The elder from the Lin Family is named Lin Tian, the Second Elder of the Lin Family, a master at the Ninth Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm. He holds a pivotal position in the Lin Family and is the representative for this marriage arrangement.
The middle-aged man is the fourth brother of the Lin Family's Patriarch, named Lin Dong, at the Seventh Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm, also a formidable character. As for the young man, he is the eldest son, Lin Long, at the Fourth Level of the Black Tortoise Realm. It is said he is not far from breaking through to the Fifth Level.
The beautiful woman whom Chu Linfeng recognized knew her as Lin Ziping, the second daughter of the Lin Family who was previously arranged to be engaged to him. She is also a master at the Fourth Level of the Black Tortoise Realm, but she barely glanced at Chu Linfeng now, her face full of arrogance, giving off an air of pride.
At this moment, the Second Elder of the Lin Family looked at Chu Linfeng and said, "The reason for our visit today should be clear to you. The union between the Lin and Chu families is significant, as everyone knows. I won't say any more unnecessary formalities. When will you come to the Lin Family to marry our third young lady?"
Chu Linfeng didn't expect this old man to be so forceful, directly using the interests of both families to pressure him. "Thank you, Elder Lin, for your kindness, but I, Chu Linfeng, am not yet of age to marry and have children. Can this matter be postponed? I am not prepared."
Chu Linfeng's words surprised everyone. This was an obvious refusal. Although he spoke somewhat tactfully, his attitude was very clear. This undoubtedly insulted the Lin Family. A marriage offered on their doorstep was rejected by someone they considered a waste; it was an endless humiliation that no one could bear.
The first to lose his temper was Lin Long, the eldest young master of the Lin family. "You trash dare to refuse? On what grounds do you refuse? Do you think you are still the genius Chu Linfeng of the past?
You think you can marry my stunningly beautiful second sister without even looking in the mirror to see what kind of bear you are? If not for considering the relationship between our two families, you trash wouldn't even be qualified to marry my third sister."
Lin Long's words echoed in everyone's ears. It was blatant provocation, saying in front of so many people from the Chu family, especially in front of Chu Yuanba, that his son was trash who wasn't even worthy of an ugly woman. Such words were indeed hard to swallow.
"Presumptuous! How dare you speak such words in front of the Patriarch of the Chu family? Just wait and see how I deal with you when we return!" Lin Tian also thought Lin Long's words were a bit much, so he hastily reprimanded him, while indirectly testing Chu Yuanba's attitude.
Chu Yuanba could, of course, read between the lines. However, as the head of a family, he had to maintain some decorum. "Elder Lin, you are overstating things. Young people are straightforward and speak their minds. My Feng'er has been stuck at the First Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm for two years now, so calling him trash is not entirely wrong.
This is something known throughout Liuyun City, but the fact that Feng'er doesn't want to marry your family's third young lady does put us in a difficult position.
Although in marriage, the orders of parents and words of the matchmaker are customary, if he really dislikes it, it would be hurtful to both parties. I wonder what Elder Lin thinks?"
Lin Tian smiled and said, "To be honest, originally, it was set for Lin Feng to be engaged to our second young lady. It is because of his current state that we swapped the second for the third young lady, so we are somewhat to blame in this regard.
But considering our second young lady's martial talent, he truly doesn't match her. This was also decided after careful consideration on our part. Of course, we will offer some compensation."
Upon hearing repeated claims that he was unworthy of the Lin family's second young lady, Chu Linfeng angrily said, "On what basis do you say I am unworthy? Just because she is at the Fourth Level of the Black Tortoise Realm? What's so great about that? There are countless people better than her. I dare say, give me a year's time, and I will surpass her."
"Hahahaha! That's the funniest joke I've heard since I was born. Chu Linfeng, you boast without blushing, huh? You, a trash, think you can break through to the Fourth Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm? Then I can break through to the Earth Martial Realm." Lin Long laughed heartily.
"You beast? How can you be a beast! You have a name and a surname, Lin Dong, isn't it? But I can't figure out how you're related to a beast. Care to enlighten us?"
After speaking, Chu Linfeng paid no attention to Lin Long's expression, seizing the chance to insult him.
"Trash, what did you say?" Lin Long was not a fool and naturally heard the implication in Chu Linfeng's words.
"Feng'er, don't be rude. Remember, they are guests of the Chu family, and you must show respect. What do you plan to do about this engagement?" Chu Yuanba asked.
"Kid, do you really think the second young lady is something special?" Suddenly, Sword Spirit's voice rang in Chu Linfeng's mind.
"What do you mean? Can you please clarify? Are you saying the ugly girl is better?" Chu Linfeng asked in his heart.
"That young lady is no longer a virgin. Do you still want her? Whereas the third young lady holds an earth-shattering secret." After saying this, Sword Spirit fell silent.
