Han Ruoruo and Wang Yan's departure didn't mark the end of the fourth round. On the contrary, the next pairing—Wu Ming and Chu Qingtian—unfolded with such dramatic tension it became another highlight of the evening.
Indeed, the two "older unmarried ladies" of the Inner Court had both found partners today—a truly joyous occasion.
The remaining girls also made their choices one by one. Not a single case of multiple girls selecting the same man occurred.
Thus, from the host's platform, Bei Bei announced loudly:
"With 'Three Lifetimes, One Destiny' concluded, we now move to the final, most anticipated round—'A Hundred Years of Harmony'!"
"In this round, after the girls' selections in the first four rounds, the final decision reverts back to the male students."
"You may now choose the girl you wish to be with. If she's the one who chose you—and no one else contests her—congratulations: you're officially paired! But if rivals step forward… then it's time for—"
"Bride-stealing!"
In plain terms: the boys would fight.
Even more plainly: they'd brawl over girls—out of jealousy and possessiveness.
This was the most entertaining part of the entire matchmaking ceremony. Many Outer Court students had come specifically for this.
And so…
"Bride-stealing!"
"Bride-stealing!"
"…"
Amid the rowdy cheers, paired-up boys instantly went on high alert—scanning their surroundings like wolves guarding a prized piece of meat, wary of rival predators.
Their overprotective postures drew muffled giggles from the girls—and quietly reassured them that their chosen partners truly valued them.
In this charged atmosphere, Zhang Lexuan took over from Bei Bei and meticulously explained the "Bride-Stealing" rules of the "A Hundred Years of Harmony" round.
But the more she spoke, the more confused everyone became. In short: It was way too complicated.
"Brother Junting… this is way too convoluted," Huo Yuhao muttered, brow furrowed.
Chen Junting chuckled. "Don't get it? Doesn't matter. The core idea's simple: if anyone tries to steal Wang Dong'er from you, beat them up. But if you lose…"
He paused.
Under Wang Dong'er's curious stare, he sent a soul-force whisper into Huo Yuhao's ear: "…your carefully prepared confession ceremony is canceled."
"…Then," Zhang Lexuan raised her hand, "the fifth round begins! We'll proceed in order of the girls' numbers. Gu Fan—you're first. If you accept, please step forward and take her hand."
Gu Fan still stood on the lotus Hua Yao had summoned. Smiling gently, he said:
"When the Lotus Fairy came to me, my choice was already made. On Sea God Lake, under Sea God's Bond, I found my destined one. Hua Yao is the only woman in my heart. I'm deeply grateful she gave me the chance to know her. For the rest of my life… please guide me."
Hua Yao beamed. Extending her hand, she willed the lotus to carry Gu Fan to her—and he took it.
No one challenged him.
Instantly, lotus blossoms bloomed across the lake, and the couple walked hand-in-hand across the petals, departing amid cheers.
Next came Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er.
Perhaps Wang Dong'er's earlier confession—about their cross-dressing romance and martial soul fusion skill—had left such an impression that no one dared contest their bond. Despite Huo Yuhao's nervousness, their pairing went unchallenged.
But Huo Yuhao didn't leave right away.
Locked in a private gaze with Wang Dong'er, oblivious to the crowd, he whispered:
"Dong'er… I love you."
The simple words made her cheeks flush crimson.
Yet, undeterred by the surrounding wolf-whistles and teasing, Huo Yuhao pressed on.
His Ice Empress Scorpion martial soul instantly manifested. A blood-red soul ring—etched with four golden patterns—rose around him.
Then—from pockets hidden in his uniform—soul guidance devices emerged one by one, all aimed at the lake's surface.
Most spectators were baffled.
"What's this kid up to?" Qian Duoduo scratched his head. "Did he pick up bad habits from He Caitou? Is he blowing up the lake for romance?"
Fan Yu suddenly winced.
Why are they all acting crazy like this?
"Brother Junting…" Ning Tian activated a defensive soul guidance shield, not wanting to get splashed.
"Don't worry," Chen Junting said confidently, chin tilted toward the scene. "This is Yuhao's carefully prepared confession surprise for Dong'er."
"Huo Yuhao! What are you doing?!" Zhang Lexuan called out.
"Senior Sister, please let me continue," Huo Yuhao pleaded earnestly. He'd prepared for this moment for so long.
