Two Families Marry

Afterward, Zheng Lingjun announced that the birthday banquet had officially begun.

A dazzling array of delicacies was brought out by the Zheng Family's attendants, presented before everyone's tables.

A troupe of graceful and slender dancers performed to the accompaniment of musicians.

For a time, the entire Zheng Family was a scene of revelry and merriment.

The Zheng Family's birthday banquet today could be considered a success, with guests enjoying themselves until the late afternoon, when they began to depart.

Li Xinge also prepared to take his leave, but unexpectedly, Zheng Lingjun called out to him.

Zheng Lingjun smiled and said, "My dear brother, wait a moment. I have something I wish to discuss with you."

Li Xinge couldn't help but feel a little puzzled, but he didn't refuse.

The two found a stone pavilion and sat down.

After sitting, Zheng Lingjun didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "My dear brother, my Zheng Family has a daughter who is exceptionally beautiful and talented. I wish to form a marital alliance between our families. What are your thoughts on this, my dear brother?"

Hearing this, Li Xinge's heart trembled. He looked up, his face filled with shock as he gazed at Zheng Lingjun.

He seemed to be trying to discern something from Zheng Lingjun's expression.

After a long while, Li Xinge finally recovered from his surprise.

He gave a wry smile and shook his head. "Brother, I appreciate your kind intentions, but when my father was alive, he had already arranged a marriage for me. I dare not defy my father's dying wish. I hope you can forgive me, brother."

This statement was not a lie from Li Xinge.

Regarding the engagement, his grandfather, Li Xuanfeng, had mentioned it once, but that was all. He didn't even know the woman's name or appearance.

However, today, it conveniently served as a reason to refuse Zheng Lingjun.

The daughter of the Zheng Family was of noble status, and prominent families in Baihe County vied to marry her.

After all, marrying a Zheng Family daughter was equivalent to gaining a powerful backer.

But Li Xinge was not impressed.

His future would certainly not stop here.

If he were to marry a Zheng Family daughter, after a hundred years, his appearance would remain unchanged, while his companion by his side might already be an old woman. Wouldn't that only lead to sorrow?

Zheng Lingjun was not angered by Li Xinge's refusal.

He hadn't expected to bind Li Xinge to the Zheng Family so easily.

In his heart, he had already firmly concluded that Li Xinge was the "Child of Destiny" mentioned by the Old Ancestor.

Since he couldn't bind Li Xinge, he would bind the Li Family.

In Zheng Lingjun's view, Li Xinge was a person who valued relationships greatly, especially family.

Binding the Li Family was the same as binding Li Xinge.

As long as Li Xinge remembered the help the Zheng Family gave him during their difficult times in the future, the Zheng Family might be able to regain its former glory.

With this thought, Zheng Lingjun smiled again and said, "Since my dear brother already has an engagement, then I was presumptuous. However, my second brother still has a daughter, who is also a legitimate daughter of my Zheng Family. How about we arrange for her to marry a talented young man from the Li Family, to further solidify our brotherhood?"

Zheng Lingjun had already said as much. If Li Xinge were to refuse again, it would be tantamount to disrespecting the Zheng Family and Zheng Lingjun.

He couldn't afford to incur the wrath of the Zheng Family.

Moreover, a legitimate daughter of the Zheng Family marrying into the Li Family would be an absolute down-marriage for the current Li Family.

The alliance between the two families would also strengthen their relationship.

His mind raced as he began to consider suitable young men from the Li Family for the marriage alliance.

Suddenly, he thought of someone.

The First Elder's grandson, Li Xingcong, who was nineteen years old.

Li Xingcong possessed extraordinary talent and had already reached the Great Perfection of the Body Forging Realm. If nothing unexpected happened, he would soon break through to the Body Realm.

Li Xingcong's status and talent were a decent match for a legitimate daughter of the Zheng Family, and it wouldn't be a disgrace to the Zheng Family.

With this thought, he informed Zheng Lingjun about Li Xingcong's situation.

Zheng Lingjun was also quite satisfied with Li Xingcong's situation.

