Luke came to the cellar.
The enormous cellar space, expanded many times by the Undetectable Extension Charm, was as large as several football fields.
Inside the cellar, treasures were piled up like mountains, gleaming with golden splendor under the faint light.
And amidst the golden mountains, Dragon Smaug lay dormant.
When Luke appeared here, the Dragon, who had been sleeping for a long time, reopened his eyes.
He stood up from the golden mountain, and instantly countless treasures fell from his body, creating a continuous clatter of jewels and gold coins.
At this time, Dragon Smaug was even more massive than he was a year ago.
From his original size of over a hundred meters, he had doubled, appearing to be over two hundred meters, nearly three hundred meters long.
The aura he emitted was also stronger.
"Master, why have you come?" Smaug asked, puzzled, and then his eyes lit up, revealing a fawning expression. "Could it be that Master is willing to entrust the Philosopher's Stone to me for safekeeping?"
Luke rolled his eyes at him, thinking, 'What good thoughts are you having?'
Entrusting the Philosopher's Stone to this greedy Dragon for safekeeping would be like throwing a meat bun to a dog—it would never come back.
He didn't waste words, directly taking out the Mithril box and opening it to reveal the Dwarf Rings and Human Rings inside.
"What are these?" Smaug curiously leaned over to look.
"These are some of Sauron's rings of power. You have now absorbed the Dragon Crystal of the Frost Dragon, so your Dragon Flame's temperature should be stronger, right? Do you have the ability to destroy these things?" Luke inquired.
Upon hearing this, Smaug immediately showed a proud expression, saying smugly, "Although I have only absorbed a portion of the Frost Dragon's power, my Dragon Flame's temperature is two or three times stronger, far exceeding most Dragons, and comparable only to ancient Dragons! Other Dragons can destroy rings of power, so of course I can now!"
Hearing Smaug's confident words, Luke immediately handed over the box. "Then the task of destroying these two things is up to you."
"No problem!" Smaug thumped his chest in assurance.
He then directly swallowed the two rings of power from the box into his belly.
Then, Smaug's chest emitted an intense heat, as if he had become a Dragon-shaped furnace, filled with terrifying Dragon Flame.
As the Dragon Flame incinerated them, the two rings of power could not withstand its strength and gradually began to melt.
Finally, accompanied by two violent explosions, they erupted from within Smaug.
Smaug was unaffected, letting out a satisfied burp and exhaling a plume of black smoke with an evil aura.
The black smoke dissipated with the wind, quickly vanishing.
And Smaug, looking as if he had eaten his fill, said with a contented expression, "Master, if there are any more good things like this in the future, just give them to me to handle. These rings stored a lot of power; although they were corrupted, they are still good things and have sped up my absorption of Dragon Crystals considerably!"
Seeing that the rings of power were useful to Smaug, Luke was a bit surprised, then also became happy.
After all, these rings of power were useless to him, and being able to make use of them was a good thing.
Because of the innate nature and characteristics of Dragons, even the one ring found it difficult to enchant and corrupt them, let alone rings of power.
In other words, these Dragons were already thoroughly wicked and evil enough, so the one ring couldn't make them any more evil.
Moreover, Dragons' attention was almost entirely focused on gold treasures, and they had no interest in other things, neither wanting to rule the world nor desiring power.
Therefore, the one ring and rings of power held no allure for Dragons whatsoever.
Thus, when Smaug discovered Bilbo possessed the Ring in the Lonely Mountain, he had no intention of snatching it.
Or rather, if he did want to snatch it, it would only be because the Ring's material was made of gold.
Just like the Dragon Smaug in front of him, Luke had never understood his thought process.
Gold coins and jewels could neither be eaten nor used, yet Smaug valued them more than his own life; taking even one gold coin from him was like cutting off a piece of his flesh.
He even felt it wasn't enough, always wanting to drag more wealth from outside into his lair, and he constantly coveted the Philosopher's Stone in Luke's hand, which could turn stone into gold, his eyes burning with desire every time he saw it.
Having dealt with the two rings of power, Luke left the cellar and returned to the castle.
At the same time, Sauron, far away in Mordor, also sensed the destruction of the two rings.
The Ringwraiths, who had only recently been resurrected from Sauron's Eye, screamed and completely dissipated when the rings were destroyed.
Of the original nine Ringwraiths, only seven remained.
But this time, Sauron, unexpectedly, did not erupt in anger. Instead, his eyes, dark and cold, looked to the West, and then he poured all his efforts into corrupting Saruman, intending to turn him into the strongest puppet, like a Ringwraith... Time quickly came to September 21, 2948.
This day was Middle-earth's Harvest Festival, and also Luke's wedding day.
Weathertop Hogwarts Castle was adorned with colorful flags and abundant flowers. The castle's stewards, attendants, guards, and others were all smiling and bustling with activity.
The castle grounds were covered with red carpets woven from spider silk, and every wall brick, floor, moving armor, and statue was polished to a brilliant shine.
