On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Green-Hoof Deer carriage drove out of Liangshui City.
The carriage was warm and cozy. Fang Han sat in the middle, with Yun Qianyue and Lan Yuexin on either side.
The three chatted casually, talking about their experiences in Liangshui City over the past few days and their plans for the new year.
As he spoke, Fang Han naturally raised his arms, his left hand around Yun Qianyue's shoulder and his right hand around Lan Yuexin's waist.
Yun Qianyue's body stiffened slightly.
Lan Yuexin's words came to an abrupt halt.
Silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the rumble of the wheels over the road and the light footsteps of Green-Hoof Deer on the ground.
Yun Qianyue lowered her eyes, and a faint blush rose to the tips of her ears, which were exposed outside the purple gauze.
Her fingers twitched, but she didn't push Fang Han away. Instead, she turned her gaze to the rapidly receding winter scenery outside the car window.
Lan Yuexin lowered her head, and two faint blushes appeared on her beautiful face.
She stole a glance at Yun Qianyue on the other side and saw that she was also being embraced by Fang Han. The shyness in her heart turned into a subtle sense of ease.
Fang Han sensed the stiffness in their bodies and made no further moves, simply maintaining the posture and gazing calmly ahead.
Gradually, Yun Qianyue's tense body relaxed a little, and Lan Yuexin gently rested her head on Fang Han's shoulder.
Silence spoke volumes.
The carriage first arrived at Blue Moon City, where the Yun Clan lived.
The Yun Clan mansion is located in the east of the city. It has a vermilion gate and two imposing stone lions in front of it. It occupies a larger area Fang Clan and is exceptionally grand.
The Fang Clan is, after all, a newly emerging middle-class Lineage, while the Yun Clan is a middle-class Lineage with a history of over a hundred years, and its foundation is far superior to that of the Fang Clan.
Upon receiving the news, the head of the Yun family personally came out to greet them.
Yun Yueshan, the head of the Yun family, looked to be only about forty years old. He was tall and slender with a fair complexion, three long wisps of beard under his chin, and a pair of calm yet sharp eyes.
He wore a purple brocade robe, with a long sword hanging at his waist, and his every move exuded the composure of someone who had long held a high position.
"I am deeply sorry for failing to greet you True Disciple, Master Fang!"
Yun Yue Shan cupped his hands and smiled.
His gaze swept over Fang Han for a moment, then glanced at Yun Qianyue, who was standing very close to Fang Han.
Even seeing the two behaving intimately, there was no surprise.
He had naturally learned about Fang Han's relationship with his daughter Yun Qianyue from his eldest daughter Yun Muyao's letters.
"Uncle Yun, you're too kind."
Fang Han returned the greeting with a cupped hand, showing no arrogance despite his status.
Yun Qianyue stepped forward, whispered "Father," and stood to the side with her hands at her sides.
Yun Yue Shan led Fang Han into the main hall, where they took their seats as host and guest.
Maid served fragrant tea, Yun Yue Shan smiled at Fang Han, his smile unwavering.
He was extremely satisfied with his youngest daughter's marriage.
In terms of status, Fang Han is the number one True Disciple of the Azure Profound Sect, whose position far surpasses that of ordinary Elder.
In terms of potential, Fang Han is hailed as the most talented disciple of the Azure Profound Sect in hundreds of years, ranking first on the Prodigy Ranking, and his future achievements are limitless.
The Yun Clan was only a middle-class Lineage in Qingyang Prefecture, so for them to be able to marry into Fang Han was a great honor.
" Qian Yue is in the sect thanks to the care of True Disciple Fang."
Yun Yue Shan smiled and said.
"Uncle Yun, you flatter me. Qian Yue is exceptionally intelligent and has always been a standout among her peers. She doesn't need my help."
Fang Han shook his head.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Yun Yue Shan gradually steered the conversation toward the main topic.
Fang Han stopped beating around the bush and directly expressed his feelings, proposing to propose marriage in the second half of next year.
Yun Yue Shan stroked his beard and smiled, his calm eyes filled with delight.
Almost without hesitation, he nodded in agreement and discussed the approximate time and details with Fang Han.
He was willing to facilitate the marriage, and Fang Han was full of Fang Han, so the marriage was settled naturally.
