bookbashuk Chapter 213 A Warm Invitation, A Family Marriage
Chapter 213 A Warm Invitation, A Family Marriage
After it was over, Zhang Lingyu followed the other cultivators from the Li family out of the room. Just as they were about to return to their lodgings to rest for the night, Li Yanyun called out to them.
"Clan Chief Zhang, would you mind having a chat?"
He was slightly surprised, not expecting to be stopped at this time. Considering what Master Xuanhao had just said, it must be to discuss the matter of the Spirit Puppet Sect further.
"nature."
After readily agreeing, Li Yanyun dismissed the others and went with him to the side hall to talk.
After the two sat down, the Li family patriarch said, "Patriarch Zhang, you must know what the Master just said. Our Li family must go to the Spirit Puppet Sect in seven years."
"Clan Chief Zhang, your strength was evident to all in this Water Moon Secret Realm. To escape from Huang Yunshan with your mid-Foundation Establishment strength is truly remarkable among those of the same level. If possible, why not travel together again in seven years?"
This is indeed a good choice for Zhang Lingyu. Even though Xuanhao Zhenren doesn't have much hope for his family, they are still a Golden Core Immortal Clan.
Currently, there are two peak Foundation Establishment cultivators in the clan, and several others like Li Yunrui will advance to the later stages. Perhaps a few more will advance in seven years.
They are a force to be reckoned with.
Zhang Lingyu had just witnessed the Li family's sincerity; going it alone is never as safe as sticking together for warmth.
However, he had already promised Lin Qing and his wife that, given their personalities, they would never join the Li family's ranks with him.
After all, he came from a background of independent cultivation, so he naturally harbored a certain degree of caution towards other forces, fearing that he might be robbed or killed, even if he acted as guarantor.
"this..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingyu's face immediately showed an expression of difficulty in making a decision.
Li Yanyun's words had already somewhat tempted him, but he still had some considerations in mind.
After all, he had an intelligence network, so he knew exactly where he could and couldn't go. But when he followed the Li family cultivators, he didn't have the choice to make his own decisions.
Furthermore, Lin Qing and his wife had been to the Lingku Sect ruins before and were familiar with the situation inside, so following them would be much more convenient.
The most important thing is the Spirit Puppet Myriad Transformations Box. This treasure has already developed intelligence that is no less than that of ordinary people, and it controls everything in the Spirit Puppet Sect.
The secret realm was opened to select successors. Lin Qing and his wife had been cultivating puppetry for many years, and half a month ago, the family sent news that they had almost completed the Foundation Establishment puppet.
With their talents, they would definitely be selected by the Spirit Puppet Transformation Box and listed as candidates.
Zhang Lingyu might gain some favor and more opportunities by following them.
"Well... to be honest, my friend and I made an agreement years ago to explore the ruins of the Spirit Puppet Sect together. Unfortunately, my friend is used to traveling alone and doesn't trust outsiders. If I had agreed to your request, I would have had to break my promise... I hope you will understand."
He feigned an apologetic expression and continued:
"Of course, if any nobleman encounters any difficulties inside, please send me a message, and I will certainly come to his rescue!"
"However... given the strength of the nobility, they probably don't need outside help."
"Is that so... Since Chief Zhang has made an appointment, we shouldn't insist."
Li Yanyun felt a little regretful after hearing this, but since Zhang Lingyu said he could help when the time came, he would definitely help. So he cupped his hands and said, "If my family members really encounter any trouble at that time, I hope you will lend a helping hand."
"Definitely, definitely."
After agreeing on the matter, Li Yanyun suddenly changed his tone and smiled:
"I heard that the noble family held a grand family competition half a year ago, and many geniuses emerged. One of them seems to be your apprentice, Patriarch Zhang, right? His name is... Wang Menghan."
"Fellow Daoist Li, you flatter me. It's just a friendly exchange among peers. Meng Han and the others are slightly better, but they can't be called geniuses. I didn't expect even nobles to know about it."
"That's natural. My family also has several good disciples. Cultivation isn't just about burying yourself in hard work; it's also good to exchange ideas and help each other improve."
Zhang Lingyu's expression remained unchanged, but he had already made up his mind.
They said they were exchanging insights on spiritual practice, but I reckon they were going to discuss marriage.
Actually, this is not surprising. Most large aristocratic families would arrange marriages with their vassals to some extent in order to keep them in check.
Isn't the Zhang family the same?
However, given the disparity in strength between the two families, even if they were to form a marriage alliance, the Li family would most likely choose someone from the collateral branches to marry into the Zhang family's direct line.
However, judging from Li Yanyun's appearance, he probably wants Wang Menghan and Zhang Yuanyao to marry into the Li family, but given their talents and status, they will most likely marry direct descendants.
