Engagement

At this moment, still in the afternoon, the Fourth Elder had already arrived at the Yang family residence.

Sensing the presence of a Golden Core cultivator, Yang Jirong flew over from nearby upon seeing the visitors.

“Please follow me.”

Yang Jirong was the Third Elder of the Yang family, a Golden Core cultivator at the early stage. The Yang family had four Golden Core cultivators in total: the clan leader Yang Zongheng at the late stage, the First Elder Yang Daoping at the mid-stage, and the other two—Yang Guiyu and Yang Jirong—both at the early stage.

They flew over ten miles to enter a grand hall, whose architectural style bore resemblance to that of the Zhao family.

The Yang family ranked fifth among the five great families of Qingning City. Although their ranking was low, they maintained commercial ties with the Zuo family of Wenfeng City.

Wenfeng City had only three great families; the Zuo family topped the list—an ancient alchemical lineage of a thousand years.

Within this city, nearly one-third of the alchemical and spiritual medicine trade in the Wanbao Tower was controlled by the Yang family, thanks to their business relations with the Zuo family. Similarly, the Yang family supplied certain spiritual medicines and soils to the Zuo family.

The arrival of the Fourth Elder was to arrange a marriage proposal for Zhao Jinming.

Within the city, there were always famed beauties, and the two most renowned were both from the Yang family.

One was Yang Muxue, true to her name—a woman of striking poise despite not yet of marriageable age. Her skin was fair and radiant, teeth pearly white, and her waist-length hair glossy black. When she smiled and conversed, she seemed like drifting light snow, so lively that it brightened one’s gaze. Possessing a rare talent, her spiritual root measured eight and three-tenths inches with a triple-element affinity.

The other was Yang Bumei, a woman known as “Not Charming.” She always wore a veil; revealing her face was a condition for marriage. Though her talent was modest with just a six-inch water affinity root, her beauty was indescribably captivating.

Of course, the Fourth Elder’s purpose was to propose marriage to Yang Muxue. After some conversation inside the hall, he explained his intentions and learned that Muxue was currently staying at the Zhao residence.

After bidding farewell to Zhao Tianzhong, he flew back.

An hour later, still in the afternoon, outside the main hall of the Yang family.

“Jinming, remember to be courteous later. I tell you, this is a significant matter.”

“Grandfather, your grandson understands. Please rest assured.”

The two then entered the hall.

Inside waited three people: clan leader Yang Zongheng, First Elder Yang Daoping, and the lady in white, Yang Muxue, who had been waiting for some time.

Upon seeing Yang Muxue, Jinming felt a bit shy. Indeed, the young woman was beautiful and clever. Seeing this, Yang Muxue, who had been mentally prepared, couldn’t help but glance at Zhao Jinming a few more times.

At eighteen years old, the youth was as tall as the First Elder, with delicate and handsome features, embodying pure elegance.

Knowing this man might become her partner, one wondered what emotions stirred within her.

Grandfather patted the young man on the shoulder. “Let’s not delay any longer; let’s get down to business.”

“Go ahead and introduce yourself. The one in the middle is clan leader Yang, the seat beside him is the First Elder, and that young lady is Yang Muxue.”

Initially flustered, after a couple of pats, Jinming composed himself.

Approaching, he cupped his hands in greeting. “Clan Leader Zhao, Elder Zhao, good day. I am Zhao Jinming, the legitimate son of my family.”

“Grandfather brought me here to propose marriage, hoping I can leave a good impression on you and Muxue.”

“To show sincerity, I also requested a batch of alchemical pills from my Second Grandfather. Please have a look.” Saying this, he handed a brocade box to the clan leader.

Zhao Tianzhong thought, “A brocade box? Could it be…? How come I didn’t know my Second Brother had prepared this?”

The clan leader’s eyes brightened as he took the box, immediately recognizing it was no ordinary pill container—the box itself was a Golden Core treasure.

