Chapter 586 - 582: Discussing the Marriage Proposal
Chapter 586: Chapter 582: Discussing the Marriage Proposal
On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Cyan-hoof Deer Carriage departed from Liangshui City.
The carriage was warm and cozy. Fang Han sat in the middle, flanked by Yun Qianyue and Lan Yuexin.
The three of them chatted idly, speaking of their experiences in Liangshui City over the past few days and their plans for after the new year.
As they spoke, Fang Han casually raised his arms, draping his left around Yun Qianyue’s shoulder and wrapping his right around Lan Yuexin’s waist.
Yun Qianyue’s body stiffened slightly.
Lan Yuexin’s voice also died away.
The carriage fell silent, leaving only the rumbling of the wheels on the road and the light clatter of the Cyan-hoofed Deer’s hooves.
Yun Qianyue lowered her gaze, the tips of her ears, visible past her purple veil, flushing a faint crimson.
Her fingers curled slightly, but she ultimately did not push Fang Han away, merely shifting her gaze to the winter scenery flashing by the window.
Lan Yuexin, for her part, lowered her head as a faint blush rose on her stunningly beautiful face.
She stole a glance at Yun Qianyue on the other side. Seeing that she too was in Fang Han’s embrace, her shyness dissolved into a strange sense of composure.
Fang Han sensed the tension in their bodies and made no further moves, simply holding the position with his calm gaze fixed forward.
Gradually, Yun Qianyue’s tense body relaxed, and Lan Yuexin gently rested her head on Fang Han’s shoulder.
They traveled the rest of the way in a silence more eloquent than a thousand words.
...
The carriage first arrived at Lanyue City, home of the Yun Family.
The Yun Family estate was situated in the eastern part of the city. With its vermilion-lacquered gate, a pair of imposing stone lions out front, and a footprint even larger than the Fang Family’s, it was truly a magnificent sight.
The Fang Family, after all, had only recently become a Middle Grade family, whereas the Yun Family had held that status for over a century. The Fang Family’s foundation was no match for theirs.
Having received word, the Patriarch of the Yun Family came to the gate to welcome them personally.
Patriarch Yun, Yun Yueshan, appeared to be only in his forties. He had a slender build, a fair complexion, and a trim, three-pointed beard beneath his chin. His eyes were calm yet sharp.
He wore a purple silk robe with a longsword at his waist, and his every movement exuded the steady aura of a man long accustomed to a position of authority.
"True Inheritor Fang, you honor us with your presence. Forgive me for not providing a more fitting welcome!"
Yun Yueshan said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting.
His gaze swept over Fang Han for a moment before shifting to Yun Qianyue, who stood very close by his side.
He showed no surprise at their intimate posture.
He had, of course, already learned of the relationship between Fang Han and his daughter, Qianyue, from his elder daughter Yun Muyao’s letters.
"You’re too kind, Uncle Yun."
Fang Han returned the salute, showing no arrogance despite his status.
Yun Qianyue stepped forward, murmured, "Father," and then stood aside with her hands clasped.
Yun Yueshan led Fang Han into the main hall, where they took their respective seats as host and guest.
A maid served fragrant tea, and Yun Yueshan watched Fang Han, his smile never faltering.
’He was extremely satisfied with this match for his younger daughter.’
In terms of status, Fang Han was the Qingxuan Sect’s first True Inheritor, a position far beyond that of an ordinary Elder.
In terms of potential, he was hailed as the Qingxuan Sect’s most talented disciple in centuries, ranked first on the Celestial Pride List, with limitless future prospects.
The Yun Family was merely a Middle Grade family in Qingyang County; a marriage alliance with Fang Han was a true honor, a match far above their station.
"I’m grateful to you, True Inheritor Fang, for looking after Qianyue at the Sect," Yun Yueshan said with a smile.
"You give me too much credit, Uncle Yun," Fang Han replied, shaking his head. "Qianyue is exceptionally talented and has always been a leader among her peers. She hardly needs me to look after her."
After a few more pleasantries, Yun Yueshan gradually steered the conversation toward the main topic.
Fang Han didn’t beat around the bush, either. He stated his intentions directly, proposing to make a formal marriage proposal in the latter half of the coming year.
Yun Yueshan stroked his beard and smiled, his calm eyes filled with delight.
With barely a moment’s hesitation, he nodded his assent and began discussing the general timing and details with Fang Han.
