Volume 3 - Chapter 394: Soul Lifespan Revealed (Part 3)
In his mind, Li Hao saw the faces of dear friends in the Southern Domain, the Great Dream Master who was willing to stake the fate of his entire clan for him, the Great Dream Clan, and even Gu Yan, Yuexi, and others from his own sect.
Yet now, he had no power to protect anyone. Before the might of a Supreme, even with the Dao-Origin Immortal Seal in hand, he was still but dust.
"Since it is the promise of our ancestors, the Su clan shall uphold it."
Su Zhenyuan gave Li Hao a warm smile. "Tomorrow, I’ll summon my younger daughters. None of them are yet engaged. If you find mutual affection with one of them, you may marry her right away."
Madam Su shot him an exasperated look. Her husband was far too casual when it came to matters of love and marriage.
Marriage was no trifling matter. It required formal rites—matchmakers, ceremonial gifts, proper dowries.
Even if this youth brought no betrothal gifts, the Su clan wouldn’t quibble over such trivialities. But their daughter’s dowry must be properly prepared, a good day chosen, and all the major noble clans of Gusu Imperial Star duly notified. These things took time.
Li Hao, sensing the sincerity of the Su clan patriarch, couldn’t help feeling some respect. He cupped his hands and said:
"Family Head, I already have someone in mind. I hope you will allow it."
As he spoke, tension crept into his chest.
He had never planned on marrying Ying Xiaoxiao. But she had torn through time and space for him. That alone made him want to remain by her side and wait for her to awaken.
And with all the news swirling outside the manor, if he didn’t use this marriage decree now, he might not even get the chance to be near her.
"Oh?"
Su Zhenyuan raised a brow, surprised. Then he thought of his four daughters—all famed across the star. If the boy came bearing a marriage decree, naturally he had done his homework. It was hardly unexpected. With a chuckle, he said:
"Then tell me—who have you set your sights on?"
"Miss Su Muqing."
Li Hao bowed his head as he spoke.
At once, the great hall fell into utter silence.
So quiet you could hear a pin drop, as though time itself had frozen.
Li Hao’s heart thudded once in his chest. He looked up and saw Su Zhenyuan’s slightly stunned expression—alongside Madam Su’s furious glare.
"Impossible!"
The moment Li Hao raised his head, Madam Su snapped. "Muqing is already engaged! No matter how talented you are, you cannot marry her!"
Li Hao felt a subtle sinking in his chest. His cupped hands slowly lowered.
Su Zhenyuan went silent for a moment, then said, "Your name is Haotian, yes? Then let me call you Xiao Hao. Since you’ve come to our Su clan, you must know that Muqing is already betrothed to the Lin family. That you admire her is her good fortune—but as for this marriage…"
Li Hao’s heart sank even further. He lowered his voice and said, "Family Head, no matter the condition, if it’s within my power, I will meet it. I only ask for your consent."
He spoke with unwavering seriousness, his gaze firm as steel.
Madam Su waved her hand and let out a bitter laugh of rage. "And what will you use to compete with the Lin family? Even as a personal disciple of an Immortal Emperor—so what? The Lin family is an imperial-level clan! You're dreaming!"
Su Zhenyuan’s expression shifted at her sharp words.
He had seen the marriage decree—and knew what it contained. It specified the most gifted daughter of the current Su generation as the intended bride. That made the boy’s request entirely reasonable.
But…
Madam Su had a point. Su Muqing had already been promised to the Lin family not long ago. The two had grown up together, childhood sweethearts. Even putting aside the Lin heir’s imperial bloodline, just from an emotional standpoint, he, as a father, couldn’t bear to tear them apart.
"Xiao Hao, have you met my other three daughters?"
Su Zhenyuan asked gently.
Li Hao shook his head. "I haven’t. I came to the Su clan… only for her."
"You’ve got some nerve!"
Madam Su slammed her fair palm against the dragonwood armrest of her chair, her face a mask of fury. "Muqing is a true phoenix in this world. You really believe that just because you hold a marriage decree, you can wed her? Are you trying to threaten the Su clan?"
Li Hao remained silent.
He had no right to threaten anyone.
Su Zhenyuan's thoughts swirled. He looked at the youth—silent, yet stubborn to the core—and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
That Immortal Emperor truly had sharp eyes. Muqing’s name must have reached his ears, which is why he pulled out this old promise now, in this lifetime.
Su Zhenyuan felt both pain and pride. To be chosen by an Immortal Emperor was Muqing’s honor… but to be pursued like this was no blessing.
"How about this—meet my other three daughters first. Then we’ll talk. How does that sound?"
Su Zhenyuan’s voice was soft and measured.
After all, the boy had an Immortal Emperor behind him. Su Zhenyuan had no desire to make an enemy. And judging by the contents of the decree, it was the Su clan that owed a debt.
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