After exchanging pleasantries with the young man surnamed Fang—which consisted of nothing more than praising Xu Guang’s striking appearance—Xu Guang found himself rather bored. Wang Ming finally pulled Xu Guang to a seat by the window and revealed the true purpose of their visit today.
"Erlang, your mother and eldest sister are very worried about your marriage. You are the pillar of the Xu Family now, and you’ve reached the age to settle down. Before you started your Cultivation, your mother planned to spend some money to find a refugee girl for you. But now that you are a Martial Artist, how can you marry a woman of dubious background?
"This is Cang Mang Tower. When the girls from the prominent families of the Outer City reach marrying age, many come here to find a suitable husband. You should take a good look around."
His tone was secretive, as if he were dropping a hint. Xu Guang remained silent for a moment before nodding. He wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea. He understood his mother’s anxiety; after his father was severely injured and bedridden, their family had nearly collapsed. However, he was still somewhat resistant to the concept of blind dates. Thinking of the powerful functions of the Searcher, he figured he could give it a try. If it really didn’t work out... He recalled the ’rental girlfriends’ from his previous life. Perhaps he could try that route, if only to hire someone to take care of his mother.
A matchmaking event was not the same as seeking pleasure on a flower boat. Everyone arrived quite early, deliberately setting a different tone. People trickled in constantly. There were young masters in brocade robes with jade pendants, as well as precociously mature youths. Naturally, women entered as well. Some were veiled maidens carrying themselves like ladies of noble birth, while others were female martial artists clad in tight-fitting martial attire that perfectly accentuated their slender figures. Hierarchy existed everywhere. Those from ordinary backgrounds sat in the first-floor hall, while those with profound backing had the opportunity to go up to the second or even the third floor.
These matchmaking events followed a specific process and featured a Host—the young man surnamed Fang whom they had met upon entering. Seeing that the venue was almost full, Wang Ming hurriedly excused himself. He was already married and couldn’t do anything to wrong Xu Chun. Before leaving, he repeatedly urged Xu Guang to take the event seriously. All sorts of people nearly packed the spacious hall. Regardless of whether they were scholars or martial artists, the men acted like birds in mating season, brazenly flaunting their charms.
Xu Guang sat at a corner table by the window, at a loss for words. He actually spotted several acquaintances: a few senior brothers from the Immortal Institute, including the short senior brother whose family sold pastries. Of course, there were also familiar women, such as his senior sisters Susu and Han Juan. Xu Guang lowered his head, feeling that this matchmaking event seemed rather high-end.
RUSTLE. A sudden stir swept through the venue. Many men looked up, their faces immediately revealing expressions of deep intoxication. On the second-floor balcony stood another group of young men and women. At this moment, a large open space was cleared before them, and there stood a single woman. She was unveiled. Despite her young age, she possessed a beauty capable of toppling cities and nations. Her unadorned face featured features as exquisite as an Immortal. A pair of light-brown eyes shone as brightly as a pool of spring water, exuding boundless charm with every glance. Not only did her light-blue palace dress fail to hide her proud figure, but it actually added an allure that could only be described as fatal.
Both the people below and those above craned their necks to gaze at the fairy-like beauty. Xu Guang merely glanced at her face before quickly looking away, not lingering for even a fraction of a second. Though his heart skipped a beat, he knew his own limits. The trope of a femme fatale was not an empty myth. In the past, Li Zicheng had seized Chen Yuanyuan, causing Wu Sangui to disregard everything and open the gates for the Qing Army. There were always those who lost all reason just to show off in front of a beautiful woman, especially among this current crowd of hot-blooded, easily provoked youths.
Sure enough, the woman’s mere appearance infused the hall with the scent of gunpowder. All it would take was a tiny spark... Fortunately, Fang Huo arrived in time to finally kick off the massive matchmaking event properly.
Xu Guang sat alone by the window, making no effort to approach the women. He did, however, prick up his ears to listen to the surrounding chatter.
"Is that the new Direct Disciple taken in by the Sect Leader of the Cold Blade Sect? Truly peerless beauty, possessing the presence of a Celestial Being," a man holding a folding fan said, fanning himself with a look of absolute admiration.
"Rumor has it she hails from Ji State, originally the daughter of a major local clan. But after disaster struck Ji State, she came to our Feiyun City because her family had old ties with the Cold Blade Sect."
"Who knows what kind of man could ever win the heart of such a proud daughter of heaven."
"Heh, win her heart? I heard she’s deeply favored by the Sect Leader of the Cold Blade Sect. She only came to Cang Mang Tower to broaden her horizons."
Listening to the gossip, Xu Guang occasionally observed his fellow disciples. Zhao Yong had uncharacteristically dressed in tight martial attire. His tall and sturdy build made him stand out in the crowd, but the folding fan he carried to feign elegance looked completely out of place. On the other hand, the short Senior Brother Liu, despite his small stature, was clearly dressed with great care. With his long-sleeved robes and hair bound by a white scarf, he actually managed to exude the aura of a young nobleman.
