Chapter 3: The Shen Family Calls Off the Engagement

Early morning twilight brushed the world as birds were already up, busily hunting for worms.

Dewdrops clung to the trees outside, sparkling like nature’s pearls.

“Did you hear everything I just told you?” In the Shen estate, Shen Zhentian pressed a weary hand to his forehead, fixing a stern gaze on Shen Qinglian.

Shen Qinglian pressed her lips together, meeting Shen Zhentian’s eyes with unwavering resolve. Her voice came soft but certain. “Don’t worry, Father. I know exactly what I’m supposed to do. I promise I won’t slip up.”

“No matter what conditions the Gu family puts forward, we have to agree. It’s what we owe them.” Shen Zhentian’s face was grave as he looked at Shen Qinglian.

“I understand, Father. Let’s head out,” Shen Qinglian nodded.

……

At the Gu family estate, inside Gu Qingyi’s courtyard.

Gu Qingyi had no clue what was about to happen. He was sprawled out on a chair beneath the big tree, taking a nap.

Leaves rustled in the breeze, swirling down from the branches. Suddenly, Gu Qingyi dreamed of his spiritual sea.

It felt like something was stirring deep inside. All at once, a flash of golden light burst forth and the golden sword—glowing brilliantly, golden from hilt to tip—appeared again.

This time, Gu Qingyi was sure the sword was real. It was the very same weapon his original self had wielded in that fateful battle.

“But looking closely, there’s a difference. The first isn’t as dazzling as the second.” Gu Qingyi took a step closer, lazily admiring the sword. “This new one feels powerful and majestic, the first is like a miniature version.”

“Hey, human, what are you doing?” Suddenly, an ethereal and pleasant voice cut straight into his thoughts.

Startled by the sudden voice, Gu Qingyi blinked in confusion. “Who are you? Why are you in my spiritual sea?”

“You’re so slow!” came the melodic reply. “Look at the sword in front of you. I’m inside it.”

The giant sword before him glowed with a golden light, vibrant and almost alive. Gu Qingyi stared at it for a moment, then spoke. “You live in there? Are you a sword spirit?”

“Congratulations, you got it—too bad there isn’t a prize,” the voice teased.

Gu Qingyi shot the sword a disgruntled look. “Respectable Sword Spirit, where did you come from? And what exactly are you doing in my spiritual sea?”

“I’ve no idea. Ever since I opened my eyes, I fell back into sleep. Only recently have I fully awakened.” The Sword Spirit considered Gu Qingyi as it spoke.

BANG BANG BANG! Someone pounded hard on the courtyard gate.

“Brother, are you in there? Something big just happened! Hurry to the main hall!” Gu Qingxiao’s crisp voice rang out.

“What’s going on?” Gu Qingyi, wrenched out of his dream, jolted awake. His legs tangled, and he fell off the chair with a loud thud.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Gu Qingyi muttered, limping as he shuffled to the door.

Recognizing who it was, Gu Qingyi greeted her warmly. “Xiao, what’s got you in such a rush?”

“Brother, something major happened. You’d better head to the main hall now.” Gu Qingxiao glanced at Gu Qingyi to make sure he was all right, then hurried off. “I’ll be there ahead of you,” she called as her silhouette disappeared down the corridor.

……

The Gu family’s main hall.

“So, what do you think the Shen family wants today?” People gathered in clusters, whispering among themselves.

“No idea. Let’s just wait and see,” several answered with a shake of their heads.

A graceful woman lounged against a long bench, glancing over the crowd with barely concealed impatience. She parted her red lips. “An affair of this magnitude’s not for me to decide. Why not let my son handle it?”

This was Shen Yue. Reclining with a calm elegance, her features glowed under the lantern light. She was as flawless as jade, radiant as the new moon, blossoms and snow entwined in her beauty. Her posture hinted at both poise and gentle charm, a kind of understated allure that words could barely capture.

By the time a small pot of tea had cooled, the hall was already packed wall to wall. Priceless gifts were piled thick on the floor.

Gu Qingyi strode in with quick, determined steps, ignoring the crowd as he headed straight inside.

