Darkness gave way to hazy light as Han Yichen's eyelids fluttered open. His head throbbed. He was lying on a soft couch in one of the guest rooms of the Yuan estate. A servant nearby immediately stood up and informed the household. Moments later, General Yuan himself entered.
"General!" Han Yichen sat up, clutching his chest. "I was… ambushed. Lin Hao—he struck me when I wasn't looking. He must have—"
"Enough." The General's voice was cold and absolute. "I saw the duel."
Han Yichen froze.
"You attacked first. You used military techniques—techniques I personally forbade you from using outside the battlefield. And you lost. Pathetically."
"B-But…"
"You lied. You disgraced the uniform. You're not worthy of being called my disciple."
The words cut deeper than any blade.
"I'll arrange for your return to the southern barracks. You clearly still have much to learn," the General said, then added with finality, "And from this point forward, do not call yourself my student."
Stripped of title and pride, Han Yichen lowered his head in shame. He clenched his fists in silence, his mind burning with resentment as he was escorted away. But not a word more left his mouth.
Back at the Lin residence, the sun cast a golden hue over the courtyard as a distinct military carriage rolled through the peaceful lanes. The emblem of the Yuan family fluttered high. Within moments, Lin Hao's parents stood at the gate, staring wide-eyed at the unexpected guests: General Yuan, Master Yuan, Madam Yuan, and Qingyue herself, standing quietly with a faint blush.
Lin Zheng rushed forward. "General Yuan?"
"You must be Lin Zheng," the general said. "We've come to visit your home and finalize a matter between our families."
"A matter…?" Lin Hao's mother echoed, confused.
"This is a happy matter," Madam Yuan said gently. "May we come in?"
Once inside, tea was served, though Lin Hao's parents were still dazed by the sudden formal visit. Lin Hao himself arrived moments later, still sweating slightly from his morning training. His eyes met Qingyue's, who quickly averted her gaze with a pink flush.
"Lin Hao," Master Yuan called with a chuckle. "Perfect timing."
The General eyed Lin Hao closely. "You're the one."
Lin Hao gave a polite bow. "Greetings, General."
"You've brought great benefit to my daughter," the general stated. "Her cultivation, her progress—much of it is thanks to your guidance and presence."
Then came the heavy words.
"I've come to propose an engagement between our families."
The air froze.
Lin Hao's father blinked. "E-Engagement?"
His mother's teacup trembled. "Surely, there must be some misunderstanding…"
The General shook his head. "There is no misunderstanding. My daughter and this boy are well-matched in cultivation, temperament, and potential. The decision is made—if both parties agree."
All eyes turned to Lin Hao.
His father whispered, "Hao'er… What do you think?"
Lin Hao looked at Qingyue, her lowered head, her trembling hands. Twelve years of shared training, countless silent moments and quiet companionship—he realized how deeply he valued her.
"I admire Qingyue," Lin Hao said clearly. "I want to stand beside her."
Qingyue's head snapped up. "Brother Lin Hao…" she said softly.
Their gazes locked for a second that felt eternal.
Madam Yuan smiled warmly, placing her hand over her mouth.
Master Yuan chuckled. "Young hearts."
The General grunted in approval. "Then it's settled."
"Wait," Lin Hao said quickly, nervous. "Isn't this too fast? Shouldn't we…"
The General frowned. "What? Are you looking down on my daughter?"
Lin Hao panicked. "No! Not at all!"
"Then it's decided!" the General boomed. "Tomorrow, we'll return to finalize the engagement."
The tension broke into laughter. Lin Hao slumped in his seat, defeated by their momentum.
Qingyue, her face glowing red, excused herself to the kitchen. Her mother followed, laughing.
As the adults discussed celebration details, Master Yuan leaned toward Lin Hao. "Congratulations. You've survived a duel and gained a fiancée."
Lin Hao sighed. "I think the duel was easier."