Marriage Proposal

This was a Profound Martial Phenomenon!

A symbol of a high-level True Martial Expert, it was nurtured within a Profound Martial Secret Treasure, with one's true martial intent as its core and the Qi of Heavenly Gang and Earthly Sha gathered from heaven and earth.

The newcomer was Chen Chuanshan, the Imperial Guard Commander stationed at the foot of the mountain. Standing at the site of the fight, he surveyed his surroundings, then gave a cold snort and turned to leave.

Yet in Gu Yuanqing's senses, Chen Chuanshan had clearly glanced from the corner of his eye at the spot where the old man had dug his tunnel.

That single glance filled Gu Yuanqing with apprehension.

"I had wondered how this old man could spend months digging holes all over North Spring Mountain in search of treasure without the Imperial Court guards noticing. They called it a Forbidden Ground, yet its defenses seemed nonexistent. Now it appears otherwise—it was the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."

"Was my breakthrough into True Martial also beneath their very eyes? Did the technique I learned to conceal my Qi truly fool them?"

Gu Yuanqing's brow creased with unease, but he quickly thought, I have been imprisoned here for months, yet no one has paid me any heed. The Great Gan Imperial Family apparently has no intention of killing me. Why overthink it? Once my cultivation rises, what will there be to fear?

His attention returned to the old man. The old man now stood by the window in his room, his Firewood Saber placed within easy reach. His eyes were full of gravity, as though he were prepared to strike at once should anyone discover him.

Only after a long while did he breathe a sigh of relief. He set the Firewood Saber by the bed and lay down to sleep without removing his clothes.

In a nearby room, the middle-aged woman slept soundly, utterly unaware of what had just happened on North Spring Mountain.

The song had ended and the crowd had dispersed. North Spring Mountain returned to tranquility, as though nothing had happened...

Outside the mountain, two injured men in black forcefully suppressed their wounds and used their Movement Techniques to flee at top speed. Ten li away, the smaller of the two coughed up blood. His legs gave out, and he fell from the treetops.

"Seventh!" The other man hurriedly turned back, dropping down to inspect him, anxiety clear in his voice.

"That man is high-level True Martial. His Sword Qi entered my body and injured my heart meridian."

"Stop talking. Suppress the Sword Qi—I'll take you away!" He hoisted his companion onto his back and once more used his Movement Technique to race away.

In a valley thirty li away, the taller man in black stopped. He put his companion down, gasping heavily as he looked around.

After a moment, a figure emerged from the darkness. He too wore black, with features as fine as jade. It was Qin Baijun.

"Xue Chengyang pays respects to Young Master."

The other man's breath was weak, and he could no longer speak.

Qin Baijun lowered his eyes to glance at him and asked indifferently, "How did things go?"

"This subordinate was incompetent. I never expected there to be hidden sentries atop the cliff. We were discovered before we could infiltrate North Spring Mountain. That man was high-level True Martial, and we were no match for him. I beg Young Master's forgiveness."

Qin Baijun turned to look toward North Spring Mountain. "North Spring Mountain is, after all, a Great Gan Forbidden Ground. It is only natural. Here are two Rejuvenation Pills. You two should heal your injuries first."

At Prince Gu's Manor, Prince Gu—whose noble rank had been stripped by one degree—kept a low profile.

He had resigned from all military duties and even claimed illness to avoid attending the morning court. Every day, he tended flowers and plants within the manor, seemingly preparing to live out his remaining years in peace.

The once-glorious Gu Family appeared to be declining. The businesses under their control were snatched away one after another, yet they swallowed their anger and said nothing.

Early one morning, the white-haired, white-bearded Prince Gu slowly performed a set of fist techniques in the courtyard. A servant brought him water to wash his hands. After drying them with a towel, he slowly accepted a booklet from the Manor Steward.

After reading it, he waved away every other servant and asked, "You mean Her Highness the Princess is with child?"

"The news came from a eunuch in the Imperial Kitchen. He happened to see Her Highness the Princess's swollen belly. The news should not be mistaken."

"Whose is it?"

The Manor Steward hesitated slightly before saying, "This old servant speculates that it may be... someone from our Gu Family."

