, sealing their union with their highest token.”
At the dais, Gu Qing slowly raised his hand, fingertips brushing the Eternal Star Necklace at Milton’s neck. It was his soul-light, his most solemn promise.
Milton lifted his head, violet eyes shy yet resolute. Before all eyes, their lips met in a slow, reverent kiss, carrying every promise and emotion.
The celestial mascot shrieked above them, light and shadow spinning wildly: “Wow wow wow! This isn’t just a wedding—this is cosmic-level romance!!”
Silver petals flew, all eyes fixed. This love, spanning races and worlds, was now etched into the history of the Star Alliance.
Amid the enchantment and celebration, a subtle figure stood quietly.
Caesar—the former insectoid emperor—masked his presence, observing this most prominent marriage in the Star Alliance. His eyes shimmered with intrigue, caution, and an unspoken calculation.
The future of the galaxy, with this figure present, was destined to stir new waves.