When Fang Han left, Fang Han Yun Yue Shan personally escorted him to the gate of the mansion.
Yun Qianyue also saw it off.
She stopped at the steps, her clear, cold eyes falling on Fang Han's face, and said softly:
Be careful on the road.
Fang Han nodded slightly:
See you at the sect after the New Year.
The Green-Hoof Deer carriage set off again, with Fang Han and Lan Yuexin remaining inside.
Lan Yuexin sat Fang Han, her fingers gently twisting the tassels on her sleeve.
She didn't see Fang Han discussing marriage with Yun Yue Shan, but she could guess what was going on. Although she felt a little conflicted, she wasn't displeased.
She had long known of Yun Qianyue's importance in Fang Han, and had already accepted it.
Fang Han turned his head to look at Lan Yuexin, and seeing that her eyes were slightly lowered, as if she had something on her mind, he said:
What are you thinking about?
Lan Yuexin raised her eyes, a hint of a smile appearing in her bright eyes, and shook her head:
"It's nothing, I just feel... Sister Yun's father is a very insightful person."
She didn't get off the carriage, but she did witness Yun Yue Shan's hospitality from inside.
Fang Han nodded.
The headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is located in the most prosperous area of Prefecture City. It occupies a vast area and is a five-story vermilion pavilion with upturned eaves and a magnificent presence.
Although it was damaged, it was quickly repaired and restored.
Lan Yuexin's three older brothers had already received the news and were waiting at the door.
The eldest brother, Lan Yuewen, was about thirty years old. He wore a dark blue Brocade Robe, had a dignified appearance, and a calm demeanor, befitting an elder brother.
The second brother, Lan Yuewu, is slightly taller and bears a resemblance to the eldest brother, but has a sharper look in his eyes.
The third brother, Lan Yueyuan, was the youngest, just over twenty years old. He wore a moon-white long robe, had a smile on his face, and seemed quite lively.
The three of them greeted Fang Han with smiles and were extremely enthusiastic.
As merchants, their understanding of the various forces within Qingyang Prefecture far surpasses that of ordinary people.
They were well aware of Fang Han's significance as the top True Disciple of the Azure Profound Sect.
"Master True Disciple, I've long admired you!"
Lan Yuewen cupped his hands in greeting and smiled, leading Fang Han into the building.
Fang Han returned the greetings to each of them and exchanged pleasantries with them.
Upon entering the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, one person was already waiting.
It was none other than Pavilion Master Lan Daoxing.
He wore a dark blue Brocade Robe and had a refined appearance; he was no longer the disheveled man he had been when they last met.
"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you True Disciple, Master Fang!"
Lan Daoxing cupped his hands in greeting, his voice booming, and his smile genuine.
Fang Han returned the greeting with clasped hands:
"Uncle Lan, you're too kind."
Lan Daoxing personally led Fang Han into the main hall, where they took their seats as host and guest.
Maid served fragrant tea. Lan Daoxing picked up the teacup, his gaze falling on Fang Han, and remarked with emotion:
"When the Hundred Treasures Pavilion suffered a great calamity last time, if it weren't for Master Fang's True Disciple arrival, I, Lan, would probably have lost my life. I will always remember this kindness."
"Uncle Lan, you flatter me."
Fang Han shook his head.
" The Hundred Treasures Pavilion has already allied itself with the Azure Profound Sect, so it is only right that it lends a helping hand."
Lan Daoxing waved his hand and said seriously:
"It's our duty to the Azure Profound Sect, but for me, it's a life-saving favor."
He paused, his gaze lingering on Fang Han for a moment, before expressing his gratitude.
"I heard that Qi Zhen, the leader of the Iron River Gang, died at the hands of Fang True Disciple. Fang True Disciple, this can be considered as a way of venting my anger. Thank you."
"Uncle Lan, you're too kind."
Fang Han put down his teacup, met Lan Daoxing's gaze, and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.
"Uncle Lan, I've come to discuss Yuexin's matter with you. I plan to propose marriage in the latter half of next year."
Lan Daoxing stroked his beard and smiled, his refined eyes filled with delight.
He had already accepted this situation.
Fang Han is already number one on the Prodigy Ranking at a young age, and his chances of becoming a grandmaster in the future are extremely high, with unlimited potential.
