Xuan Ming Sect, Decisive Attitude
The betrothal procession traveled to the Skywater Academy in a grand procession, taking a full half-month along the way. It seemed as if they wanted to make the procession even more impressive, or perhaps they were waiting for something.
Outside the Skywater Academy, a convoy led by Oscar stood in neat rows, with the Second Elder and Third Elder standing quietly behind the Young Sect Master.
Xue Qingluan had no elders still alive, so the Vice Dean led a group of teachers to meet her at the academy gate.
More than a hundred students from the Skywater Academy followed behind their teachers, gazing into the distance. When these beautiful young women, like budding flowers, saw the tall and handsome young man in front of them, they all showed expressions of admiration.
Skywater Academy is the only academy on the mainland that only admits female students, and all of them are great beauties. They spend their days cultivating, and the only men they see are a small number of teachers.
The only frequent opportunities were during inter-college exchange competitions, but no one of the opposite sex had ever had Oscar's looks and charisma.
With just one glance, the group of young girls, filled with the stirrings of first love, were completely captivated.
However, they also knew that given Oscar's status and position, coupled with Oscar outstanding performance in the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament a year ago, it was almost impossible for them to have any interaction with this highly respected Young Sect Master.
But this did not stop them from appreciating the charm of this exceptionally talented Young Sect Master.
The Vice Dean at the front of the Skywater Academy was an older woman, but even though she was past her prime, one could still vaguely see her former elegance in her wrinkles.
The old woman stepped forward and led everyone in the academy to bow respectfully. "Tian Yun, the vice dean of Tianshui Academy, along with all the students of Tianshui Academy, pays respects to the young sect master, the second elder, and the third elder of the Sword Sect."
The betrothal procession had been going on for half a month, and the names of the people in it had already spread far and wide. Moreover, just by looking at the positions of the people in the procession and their demeanor, one could tell who was who.
At most, they can't tell who is the Second Brother and who is the Third Brother among the two imposing figures standing behind Oscar.
Oscar immediately stepped forward to help Tian Yun up. "Vice Dean, you are too kind. I came here for my future teacher's wife. I am just a junior. You can just call me Xiao Ao."
Oscar then introduced the two tall and burly men behind him, "These two are the Second Elder, Aux, Third Elder Orleans."
After Oscar introduced them, the two elders clasped their hands in greeting to Tian Yun, saying, "Greetings, Vice Dean Tian Yun."
Afterwards, the group from the Skywater Academy welcomed the girls into the academy. Among them were quite a few young men in love, who were also filled with longing as they looked at all the beautiful girls at the Skywater Academy.
But this time, they were representing the prestige of the Sword Sect, so they couldn't afford to lose face. Therefore, no matter how beautiful these girls were, no one would give them a second glance.
It was this upright and honest nature that made the women take another look at him.
After all, they were adored by thousands when they went out that time, and many young Soul Master even went so far as to woo them.
Upon entering the academy, the group headed to the cafeteria under the guidance of numerous teachers and students. Oscar and the two elders followed Tian Yun to the pavilion where Xue Qingluan was located.
Normally, the man shouldn't meet the woman at this time, but neither side has any elders, and this visit isn't just about presenting betrothal gifts, so they didn't care about these formalities.
On the way to the pavilion, Tian Yun hesitated for a long time before finally speaking, "I suppose the Young Sect Master has heard the Great Elder mention it, right?"
Oscar nodded. "Is it the Hermit Sect behind your academy that's involved? The two elders have come with me to resolve this matter."
Oscar glanced at the two elders whose gazes were wandering, and a meaningful smile crept onto his lips.
"Please rest assured, Vice Dean. Since our teacher has promised his wife, the Sword Sect will definitely give a perfect explanation for this matter. No matter who the other party is, they will not be able to force others to do this."
Hearing Oscar's words, Tian Yun felt reassured.
Although she also received favors from that sect, she devoted herself to teaching at the academy and had almost no contact with the sect.
Xue Qingluan was practically her child; she had watched her grow up.
When Tian Yun first learned about this, she had the same thoughts as Xue Qingluan, but unfortunately, she was only a level 83 Soul Douluo.
This level of strength might be enough to make her a respected figure on the mainland, a guest of honor, but in front of a Hermit Sect, she wouldn't even have a chance to speak, because no one would listen to the advice of a mere Soul Douluo.
The pavilion was built on a frozen lake within the academy. Upon entering, Tian Yun led Oscar and the two elders directly to the third floor, which was usually Xue Qingluan's cultivation area.
In the hall on the third floor, besides Dean Xue Qingluan, there were two other people. One was a woman who looked about five parts like her, and appeared to be over forty years old. Her Soul Power fluctuations were not strong, around level fifty.
