For this grand matter, I can only temporarily let that boy go.

Liang Zhengye said, "Although that boy’s swordsmanship is exquisite, he’s still a bit lacking compared to Jiang Wushuang, who possesses an unparalleled divine weapon."

The unparalleled divine weapon isn’t just about those functions; it also helps its owner conserve Gang Yuan. To exaggerate, with the same power, Gu Xianyu must exert seven parts of his strength, while Jiang Wushuang only needs five.

Jiang Wushuang was already invincible. As long as it drags on, Gu Xianyu is bound to lose.

"Unless he has already mastered the Sword Intent—"

Just as these words left his mouth, there was a sudden change on the stage. Jiang Wushuang’s form suddenly paused, and Gu Xianyu’s long sword finally broke through the defenses of the Dragon Abyss Sword, thrusting toward Jiang Wushuang’s forehead.

"Stop!"

Seeing Jiang Wushuang in danger, Xia Shaowen shouted, ready to intervene.

Gu Xianyu had already withdrawn, landing several meters away.

"How is this possible?"

Liang Zhengye exclaimed, mixing shock and anger, "Could it be that Jiang Wushuang intentionally lost to him?"

Beside him, Liang Zongcheng pinched his forehead, his voice somewhat gloomy, "It’s Sword Intent!"

"Sword... Intent?"

Liang Zhengye’s expression stiffened.

He actually mastered Sword Intent?

...

Jiang Wushuang, staring at a stray lock of hair drifting before him, finally regained clarity in his eyes. Looking at the tall and lean Gu Xianyu not far away, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

Gu Xianyu asked, "Do you want to continue?"

"I’ve lost."

He shook his head, ignoring the resentful hum of the Dragon Abyss Sword in his hand, and sheathed it, "Your swordsmanship is superior; I’m not your match."

Having said that, he walked off the stage somewhat dejectedly.

Chen Ming saw him admit defeat so frankly and admired him even more, sending a message, "Don’t worry, I have no intention of marrying Miss Xia."

As he spoke, he saw Jiang Wushuang stagger, nearly tripping.

He couldn’t help but find it amusing. Was there a need to be so worked up?

It seemed these two were mutually affectionate.

That was good; it could be said to kill two birds with one stone, granting a beautiful wish.

Chen Ming turned around and announced loudly, "Who else is not convinced?"

The crowd was silent as the grave. Even the Unparalleled Young Master, wielding an unparalleled divine weapon, was defeated. Among the younger generation, who could be his rival?

At this moment, Xia Shaowen stood up, smiling broadly, and said, "Very well, I declare that Young Master Gu Qi is Xia’s chosen son-in-law."

"Wait—"

Chen Ming was about to express that he had no intention of marrying his daughter when Xia Shaowen suddenly grabbed his arm, rendering him speechless.

What the hell!

He was stupefied, glaring at Xia Shaowen, frantically giving a meaningful look.

No, why are you dragging me? Your daughter already has someone she loves, don’t you know it as her father?

Xia Shaowen ignored him and continued, "All friends here, if you have time, you can stay for a toast before leaving. Today, I’m going to host their wedding."

What?

Chen Ming was shocked. Was it that hasty?

No, this is like forcing her into a marriage!

...

"Sword Intent! It actually is Sword Intent!"

Wu Zhenhang was still in shock, unable to recover for a long time. His father had said he was expected to master the Sword Intent within five years. Within five more years, he would break through to the Second Grade before forty.

This was already a fairly high assessment.

As it turned out, Gu Qi was only twenty and had already mastered Sword Intent.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.

"Brother, something happened."

It wasn’t until his sister Wu Xiuyan tugged at him urgently, calling out to him several times, that he came back to his senses.

Wu Zhenhang asked, "What’s happened?"

Wu Xiuyan said anxiously, "Seems like Brother Gu Qi was forcibly subdued by Sect Leader Xia, said they’re going to marry tonight."

Before coming here, Chen Ming had already told them he wouldn’t marry Xia Mudan.

Wu Zhenhang couldn’t help but laugh, "That Gu Qi is truly fortunate, to have Sect Leader Xia’s daughter as his bride. Given her beauty, she indeed matches him."

