Chapter 1

In the city of West Wind, the Water Family.

The sky was still dimly lit, with the sun just beginning to rise. In front of the Water Family's gate, a large crowd had already gathered. Their eyes were fixed on the front, and their brows were filled with a thick sense of amusement.

There, a very dilapidated carriage was parked, and beside it stood a young man dressed in simple clothes.

The young man was not very old, around sixteen years old, with a face that still carried a hint of childishness. However, his eyes were deep and dark, gazing intently at the Water Family's mansion, a sharp glint flashing in them.

This young man seems to be Chu Xingyun, the young master of the Chu Family. It is said that he was born with a weak constitution and a timid personality, making him a complete and utter waste. Why has he come to our Water Family?

Inside the Water Family's gate, several young servants in green robes poked their heads out, curiously examining the young man in simple clothes beside the carriage.

I heard he came to propose marriage, waiting at the gate early. Judging by his demeanor, he is most likely coveting the beauty of the young miss.

The young miss? The servants were taken aback, their eyes filled with surprise.

The Water Family's young miss, Shui Qianyue, began studying literature at the age of five, and by seven, she had already made a name for herself in West Wind City. At ten, she abandoned literature for martial arts, and after only three months of cultivation, she communicated with heaven and earth, forming a Fourth Rank Martial Spirit.

Now, at the age of sixteen, it is said that she has already advanced to the Ninth Level of the Body Tempering Stage. Such talent is not only a legend within the Water Family but also in West Wind City, unmatched by anyone.

More importantly, Shui Qianyue not only has astonishing talent but also possesses a beauty that can make the moon hide and the flowers blush, making her the first beauty of West Wind City.

If the Water Family were to publicly seek a husband, the line of young and talented men would stretch from the east end of the city to the west.

I heard that Chu Xingyun started cultivating at the age of six and only formed a Martial Spirit at ten, and it was the lowest rank, a First Rank Martial Spirit, even inferior to us.

A young master from a declining family, with no wealth and no strength, actually dares to have designs on the young miss. It's like a toad lusting after a swan, utterly ridiculous!

The servants said this with a mocking tone, as if on purpose, making it clearly audible to Chu Xingyun. However, he paid no heed, still standing straight and waiting quietly.

At this moment, a burly Water Family guard walked out, giving Chu Xingyun a disdainful glance and said, "The family head has ordered that Master Chu be invited in for a detailed discussion."

"Lead the way." Chu Xingyun spoke in a calm tone, causing a hint of anger to appear on the guard's face, but his body instinctively moved aside, leading Chu Xingyun into the Water Family's gate.

As they moved forward, Chu Xingyun soon arrived outside the main hall of the Water Family.

His gaze casually swept over the scene, and he saw a row of figures standing inside the main hall. The Water Family's head, Shui Chongxian, was seated in the main position, the atmosphere solemn, making the entire space feel extremely tense.

Such a scene would likely scare an ordinary person pale before even entering the main hall.

But Chu Xingyun, head held high and chest out, walked directly into the main hall and approached Shui Chongxian.

"I have kept you all waiting." Chu Xingyun said with neither humility nor arrogance, his face calm and composed.

This Chu Xingyun, who used to be timid and would not even dare to breathe in my presence, why has he changed so much today, as if he has become a different person? Shui Chongxian's brows furrowed slightly, clearly surprised by Chu Xingyun's behavior.

But soon, this surprise disappeared, and Shui Chongxian resumed his calm expression, saying, "It is still several months before my birthday. Cousin Chu, your visit seems a bit early."

Uncle Shui, you have misunderstood. I did not come to celebrate your birthday, but to propose marriage. Chu Xingyun said calmly.

Propose marriage? A cold look flashed in Shui Chongxian's eyes.

Chu Xingyun nodded and said clearly, "Sixteen years ago, the Water Family was attacked by enemies. My father came to your aid, helping the Water Family through the crisis. After that, the Water Family proposed a marriage alliance, stipulating that once both parties' children reached the age of sixteen, the marriage could be completed."

So that's what it is!

Shui Chongxian feigned realization and replied in a low voice, "Cousin, the agreement was indeed made by the Water Family, but your father's whereabouts are unknown, and his fate is uncertain. It would be best to wait for his safe return before discussing this matter."

Do you mean that as long as my father does not return, the marriage cannot be completed? Chu Xingyun's gaze sharpened, his previously calm expression now becoming somewhat aggressive.

Cousin, you have misunderstood me. Shui Chongxian chuckled dryly, but Chu Xingyun's expression grew even colder, his eyes narrowing as he continued to press, "May I ask, Uncle Shui, what do you mean? Could it be that you know my father's whereabouts?"

Chu Xingyun's voice was like a needle, piercing through Shui Chongxian, making him freeze in place.

He raised his head and found Chu Xingyun's eyes cold, cold to the bone, making him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, unable to speak or breathe.

What a liar! Just as Shui Chongxian was at a loss for words, a haughty voice rang out.

As the voice faded, a graceful figure appeared before everyone's eyes.

This was a beautiful young woman, in the prime of her youth, with a delicate face. When she grew up, she would surely be a woman of great beauty, but her eyes were filled with a thick sense of arrogance, ruining her overall beauty.

This woman was none other than the Water Family's beloved daughter—Shui Qianyue.

Upon seeing Shui Qianyue, Chu Xingyun's expression did not change in the slightest, his voice still calm, "Every word I have said is true, without any deceit. This favor is owed to my Chu Family by your Water Family."

Hearing this, a cold aura emanated from Shui Qianyue, pressing down on Chu Xingyun. She sneered, "Chu Xingyun, I am a once-in-a-century genius in West Wind City, with extraordinary talent. I am destined to become a world-renowned powerhouse. The man who can win my heart must also be an outstanding genius. You, with your timid personality and weak constitution, are nothing but a complete waste. You are not worthy of me. Give up!"

As she finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent, and almost everyone nodded in agreement.

With Shui Qianyue's talent, her future achievements are boundless!

The man who can win her heart must be an extraordinary genius. Chu Xingyun is clearly far from that, lacking the qualifications.

Unexpectedly, in the face of Shui Qianyue's cold and mocking words, Chu Xingyun's face did not show any embarrassment. His gaze remained calm, and in that calmness, there was even a hint of disdain.

Yes, disdain!

It was as if a divine dragon from the heavens was looking down on a lowly ant, a disdain from a higher position, disdain for Shui Qianyue's words, and disdain for her arrogant and ridiculous demeanor.

Do you think you are being a bit too presumptuous? Chu Xingyun turned his head, looking at Shui Qianyue with a mocking expression, and said with a smile, "When did I ever say that the person I came to propose marriage to today is you?"

You are being presumptuous? Shui Qianyue's body trembled, her face turning red with embarrassment and anger, her lips trembling.

However, besides these two emotions, she was also filled with confusion.

After all, the Water Family has only one young miss.

If Chu Xingyun is not marrying her, then who is he marrying?