Although he was far from being as monstrous as Li Xinge, he could still be considered a young talent in the county.

From the choice of candidate, it could be seen that Li Xinge had not been perfunctory with him.

The goal of deepening his relationship with Li Xinge had been achieved.

"I am quite pleased with this child, Xingcong," Zheng Lingjun said with a smile, nodding.

Hearing Zheng Lingjun express his satisfaction, Li Xinge felt a sense of relief.

The two quickly finalized the marriage alliance.

As for the opinions of the individuals involved, they were completely disregarded.

"By the way, my dear brother, I noticed that Song Tianbo seemed quite displeased with you at today's banquet."

Li Xinge heard this and sneered dismissively.

"He's just jealous I stole his spotlight. A mere clown."

"It was my oversight,"

Zheng Lingjun said with some self-reproach.

Li Xinge waved his hands repeatedly. "This has nothing to do with you, brother. My Li Family and that Song Family have had deep-seated grudges for a long time. We're like fire and water. This was bound to happen sooner or later."

"It's good that you don't blame me. Song Tianbo is narrow-minded. His emotions are all over his face. He's a true villain."

"If his talent weren't decent, the position of Patriarch of the Song Family wouldn't have fallen to him. However, his achievements will stop there."

"What you should guard against, my dear brother, is that old ghost from the Song Family. He's been in the Lesser Qi and Blood Accomplishment Realm for many years. He's nowhere comparable to that half-baked fellow from the Su Family. Even I am wary of him."

Hearing Zheng Lingjun's words, Li Xinge nodded in agreement.

Veteran Qi and Blood Realm powerhouses were indeed not to be underestimated.

It seemed he still needed to improve his strength as soon as possible.

As long as his strength was great enough, he could break through any demons and monsters with sheer force.

"Thank you for the reminder, brother. I will be very careful to guard against him."

"That's good. However, if that old ghost truly breaks the rules, my Zheng Family isn't to be trifled with either. We certainly won't stand idly by."

Hearing this, even Li Xinge, who always suspected others with the worst intentions, couldn't help but be moved.

Zheng Lingjun was clearly backing him, even willing to fall out with the Song Family.

What was Zheng Lingjun trying to achieve?

Although he was puzzled, Li Xinge could only keep his thoughts to himself.

"Then I thank you, brother. I will remember your great kindness. If you ever need anything in the future, as long as I can do it, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Assuming you don't have ulterior motives, Li Xinge thought to himself.

Li Xinge's words made Zheng Lingjun overjoyed. He had paid so much, even lowering himself, just waiting for these words.

If you rise to power in the future, don't forget to let me have some soup, Zheng Lingjun thought, laughing wildly in his heart.

On the surface, however, he maintained a calm and righteous expression. "What are you saying, my dear brother? You call me brother, and I consider you my own flesh and blood. This is all I should do."

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while longer.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zheng Lingjun prepared to have Li Xinge stay the night and leave the next morning.

Li Xinge, however, declined, citing urgent clan affairs.

Zheng Lingjun personally escorted Li Xinge out of the Zheng Family gates.

After they parted ways, watching Li Xinge's departing figure, the smile on Zheng Lingjun's face grew even wider.

"Lingjun, your choice was not wrong. This junior is not simple. Even I cannot see through him."

At some unknown time, an aged figure had silently appeared behind Zheng Lingjun.

Hearing the movement behind him, Zheng Lingjun quickly turned around. Seeing the newcomer, he hurriedly said, "Old Ancestor, why have you come out?"

The visitor was none other than Old Ancestor Zheng.

"It's been a long time since I've seen such an outstanding young man,"

Old Ancestor Zheng said with a smile.

"Lingjun, you've done very well in befriending Li Xinge. Perhaps, the future hope for my Zheng Family to return to the Lingxu Sect will truly rest on him."

Old Ancestor Zheng's tone was wistful.

Meanwhile...

The distant Li Xinge seemed to sense something and looked back towards the direction of the Zheng Family compound.

He murmured, "Truly unfathomable."

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