Paintings were carefully cleaned by servants, who were also occasionally complained at by the people in the portraits for scrubbing off a layer of skin.
Similar to the festive atmosphere in the castle, the paintings were also celebrating.
Luke and Arwen in the paintings had already held their wedding earlier, ahead of the real-life ceremony. All the people in the portraits gathered in one castle painting, holding a wedding ceremony in the garden.
In reality, it was even more lively than in the paintings.
Luke's wedding ceremony had not yet begun, but the road from the mountain to the castle was a seemingly endless stream of people flowing into the castle.
To celebrate his marriage, Luke invited all his subjects to the castle to witness the ceremony.
Having received such an honor, the people of Amon Sul and Bree City were like it was New Year's, with decorations everywhere.
Especially the residents of Bree City, to be able to attend Lord Luke's wedding on time, had set off from Bree City a day in advance in a grand procession.
If anyone were to take this opportunity to attack Bree City, it would probably be very easy, as Bree City at this time was almost a ghost town.
However, even if others were given ten times the courage, they would not dare to attack Bree City.
After all, not long ago, Bree City had suffered an attack by thousands of ghouls.
But before they could even enter the city, they were all annihilated by Lord Luke's Thunderbirds. The spectacular sight of those bolts of lightning striking down not only became an unforgettable memory for the city's residents but was also spread by the foreign merchants, travelers, and adventurers who were in the city at the time.
There were even bards who composed poems specifically for the Thunderbird, extolling its majestic attitude as it commanded lightning.
The residents of Hogsmeade did not need to set off a day in advance like those of Bree City, but they too hung lanterns and streamers, put on new clothes, and waited impatiently to go to the castle.
Although Luke had already ordered his subjects not to bring gifts, the residents still brought their own cultivated fruits, baked bread, prepared delicacies, and so on, and the aroma of various foods could be smelled all along the way.
The residents of the two cities totaled nearly tens of thousands, but for the castle's capacity, it was still quite ample.
The residents entering the castle were all filled with shock and wonder, looking at everything around them.
They admired the magnificent castle, gazed at the two tall, glowing golden and silver trees in the garden, and the endless shower of petals that seemed to fall from nowhere, as if it would never stop.
The moving armors stood like silent guards, but their sharp spears were adorned with flowers, and they would even proactively offer a flower to children they encountered.
In the large fountain pool, water splashes materialized into small Merpersons, dancing joyfully in the water, eliciting gasps of surprise from children who leaned over the edge of the fountain, marveling at the scene in the water.
But such actions drew scolding from parents, telling the children not to be impolite.
And the golden statue of Smaug in the center of the fountain, as if displeased that the Merpersons in the water were stealing his attention, flapped his golden wings and spewed out countless gold coins, scattering them around.
These gold coins on the ground immediately caused a scramble among the surrounding people.
However, after picking them up, they realized that these gold coins quickly dissipated, clearly being fake.
There were also statues of Dwarves, Elves, and Humans forming a choir, singing joyful and melodious songs that drifted throughout the entire castle.
Inside the banquet hall, important guests were primarily gathered here.
Besides his companions like Gandalf and Bilbo, Legolas, representing King Thranduil, came with a team of Elves and gifts to attend the wedding.
King Thorin Oakenshield of the Lonely Mountain Dwarves sent his heir Fili and other Dwarves to celebrate, and Lord Balin of Moria even came in person.
Lord Bard of Dale and Lord Beorn of the Anduin River Valley also came in person.
As for the hobbits of the Shire, in addition to Bilbo, there were his cousin Drogo Baggins (Frodo's father), the Brandybuck chieftain of Buckland, the Took family chieftain, the Mayor of the Shire, and other hobbits.
From the Far East, the Blue Wizard Morinehtar also came to attend. Only Rómestámo, who still had to guard the Far East to prevent Sauron's forces from expanding, sent Morinehtar with his gift.
At the same time, the Elven manor lord of Dorwinion from the Sea of Rhûn region in the Far East also came in person to attend.
Besides these, there were also King Thengel of Rohan and Denethor II, son of the Regent of Gondor, who came to congratulate on behalf of the Regent of Gondor.
Inside the banquet hall, the atmosphere was equally lively.
Gandalf the Grey, Radagast the Brown, and Morinehtar the Blue Wizard, a rare gathering, smoked their pipes and discussed the situation in Middle-earth.
The Dwarves, on the other hand, gathered together, challenging each other to drinking contests, often erupting in loud laughter that echoed throughout the banquet hall, drawing glances from other guests.
The hobbits seemed more reserved, huddled together, looking around at the banquet hall's decorations, and observing the races and identities of the guests.
Bilbo, however, was very relaxed, as if he were at home. He actively led the hobbits, introducing them to familiar friends like the Dwarves and Elves, and even helped maintain the flow of the banquet.
As for the groom, Luke, he exchanged pleasantries with every arriving guest.
And for someone like Denethor II, the Regent's son, who was visiting for the first time, he looked around with eyes full of shock and wonder, as if he had arrived in a land of magic.
