Chapter 164

After ten years of friendship with the Yang Family, Gao Hui had become almost like one of their own, always putting their interests first.

When he heard the Wei Family had a young girl with cultivation potential, he immediately went to congratulate them.

Seeing her, he grew even more satisfied.

The girl was pleasant-looking and possessed above-average talent—a rare find among Gathering Qi families.

That day, Gao Hui dropped subtle hints to Master Wei Zhongyun. Upon catching his meaning, the Wei Family head grinned from ear to ear.

Back then, tying themselves to the Yang Family was every small clan’s greatest aspiration.

The Huang Family’s growing prosperity as Yang’s vassal had sparked envy, making others desperate to secure the same chance.

With Gao Hui mediating, the Wei Family had eagerly awaited this alliance for two years.

Even ignoring other rewards, the mere prospect of Formation Master Liu Zihao crafting their Protective Family Array left them breathless.

In Baishi Town’s eastern region, Wei Zhongyun—Master of the Wei Family and a second-level Gathering Qi cultivator—paced the meeting hall, polishing two glossy stones.

All top officials sat stiffly in their seats, faces flushed with tension.

Beside the main chair stood a thirteen-year-old girl in white robes.

“Master,” she said, watching Wei Zhongyun complete another lap, “sit down.”

“Ah! Xinqing’s right. This pacing solves nothing.”

Her clear voice snapped Wei Zhongyun from his agitation, and he slumped into his seat.

Today marked Mayor Gao Hui’s visit to the Yang Family. The Wei Family’s future hinged on this meeting.

Noticing the room’s unease, Wei Xinqing flicked her wrist, summoning a cooling mist that settled over the elders.

The tension eased. Glances of pride and relief turned toward the girl—their golden ticket to the Yang Family’s favor.

“Xinqing…” Wei Zhongyun sighed. “I acted rashly. Never asked your thoughts.”

He’d agreed to Gao Hui’s marriage proposal on the spot, only informing her afterward.

Though known for her maturity, Wei Xinqing hadn’t spoken to him for three days.

On the fourth day, she’d set a single condition:

“I’ll be a wife, not a concubine.”

Wei Zhongyun relaxed. The Yang Family’s two eligible heirs remained unwed, and as the first suitors, securing a proper marriage seemed feasible.

“Of course, it’s the Master’s fault. Had you consulted me earlier, Wei Xinqing wouldn’t have been so upset!” Wei Xinqing said with mock annoyance.

Wei Zhongyun chuckled. “True, true. I acted hastily. These troubled times… both our family matters and the people under our rule have fared worse each year.”

“Since your father’s passing, bearing this burden alone has stretched me thin…”

“I understand completely, Master. Rest assured, I harbor no resentment.”

Wei Xinqing smiled lightly. “As a cultivator, I recognize marrying into the Yang Family is a rare fortune.”

“Good! That’s the spirit!”

“Our Wei Xinqing is truly wise.”

“You’re a blessing to our Wei Family.”

Amid the elders’ praises, Wei Xinqing maintained her faint smile.

*Buzz—*

The Wei Family’s formation hummed. All rose excitedly as a figure materialized in the meeting hall.

Wei Zhongyun rushed forward. “Mayor Gao! Welcome! Please sit.”

“No need.” Gao Hui clasped his hands. “Congratulations, Master Wei. The match is settled.”

“Settled! Splendid!” Wei Zhongyun’s voice trembled before he composed himself. “This fortune comes through your efforts, Mayor Gao.”

“You flatter me. Wei Xinqing’s own merits made this possible.” Gao Hui nodded.

Wei Xinqing’s cheeks pinkened as she stepped forward. “Mayor Gao… which Yang son is this?”

The room held its breath.

“Yang Lingshu. Third son, now cultivating at Wanhuamen’s immortal mountain. Two years your senior, already at the fourth-level Gathering Qi.”

“Fourth level?!”

Gasps filled the hall. Even the Wei Family’s strongest had only reached the fifth level in their fifties.

“True nobility’s offspring!”

“Only such talent earns a sect on the mountain’s favor!”

Unnoticed, Wei Xinqing loosened her grip on her robe. Her hidden fears dissolved – this was no ill match.

*Perhaps I’m the fortunate one here,* she mused. *Coldness I can bear, dullness matters not… but let him not be quick-tempered.*

Gao Hui presented Yang Lingqing’s written message. Wei Zhongyun’s hands shook as he read:

*Let Wei Xinqing cultivate at Song Mountain first. When Lingshu returns, their union shall proceed.*

“Your thoughts, Master Wei?”

Wei Zhongyun nearly agreed instantly, then recalled their earlier talk. He passed the letter to Wei Xinqing.

After scanning the text, she bowed. “Then… I’ll trouble Mayor Gao to escort me.”

Weeks later, a letter reached Heavenly Travel Peak’s base.

Lv Fangxuan hurried up the slope. “Young master! A letter from home!”

*Whoosh—*

A dark-green blur shot through the stone door’s gap.

*The young master’s cultivation improves each time!* Lv Fangxuan marveled at the revitalizing aura.

Yang Lingshu studied the letter – his first from home since ascending the mountain. Family news filled most pages… until the final line:

*Before visiting home, you must… adjust your physique?*