After waiting for a while without receiving a response, Chu Linfeng felt a bit disappointed, but he knew Sword Spirit must have a reason for saying so.
After some thought, Chu Linfeng angrily said, "The engagement can be set, but the decision of whom to marry is for me to make. I don't want anyone else to dictate my marriage. One moment it's the second young lady, the next it's the third; what do you take me for?"
"Elder Lin, what do you think?" Chu Yuanba passed the difficult topic to Lin Tian. Truthfully, he was somewhat averse to Chu Linfeng marrying that ugly third young lady. It was, after all, a matter of face, and having the son of the Chu family leader marrying an ugly girl would not look good if spread around.
Lin Tian glanced at Chu Yuanba, thinking to himself, "What are you scheming, old fox? You think I don't see through it? Since you set a problem for me, I'll return the favor and see whose face gets sullied in the end."
Then Lin Tian said with a smile, "How about this: Lin Long is at the Fourth Level of the Black Tortoise Realm. If Lin Feng can withstand ten moves from him, then I'll agree to his engagement to the second young lady. If not, he will be engaged to the third young lady. This is our Lin Family's final concession."
Lin Ziping did not expect Lin Tian to decide this way. "Second Grandpa, how can you agree to marry this trash to me? I would rather die!"
Lin Long chuckled, "Second sister, don't you have faith in your big brother? I only need three moves to knock him down; you don't need to worry about this."
Lin Ziping thought about Lin Long's words, which made sense. The disparity of strength over four levels was significant. Even if Chu Linfeng was once a genius, he couldn't withstand ten moves from Lin Long, and she felt reassured.
"Lin Feng, do you agree to such terms? If you can last ten moves, my Lin Family will promise you the engagement to the second young lady. Otherwise, you know the outcome." Lin Tian said with a smirk.
Chu Yuanba's face looked slightly displeased. This old fellow had really thought things through. It's a foregone conclusion that a First Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm would lose against a Fourth Layer.
Just as he was about to speak, Chu Linfeng spoke first, "Did I say I would marry her? What I mean is I will choose for myself. Depending on my mood, I might choose the second young lady, or maybe the third. I will be the master of my own marriage."
Lin Ziping didn't expect this trash, Chu Linfeng, to show such a strong side, full of anger, she replied, "I have no objections! You want to marry me? In your next life, maybe! Do you even know your worth?"
At this moment, Lin Ruoxi heard Chu Linfeng's words, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions. From his words, she discerned a dual meaning. Initially, she thought she had no hope, but now she saw she had at least a fifty-fifty chance.
Chu Linfeng's gaze then fell upon Lin Ruoxi, her gentle eyes like water, smooth and supple skin, firm chest, and long, slender legs.
If not for being told beforehand that she was an ugly girl, her current attire could easily be mistaken for that of a stunningly beautiful young woman deliberately covering her face with a veil.
From her clear, water-like eyes, Chu Linfeng saw her inner worry and fear, an expression of helplessness, as if she was being mocked and disdained by others, sharing an abundance of helplessness and unwillingness.
She likely endures the mockery and torment from her family just as he does, under the weight of constant gossip and whispers. This momentarily gave Chu Linfeng the impression of shared suffering with her.
"Since both sides have no objections, I think we should spar a little in this hall. Today is, after all, a celebratory day, so keep it to a friendly match without lethal intent. Of course, injuries are inevitable in a bout; I hope you both are mentally prepared."
After Lin Tian finished speaking, he intentionally gave Lin Long a meaningful look.
Facing Lin Long at the Fourth Level of the Black Tortoise Realm, Chu Linfeng really didn't have much confidence, but the arrow is nocked and has to be shot. Even in defeat, he must rise to the challenge.
A true man knows what to do and what not to do. Being manipulated is not in Chu Linfeng's nature.
Chu Yuanba and others from the Chu family wore wry smiles. It seemed inevitable that Chu Linfeng would marry the Lin family's ugly young lady. However, such an opportunity given by the Lin family was already their greatest concession. The second young lady belonged to the Lin family, and so did the third. The real problem was him being a waste now.
Lin Long walked up to Chu Linfeng with a smile, "I know you're at the First Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm. My Fourth Layer against your First Layer, even if I beat you, you wouldn't be convinced.
But since it's about withstanding ten moves, just accept your fate! Just hope you'll still be alive to marry my pretty and adorable third sister!"
"Stop farting in front of me. Is the Fourth Layer of the Black Tortoise Realm so impressive? Today, I'll show you how you'll be defeated!" Chu Linfeng said with pride that wouldn't yield even in loss.
"Stop blabbering; today I'll teach you a lesson!" Lin Long said and then released an immense aura, making it hard for Chu Linfeng to breathe.
Lin Long's body swayed, and he abruptly swung a fist at Chu Linfeng.