On the surrounding walls hung moving portraits that celebrated along with them and could even communicate with people outside.
There were even people in the portraits challenging a group of Dwarves in the banquet hall to a drinking contest, only to get drunk themselves, which drew a triumphant cheer from the Dwarves.
The dome of the banquet hall seemed to disappear, filled with many pink clouds that continuously showered countless golden rain and red petals.
On the surrounding walls, there were also many bas-reliefs. A group of adorable winged children flew out from the walls, flapping their tiny wings, flying in groups in mid-air, holding long horns, trumpets, harps, and other instruments, singing in tender childlike voices while playing beautiful and melodious music.
But apparently, these children also had short tempers. When the Dwarves deliberately teased them, saying their music was terrible, they flew down directly and chased after the Dwarves, hitting their heads with their instruments.
This immediately caused their Dwarf companions to burst into laughter, and other guests, seeing this, also couldn't help but smile.
While amazed, Denethor II also couldn't help but laugh. His eyes were full of shock, feeling as if he were dreaming.
Especially when he looked at the steak on the plate in front of him, which, according to the castle attendant's explanation, was made from dragon meat. It was said that this wedding banquet used a total of ten dragons to be enjoyed by all guests and citizens.
Such a grand gesture greatly shocked Denethor II. During the crisis in the Capital of Gondor before, he had personally witnessed the enormous size and terrifying power of the evil dragon, but he never expected it to become food here, and for everyone to have a share.
Having never tasted dragon meat, he immediately eagerly sampled the dragon steak. After eating it, he felt as if he had consumed a great tonic, his face flushed red.
As time passed, all the guests eagerly awaited the arrival of the bride.
Finally, before sunset, the person they had been waiting for arrived from the eastern horizon.
With Thunderbird Zorondo leading the way, a flying carriage pulled by twelve winged horses was flying towards the castle from behind.
At the same time, on both sides of the flying carriage, dozens of winged horses carried Elven knights, holding silver-white Elven banners, escorting it together.
And behind the flying carriage, there were also twelve Black Land warriors riding Hippogriffs, who had gone to meet them.
Upon seeing the arrival of the flying carriage, the guests inside the castle came out to welcome it.
Everyone looked up in wonder at the beautiful winged horses in the sky, and eagerly gazed at the Elves on the winged horses, and the bride.
Especially the citizens of Amon Sul and Bree, they were very excited. They all knew that the bride, who was about to become their Lady, was a very beautiful Elven Princess.
That their Lord could marry such a noble and beautiful Elven lady made even them feel honored and proud.
Thunderbird Zorondo left the wedding procession, letting out a clear cry, circling above the castle once, and releasing spherical blue lightning into the sky.
The lightning exploded like fireworks, scattering into countless electric sparks, astonishing everyone below.
Then the Thunderbird, as if having completed its task, returned to its nest.
The flying carriage, pulled by the winged horses, landed outside the castle gate, then proceeded along the white avenue into the castle, heading towards the main building.
Along both sides of the road, the citizens of Amon Sul and Bree curiously watched the handsome Elven knights and the golden carriage they guarded in the center.
Everyone cheered and threw flowers at the carriage, to express their welcome to their future Lady.
The wedding procession and carriage were enveloped in a shower of flowers. The Elven knights dutifully guarded the carriage in the middle, but did not stop the actions of the surrounding people, allowing the flowers to fall upon them.
The carriage continued to the end of the white avenue, stopping in front of the main building's banquet hall entrance.
The two leading Elven knights, dressed in exquisitely elegant Elven robes and wearing silver crowns, had noble, graceful, and heroic dispositions.
They were Arwen's two elder brothers, Elladan and Elrohir.
Luke was the first to step forward, happily giving each of them a hug, "I'm so glad to see you both here!"
Elladan and Elrohir smiled, with a bit more composure than before, and said, "Today is Arwen's wedding, of course we had to personally escort her here, after all, she is our only sister."
The carriage door opened, and the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien—Celeborn and Galadriel—stepped out first.
Upon seeing Lady Galadriel, everyone present, without exception, was filled with awe. The sacred radiance she exuded, and her queenly aura, made everyone feel inferior and unable to look directly at her.
Even the Dwarves, who usually had disagreements with Elves, could not resist Galadriel's charm.
Next was Lord Glorfindel of the Golden Flower, equally radiant and astonishing.
Afterwards, dozens of Elves successively emerged. They were all Arwen's relatives, including Sinda Elves, Noldor Elves, and Teleri Elves.
Finally, Elrond, arm in arm with Arwen, stepped out of the carriage.
Elrond was dressed in formal attire, wearing a blue Elven robe and a silver crown, like a gentle and wise King.
Arwen was even more stunning, wearing a gorgeous and elegant white Elven gown, embroidered with exquisite patterns and inlaid with many brilliant jewels, looking as if countless stars adorned her body.
Her gaze instantly met Luke's, and then she revealed a gentle and bright smile, her eyes seemingly filled with starlight.