It is truly a blessing for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion that our daughter has found such a good match, especially now that Hundred Treasures Pavilion has become affiliated with the Azure Profound Sect.
"Since Master True Disciple has this intention, I, Lan, will naturally agree."
Lan Daoxing responded immediately, without the slightest hesitation.
He summoned his eldest son Lan Yuewen, to discuss the matter, and they finalized the date and details for the upcoming marriage proposal.
Fang Han agreed to each request without being arrogant.
Several hours later, after everything was settled, Fang Han got up to take his leave.
Lan Daoxing personally escorted Fang Han to the gate of the mansion, and Lan Yuexin also rushed over from the inner courtyard, standing beside her father and watching Fang Han get into the carriage.
The carriage rumbled away, and Fang Han leaned against the side of the carriage, letting out a long sigh of relief.
The two marriages were settled.
The carriage arrived in Liangshui City on the evening of the last day of the year.
Large red lanterns had already been hung in front of the Fang Mansion, and the interior was brightly lit, with the faint sounds of laughter and cheerful conversation emanating from within.
Fang Han alighted from the carriage and stepped into the mansion gate.
Inside the Rain-Listening Pavilion, Fang Zheng and Lin Wan were directing Servant to put up Spring Festival couplets in the main hall. Upon seeing their son return, they both showed joy on their faces.
The younger Younger Sister Fang Ying, darted out from behind her mother, clutching a half-eaten sugar cake in her hand, and called out in a clear voice:
"Brother is back!"
Fang Han ruffled her hair.
As night fell, the annual Fang Mansion banquet was held, with all members of the Fang Lineage gathering together.
The Clan Head, Fang Lingyuan, gave a speech, raised his wine glass, and spoke in a loud voice:
"Our Fang Clan is thriving today, all thanks to Fang Han's efforts. May our Fang Clan prosper even more next year!"
As everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together, a sudden burst of firecrackers erupted outside the hall.
A new year has begun.
Fang Han picked up his wine glass, gazing at the fireworks bursting across the sky outside the window, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
In the past year, he topped the Prodigy Ranking and his strength reached the level of Barrier-Breaking Martial Artist, which can be described as a great achievement.
With the arrival of the new year, he aims to go even further in the world of martial arts.
Having witnessed the terrifying combat power of a grandmaster who could crush him as easily as crushing an insect, he felt no complacency about his current strength.
We will not slack off because of this.
Having missed several days of cultivation before the Lunar New Year, Fang Han devoted all his attention back to martial arts on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
At dawn, the sky was just beginning to lighten.
Fang Han sat cross-legged on the futon in the side room, took out a Earth Spirit Pill from his Storage Ring and put it in his mouth.
The Azure Profound Art slowly circulated, and the azure-gold Internal Qi surged through the meridians like a river, refining and absorbing the medicinal power bit by bit.
With a 512-fold increase in physical strength, the growth in Internal Qi is clearly perceptible.
More than an hour later, he slowly finished his practice, gently exhaling a breath of turbid air. The Long-lasting Breath, like a dragon, leaving a white streak in the cold air, shooting out more than ten feet before dissipating.
After breakfast, he went to the courtyard.
After several expansions, Rain-Listening Pavilion specially set aside an open space for him to practice his skills on weekdays.
"Clang--"
The Cloudsplitter Sword was drawn from its sheath, its Dark Cyan blade gleaming with a restrained luster in the morning light.
Fang Han closed his eyes and concentrated, the Wind Sword Intent flowing in his heart, and the sword techniques of the < Void-Sundering Sword Manual > appeared one by one.
A moment later, he opened his eyes and thrust out a sword.
The sword light was like a thread, drawing a faint, almost imperceptible path through the air, leaving a fine crack that lingered and did not dissipate.
He sheathed his sword, then drew it again.
The second sword, the third sword, the fourth sword...
Sword light crisscrossed the courtyard, its sharp, all-encompassing intent spreading out, making the air in the courtyard seem to freeze.
Two hours later, he sheathed his sword, slightly out of breath, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead.
The < Void-Sundering Sword Manual Mastery Realm, now at its Perfection Realm, is almost complete.
He had a premonition that a breakthrough was imminent in the next few days.