The other was a middle-aged man with a resolute face and a burly build. Although he did not reveal any Soul Power, Oscar could roughly judge with his powerful Spiritual Power that the other party was not yet level 90, but not far off.
Tian Yun bowed slightly to Xue Qingluan: "Dean, the Sword Sect Young Sect Master, Second Elder, and Third Elder have arrived."
A smile appeared on Xue Qingluan's beautiful face, "Thank you for your hard work, Sister Yun. You can go ahead and get back to work."
Tian Yun knew it wasn't appropriate for her to stay, so she introduced Oscar and the other two into the room, poured them tea, and then left.
After Tian Yun left, Oscar glanced at the other two, then bowed to Xue Qingluan and said, "Junior Oscar greets Master's Wife."
Upon hearing this, Xue Qingluan was slightly taken aback, then her face flushed slightly. "Your teacher and I are only engaged. You're calling me 'Master's Wife' a bit too early."
Oscar smiled slightly, "It's not early. My teacher already told me when I came that you will be Oscar's Master's Wife today. From now on, Oscar will treat your Master's Wife as his mother."
Oscar added casually, "If anyone makes things difficult for my Master's Wife, not only will my teacher object, but I, as her student, will also stand up for Master's Wife."
Upon hearing this, Xue Qingluan's eyes were filled with emotion. How could she not know that Oscar had come to support her? Her sister used to be her backer, but on this matter, her sister had almost turned against her. She thought she had no one to turn to, but unexpectedly, she met Gai Yue...
As Xue Qingluan revealed her true feelings, no one noticed that the two elders of the Sword Sect tensed up. Although they had closed their eyes to rest as soon as they entered, it seemed that their purpose in coming here was only to protect Oscar.
But when Xue Qingluan revealed her true feelings, the two elders were heartbroken.
Fortunately, this disciple was like a tapeworm in his stomach. These two were obviously from that damned Xuan Ming Sect, and were even very likely Xue Qingluan's sister and brother-in-law.
Bullying a weak woman for the sake of a little scoundrel? Let's see how sharp my sword is! Xue Qingluan smiled, "I already know his heart."
"I haven't introduced you yet. These two are from the Xuan Ming Sect. They are the Great Elder and the Great Elder's Wife."
After a pause, Xue Qingluan slowly exhaled. "They are also my sister and brother-in-law."
Upon hearing this, Oscar turned to look at the two of them and nodded slightly. "Sword Sect, Oscar, greets you both."
Compared to his treatment of Xue Qingluan, Oscar was much less polite to these two. They were also a sect's Great Elder and his wife, and given his relationship with Xue Qingluan, Oscar was technically a junior, but he put on airs at the moment.
Putting everything else aside, judging by strength and status, Oscar, the Sword Sect Young Sect Master, would not be inferior to the sect leader of the Xuan Ming Sect.
This is the confidence that comes from having someone backing you up.
Xu Kun wasn't stupid; he could naturally sense the change in the other party's attitude, and he even knew perfectly well why the other party had brought two Titled Douluo here.
He had prepared himself for all of this. The reason he was sitting here today was actually to make friends and discuss things with them.
Although they had already reached an agreement with Xue Qingluan before, people of the Sword Sect's status naturally viewed it as a matter of self-interest.
If the negotiations are reasonable, it is not impossible to turn enemies into friends. At that time, the Great Elder of the Xuan Ming Sect and the Great Elder of the Sword Sect will be brothers-in-law, and the implications are self-evident.
Although the Xuan Ming Sect is secluded, it is not because the continent has been divided up, but because the right opportunity or a powerful sect like the Sword Sect is needed.
Otherwise, going out into the world now would do more harm than good.
If I could become brothers-in-law with the Great Elder of the Sword Sect, I might be able to climb the mountain of the Sword Sect, and then I would have a better chance of scheming for the position of sect leader.
If things go well, the Sword Sect will become brothers-in-law with a sect leader, and the benefits involved are beyond what a woman like Xue Qingluan can understand. This is also the purpose of Xu Kun bringing his wife Xue Qingfeng here.
Prioritizing self-interest, Xu Kun believed that as long as he could offer the leverage to mobilize the Young Sect Master, taking Shui Bing'er away was not impossible.
The reason why Xu Que insisted on having Shui Bing'er was not only because of her extraordinary talent, but also because he was determined to have this girl after seeing her portrait.
As a super genius who appears only once every hundred years in the sect, they naturally tried their best to meet his demands.
Furthermore, in their view, as long as Xu Que can fully utilize his talent in the future, sacrificing Shui Bing'er's talent is not a loss at all.
