Chapter 736 - A Hasty Marraige Proposal

Xu Zimo’s gaze fell on the tall platform ahead. As the middle-aged man in the blue robe walked up, the crowd quieted slightly.

“The Lord of Crown City is here, everyone quiet down and listen to what he has to say.”

“Get ready to grab the flower ball.”

City Lord Qin Feng walked onto the stage with a commanding presence, his brows slightly furrowed with concern.

“Everyone, I won’t say much about why we’re gathered here,” Qin Feng said loudly. “We will throw down ten flower balls. Anyone who catches one will enter the martial arena to compete. Ten people will battle. My daughter will observe in secret and then choose her favored husband.”

“What does that mean? Ten people fight, but the outcome doesn’t decide who wins? Miss Qin chooses herself?” someone whispered.

“Then we can join too!”

The crowd shouted excitedly.

Previously, many feared their cultivation wasn’t high enough to compete. Now that selection wasn’t based on strength but Miss Qin’s personal choice, everyone became eager.

People cracked their knuckles and stared intently at the martial stage.

Ten guards in red robes with flowers stepped forward, each holding a large flower ball.

“I hereby declare the Qin Clan’s marriage contest officially begins.”

As Qin Feng’s voice fell, the ten flower balls were tossed high into the air.

Each ball traced a graceful arc, varying in height and distance.

“Grab them!” With a shout, the crowd went wild.

Qin Feng had set a rule: once someone caught a ball, others could not snatch it. Otherwise, fighting over it could lead to casualties and chaos in the city.

“I got it!” someone shouted with joy.

Seeing the flower ball in his arms, the others gave up and moved to chase the rest.

Xu Zimo sat on the second floor of an inn, drinking tea and watching the chaos with interest.

Suddenly, a bright red blur flew in.

A flower ball flew in from outside the second floor, landing directly on the table in front of Xu Zimo.

The second floor went silent. Everyone looked curiously at Xu Zimo.

No one on the second floor made a move, since most were just watching the fun.

They were either too old, already married, or didn’t want to get involved.

“No one wants it?” Xu Zimo picked up the flower ball and smiled.

“It’s yours, young master. Why not give it a try?” someone nearby said.

“Yeah, go for it!” the burly man from earlier shouted.

“Others can’t even get one. This is fate.”

“That’s right. I heard marrying into the Qin Clan not only makes you the City Lord’s son-in-law, but also grants access to the Thundercloud Cave. That’s a rare opportunity!”

“Thundercloud Cave?” someone who didn’t understand asked.

“Didn’t Crown Monarch set the rule that only Qin Clan members could enter the Thundercloud Cave? Why allow outsiders in?”

“I don’t know. But if you marry Miss Qin, aren’t you part of the Qin Clan?”

…

Hearing the chatter on the second floor, Xu Zimo fell into thought.

He hadn’t planned to participate, but the mention of Thundercloud Cave piqued his interest.

He looked down. The other nine flower balls had mostly been claimed.

Before he could say anything, Qin Feng shouted from the stage, “Alright, the ten people who caught the flower balls, please come to the platform.”

“Hurry! Maybe Miss Qin will pick you. You could be on the fast track to success,” people nearby urged.

…

When Xu Zimo and the other nine stood on the platform, Qin Feng’s gaze swept over them with hidden pressure.

After inspecting them, he waved his hand.

Accompanied by two maids, a woman in a pink dress walked up the stage with graceful steps.

She had long hair draped behind her and wore a veil that covered half her face.

Only her bright, expressive eyes were visible.

Her slender waist was tied with a pink silk belt.

She calmly glanced at the ten men, then sat down beside the platform.

“Since you caught the flower ball, there’s no backing out,” Qin Feng said.

“Now, you’ll fight in pairs until one person remains standing. But I must make one thing clear. If my daughter doesn’t fancy any of you, we’ll throw the flower balls again, and you’ll be eliminated.”

“Understood,” everyone nodded.

“You may choose your opponents,” Qin Feng added.

“No need for that,” Xu Zimo waved his hand. Spiritforce burst from his palm, knocking the other nine off the stage.

The crowd was stunned. They had expected an intense battle.

“You ambushed us! We didn’t even start,” someone shouted in frustration.

“You really think any of you are my match?” Xu Zimo said. “If we start over, I won’t hold back next time. Life and death won’t be considered.”

Everyone fell silent.

They had protested to save face, but they knew deep down they stood no chance.

“Shuang’er, what do you think?” Qin Feng turned to his daughter and asked with a smile.

“Him,” Qin Shuang pointed at Xu Zimo and said softly.

“Are you sure?” Qin Feng asked.

“Do I have another choice? Whether it’s ten or a hundred, what difference does it make?” Qin Shuang replied, then turned and left.

“Don’t blame your father. I’m doing this for your own good,” Qin Feng sighed as he watched her go.

He then turned to the nearby guards and said, “You handle things here. Take the son-in-law back to the manor later.”

With that, Qin Feng also departed.

“Son-in-law, please come with us back to the manor,” several guards approached Xu Zimo.

As the group left, the onlookers all had strange expressions.

This whole thing felt like thunder without rain.

“I heard the City Lord dotes on his daughter. Why was this marriage proposal so rushed?”

“Who knows? Also, wasn’t the Holy Son of Supreme Tower engaged to Miss Qin since childhood? Why suddenly hold this contest?”

…

Xu Zimo couldn’t hear the crowd’s gossip. He followed the guards to the Qin Manor.

The manor was vast, with grand architecture.

Just past the red gates, an old man in a grayish-yellow long robe approached.

“You may all leave. I’ll take care of the new son-in-law,” the old man instructed.

“Yes, Steward Long,” the guards replied quickly and left.

“Son-in-law, allow me to introduce myself. I’m the head steward of the Qin Manor,” the old man said with a smile. “You can call me Uncle Long. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”