Zhang Lexuan pursed her lips, then relented—remembering Huo Yuhao wasn't as reckless as Ye Liu.
"One time only. Don't overdo it."
"Thank you, Senior Sister!"
The next second—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Soul-guided beams slammed into the lake near Sea God Island. Massive water columns erupted skyward.
Each shot was calculated—precision, power, timing—all perfect.
Then—terrifying cold exploded outward.
With Ice Empress's martial soul, Snow Empress's guidance, and even Ice Empress herself subtly assisting, Huo Yuhao's control over Ultimate Ice was—while not masterful—certainly proficient.
Instantly, the towering water columns froze solid.
Before the crowd's eyes, a magnificent ice castle—seemingly carved by nature—rose from the lake.
From Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er's feet, a graceful ice bridge arched toward the castle.
And on that bridge—mosaics.
Anyone who looked closely—the students, teachers, elders, guests—saw that each mosaic depicted Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong/Wang Dong'er, frozen in moments of their shared journey.
Characters froze in midair—a symbol of "forever" (一生一世).
"Dong'er," Huo Yuhao said, shy yet resolute, as he took the tearfully moved girl's hand. Under everyone's gaze, they walked across the ice bridge—and into the castle.
Romantic! Absolutely breathtakingly romantic!
The thought lingered in every girl's mind.
Meanwhile, the male students ground their teeth in frustration.
So flashy! So over-the-top!
Just a confession—and he pulls this out?
What were they supposed to do now?
Under their partners' expectant stares, the next boys—whenever challenged—welcomed the fights with glee, venting all their stress on their rivals, hoping fierce combat would erase those hopeful, "can you top Huo Yuhao?" glances from their girls' eyes.
Those unchallenged? They stammered out cringey love lines, confessed their feelings as fast as possible, then dragged their partners off stage without a second's delay.
When it was Ning Tian's turn, Bei Bei grinned at Chen Junting.
"Junting—your moment to shine."
Every eye in the arena turned to him.
They were eager to see how this genius would top Huo Yuhao's ice castle.
Even Ning Tian looked up, expectant. She remembered Brother Junting's promise: "I'll give you a surprise."
On the shore, Ma Xiaotao, Di Yao, and Wu Feng watched together. Their similar personalities had forged an unlikely friendship.
Ma Xiaotao crossed her arms, curious.
"What do you think Junting's got planned? Can he top Yuhao's ice palace?"
"He'd better!" Wu Feng pumped her fist, fired up.
"That's Ning Tian—heir of Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! The spectacle can't be less than Yuhao's! If it is, I won't allow her to marry that swordsman!"
Ma Xiaotao rolled her eyes.
"Your opinion doesn't even matter."
But Wu Feng puffed out her chest, smirking.
"Easy! I'll just steal Ning Tian away!"
Just then—
"Soul beasts."
Di Yao suddenly spoke, her tone flat.
Ma Xiaotao and Wu Feng blinked, confused—What's she talking about?
But only for a moment.
"You… you know what that swordsman's surprise is?!"
"No," Di Yao shook her head, expressionless.
But before they could deflate, she added: "But I know he brought back many soul beasts from Star Dou Forest. For this ceremony."
As if to confirm her words—
"Why are there so many soul beasts?!"
On the ferry boat, the Sect Master of Heavenly Dragon Sect suddenly shot to his feet, eyes locked on the distance.
In his vision, a vast swarm of soul beasts charged toward Sea God Lake.
"Sect Master Yu, calm yourself," Yan Shaozhe smiled. "Have you forgotten our pact with Beast God Di Tian? These soul beasts are summoned by Chen Junting—Shrek City has granted them passage."
Heavenly Dragon Sect's leader nodded. "Ah… I see."
That explained everything.
Now, Chen Junting sensed the soul beasts' arrival.
Without warning—in front of everyone—he swept Ning Tian into a princess carry, cradling her in his arms.
His Seven Kill Sword materialized beneath their feet, and they shot skyward, riding the blade.
Huuuuum—!
A sword's cry echoed—and terrifying aura erupted from Chen Junting.
Sword after sword materialized around him, hovering in midair.
The next second—ten thousand swords moved at his will.
As they danced, luminous formation patterns blazed across the heavens!
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