Everyone watched as a tall, poised man in blue brushed past, his presence turning heads all the way.

“Finally, you’re here.” Shen Zhentian stepped forward to greet him, looking a little frazzled. He averted his gaze as he fussed. “Qingyi, how have you been lately? All right?”

Gu Qingyi gave a polite nod. “Thank you for your concern, Uncle Shen. I’ve been well.” Scanning his memories, Gu Qingyi recalled this burly, honest-looking man was his fiancée’s father, Shen Zhentian.

Gu Qingyi arched a brow as he surveyed the crowd. “Uncle Shen, everyone—may I ask what brings you to the Gu estate today?”

“Lian’s become more lovely every year,” someone suddenly remarked. Gu Qingyi spotted his fiancée, Shen Qinglian, and stepped forward to greet her. “Hard to believe that little girl who used to tag along after me is now all grown up—just look at her.”

Shen Qinglian’s thoughts churned. “He really is handsome, but that’s all he’s got now. Looks aren’t enough in this world. Our compensation should be plenty for him to live comfortably for life.” With a guilty gaze, she looked Gu Qingyi up and down, taking in his robed form.

“Not just handsome—his family holds power in the city. Only a man like that deserves me,” Shen Qinglian thought. Then she turned to Li Ji beside her, her chin lifting. “Let’s skip the pleasantries. I came today for business, not chitchat.”

Gu Qingyi’s cold stare swept over them. Shen Qinglian was clinging to Li Ji’s arm like the perfect couple. Even a fool could see what was happening.

“So I’m the joke here? My fiancée’s already moved on, and there I am—left in the dust,” Gu Qingyi sneered inwardly. “These two can barely wait to show off. I’m not even dead yet.”

“Incredible. One moment I’m barely recovering my strength,” Gu Qingyi scoffed at the pair. “Next, my fiancée is desperate to slap a green hat on me.”

No longer bothering to hide his disdain, Gu Qingyi sneered, “Go on then. What’s the real reason you’ve come today?”

“Gu Qingyi, I’m here to break off our engagement. Whether you like it or not, it’s happening. You’re nothing but a cripple now, unworthy of me!” Shen Qinglian glanced at Gu Qingyi with icy resolve.

“Here’s the engagement contract.” Shen Qinglian spoke languidly, tossing the paper toward Gu Qingyi. “If you’re fine with it, just sign. Let’s part ways cleanly, owe each other nothing from here on.”

“Plus,” she said, gesturing at the pile nearby, “see those things? That’s your compensation. It’s my way of making it up to you—a lifetime’s guarantee, if you ask me.”

Ignoring Shen Qinglian, Gu Qingyi snatched up the contract and marched straight to Shen Zhentian, his gaze icy. “Uncle Shen, is this truly your wish as well?”

“Uh… well, yes,” Shen Zhentian dodged Gu Qingyi’s stare, guilt all over his face. That answer said everything.

In that instant, the whole room seemed to freeze.

“Qingyi, my Shen family has wronged you. If you have any requests, speak up. If it’s within our power, we’ll do our best.” Shen Zhentian coughed awkwardly, scratching his head and looking down, unable to meet Gu Qingyi’s eyes.

Gu Qingyi let out a scornful laugh. “Well done, Shen family. The moment my cultivation dropped, you couldn’t wait to come break off the engagement? What do you take my Gu family for?”

Shen Qinglian wouldn’t meet his eyes, stumbling over her words. “It really is our fault, but we’ve apologized and offered compensation. What more do you want?”

Gu Qingyi glared at the heap of so-called gifts. “This pile of junk is your so-called sincerity? Are you trying to insult me?”

The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.

“Watch your mouth, boy!” A voice suddenly shattered the silence. “If you agree to the breakup, I might think better of you!”

“Sure, young master Gu, no denying you were a prodigy once,” Li Ji strode arrogantly forward, casting Gu Qingyi a look. “But that’s ancient history. Now, you’re useless.”

“You think you’re any match for Lian? Only I, Li Ji, am worthy of her.” Li Ji pointed from Gu Qingyi to himself.

