The grand betrothal procession made its way toward Tianshui Academy. It took half a month to arrive, as if the delay were meant to make the event more magnificent,or perhaps because they were waiting for something.
Outside the academy gates, a line of carriages led by Oscar stood neatly in formation. The Second and Third Elders stood quietly behind the young sect master.
Xue Qingluan had no surviving elders, so the vice dean led a group of teachers to greet the guests at the gate.
More than a hundred students from Tianshui Academy followed behind their teachers, looking from a distance. When these young and beautiful girls saw the tall and handsome youth at the front of the procession, admiration filled every pair of eyes.
Tianshui Academy was the only institution on the continent that admitted only female students, and all of them were beautiful. Their daily lives revolved entirely around cultivation, and the only men they ever saw were a handful of male teachers.
The only chance they had to meet men was during inter-academy exchange tournaments, yet none of the men they had ever met could compare to Oscar's looks and demeanor.
With just one glance, the lovestruck maidens were completely captivated.
However, they all knew very well that with Oscar's status and reputation,especially after his stunning performance in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament a year ago,they had no chance of ever interacting with such a high-ranking young sect master.
That did not stop them from admiring his extraordinary grace.
At the forefront stood Tianshui Academy's vice dean, an elderly woman. Though her youth had passed, her refined beauty could still be faintly seen through the wrinkles on her face.
She stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Vice Dean Tianyun of Tianshui Academy, together with the entire academy, greets the Sword Sect's Young Sect Master, Second Elder, and Third Elder."
News of the betrothal party had spread long before their arrival, and anyone could tell who was who simply by observing their demeanor and placement in the procession.
At most, they might not be sure which of the two imposing elders behind Oscar was the Second and which was the Third.
Oscar quickly stepped forward to help Tianyun up. "Vice Dean, there's no need for such formality. I came here for my future teacher's wife. I am but a junior,you may simply call me Little Oscar."
He then introduced the two tall and imposing men behind him. "These are the Second Elder, Aux, and the Third Elder, Orleans."
Both elders clasped their fists respectfully. "We have met, Vice Dean Tianyun."
The academy's staff led the guests inside. Many of the young men in the Sword Sect's entourage couldn't help but be enchanted by the beautiful students of Tianshui Academy, though they maintained perfect composure.
Representing the Sword Sect's dignity, none dared to act improperly, no matter how lovely the girls were.
Their upright bearing only made the Tianshui girls admire them more.
After all, when these girls usually appeared in public, they were constantly surrounded by admirers,yet today's visitors were different.
Once inside, the visitors were escorted to the dining hall, while Oscar and the two elders followed Tianyun to the pavilion where Xue Qingluan resided.
Normally, the groom's representatives would not meet the bride before the formal betrothal, but since neither side had any elders present, and since this visit involved more than a mere engagement gift, such etiquette was overlooked.
On the way, Tianyun hesitated several times before finally speaking. "I suppose the Young Sect Master has already heard about this from the Grand Elder?"
Oscar nodded. "You mean the hidden sect behind your academy,the one that decided to interfere? The reason these two elders came with me was precisely to settle that matter."
He glanced back at the two elders with a faint, meaningful smile.
"Please rest assured, Vice Dean. Since my teacher agreed to this marriage, the Sword Sect will ensure a perfect resolution. No matter who the opposing party is, no one will be allowed to force another against their will."
Hearing that, Tianyun finally felt a weight lift from her heart.
Though she owed the hidden sect some favors, she had always devoted herself to teaching and kept minimal contact with them.
To her, Xue Qingluan was like a daughter she had watched grow up.
When she learned of the issue, her thoughts aligned completely with Qingluan's, but as an eighty-third-level Contra, her influence was limited.
That rank might command respect across the continent, but before a reclusive sect, her words meant nothing,no one would listen to a mere Contra.
The pavilion stood above a frozen lake within the academy. Tianyun led Oscar and the elders up to the third floor, where Xue Qingluan usually cultivated.
Inside the hall were three people: Xue Qingluan herself; a woman who resembled her somewhat, around forty years old with a modest spirit power of about level fifty; and a sturdy middle-aged man with a stern expression. Though he hid his spirit power, Oscar's keen spiritual sense could tell that the man had not yet reached level ninety but was close.
Tianyun bowed slightly. "Dean, the Sword Sect's Young Sect Master and the Second and Third Elders have arrived."
Xue Qingluan smiled gently. "Thank you, Sister Yun. You may go take care of your duties."
Knowing it was not appropriate to stay, Tianyun introduced the three guests, poured them tea, and quietly left.
After she departed, Oscar bowed to Xue Qingluan. "Junior Oscar greets Teacher's wife."
Xue Qingluan was slightly taken aback, a faint blush rising on her face. "Your teacher and I have only agreed to a marriage arrangement. Calling me 'teacher's wife' is a bit early, isn't it?"
Oscar smiled. "Not at all. Before I came, Teacher told me that once today's engagement is set, you are already my teacher's wife. From this day forward, I will treat you as my own mother."
He added casually, "If anyone dares trouble you, even if Teacher said nothing, I would personally stand up for you."
Touched, Xue Qingluan's eyes softened. She knew very well that this young man was here to support her.
Her elder sister had once been her greatest support, but this matter had turned them against each other. She had thought herself completely alone,until she met Oscar.
While emotion welled up in her eyes, the two Sword Sect elders, though sitting quietly with their eyes closed, were inwardly tense.
