Tianyuan City, Heavenly Sword Mansion:
From the Heavenly Sword Mountain Sect Master Jian Chen down to each Peak Master, along with various Elders, Deacons, and elite disciples, all were seated below. Occasionally, someone would glance into the distance, seemingly waiting for someone.
If asked which sect has been the most prominent in the past century,
I believe nine and a half out of ten would give the same answer: Heavenly Sword Mountain.
In the past century, Heavenly Sword Mountain's rise has been exceptionally rapid, overshadowing even the Penglai Pavilion, which has the deepest heritage, with a faint tendency to replace it, assuming the leadership of Jiuzhou's cultivation realm.
And the person whom the Sect Master of Heavenly Sword Mountain waits for personally must undoubtedly be extraordinary.
Beside Sect Master Jian Chen stood a youth in a green robe, whose features were as meticulously crafted as they were handsome, and whose face bore a cold arrogance like frost. Yet, within his eyes, there was a subtle glimmer of excitement.
He is exactly Sect Master Jian Chen's direct disciple, the Chief Disciple of Heavenly Sword Mountain, Jian Wuheng!
Jian Chen stroked his silvery-white beard and began to earnestly advise.
"Wuheng, Ling Sect Master of Cloud Sea Sect will bring his treasure Ling Shuanghua to visit to discuss the matter of marriage alliance between our two families after the martial event. You must present yourself well!"
"Yes, Master!"
Jian Wuheng bowed respectfully, responding with full confidence.
At that moment, a clear sound of bells rang out from the distance, resounding nine times.
This represents the nine peaks of the Heavenly Sword Mountain lineage, which equals the highest standard of courtesy.
"The people of Cloud Sea Sect have arrived!"
Sect Master Jian Chen exclaimed and strode towards the door.
Jian Wuheng followed closely behind, while the other Peak Masters, Elders, Deacons, and disciples arranged themselves into two rows in order of seniority, waiting for the distinguished guests to arrive.
"Ling Yunlong, Sect Master of Cloud Sea Sect, Sect Master's wife Su Yuru, accompanying their daughter Ling Shuanghua, come to pay their respects!"
A clear and loud voice, accompanied by the melodious sound of bells, echoed from afar.
As the voice fell, a large crimson door made of premium sandalwood, towering several meters high, opened with a creak.
Following this, more than ten figures came into Jian Chen, Jian Wuheng, and the others' view.
Leading them was a man and a woman, two middle-aged individuals.
The man had sword-like eyebrows and shining eyes, exuding extraordinary charisma. His steps generated wild waves, with great ambitions ascending to the nine heavens.
The woman had a graceful figure, noble and elegant. In her youth, she must have been an exceptionally beautiful woman.
These two individuals were none other than the current Sect Master of Cloud Sea Sect, Ling Yunlong, and his wife, Su Yuru.
In between them, slightly behind, was a maiden in her twenties. She wore a fairy-spun white dress, as fair as snow.
Her presence could be described as: Light silk fan with white orchid, slender waist with jade belt dancing in sky silk. Like a fairy descending to the mortal realm, her smile surpasses the brilliance of stars.
Everyone from Heavenly Sword Mountain was captivated by these three, especially the young men and women whose gazes mostly fell upon this young maiden, eliciting a chorus of admiration.
As the host, Jian Chen was the first to speak, smiling warmly: "Brother Yunlong, you truly live up to being the dragon among clouds, your charm is undiminished since you were young. I am impressed, truly impressed!"
Ling Yunlong clasped his hands in return, also smiling as he spoke: "Brother Jian Chen, you flatter me. I've heard that you have been in seclusion for years, with your cultivation greatly advancing, reaching the Nascent Soul Peak stage. That is indeed remarkable and congratulations are in order!"
Jian Chen stroked his own silvery-white beard, saying: "These old bones of mine are past their prime. Nowadays, the Immortal Sect is overflowing with talent. I believe it won't be long before the vast land of this divine state belongs to them."
As he spoke, his gaze inadvertently fell on Jian Wuheng beside him, showing considerable pride.
Ling Yunlong, an observant person, followed Jian Chen's gaze, which landed on Jian Wuheng.
He carefully examined Jian Wuheng, clicking his tongue in praise: "This youth is a dragon among men, his future prospects are limitless. He must be Brother Jian Chen's direct disciple, Jian Wuheng, right?"
Jian Chen nodded proudly and whispered to Jian Wuheng: "Wuheng, you and Brother Ling might become family in the future. Don't be rude, come out and greet them."
Jian Wuheng chuckled awkwardly, bowing to Ling Yunlong and Su Yuru in turn.
"Greetings, Sect Master Ling, Aunt Su!"
Immediately, his gaze fell on the now shy Ling Shuanghua, staring directly at her.
Ling Yunlong and his wife Su Yuru exchanged a glance, both expressing approval of Jian Wuheng.
Jian Wuheng has handsome features and impressive talent. As Sect Master Jian Chen's direct disciple, he is likely to be the future helmsman of Heavenly Sword Mountain. He is undoubtedly a match for their precious daughter.
After praising Jian Wuheng a couple of times, Ling Yunlong lightly coughed twice towards his wife.
Su Yuru understood, and took Ling Shuanghua's hand, saying: "Shuanghua, this is your brother Wuheng. You met when you were younger; come now, greet him!"
Ling Shuanghua raised her head to glance at Jian Wuheng, but instantly, the image of Li Chen inexplicably surfaced in her mind.
Jian Wuheng smiled gently, saying: "Shuanghua, has everything been well lately?"
Ling Shuanghua smiled awkwardly: "Quite well, thank you for your concern, brother Wuheng!"
Jian Wuheng, seeing her hands as soft as reeds and her skin as fine as porcelain, recalled that she would be his future Taoist couple and, unable to help himself, reached forward to grasp her delicate hand.
However, as soon as his hand touched Ling Shuanghua's, she recoiled quickly as if shocked.
In an instant, the atmosphere turned dead silent. Everyone's gaze was fixed on them, making the situation extremely awkward.
Just moments ago, everyone had cordial smiles, but now their expressions froze, and the atmosphere became tense and awkward. Relationships between them were slightly delicate and tense.
At that moment, Jian Chen brought forth a warm smile, breaking the ice by saying: "Let's not stand around here at the door, everyone come inside and have some tea!"
Ling Yunlong glanced at Jian Chen and joined in with hearty laughter.
In the instant they exchanged laughter, all awkwardness was instantly swept away.
Jian Wuheng stepped forward again, offering Ling Shuanghua an apologetic smile, saying: "Shuanghua, your beauty earlier amazed me, caught me off guard, and seemed a bit abrupt; I hope you'll forgive me!"
For some reason, Ling Shuanghua suddenly found Jian Wuheng's face somewhat repulsive.
However, as the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, especially in such an important setting.
Ling Shuanghua forced a thin smile, saying: "It's fine, I'm just new to this place and a bit shy!"
She emphasized the word "shy," subtly reminding Jian Wuheng that to her, he was merely an unfamiliar person, and he ought to behave properly.
Jian Wuheng naturally understood her implied meaning but didn't think much of it.
After all, they've only met twice if counting their childhood encounter. Ling Shuanghua feeling unfamiliar with him is quite reasonable.
Moreover, such noble and reserved women assure him that conquering them will be even more fulfilling!
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.