Qingzhou, Su Family Residence.
A man with a towering, powerful build sat in the master's seat, exuding an aura of authority.
"Xiao Yu, the Qin family has sent an invitation. They say their ancestral patriarch has returned and are seeking a marriage arrangement for him. Go and see what it's about. If our families can be joined through marriage, it would be a joyous occasion indeed!"
He looked fondly at the young girl before him, though a trace of helplessness flickered in his eyes. Su Xiaoyu was his youngest daughter, born to him in his later years.
"Dad, how old must the Qin family's ancestral patriarch be? I don't want to marry some old man. I want to stay here with you," the girl protested. She hurried over to Su Batian's side, kneading his shoulders and pouting coyly.
"Be good now, don't be stubborn. For us cultivators, age has never been an issue. Besides, the Qin family's patriarch has no cultivation—he's an ordinary person, just like you. I'm sure you'd even find some common ground."
"Legend has it that when the Qin family's patriarch was young, he accidentally consumed an immortal herb. He was exceptionally handsome, and his status is noble beyond compare. What's more, he has never married. You wouldn't be losing out by marrying him. Given the Qin family's current standing, they can ensure your safety and well-being for the rest of your life!"
"I refuse!" Su Xiaoyu pursed her lips, grumbling discontentedly.
"Listen to me!" Su Batian's tone turned uncharacteristically stern. "You don't understand—although our Su family is ranked among the Eight Great Families of the Northern Domain alongside the Qin family, our strength has greatly diminished since our ancestral patriarch and elder elders went missing. Many forces are watching us with greedy eyes."
"Besides, this is just a fallback plan. Whether the Qin family's patriarch even takes a liking to you is still uncertain."
The crisis facing the Su family was far more severe than he let on. One misstep could lead to utter ruin. Unless absolutely necessary, he had no intention of forcing his daughter into an unfavorable situation. This was merely a contingency plan.
"Alright, Dad, I'll go. Happy now?"
Hearing that marriage wasn't guaranteed, the girl relaxed considerably. A trip out to see the world sounded rather nice.
"Also, take your Aunt Murou with you this time. Consider it a chance to relax and unwind!"
As soon as he finished speaking, both their gazes turned toward the peerless beauty sitting nearby, lost in her thoughts.
Su Murou, the younger sister of the Su family head, was once hailed as the greatest beauty of Qingzhou in her era.
Time, however, had been kind to her. Even after three thousand years, the trials of life had not diminished her beauty but instead added a unique charm to her presence.
Her name evoked gentleness and delicacy, yet she bore a fearsome title:
The Rakshasa Immortal!
"Immortal" referred to her breathtaking beauty, while "Rakshasa" described her actions.
It was said that in her youth, she was gentle, considerate, and kind-hearted. Countless men admired her, their numbers as vast as schools of fish swimming across a river.
Yet, against all expectations, she fell head over heels for a scoundrel of no repute, only to be heartlessly abandoned when he vanished overnight without a trace.
From that moment on, Su Murou's love turned to hatred. Her temperament underwent a drastic change, and she vowed to slaughter every faithless man in the world.
Her cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds, and over the years, countless unfaithful men had met their end at her hands.
Su Batian looked at his sister's cold, unapproachable demeanor, his heart aching with sorrow.
He knew this was merely a facade she put up to protect herself.
His sister had never forgotten that man—she thought of him day and night, clinging to his memory, perhaps even still deeply in love with that scoundrel.
Countless nights, he had heard the sound of her weeping from her room.
Moreover, for three thousand years, she had kept a piece of calligraphy gifted to her by that scoundrel, carrying it with her at all times.
When alone, she would often stare at it, lost in thought, the grief and longing in her eyes growing ever deeper.
No matter how many times he pressed her for details, she never revealed even a sliver of information about that man.
The thought ignited a fury within Su Batian.
Three thousand years had passed, and that man had never reappeared, leaving his sister to grieve night after night.
Damn him!
If I ever find out who he is, I'll tear him to pieces to vent the hatred in my heart!
"Auntie, please come with me to relax and take our minds off things, alright?" Su Xiaoyu pleaded, taking her aunt's slender hand and swaying it playfully.
The coldness in Su Murou's expression melted away. She had always doted on her lively and adorable niece.
Over the past twenty years, this unexpectedly born niece had indeed brought much joy and laughter to the family.
Unable to refuse, she patted Su Xiaoyu's head and forced a smile. "Very well, I'll go with you to see what it's about."
"Yay! Auntie agreed!" Su Xiaoyu cheered, jumping with excitement. The matter was thus settled.
…
Qin Family Residence.
"Congratulations to the Qin family! With the return of your ancestral patriarch, your family is sure to reach even greater heights!"
"Congratulations! Congratulations!"
"Congratulations to the Qin family! We celebrate in advance the smooth taking of a concubine by your patriarch, and may your family prosper and flourish!"
The place was packed, with a continuous stream of guests coming and going.
This was the Qin family's largest celebration in centuries: first, to celebrate the patriarch's safe return, and second, to celebrate his taking of a concubine.
As the most powerful force in Qingzhou, the surrounding subordinate and allied forces naturally showed their respect, bringing generous gifts.
However, upon closer observation, one would notice that, aside from the gifts, these guests were accompanied by one or more young, beautiful women.
The underlying intention was, of course, obvious to all.
"Grandpa, the main hall of the Qin family is so magnificent! Look, these chairs and tables are all made of golden sandalwood!"
"That vase—it seems to be a spirit tool!"
"Those paintings—they're by Master Wen Lianggong, the sacred hand of the Central Region!"
A young girl couldn't hold back her exclamations. As an art enthusiast, she immediately recognized the origins of the landscape paintings hanging on the wall.
The elderly man beside her quickly covered her mouth and whispered, "Keep your voice down! Don't make a fuss—this is the Qin family. You see now, don't you? If you can win the favor of the Qin family's patriarch, we'll be set for life! Rumor has it that the Qin family's patriarch is their spiritual symbol and has never married. Although they say he's taking a concubine, it's not impossible for you to become the main wife. When that time comes…"
The old man lost himself in wistful imagining before snapping back to reality. "So you must behave well and strive to catch the Qin family patriarch's eye. Even if he turns out to be an ugly, decrepit old man on his last legs, you must act as if you adore him. Understood?"
"Mmhmm!" the girl replied, already fantasizing about becoming the Qin family's matriarch.
For some of the smaller forces, the details about the Qin family's patriarch were unclear, and many assumed he was an elderly man with white hair.
"Yueru, the future of our family rests in your hands now!"
"Xiaoxue, remember—you are the most beautiful girl in our Fang family. Don't be timid; be confident and poised. Even if you don't become the Qin family patriarch's concubine, just being chosen as a consort would guarantee you a worry-free life!"
Similar conversations played out repeatedly throughout the hall that day.
Meanwhile, Qin Changsheng, worried that his descendants would come bothering him again today, had sneaked out early in the morning.
He blended into a corner of the main hall, helping himself to pastries and eating heartily.