They instantly recognized the middle-aged couple before them as members of that so-called Xuanming Sect,most likely Xue Qingluan's sister and brother-in-law.
To bully a kind woman for their selfish aims? Let them see how sharp the Sword Sect's blades could be.
Xue Qingluan smiled faintly. "I understand his intentions."
"Allow me to introduce them. These two are from the Xuanming Sect,the Grand Elder and his wife."
After a pause, she added softly, "They are also my elder sister and brother-in-law."
Oscar turned to them and nodded slightly. "Oscar of the Sword Sect greets you both."
His attitude toward them was far less courteous than toward Xue Qingluan. In theory, as a junior, he should have shown deference to a Grand Elder and his wife, but given the situation, his composure carried the weight of his station.
In terms of power and influence, even the Xuanming Sect's master would stand on equal footing with the Sword Sect's young heir.
That was the confidence of having the Sword Sect behind him.
Xu Kun was no fool. He could sense Oscar's change in tone and fully understood why the young man had brought two titled Douluo along.
He had prepared himself for this. Today, he was here not only to discuss but also to test the waters for possible cooperation.
Though earlier discussions with Xue Qingluan had failed, the Sword Sect was too influential to ignore. If they could reach an understanding, the Xuanming Sect might gain a powerful ally,especially if the Grand Elders of both sects became in-laws.
Though the Xuanming Sect remained hidden, it was not weak. The continent's territories were already divided; coming out of seclusion without the right timing would cause more harm than good.
If he could tie their sect to the Sword Sect, his own bid for sect leadership would gain much stronger support.
If things went well, the Sword Sect would have a brother-in-law in a sect master,benefits beyond what Xue Qingluan could comprehend. That was precisely why Xu Kun and his wife, Xue Qingfeng, had come.
For them, interests came first. Xu Kun believed that if he could offer the right incentives, even taking Shui Bing'er away might be possible.
They wanted Shui Bing'er not only for her exceptional talent but also because Xu Que, Xu Kun's grandson, had fallen for her the moment he saw her portrait.
As the sect's most promising prodigy in a century, the elders naturally sought to satisfy him.
They believed that once Xu Que married and settled down, he would reform himself.
Xu Kun had prepared every possible argument, and despite Oscar's cold attitude, he kept smiling.
"Xu Kun, from the Xuanming Sect," he said simply, not even mentioning his title of Grand Elder.
He then introduced the woman beside him. "This is my wife, Xue Qingfeng, elder sister to Dean Xue Qingluan."
Oscar nodded indifferently. "Xuanming Sect? I've never heard of it."
Xu Kun smiled faintly. "Our sect has remained hidden from the world. Today, my wife and I are here mainly to resolve the issue concerning Shui Bing'er and also to congratulate Dean Xue and your Grand Elder on their engagement."
Xue Qingfeng spoke kindly. "From now on, the Young Sect Master's teacher and my husband will be brothers-in-law. Regardless of anything else, we ought to meet as family."
Then she smiled at her sister. "As your elder sister, it's only proper that I attend your marriage."
Xue Qingluan's gaze sharpened. "Sister, I would gladly have you at my wedding, but I will never agree to anything regarding Bing'er."
Seeing her so resolute, Xue Qingfeng's face showed displeasure. "Qingluan, Xu Que is your grand-nephew. His happiness benefits us all, doesn't it? Look at me,I may only be level fifty-three, but my husband has never taken another woman. I am mistress of our household and live a blessed life. The sect has nurtured you, too. Why can't you see reason?"
Xue Qingluan glared at her. "If it were someone else, I might let Bing'er decide for herself, but Xu Que is absolutely out of the question. You, of all people, should understand why."
Her sister was about to argue again, but Xu Kun quickly stopped her and tried to reason. "Qingluan, Xu Que has never asked us for anything before. When he saw Bing'er's portrait, he could not forget her. It is his only wish. He has repented and sworn never to repeat his past mistakes. As elders, we,"
"Enough, brother-in-law!" Xue Qingluan snapped. "You know your grandson better than anyone. How can you say such things?"
Xu Kun fell silent, unable to refute her.
Of course, he knew his grandson's character,it was indeed terrible. But the boy was talented, and in this world, great talent and powerful backing made people forgiving.
Still, there were those like Xue Qingluan who refused to compromise, even for family.
Oscar coughed lightly. "Elders, I don't care to hear your excuses, nor am I interested in this so-called Xu Que."
He rose from his seat, and behind him, the two elders quietly opened their eyes.
"Since my teacher's wife objects, my teacher naturally stands with her. There's nothing more to discuss. From this moment on, this matter will proceed according to her wishes. Whatever consequences arise, my teacher will take responsibility."
He looked directly at Xu Kun. "And of course, I stand with my teacher."
Xu Kun's expression finally changed. His smile faded, replaced by fleeting resentment and helplessness before he masked it again.
He knew the Sword Sect's reputation,if the Grand Elder supported Xue Qingluan, the entire sect stood behind her. They had no chance to force the issue.
After a long silence, Xu Kun tried one last time. "Young Sect Master, may I have a private word with you?"
Oscar shook his head. "No need. Whatever you have to say, you can say it here. After all, the two of you are family to my teacher's wife. There's no need for secrecy, is there?"
Xu Kun hesitated, torn about whether to speak openly.
From the look of things, the Young Sect Master was firmly supporting Xue Qingluan. If he spoke of profit in front of her, the two sisters might truly become estranged forever.
Follow me on my patreon for 60 Advanced chapters and 3 chapter daily updates pat*eon.com/GodofTranslation889