With his eager approval and Fang Han’s obvious sincerity, the matter of the marriage was settled as a matter of course.
When it was time to leave, Yun Yueshan personally saw Fang Han to the estate’s main gate.
Yun Qianyue also came to see him off.
She stopped at the top of the steps, her cool, clear eyes resting on Fang Han’s face as she said softly,
"Travel safely."
Fang Han nodded slightly.
"See you at the Sect after the new year."
The Cyan-hoof Deer Carriage set off once more, leaving only Fang Han and Lan Yuexin inside.
Lan Yuexin sat beside Fang Han, her fingers gently twisting the tassels on her sleeve.
She hadn’t witnessed Fang Han’s discussion with Yun Yueshan about the marriage proposal, but she could guess what had transpired. Though she felt a flicker of complicated emotions, she was not displeased.
She had long known how important Yun Qianyue was to Fang Han and had accepted it.
Fang Han turned his head to look at Lan Yuexin. Seeing her downcast gaze, he could tell something was on her mind and asked,
"What are you thinking about?"
Lan Yuexin looked up, a smile spreading across her bright eyes as she shook her head.
"Nothing. I was just thinking... Sister Yun’s father is a very perceptive man."
She hadn’t left the carriage, but from inside, she had seen Yun Yueshan’s enthusiastic reception.
Fang Han nodded.
...
The headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was located in the most prosperous district of the Commandery City. It was a vast, five-story Vermilion Red Pavilion with soaring, upturned eaves, projecting an aura of magnificence.
Although it had been damaged, it had been quickly repaired and restored.
Lan Yuexin’s three older brothers had already received word and were waiting at the entrance.
Her eldest brother, Lan Yuewen, was in his thirties. Dressed in a navy silk robe, he had dignified features and a steady demeanor, carrying himself with the air of an older brother.
Her second brother, Lan Yuewu, was slightly taller. His face resembled his eldest brother’s, but his expression held a sharper edge.
Her third brother, Lan Yueyuan, was the youngest at just over twenty. He wore a moon-white robe and had a constant smile, appearing quite sociable and lively.
Upon seeing Fang Han, all three men broke into wide, enthusiastic smiles.
As merchants, their understanding of the various powers within Qingyang County far surpassed that of an ordinary person.
They were keenly aware of the weight carried by Fang Han, the first True Inheritor of the Qingxuan Sect.
"True Inheritor Fang, we’ve heard so much about you!"
Lan Yuewen said with a smile, cupping his hands and leading Fang Han into the pavilion.
Fang Han returned their salutes one by one and exchanged pleasantries with the three brothers.
Inside the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, another person was already waiting.
It was none other than the Pavilion Master, Lan Daoxing.
Dressed in a navy silk robe, his features were refined and scholarly; he no longer looked like the pathetic figure he had been at their last meeting.
"True Inheritor Fang, you honor us with your presence. Forgive me for not providing a more fitting welcome!"
Lan Daoxing’s voice was resonant as he cupped his hands, a sincere smile on his face.
Fang Han returned the cupped-fist salute.
"You’re too kind, Uncle Lan."
Lan Daoxing personally led Fang Han into the main hall, where they took their respective seats as host and guest.
A maid served fragrant tea. Lan Daoxing lifted his teacup, his gaze fixed on Fang Han as he said with deep emotion,
"The last time the Hundred Treasures Pavilion faced disaster, if you had not arrived in time, True Inheritor Fang, this old life of mine would have been forfeit. It is a debt of gratitude I will never forget."
"You overstate things, Uncle Lan."
Fang Han shook his head.
"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion has pledged its allegiance to the Qingxuan Sect. Aiding you was simply my duty."
Lan Daoxing waved his hand dismissively, his expression turning serious.
"It may have been your duty to the Qingxuan Sect, but to me, it was the gift of life."
He paused, his gaze lingering on Fang Han for a moment before he continued in a grateful tone,
"I heard that the Tiejiang Gang Leader, Qi Zhen, died at your hands. In doing so, you have avenged me, and for that, you have my thanks."
"You are far too kind, Uncle Lan."
Fang Han set down his teacup, met Lan Daoxing’s gaze, and spoke with a solemn, cupped-hand salute.
"Uncle Lan, I have come today to discuss a matter concerning Yuexin. I would like to make a formal marriage proposal 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 possibility.’