Moreover, in Xu Kun's and the others' view, Xu Que was immature and made mistakes in the past. As long as he and Shui Bing'er get together and have a family in the future, he will definitely settle down.
Before arriving, Xu Kun had already considered all possibilities. Despite Oscar's cold attitude, Xu Kun's smile remained unchanged.
"Xu Kun, Xu Kun Xuan Ming Sect." Xu Kun's self-introduction was very brief, and he didn't even mention his position as the Great Elder.
He then introduced the woman beside him, "This is my wife, Xue Qingfeng, who is also Dean Xue's older sister."
Oscar nodded indifferently. "Xuan Ming Sect? What kind of sect is that? I've never heard of it before?"
Xu Kun simply smiled and explained, "Our sect has always remained secluded. Today, my wife and I have come mainly to resolve Shui Bing'er's matter and to congratulate Dean Xue and your sect's Great Elder."
Xue Qingfeng smiled kindly, "From now on, the Young Sect Master's teacher and my husband will be brothers-in-law. Regardless of other matters, we should come over as Azure Luan's elders to meet them."
After a pause, Xue Qingfeng smiled at Xue Qingluan, "After all, an elder sister is like a mother, and I should be present at Azure Luan's funeral."
Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Xue Qingluan's eyes. "Sister, of course I hope you can come to my wedding, but I absolutely disagree with Bing'er's matter!"
Seeing Xue Qingluan's decisiveness, a hint of reluctance flashed across Xue Qingfeng's face. "Que'er is your own grand-nephew. If he gets better, everyone will be better off, right?"
"Look at me. Although I'm still only level 53, your brother-in-law has never had an affair with any other woman except me. I'm the mistress of the house. It's a blessing for us women to have such a husband."
"Besides, the sect has also nurtured you. Why can't you see that when it comes to the crucial moment?"
Upon hearing this, Xue Qingluan glared at her sister and said, "If it were anyone else, I might explain things to Bing'er and let her make her own choice, but not Xu Que!"
"Besides, didn't you choose this path willingly, sister? Why are you being so domineering with Bing'er?"
Xue Qingfeng was about to get angry when she heard this, Xu Kun immediately pulled his wife back and explained, "Azure Luan, Que'er has never asked us for anything since he was a child. He couldn't forget Bing'er after he saw her portrait. This is his only thought now."
"And Que'er has long since repented and vowed never to do the foolish things she did as a child again. We, as her elders, should also..."
Xue Qingluan ignored Xu Kun's excuses. "Brother-in-law! Xu Que is your own grandson. You know him better than I do. How could you say such a thing?"
Xu Kun was rebuffed and didn't know how to explain himself for a moment.
Don't their grandparents know what kind of person Xu Que is? They know perfectly well; that little rascal is indeed of bad character.
But he is still young and has shown unprecedented talent. That's how the world is. As long as you have enough talent and background, countless people will be willing to accept you.
Of course, there are also people like Xue Qingluan who cannot tolerate any injustice, even if the other party is a close relative.
"Ahem." Oscar coughed at this moment. "Seniors, I don't want to hear your words, I don't like to hear them, and I have no interest in knowing what kind of person this Que'er you are talking about is."
Oscar stood up from his seat, and the two elders behind him quietly opened their eyes.
"Since Master's Wife is unwilling, my teacher will naturally stand on Master's Wife side. Let's not say anything more. Let's settle this matter according to Master's Wife's wishes. My teacher will bear any consequences."
After a pause, Oscar and Xu Kun looked at each other. "Of course, I'm naturally on the teacher's side."
Upon hearing Oscar's words, Xu Kun's expression finally changed. His original smile gradually disappeared, replaced by resentment and helplessness, which he quickly concealed.
Since they are sitting here, they must know something about the Sword Sect. With the praise of the Sword Sect's Great Elder, it's tantamount to having the entire Sword Sect backing them up. It's definitely impossible for them to resort to force.
After a long silence, Xu Kun still tried to resist asking, "Young Sect Master, could we speak in private?"
Oscar shook his head immediately. "No need. Just say what you have to say in front of your Master's Wife. After all, the two seniors are close relatives of your Master's Wife. There's no need to hide anything, is there?"
Xu Kun's expression changed as he considered whether or not to say it in front of Xue Qingluan.
Judging from the Young Sect Master's attitude, he probably strongly supports Xue Qingluan and may not really be considering personal gain.
If they were to discuss interests in front of Xue Qingluan, then Xue Qingfeng and Xue Qingluan, these two sisters, might truly never speak to each other again.
P. S.: Typos will be corrected first and then fixed later.