“Yes, yes, hang a few more a bit higher, they must be eye-catching!” The sect master stood in the center of the courtyard, hands on his hips, loudly directing the disciples in setting up the venue.
Shen Yanchu stood to the side, quietly watching the sea of blazing red before him. The vibrant red silks, delicate lanterns, and colorful flowers adorned the entire Taiyi Sect with a jubilant, festive air.
Yet he felt not a single shred of joy, only shaking his head helplessly while supporting his forehead with a hand, sighing secretly, Sigh, why is this old man of a sect master still not giving up? He actually hasn’t forgotten about holding a bride selection for the original body even now.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Shen Yanchu stepped forward toward where the sect master stood. Arriving before him, he gave a slight bow in greeting and said softly, “Um… Father, honestly, there is really no need to go to all this trouble.”
The sect master turned his head, staring wide-eyed at Shen Yanchu with dissatisfaction as he retorted, “What do you know, child? Everything your father is doing is for the sake of your future happiness! Besides, with someone as handsome and talented as my son, it is only natural to match you with a few fine partners so as to properly showcase your charm and strength!”
Hearing these words, Shen Yanchu felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, nearly causing him to faint on the spot. He wailed internally, Good heavens! This is absolute torture! The old man is practically pushing me straight into a fiery pit!
Finding it utterly impossible to endure the noisy scene and the sect master’s endless nagging, Shen Yanchu hardened his heart, turned around, and headed toward the mountain gate. Musing to himself as he walked, Out of sight, out of mind. I’d better hurry and leave this bustling place; seeing red is starting to give me a stress reaction.
Before long, Shen Yanchu arrived at the mountain gate. Spotting a massive boulder, he leaped up and seated himself firmly upon it. Next, he drew out a packet of the candied fruit he had purchased earlier, leisurely tasting them. The sweet and sour flavor instantly filled his mouth, temporarily helping him forget those aggravating matters.
Just as Shen Yanchu was immersed in the culinary pleasure, he suddenly felt a chill brush against his chin. Startled, he thought with panic, Crap, is someone trying to assassinate me? Sect master, old man, hurry up and save me!
Suppressing his inner terror, Shen Yanchu stammered, “May I ask which young hero this is? Let us talk things over calmly. Put the sword away.” Shen Yanchu was an utter coward who only ever dared act tough in front of Xie Huaizhou.
“Lift your chin,” a crisp, melodious, and youthful voice drifted leisurely over, resembling a gentle breeze brushing against one’s face in spring and making one feel utterly comfortable and at ease.
While Shen Yanchu sat hesitating in full uncertainty, that gleaming, razor-sharp sword gently flicked forward like a living thing, slowly propping up his chin.
The youth standing before him possessed a posture straight as a pine and an extraordinarily heroic bearing. He held the incomparably sharp sword in one hand, its hilt carved with exquisite patterns. Atop his head rested an exceptionally ornate crown inlaid with several translucent, faintly glowing blue gems that shone brilliantly, making it impossible to look away.
Observing the youth’s face, he was blessed with fine eyebrows and clear eyes, particularly his purple irises which resembled deep, unfathomable pools, mysterious and obscure, drawing one in to explore.
Seeing that Shen Yanchu had finally lifted his head, the youth’s lips curved upward into a faint smile. “I am your husband.” With those words, he gave his wrist a flick, dashingly sheathing his long sword before bending down to draw close to Shen Yanchu, whispering softly, “Your appearance, I like it very much.”
Hearing this, Shen Yanchu froze completely, his mind turning instantly blank. It took a good while before he snapped back to his senses, widened his eyes in utter confusion, and cautiously asked, “Who… exactly are you?”
The youth smiled slightly, replying in an unhurried tone, “The son of the Demon Lord, Jiang Siwang.”
“What?” Shen Yanchu’s jaw dropped in shock once more as an enormous question mark popped into his head. He hurriedly waved his hands in defense. “Um… you must have got the wrong person! I am definitely not Su Rongyu!”
Yet Jiang Siwang shook his head indifferently, answering without a care, “Su Rongyu? I do not know any such person. I only know that Xie Huaizhou and Ji Yanche are fighting over you, and I want to fight for you too. I will surely snatch you away!”
“There is definitely a misunderstanding here.” With a flustered expression and slightly parted lips, Shen Yanchu stuttered out, “What is going on here? Why is everything falling into such a mess?” As he spoke, he flailed his hands haphazardly in the air, trying to make the other party understand that things were not as they appeared on the surface.
“Save the nonsense!” Jiang Siwang let out a cold snort, a flash of impatience crossing his eyes. With a slight flick of his wrist, the long sword gripped tightly in his hand instantly transformed into a dazzling golden light, blinking into a long, golden whip.
He swept his arm outward, and the whip lashed through the air like a nimble serpent springing from its den, racing toward Shen Yanchu with lightning speed before wrapping tightly around his waist for a full two turns.
“This is my very first time visiting the Taiyi Sect today, so naturally…” Jiang Siwang raised his chin slightly, his gaze conveying an unquestionable tone as he continued matter-of-factly, “You must take me down the mountain to wander around properly, my good wife.”
A wise man knows when to yield. Shen Yanchu cursed inwardly while forcing a smile onto his face, speaking almost through gritted teeth, “Being able to accompany you down the mountain for a stroll is truly my supreme honor! But… um, could you perhaps loosen the whip around my waist first? Being tied up like this makes moving around rather inconvenient.”
“No!” Jiang Siwang refused flatly without a second thought, his tone exceptionally firm with zero room for negotiation. “A fellow like you looks exactly like the type who would seize the chance to slip away the moment he is untied!”
Heh, I never expected a kid like you to be good at reading physiognomy, and you nailed it so accurately too, Shen Yanchu mentally rolled his eyes while muttering a silent complaint. But drawing in a deep breath, he reminded himself internally, Fine, fine, forbearance brings peace. Don’t argue too much with a kid or you’ll just make a fool of yourself. With that, he could only nod helplessly, agreeing to take Jiang Siwang down the mountain.