Double happiness?

Skywind Martial City, Shen Family inner quarters.

Bright red silk streamers hung all over the corridors, and the servants coming and going had smiles on their faces as they hurried about.

This was a joyous occasion.

The Shen Family's eldest daughter, Shen Zhiqiu, was getting married.

Inside the bridal chamber, several elder female relatives were gathered around Shen Zhiqiu, holding a golden silk phoenix-embroidered wedding dress and trying it on her.

"Sister Zhi Qiu is truly blessed."

A woman dressed in flashy attire said exaggeratedly, "The Ning Family is a major clan in our Skywind Martial City. Although Young Master Ning Yuanzhi is from a collateral branch, his father manages several mineral veins, which are lucrative positions. Once you marry into their family, you'll have endless glory and wealth. We'll all benefit from your good fortune."

"Exactly! I heard the Ning Family's betrothal gifts this time included Spiritual Ore and Spiritual Medicine, too many to count. We haven't seen such a generous in-law family in our Shen Family for many years. Zhi Qiu, you must visit us often in the future, don't forget us poor relatives."

A plump female relative beside her said enviously.

Shen Zhiqiu sat before the bronze mirror, letting them fuss over her.

She forced a smile that was uglier than a cry, her voice dry, "Thank you all for your kindness, I've taken note."

The image of Ning Yuanzhi's insincere face flashed in her mind, along with the unspeakable rumors about him outside. In the past, she would have frowned in disgust at the mere mention of his name, but now, that man was about to become her husband.

This was fate.

Ever since her brother, Shen Yutang, died, she was no longer a beloved daughter in her father's eyes, but a tool to be exchanged for family interests.

Su Jin had been standing quietly by the side.

She watched the greed and envy on the faces of the female relatives, then looked at Shen Zhiqiu, who was like a puppet, and felt uneasy.

Once upon a time, she and Zhi Qiu often dreamed about what kind of heroic figures their future Dao companions would be. They talked about the geniuses in the academies, about those spirited youths.

But reality had shattered all their fantasies.

Su Jin stepped forward and took Shen Zhiqiu's icy hand. She lowered her head and asked in a voice only they could hear, "Zhi Qiu, have you really thought this through? Once you take this step, there's no turning back."

Shen Zhiqiu's body trembled slightly.

She raised her head and looked at Su Jin behind her through the bronze mirror. Her eyes instantly turned red, but she quickly suppressed it.

"What if I've thought it through, and what if I haven't?" Shen Zhiqiu gave a bitter smile, looking blankly ahead. "This is Father's decision, and the Shen Family's decision. Brother is dead, and the Shen Family needs the Ning Family's support. If I don't marry, the Shen Family's business will suffer. I am a daughter of the Shen Family, and I've enjoyed a life of luxury for over a decade. Now, it's my turn to repay the debt."

Su Jin fell silent.

She had no words to refute.

In this world where strength reigned supreme, the weak had no right to choose. Even the eldest daughter of a family was merely a pawn in the games of the powerful.

Perhaps it was all Qin Jue's fault!

Everyone in the Shen Family hated that man to the bone. Shen Yutang died in Silver Moon Bay, and although there was no direct evidence, everyone was convinced Qin Jue was responsible.

And her?

She was Shen Zhiqiu's best friend, and Shen Yutang was like a brother to her. It was only natural for her to stand with the Shen Family.

Qin Jue, the thought of his name made Su Jin's heart feel unsettled.

People strive for a better position, just as water flows downhill. Qin Jue had offended the Ning Family and the Shen Family, making it impossible for him to move freely in Skywind Martial City. His path was doomed.

Since she had chosen a more promising future, chosen to stand with the majority, she shouldn't waver any longer.

"Su Jin, Su Jin, what are you still thinking about?"

Su Jin told herself inwardly, her gaze turning cold. "He walked himself into a dead end, pushed himself into a corner. He has no one to blame but himself."

Just then, hurried footsteps could be heard.

Bang!

The door was roughly pushed open, and a close bodyguard in black armor rushed in, panting.

The female relatives inside were startled and cried out in surprise, their faces showing displeasure.

