Volume 3 - Chapter 392: My Name Is Haotian (Part 1)
Li Hao caught the implication behind the question and fell silent for a moment before replying softly, “It was bestowed by a senior.”
“Which senior?”
The noblewoman pressed further, her tone now carrying a sharp edge.
A sudden chill swept through the hall. Li Hao could feel every pore on his body tighten under the overwhelming pressure, one far beyond what an Immortal Lord could normally withstand.
But he had just come from the Southern Domain, had even held firm beneath the gaze of a Supreme’s avatar. How could he be rattled here?
“Forgive me, but I cannot say.”
Li Hao offered a respectful bow, keeping his composure.
The noblewoman hadn't expected such calm from a youth whose looks were merely decent and whose bearing otherwise seemed ordinary. A flicker of surprise flashed through her eyes. She stepped into the hall with slow, measured grace, her regal presence filling the space as she took her seat upon the main throne.
A maid approached, offering a cup of immortal tea. Mist rose in tendrils from the cup, coiling into a white dragon in the air—a manifestation of draconic blood essence.
One sip of this tea could strengthen the body, infuse the physique with dragon energy, and equal the result of several years of cultivation for an average True Immortal.
Yet the noblewoman didn’t so much as glance at it. Her gaze remained fixed upon the young man before her, evaluating him from above.
“And this senior—what is your relationship with them?” she asked gently.
Li Hao saw that she was still probing. He furrowed his brow slightly. There had clearly been a misunderstanding. The object he had presented… turned out to be a marriage agreement.
No wonder the Black Tortoise’s imperial soul had said that coming to the Su family with this item would get him what he wanted.
A marriage alliance would grant him freedom of movement within the Su estate—and the chance to meet the reincarnation of Ying Xiaoxiao.
Still, using this to sell himself into the family was not his intention. All he wanted was to stay by her side.
“May I ask how I should address you, Madam?”
He did not answer her question, but instead posed one of his own.
“How dare you!”
A handmaid standing beside the noblewoman narrowed her eyes, a spark of frost flashing within them as she glared coldly at him.
The noblewoman’s brows twitched, but she took in his simple attire and lack of etiquette. She didn’t bother dwelling on such trivialities. Her voice remained composed.
“I am the matriarch of the Su family. All matters great and small pass through me—especially marriages within the inner court.”
Li Hao had assumed she was the family head. He had wondered why it was a woman. Now understanding dawned, and he lowered his head. “Madam Su, I came here only to find someone. I merely hope to stay by her side. I ask for your permission.”
“Who?”
Madam Su’s eyes narrowed. Though her lips curled into a smile, her tone was cutting and cold.
She already suspected the answer.
To her surprise, the young man shook his head. “I do not yet know her name. I only know she is here, in the Su family.”
“Oh?”
Her brow arched. Looking into his open and sincere eyes, she sneered inwardly. How many spirits’ worth of lifespan did this boy have? Did he really think he could deceive her?
Those other concubines in the inner court—every one of them far better at putting on a sweet face—now all knew their place and never dared step out of line.
“You came bearing a marriage contract—one personally promised by our ancestor. Naturally, our family cannot defy such an agreement.”
Her tone was serene, unreadable.
“But the contract merely states that a descendant of the Su family with exceptional talent shall be wed. It does not name a branch or a specific individual.
“At present, I have four daughters, all unmarried. Each is a jewel of the younger generation in Gusu’s imperial star.
“You are handsome and, I imagine, quite gifted as well—else how could you have received such a token? Therefore, I am willing to grant you the hand of my most beloved daughter. What do you say?”
Li Hao froze. His expression changed.
He had no desire to marry.
He wasn’t a fool. Though the madam’s tone had softened compared to when he first entered, it was plain to see—she disapproved of this union.
Since both parties were reluctant, why cling to the letter of the contract?
“To be honest, Madam Su, I came here to find someone. I have no intention of getting married.”
He rose and bowed again.
A flicker of cold amusement passed through Madam Su’s eyes, though her voice remained gentle.
“Are you saying you find my daughters unworthy? If you refuse and that senior comes seeking answers, the Su family cannot bear the consequences.
“He may think we forced your hand—or worse, that we rejected his will. Please, don’t make things difficult for me.”
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