Gu Qingyi burst out laughing. “Now that’s the best joke I’ve heard! Who do you think you are?”

“Who are you to say my brother isn’t worthy? Like you are? Look at yourself—disgusting!” Gu Qingxiao couldn’t help but snort with laughter.

“You—you! How dare you talk to me like that!” Li Ji jabbed a finger at Gu Qingxiao, rendered speechless by the retort.

“What are you gonna do about it? Want a fight? Fair warning: if you die, don’t blame me!” Gu Qingxiao stood, hands on hips, glaring coldly at Li Ji.

“A real man doesn’t argue with women! I’m not stooping to your level,” Li Ji blustered, storming off to target Gu Qingyi instead, Shen Qinglian at his side.

Gu Qingyi’s face turned stony as he addressed the room. “Shen family, your request to break off the engagement—I accept!” His last shred of hope for the pair before him vanished. “However—”

“However, what?” Shen Qinglian’s face lit up, almost giddy.

“Remember this, Shen Qinglian. Today, it’s the Gu family who’s rejecting you. It’s me, Gu Qingyi, calling off the engagement!” Gu Qingyi found her excitement both ridiculous and infuriating. He roared, “From now on, we owe each other nothing. Take your trash back as well.”

“If you understand, then get lost!” With a sharp rip, Gu Qingyi tore up the engagement contract and flung the scraps in Shen Qinglian’s face.

To everyone’s shock, Gu Qingyi’s palm flashed out, landing hard across Shen Qinglian’s cheek.

“You… how dare you hit me?” Shen Qinglian’s face stung as she clutched it, dazed by the sudden slap.

“Not even my own father ever hit me, and yet you—” She stared at Gu Qingyi in utter disbelief. She simply couldn’t process that he’d actually struck her.

“Gu Qingyi! How dare you hit Lian! Are you trying to die?” Li Ji leapt to his feet, face twisted with rage. Spiritual power flared around his hand as he aimed a blow straight at Gu Qingyi.

Caught off guard, Gu Qingyi was sent flying, crashing heavily against the wall.

An elder of the Gu family jumped up, unable to take any more. He roared, “You little brat! Do you really think our Gu family has no one to stand up for us?”

With a blur of motion, he struck—palm like thunder—slamming Li Ji hard into another wall. Li Ji tumbled down, coughing up blood.

A cracking sound echoed from Li Ji’s body.

Everyone turned to see that one of Li Ji’s life-saving treasures had activated, saving him from death but leaving him severely injured.

Because of that talisman, Li Ji survived but was in bad shape.

“You’re a Sword Emperor? You old coot—shameless—stooping to meddle in a junior’s quarrel like this!” Li Ji crawled upright, shocked and furious at the Gu elder.

“You’ve got some nerve running your mouth even now! Want me to finish you off?” The Gu elder was almost trembling with rage, ready to snuff out Li Ji on the spot.

“Elder Yan, this is between me and him. Please, don’t interfere.” Gu Qingyi winced against the ache in his body, slowly raising a hand. “Let me handle it from here.” He limped toward Li Ji with steely determination.

“Stay back! Don’t come any closer!” Li Ji retreated in panic, voice breaking. “If you hurt me, the City Lord’s Mansion and the Li family will never let you go!”

“Big talk, threatening my son? I wouldn’t mind wiping you and your Li family out first!” Shen Yue’s eyes snapped open. The air around her turned menacing. With a terrifying aura, she snatched Li Ji by the throat, lifting him into the air.

“You… you’re a Sword Saint? Forgive me! Please, have mercy!” Li Ji sobbed as he looked at Shen Yue.

“Mother, this is my business with him. Please, don’t interfere,” Gu Qingyi glanced at Shen Yue.

“Then remember, it’s only because of my son that you walk away today. Had it been up to me, you wouldn’t be leaving here alive.” Shen Yue’s cold stare bore into Li Ji.

“Get out!” With a casual flick of her hand, Shen Yue sent Li Ji crashing to the floor like a broken kite.