"What is this? You have no manners! Can't you see we're trying on the wedding dress for the eldest daughter?" the plump female relative scolded with a frown.

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The black-clad guard ignored her. His face was filled with excitement and urgency, his gaze fixed directly on Shen Zhiqiu.

"Eldest Daughter! Urgent matter! A matter of utmost importance that must be reported to the Family Head immediately!"

Shen Zhiqiu frowned, sensing something was wrong with the man. He was her father's confidant and usually very steady. He wouldn't be this flustered unless something extremely serious had happened.

"What's so urgent?" Shen Zhiqiu asked.

The black-clad guard glanced around, lowered his voice, and his tone carried a chill. "It's... it's about Qin Jue! There's movement from that side!"

Upon hearing those words, Shen Zhiqiu's previously numb eyes sharpened.

"Go fetch Father!" she said sternly.

A moment later, Shen Wan strode into the inner quarters.

He wore a dark purple robe, his face so grim it was somewhat frightening. The grief of losing his son, coupled with the pressure from the family, had aged the once spirited middle-aged man considerably.

"What's going on?" Shen Wan's gaze locked onto the black-clothed guard the moment he entered.

The black-clothed guard knelt on one knee, cupping his fist. "Patriarch! Good news! That Qin Jue has finally left the city! Early this morning, someone personally saw him leave through the south city gate, riding a Black Scale Horse. Judging by his direction, he's heading towards the Black Wind Marsh!"

"He left the city?"

A sudden, ecstatic joy replaced the grimness on Shen Wan's face. His smile was somewhat twisted, making him appear exceptionally ferocious.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Shen Wan uttered the word "good" three times in a row and slapped his thigh heavily. "I've had people watching this little beast for over two months, and he's finally decided to come out today! The Black Wind Marsh... it's desolate and uninhabited, teeming with ferocious beasts. Countless martial artists die there every year. If he dies there accidentally, no one will be able to investigate anything."

He turned to the black-clothed man and commanded, "You will immediately go to the Ning Family's side manor and find someone from Young Master Ning Wuque's retinue. Tell them Qin Jue has left the city! Have them send experts over as well. This time, our two families will join forces to lay a trap outside the Black Wind Marsh, ambushing him on the path he must take to return to the city!"

"Yes." The black-clothed guard accepted the order and turned, sprinting away.

Silence filled the room.

Shen Zhiqiu sat before her vanity, her hands gripping the hem of her clothes so tightly her knuckles turned white. The numbness in her eyes had vanished, replaced by bone-deep hatred.

"Brother... did you hear that?"

Shen Zhiqiu murmured to herself, tears streaming down her cheeks. "The murderer who killed you will finally face retribution. Father will catch him and make him wish he were dead. May your spirit rest in peace."

Su Jin stood by, listening to the father and daughter's murderous conversation, and felt a chill run down her spine.

Qin Jue... he had left the city?

A place like the Black Wind Marsh was extremely dangerous, and now with the Shen and Ning families joining forces to intercept him, even if he had three heads and six arms, he would likely be unable to escape.

A wave of indescribable panic surged through Su Jin.

She instinctively wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat, and she swallowed them back.

What should she say? Tell him to be careful? Or tip him off?

Su Jin shook her head, extinguishing the absurd thought in her mind.

"This is the path he chose for himself; it has nothing to do with me."

If he refused to yield and insisted on being sharp-edged, then he had to be prepared to be broken.

In this world, miracles never happened.

Shen Wan seemed to notice Su Jin's expression and turned his head, giving her a deep look.

"Niece Su Jin."

Shen Wan's voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of probing. "This encirclement of Qin Jue is of great importance. You are Zhi Qiu's best friend, and we watched you grow up. You understand the gravity of this situation, don't you?"

Su Jin's heart tightened.

She immediately lowered her head and said respectfully, "Uncle Shen, rest assured, Su Jin understands."

"Good, you're a sensible child."

Shen Wan nodded with satisfaction, a cold smile appearing on his face. "Just wait. It won't be long before that little beast's head is placed before Yu Tang's spirit tablet. That will truly be a double celebration!"

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