"Senior Brother Zhao, how about it? Have you spotted any ladies to your liking?"
Zhao Yong looked embarrassed and muttered wordlessly. A flash of disdain crossed Senior Brother Liu’s eyes; a commoner’s son was truly useless. Quite a few people had come with Senior Brother Liu, and it didn’t take long for them to toss Zhao Yong to the back of their minds and start chatting amongst themselves.
"Grain prices in the Outer City have skyrocketed recently, and the refugees are growing increasingly rampant. It’s truly unbelievable that the Inner City can still maintain such a prosperous scene. No wonder everyone wants to get in."
"Heh, the Inner City isn’t a place just anyone can casually enter. Without a military document from the three armies, getting in is harder than ascending to the heavens."
"Alright, we didn’t come here today to talk about this. Brothers, I’ll make the first move." Someone seemed to have found his target. Picking up a jug of wine and waving his fan, he strode off.
Xu Guang had to admit that this was not only a prime location for matchmaking but also an excellent place to build connections. For instance, at this very moment, his table welcomed its first guest.
"I see you’ve been sitting here for quite a while, brother. Are you waiting for a fair lady?" a bearded man dressed in a green robe with a face as red as a jujube approached and asked.
The man’s appearance genuinely surprised Xu Guang. He smiled and extended a hand in an inviting gesture. "I’m all alone. If you also lack the company of a fair lady, like Xu, please have a seat."
"Hahaha, you’re a man after my own heart, brother! So many beauties around, yet not a single one has the discerning eye to recognize a true gem. My name is Guan Mountain, Guan as in connection, Mountain as in big mountain. May I ask your name, brother?" the green-robed man complained good-naturedly.
Hearing this, Xu Guang immediately understood that the guy had failed his matchmaking attempts and was looking for a drinking companion. Right now, Xu Guang was the only one left sitting alone in the hall, and with the white bandage wrapped around his forehead, he looked every bit a down-and-out man. This fellow clearly saw him as a kindred spirit suffering from the same misfortune.
"Xu Guang. Xu as in to plan slowly, Guang as in to broadcast widely," Xu Guang explained casually.
"Good name! And Brother Xu’s explanation is even better."
Xu Guang smiled. "It’s just a name, Brother Guan flatters me. However, seeing as Brother Guan possesses such a heroic and bold spirit, it seems these noble ladies simply don’t understand your worth."
Hearing this, Guan Mountain drank his wine with even greater gusto.
"You’re absolutely right! Coming here is nowhere near as satisfying as going to the flower boats. Brother Xu, you have an extraordinary aura about you. May I ask where you hold a high position?"
Xu Guang quickly waved his hand, a hint of bitterness showing on his face. "I can hardly call it a high position. I currently reside in the Outer City, learning martial arts from an old master and leeching off my family at home."
"Leeching off?" Guan Mountain pondered the phrase before a look of realization dawned in his eyes. "Brother Xu, you have a very interesting way of speaking. I serve in the Cold Blade Guard. Once you finish your training, if you ever have a mind to join the military, don’t hesitate to come find Guan."
Xu Guang’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Cold Blade Guard.
Because of the supernatural existence of the Martial Dao and its overwhelmingly vast territory, the Great Qian’s management of local regions was far inferior to the centralized feudal states of his previous life. The Great Qian employed a multitude of local governance systems. Some states implemented an enfeoffment system, while others were jointly ruled by the National Sect and Noble Families. This joint rule extended into all aspects, from military affairs to politics, and even civil matters. In Feiyun City, three factions—the City Guard’s Mansion, the Cold Blade Sect, and the Immortal Crane Sect—co-governed the area. Take the military as an example: the City Guard’s Mansion, representing the Court, established the Feiyun Guard. Meanwhile, the Cold Blade Sect and the Immortal Crane Sect also formed their own armies, which were officially recognized by the Court as the Cold Blade Guard and the Immortal Crane Army.
"To think Brother Guan is a highly skilled disciple of the Cold Blade Sect. Forgive Xu for my lack of respect."
Guan Mountain was easygoing; he simply raised his cup and downed the wine. "There’s no highly skilled disciple or whatever. We’re all just doing our part to build up Feiyun City."
"Brother Guan is truly righteous."
As the two exchanged toasts, Xu Guang genuinely treated this matchmaking event like a Brotherhood gathering. However, a soft, sweet voice suddenly rang out.
"Young Master, my lady would like to invite you over for a brief chat."
Xu Guang looked up and immediately noticed Guan Mountain staring at him with a resentful gaze, clearly wondering why Xu Guang wasn’t the down-and-out man he had claimed to be. Xu Guang was utterly bewildered. He truly didn’t recognize the Maid standing before him.
"Who is your lady?"
The Maid shook her head. "You will know once you go, Young Master."
"Alright, I get it. Hurry up and go, Brother Xu. Don’t disappoint the fair lady," Guan Mountain said, blinking and urging him on from the side.
Xu Guang couldn’t help but laugh. This red-faced man was quite an interesting character after all.