Announcing His Engagement to Lu Xueqi

Lu Jiuyuan put away the storage pouch, then cleared his throat. His voice wasn't loud, but everyone in the hall could hear him.

"Everyone, with all the elders gathered here today, I'd like to ask you all to bear witness!"

He glanced toward Shuiyue and spoke with firm resolve. "I, Lu Jiuyuan, wish to become engaged to Lu Xueqi here today. Once the matter in the Southern Border is settled, we'll hold our wedding. I hope you'll all give us your blessing!"

Everyone present erupted into an uproar at his words!

The Qingyun Sect disciples were especially excited, and they rushed to offer their congratulations!

The Fenxiang Valley disciples nearby looked at their senior brother, Li Xun, with sympathy. Though their feelings were complicated, watching Lu Jiuyuan and Lu Xueqi embrace made them feel that the two of them seemed like a match made in heaven.

At that moment, Lu Xueqi was filled with emotion and sweetness. Her limpid eyes gazed tenderly at the man before her.

Today had been full of surprises and joy. Still, she had never expected her senior brother to be so direct, and it caught her off guard!

Lu Jiuyuan gazed affectionately at Lu Xueqi in his arms and asked softly, "Xueqi, will you marry me?"

The sisters of Xiaozhu Peak joined in, shouting excitedly:

"Marry him!!!"

"Marry him!!!"

Lu Xueqi met his tender gaze, her cheeks flushing. Shyly, she nodded, her hands tightening slightly around the hem of Lu Jiuyuan's clothes as she gave a soft "Mm."

Her rosy lips parted, and her sweet, gentle voice rang out: "I'll marry you, Senior Brother!!!"

The moment she said those words, the Qingyun Sect disciples erupted into cheers!

Shuiyue was especially moved. As she watched the tender scene before her, her eyes grew moist, and she murmured to herself, "That girl finally got her happy ending!"

Tian Buyi and Zeng Shuchang came to Shuiyue's side and offered their congratulations with smiles. "Congratulations, Junior Sister Shuiyue. Your disciples have finally become a couple!"

Watching the two gazing into each other's eyes and hearing Lu Xueqi's answer, Li Xun felt a sharp pang in his heart. His hands clenched the hem of his clothes so tightly that his nails nearly dug into his flesh. His eyes were full of resentment and unwillingness to accept this!

Lu Jiuyuan, I'll kill you!!!

This is all your fault. The breathtakingly beautiful Lu Xueqi should have been his!!!

And now you've stolen her from me. Why?!

Lu Jiuyuan, I'll repay you a hundredfold for the humiliation you've brought me today!!!

The Southern Border will be your grave!!!

Watching the pair gazing so lovingly at each other, Daoxuan Zhenren nodded in satisfaction and began to applaud. With a beaming smile, he said:

"Hahaha, excellent, excellent! Then, as the Sect Master of the Qingyun Sect, I'll make the arrangements. Once the matter in the Southern Border is settled, I'll announce your wedding to the world and hold a ceremony for you both!!!"

As he spoke, Daoxuan Zhenren turned to Yun Yilan and said with a smile, "Brother Yun, you must come to the Qingyun Sect for the wedding feast. Don't refuse!!!"

Yun Yilan's mouth twitched slightly, and he was speechless. He had come to propose on behalf of his own disciple, but now he'd become a witness to someone else's happiness. It was truly ironic!

Yun Yilan composed himself, forced a smile, and cupped his hands. "Of course, of course. Congratulations, Brother Daoxuan, on your disciple's happy union. What wonderful news!"

Seeing him at a loss, Daoxuan Zhenren felt secretly pleased, though he kept it off his face. "You're too kind, Brother Yun. This is their own good fortune. I merely helped things along!"

Meanwhile.

Lu Jiuyuan was completely absorbed in Lu Xueqi's beauty. He couldn't hear what anyone else was saying; his mind was filled with the breathtaking sight of the woman before him and the voice that haunted his dreams. He couldn't forget her.

Looking at Lu Xueqi's lovely, captivating expression, he couldn't help wanting to lean down and kiss her passionately. But given where they were, he had to hold back!

At the same time, Lu Jiuyuan sensed a gaze filled with murderous intent fixed firmly on him. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

He didn't even need to guess who it was. Since that person was so interested in him, he might as well give him a good look!

Lu Jiuyuan leaned close to Lu Xueqi's ear and breathed warmly against it before whispering, "Xueqi, now that you're on my boat, don't think you can get off!"

"Mm-hm~!" Lu Xueqi gave a soft, bashful hum. A blush spread across her cheeks, making her look especially lovely. She chided him playfully, "Senior Brother, stop teasing me. There are people here!"

Their exchange looked especially grating to Li Xun. He forced down his anger, snorted, and turned his head away, as if trying to hide his embarrassment!

Lu Jiuyuan glanced at him, feeling a little disappointed by his reaction. This guy can really hold it in. I thought he'd lose it and start a fight, but his patience is practically that of a ninja turtle!

Yun Yilan watched his disciple being bullied like this. Though he was unhappy with Lu Jiuyuan, there was nothing he could do!

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Daoxuan Zhenren, he prepared to leave with the people of Fenxiang Valley.

Seeing this, Lu Jiuyuan whispered into Lu Xueqi's ear, "Xueqi, Senior Brother's going to get you some snacks. Wait here for me!"

With that, he stepped forward and stopped Yun Yilan. In a teasing tone, he said, "Sect Master Yun, I got engaged today. It's such a joyful occasion, so surely you can't leave without giving us a little something. Don't you think that would be rather improper?"

Yun Yilan's expression shifted slightly. He forced a strained smile and replied as though joking with a junior:

"Haha, you little rascal, you really don't let up. I didn't bring anything valuable with me today. I'll make it up to you when you get married!"

As he spoke, Yun Yilan had already cursed Lu Jiuyuan's ancestors eighteen generations back countless times in his heart. He wanted nothing more than to grind him to dust to vent his anger.

This brat was going too far, as if he meant to strip him of every treasure he owned.

Lu Jiuyuan smiled faintly. He wasn't about to let him off so easily, and continued, "I've heard that Sect Master Yun has a few top-grade pills. With the Southern Border in turmoil, would you be willing to part with one or two to help me repel our enemies?"

At those words, Yun Yilan's pupils contracted. How had this brat learned about his secret pills?!

How much else did he know? Could he have also found out about his grand plan?!

This man absolutely couldn't be allowed to live. He had to be eliminated, or he'd become a serious threat!

The Southern Border would be his grave!

Yun Yilan still pretended to be calm. He laughed and said, "You really are well-informed, young man. You even know about that!

"Very well. For the sake of the Southern Border's future, I'll make a sacrifice and give you two pills!"

As he spoke, two small bottles appeared in his hand. He gave them to Lu Jiuyuan and put on a noble, selfless air. "I hope you'll distinguish yourself in the Southern Border and live up to everyone's expectations!"