"The Gu Family? Our Gu Family?" Prince Gu was first stunned, then his expression turned cold. Fury flashed in his eyes. He clenched his fist, and the booklet in his hand became powder.

"So that is how it is. That little beast deserved to die!"

Only after a moment did the steward ask, "Prince, what should we do next? As for Young Master Gu Yuanqing..."

"Everything proceeds as before. We shall act as though we know nothing of this. Make those who know this news keep it rotting in their bellies. Otherwise... kill without mercy!"

Great Gan Imperial Palace, Qingyun Garden.

Several months ago, this place had been designated a Forbidden Ground. It was publicly declared that the Great Gan Princess was cultivating within, seeking to break through her realm.

Imperial Venerables guarded the courtyard from outside. Anyone who entered without permission would be killed without exception.

The Great Gan Emperor, Li Haotian, had the servants behind him wait outside the courtyard gates and entered alone.

There were only several maidservants within the courtyard, and none of them was permitted to step beyond the gates.

"Your daughter pays respects to Father Emperor."

"Xuan'er, rise quickly. There is no need for such formalities."

Li Miaoxuan gently supported her belly as she rose, smiling as she asked, "Father Emperor seems to be in a good mood today. Is there some happy occasion?"

"There is indeed a matter, though it depends on Xuan'er's wishes." Li Haotian waved for the servants to withdraw.

"Please speak, Father Emperor."

"Elder Qin of the Lingxu Sect came to the Imperial Palace today."

"Martial Granduncle Qin? He has not left the mountain for many years. What has brought him to the Imperial Palace this time?"

The Great Gan Emperor, Li Haotian, paused before saying, "He came to propose marriage on behalf of his grandson, Qin Baijun, to you, Xuan'er. I have met that boy. Both his cultivation and character are outstanding."

Li Miaoxuan's smile faded. "Father Emperor refused, I presume."

"Why is that? Xuan'er, I do not think you should be so hasty."

"Does Father Emperor think I can still marry another man in my current state?"

Li Haotian raised his brows and said in a deep voice, "Why not? My daughter possesses heaven-gifted talent and beauty that sinks fish and topples geese. Is there anyone under heaven unworthy of you? Besides, that boy Qin Baijun is devoted to you and does not mind what came before. He merely asks that the child in your womb be removed. I believe you two are a perfect match. He has also promised that when your first son is born, he will bear the surname Li."

Li Miaoxuan replied calmly, "Your daughter is devoted to cultivation and has no interest in marriage. Besides, does Father Emperor intend for your daughter to serve two husbands?"

Bang! Li Haotian slammed his palm onto the table beside him, shattering the solid wooden table to pieces. "Outrageous nonsense! That shameless Gu Yuanqing is merely a bastard son—how could he count as a second husband? I will have him killed at once to vent my hatred!"

"What Father Emperor wishes to do is beyond your daughter's power to stop. But there is no need to speak of marriage again."

Li Haotian's face turned icy as he said in an unquestionable tone, "Stop being willful. This is for your own good and for the good of Great Gan. I will decide this matter. I shall have the imperial physicians remove the child in your womb."

Li Miaoxuan remained calm, her voice composed. "Father Emperor, your daughter has already become a Grandmaster. There may be many things in this world that I cannot accomplish, but if I am unwilling, no one can force me—not even... Father Emperor."

What was a Grandmaster? It was the crown of martial arts. One person could stand against a thousand troops and establish a sect within Great Gan.

"You..." Li Haotian pointed at Li Miaoxuan, unable to speak. His face was livid as he swept his sleeve and left.

Within a separate residence on North Long Street in the Imperial Capital.

Qin Baijun stood before the main hall, while an elderly man with white hair and beard sat in the seat of honor.

"Grandfather, are you saying His Majesty refused my marriage proposal?" Qin Baijun's expression was ugly.

"Jun'er, I think we should let this matter rest. She is, after all... If word gets out, it will bring no honor to our Qin Family either." The old man sighed.

"Then I beg Grandfather to kill someone for your grandson!" Qin Baijun knelt in worship.