Wu Xiuyan stomped her foot, "Marriage is dictated by parents, how can it be treated so flippantly?"

Wu Zhenhang spread his hands and said, "Sect Leader Xia is a First Grade master, and Gu Qi is in his hands. As your brother, I’m helpless. Yuyin, what do you think?"

Gu Yuyin snorted, "Serves him right. If he doesn’t intend to marry Xia Mudan, why did he take the stage? What does he think of her?"

Suddenly, someone nearby said, "I’m afraid it’s not that simple."

Wu Zhenhang turned to see that it was the Unparalleled Young Master who had spoken. He didn’t know when he had joined them and asked, "Brother Jiang, what insights do you have?"

Jiang Wushuang said, "Isn’t it odd that the Xia family is in such a rush to marry off their daughter? Given Miss Xia’s appearance and character, why resort to a martial contest for marriage? There must be a reason behind this."

Wu Zhenhang and the others hadn’t thought of this aspect and finally realized it.

Right, Xia Mudan is a rare beauty, why would she be pushed to marry Gu Xianyu? And in such haste to have the ceremony today...

Wu Xiuyan’s face changed, "Could it be that Miss Xia is secretly involved with someone, and is already pregnant? Sect Leader Xia is eager to cover up the family scandal, hence the rush to make Brother Gu Qi a—"

Wu Zhenhang quickly covered his sister’s mouth, seeing Jiang Wushuang’s expression darken and hastily said, "My sister tends to speak without restraint, please don’t be offended."

Jiang Wushuang flung his sleeve, storming off in anger.

Wu Xiuyan finally broke free from her brother’s grip and said defiantly, "Why cover my mouth? I was just hypothetically speaking..."

"Shut up, such things can’t be spoken of willy-nilly. If the Money Gang hears of it, it would be a huge grudge."

Wu Xiuyan saw his genuine anger and dared not say more.

...

"First bow to the heavens and earth."

"Second bow to the parents."

"Husband and wife bow to each other."

"Escort to the bridal chamber!"

Before Xia Shaowen, Chen Ming had no resistance at all, completing a series of rituals like a puppet, and was finally escorted into the bridal chamber.

The efficiency of the Money Gang was truly remarkable, setting up a hall and bridal chamber in just an afternoon.

Everything was well-prepared.

Once in the bridal chamber, Chen Ming sat expressionless by the bed, allowing the wedding pranksters to fiddle around. It wasn’t until the toasting wine was drunk that they finally left.

Looking at the bride across from him, covered in a red veil, he thought, was she also controlled by her father, unable to resist?

"Well, I’m now also a married man."

Fortunately, this was just a false identity, so he didn’t have much psychological burden, treating it as an experience of the era’s wedding.

"Why did Xia Shaowen force his daughter to marry me?"

Chen Ming pondered this question, "And in such haste. This isn’t normal."

At this point, Xia Shaowen’s voice came from outside, "Son-in-law, may I have a word with you?"

Chen Ming was speechless. Whether or not I can go out, isn’t that up to you?

As he was pondering, he found he could move.

Standing up, he saw the bride sitting still, so he went out, pushing the door open to see an ancient-faced middle-aged man standing outside. With a blank expression, he said, "Sect Leader Xia, what is the meaning of this?"

Xia Shaowen chuckled, "Son-in-law, don’t be angry, please follow me." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Chen Ming followed him all the way to the study.

Honestly, even in that mystic abode, he encountered First Grade masters. But it wasn’t until today that he realized how vast the gap between Third Grade and First Grade is.

Before Xia Shaowen, he had neither the ability to resist nor even to move. He had no temper at all.

Truly, a strength so powerful it was despairing.

Once in the study, Xia Shaowen took out a glimmering object, placed it before him, and said, "Son-in-law, this is what you wanted."

Chen Ming looked closely and saw it was a gold token, inscribed with intricate runes. He reached out and took it; it was heavy yet felt unlike gold, very hard.

He looked at Xia Shaowen, waiting for an explanation.

Xia Shaowen said, "This is the token to enter the Secret Realm, representing one quota."

PS: Two updates, eight thousand words, request for monthly tickets.