"Wait."
The word struck like a bolt of lightning. I halted, spine rigid, and turned slowly.
The atmosphere inside the Meng Clan's hall was heavy. Every gaze drilled into me—elders, warriors, servants… and above all, Meng Yuelan. Her eyes were calm, yet within them burned a storm.
"If you're serious," she said, her voice cold as ice, "then it's fine. But if this is a lie, then whether you're in Heaven or Hell, I'll find you—and I'll kill you myself. She is my precious daughter."
A chill crawled up my spine. My heart skipped, but I forced my expression to remain composed.
"I'm dead serious," I said, voice steady. "And if you don't believe me… I can sign a contract."
Inside, I screamed: 'Damn! Why did I say that? Please say no!'
But Meng Yuelan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Let's sign a contract."
My face twitched. "W-wait, you don't trust me?"
"Why? Do you not want to sign it?"
"No, no!" I forced a grin. "I'll sign."
A servant brought out a spiritual contract scroll. The moment I touched it, binding energy surged and I felt my soul mark being etched onto the page. I pressed my fingerprint beside my name.
"There," I said weakly. "Happy now?"
Meng Yuelan nodded, her smile softening. "Now… you are officially my son-in-law."
"Y-yeah…" I muttered.
Why does this feel like I walked into a trap? I cried inside.
---
As I left the hall, Meng Ruo walked beside me, silent, graceful. When we reached the outer gate, I turned to her with a sigh.
"I'm sorry… I did something unbelievable. Don't worry, I'll destroy that contract."
But she suddenly grabbed my arm. "No."
I blinked. "Huh?"
She stepped closer, her gaze intense—and then, without warning, she kissed me.
My eyes widened. My heart stilled. But after a moment, I gently pulled her into my arms and kissed her back.
When we parted, she looked into my eyes. "I don't want that contract destroyed."
I hugged her tightly. "Then I won't destroy it. But… will you wait for me?"
"I will," she whispered.
---
With a heavy heart and soaring spirit, I took flight toward the Eastern Continents. Wind lashed past as I soared over hills and rivers.
But not long into my journey, I sensed a disturbance.
Bandits.
A group of five blocked the narrow canyon path below.
Their leader stepped forward, sneering. "You're the brat who killed our brothers near the Western borders."
I hovered, eyes narrowing. "So you're from that scum group. Yes, I killed them. Want to join them?"
"Kill him!" the leader barked.
The four underlings—each Qi Refining 9th Layer—charged forward.
I dodged swiftly, moving like a blur. My body twisted and flipped as I created distance, then drew my sword.
They came again, blades flashing.
"Inferno Slash!" I roared.
A wave of blazing energy erupted from my blade, scorching the air.
Ding!
You killed Qi Refining 9th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1495
You killed Qi Refining 9th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1490
Two bodies hit the ground—burned, lifeless.
The leader and the last two bandits roared with rage and lunged at me, weapons howling through the air. I blocked some, dodged others, but blood trickled from my ribs.
Sweat clung to my brow, but I grit my teeth.
One by one, I fought them off—striking with precision, countering with speed.
Ding!
You killed Qi Refining 9th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1500
You killed Qi Refining 9th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1480
Now only the leader remained. His body radiated strength—Body Tempering, 3rd Layer. His blade clashed with mine again and again. We danced a deadly waltz, each strike heavier than the last.
Minutes passed—neither of us willing to fall.
And then, with everything I had left, I launched forward and struck through his chest.
Ding!
You killed Body Tempering 3rd Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1920
Ding!
Current XP: 12,755
Blood stained my clothes, but the battle was over.
I sat down, breathing hard, and pulled out my recovery ointment. After tending my wounds and changing into clean robes, I resumed my journey.
By dusk, I arrived at a bustling city—its high gates carved with swirling cloud patterns.
Wind Clouds City.
I walked through the gates, cloak fluttering behind me.
A new chapter awaits.