Fang Han was already number one on the Celestial Pride List at such a young age. His chances of becoming a Grandmaster in the future were high, and his prospects were limitless.
For his daughter to secure such a good match was a stroke of great fortune for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, especially now that they had pledged allegiance to the Qingxuan Sect.
"Since you have such intentions, True Inheritor Fang, I naturally give my consent."
Lan Daoxing agreed readily, without a moment’s hesitation.
He called his eldest son, Lan Yuewen, to join the discussion, and they immediately finalized the dates and details of the proposal.
Fang Han agreed to all the arrangements, his attitude humble and not at all arrogant.
Several hours later, with everything settled, Fang Han rose to take his leave.
Lan Daoxing personally saw him to the main gate. Lan Yuexin also hurried out from the inner courtyard to stand by her father’s side, watching as Fang Han boarded the carriage.
As the carriage rumbled away, Fang Han leaned back against the carriage wall and let out a long breath.
’Both marriage arrangements were settled.’
The carriage arrived back in Liangshui City at dusk on the last day of the year.
Large red lanterns were already hanging before the gates of the Fang Mansion. The estate was brightly lit, and the faint sounds of laughter and cheerful chatter drifted out.
Fang Han alighted from the carriage and stepped through the gates.
Inside Tingyu Pavilion, Fang Zheng and Lin Wan were in the main hall, directing servants as they put up New Year’s couplets. Their faces lit up with joy when they saw their son return.
His little sister, Fang Ying, darted out from behind their mother, clutching a sweet cake from which she’d just taken two bites. She called out in a clear, bright voice,
"Brother’s back!"
Fang Han ruffled her hair.
As night fell, all the Fang Clan Members gathered for the annual Fang Mansion banquet.
The Patriarch, Fang Lingyuan, gave a toast, raising his wine cup. His voice was resonant.
"Our Fang Family is thriving, and it is all thanks to Fang Han! To the coming year, and may our Fang Family become even more prosperous!"
Everyone raised their cups in unison. As the cups clinked, the sharp CRACKLE and POP of firecrackers suddenly erupted outside the hall.
The new year had begun.
Fang Han raised his cup, a faint smile touching his lips as he watched the fireworks blossom across the night sky.
Over the past year, he had climbed to the top of the Celestial Pride List and had even reached the level of a Breaking Through Martial Artist. It had been a fruitful year indeed.
’With the new year here, I must walk even farther on the Martial Dao.’
’Having witnessed the terrifying power of a Grandmaster—one who could crush him as easily as an insect—he felt not a shred of complacency about his current strength.’
’He would not allow himself to slacken his efforts.’
...
Having already delayed his cultivation for several days leading up to the holiday, Fang Han refocused his entire being on the Martial Dao on the very first day of the new year.
「Early morning, as the sky began to lighten.」
Fang Han sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion in his room, took an Earth Spirit Pill from his Storage Ring, and placed it in his mouth.
The Cyan Profound Technique slowly began to circulate. Cyan-gold Inner Qi surged through his meridians like a great river, refining and absorbing the pill’s Medicinal Power strand by strand.
With the 512-fold enhancement from his Root Bone, the growth of his Inner Qi was distinctly palpable.
Over two hours later, he slowly ceased his work, gently exhaling. His breath was as Long as a dragon’s, forming a white trail in the cold air that shot out over ten feet before dissipating.
After breakfast, he went out into the courtyard.
Tingyu Pavilion had been expanded several times, and an open area had been specially cleared for his daily training.
SHING—
The Cloud Splitting Sword left its scabbard, its dark cyan blade shimmering with a reserved luster in the morning light.
Fang Han closed his eyes and focused his mind. Wind Sword Intent flowed through him as the forms of the Sky-Splitting Sword Technique surfaced in his thoughts one by one.
A moment later, he opened his eyes and thrust his sword forward.
The flash of the blade was like a single thread, tracing a nearly invisible arc through the air and leaving behind a fine rift that lingered without dissipating.
He withdrew the sword, then struck again.
A second strike, a third, a fourth...
Flashes of the blade crisscrossed the courtyard, filling the air with a razor-sharp intent that seemed to tear at everything, causing the very air to feel heavy and still.
Four hours later, he sheathed his sword, breathing lightly, fine beads of sweat dotting his forehead.
His Sky-Splitting Sword Technique had reached the Great Success Realm, and Perfection was now just a stone’s throw away.
He had a premonition that he would achieve his breakthrough within a few days.