A Spirit-Absorbing Box, a Golden Core early-stage treasure, capable of continuously absorbing surrounding spiritual energy to nourish the items within. It was forged by Zhao Tiangang.

In the world’s artifacts, there were categories: mundane tools, magical implements, treasures, spiritual treasures, divine artifacts, and celestial tools.

Everyone knew Yang Zongheng had high expectations; Jinming had never opened the box before.

Under their watchful eyes, the box was opened.

An instant later, a rich medicinal fragrance spread outward. Before anyone could react, Yang Zongheng glanced at everyone and quickly closed the box, passing it to Yang Muxue.

She looked puzzled but reached out to take it.

“Your Second Grandfather truly put in great effort.”

Jinming and Yang Muxue, of course, were unaware of the translucent, two-pattern pill and its profound significance.

The other three knew it was the Snow Crystal Pill, capable of enhancing spiritual bodies. Sixth grade, two-pattern. Its ingredients included Heavenly Snow Lingzhi, Dragon Thorn, and Cold Crystal—very rare.

This was surely a subtle compliment, implying Yang Muxue’s talent and appearance were as outstanding as the Snow Crystal Pill.

The brocade box was handed to Muxue.

Jinming recalled a saying: “People have talent and beauty; pills have grades and patterns.”

“So, what do you two think of my little grandson?” Zhao Tianzhong smiled.

Since his last breakthrough, he had reached the late stage of Golden Core.

“We still need to ask Muxue how she feels about your grandson. What do you think, Muxue?”

Several pairs of eyes focused on her.

She smiled gently. “I am willing.”

“Then you two may talk privately for a while. Muxue, take Jinming around the clan grounds. Your grandfather and the Fourth Elder and I still have some matters to discuss.”

The two then left the hall together.

The Yang family had many interesting places, such as Yunyuanzi Lake.

Water flowed down from the mountain center, mist rising like clouds. At the lake’s heart, spiritual carp leapt out, catching droplets with their mouths before flicking their bodies and diving back in.

One admired both the lake and the company—the beloved surpassed the scenery.

“Brother Zhao, I’ve heard you’re quite formidable. Is it true?”

“Deliberate questioning, you naughty Muxue.”

Amid laughter, “Brother Zhao, I’ll take you to see the mountaintop.”

The snow-white maiden flew ahead, the handsome youth chased behind, resembling an immortal couple.

After some time, they reached the Lover’s Peak.

These two peaks lay among several mountain mounds; one sharp peak pierced the clouds, while its companion peak lacked a pointed summit, instead featuring a flat plateau.

From here, one could see many of the Yang family’s halls, towers, and residences. Few came here. Yang Muxue brought him here to familiarize him with the Yang family surroundings.

A gentle breeze brushed their faces.

The youth’s heart softened further.

It was his first time playing like this with a girl—especially one who would be his fiancée.

“Brother Zhao, I’ve heard you’ve become a steward?”

He nodded. “Of course. I’m very happy to know you.”

Hearing this, the maiden took Jinming’s hand. “Brother Zhao, I also wish to marry you. When you tested your bloodline that year, my mother took me to see.”

“You found spiritual blood then, though it fell short of your expectations, but you remained composed.”

“At that time, my mother told me I might marry you someday. I thought you had a hard time moving on.”

“Later, she quietly told me your bloodline was different and could grow. Elder Tiangang has kept this from you.”

Hearing this, Jinming felt as if his heart melted; tears welled but did not fall.

“Brother Zhao, don’t be sad. Everyone faces setbacks. This is a Water Phoenix Qilin jade pendant I prepared for you. I hope it keeps you safe.”

After helping Jinming fasten it around his waist, she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you, Muxue.”

“This is one of the most precious gifts I have.”

“Tomorrow, I will go to Maple Leaf Town to serve as a steward. In three years, when you come of age, I will surely come to marry you.” The youth’s face showed a hint of determination.

“Hmm.”

“After today, I will seek out my grandfather, clan leader, and elders, and when there’s a chance, take me to see you.”

...

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