Marriage is a good thing; it can not only deepen the friendship between the two families, but also provide some help in times of crisis.
This is exactly the same as the Zhang Lingxiao brother and sister who cultivate in the Jade Light Pavilion.
It was good, but Zhang Lingyu couldn't bear to part with it.
Both Wang Menghan and Zhang Yuanyao are direct descendants of their families, and they are both aiming for the Golden Core stage in the future. How can they just marry each other off like that?
After marrying into the Li family, she wasn't exactly ostracized, but she certainly didn't have the freedom she has now.
Furthermore, the two are currently focused on cultivation and have no intention of getting married. While he could use his status as clan leader and master to force them, it would certainly incite their resentment.
Even if she marries into the family, she will probably sever all ties with them. To put it more bluntly, she might even choose to die to prove her innocence if forced into marriage.
So he pretended to be in a difficult position and said with a wry smile:
"Exchanges are a good thing, but my disciple and niece went into seclusion to cultivate before I left. They said they wouldn't come out until they reached the peak of Qi Refining. I'm afraid they'll disappoint the nobles. These two children, all they know is cultivation. Sigh..."
"Oh, fellow Daoist, what are you saying? Diligent cultivation is a good thing. When we were young, we were busy with all sorts of things and couldn't even cultivate in peace. Now, even if we hold high positions, we are still incredibly envious."
Li Yanyun's smile remained unchanged. He understood that Zhang Lingyu was reluctant, but he had expected this. If she was unwilling, so be it. In any case, the Zhang family had other direct descendants who shouldn't refuse again. So he asked:
"I've been preoccupied with clan affairs and have only heard of these two. Since nobles occupy an entire prefecture, there must be other geniuses as well. Now that I have some free time, Clan Chief Zhang, you should have a good talk with them."
Seeing that he had relented, Zhang Lingyu did not press his advantage. Apart from Zhang Yuanyao and Mo Wuyai, who were geniuses from other surnames, Zhang Yuanli was the best among the "Yuan" generation in the Zhang family.
Among the female cultivators, Zhang Yuanrou ranks second.
Although he ranked second, he was far inferior to Zhang Yuanyao in terms of talent, and was equivalent to a cultivator from a collateral branch of the Li family.
Fortunately, she is well-behaved, knowledgeable and polite, often shares the burdens of the family, and is also very diligent in her cultivation. She has now reached the fifth level of Qi Refining.
They are the perfect choice as a marriage partner.
"I just don't know if the child will agree."
Although Zhang Lingyu was unwilling to marry off her direct descendants, she refused once in order to maintain good relations with the Li family, and she could not allow it to happen a second time.
Furthermore, Zhang Yuanrou marrying into the Li family might not necessarily be a bad thing.
Marrying into a Golden Core Immortal Clan is a blessing that countless people would rather die for.
After considering it for a moment, Zhang Lingyu continued:
"In terms of natural talent and temperament, the third in my family is Zhang Yuanli of the 'Yuan' generation. He is also a direct descendant of my family. He has been learning alchemy from the clan elders since he was a child, and he also won first place in the family alchemy competition this time."
"He hasn't fallen behind in his cultivation either. He was already in seclusion when I left, and I expect he should reach the late stage of Qi Refining in about a month."
"Zhang Yuanli... um... not bad either."
Li Yanyun said he was preoccupied with trivial matters, but he knew all the information about the Zhang family's direct descendants.
Zhang Yuanli is indeed excellent in all aspects, and he is also diligent in alchemy. I heard that he can also receive guidance from Zhang Lingyu from time to time. With such status and position, he will surely become a high-ranking figure in the Zhang family in the future.
Zhang Lingyu's decision to bring this person up suggests he was quite sincere.
"This person is indeed quite good. I have heard of him. He has achieved some success in alchemy. He must be a diligent cultivator. It seems that the noble family has put a lot of effort into cultivating him."
Li Yanyun smiled and said, "Please continue to tell me more, Clan Chief Zhang."
"There is another person named Zhang Yuanrou. My niece is quite talented and has now reached the fifth level of Qi Refining... What's even more remarkable is her well-behaved personality... She knows how to be considerate."
The two talked for a while longer, but the conversation mostly revolved around Zhang Yuanli and Zhang Yuanli. Although it was a marriage alliance, things couldn't be settled all at once; they could only get a general understanding first.
Even though they are the clan leaders and their word is law, forcing the two to marry would cause resentment in their hearts.
Over time, the tribespeople will also have their own opinions.
Therefore, they only said to let the two sides communicate, without directly mentioning a marriage alliance.
"Since Clan Chief Zhang has spoken of the noble family's geniuses, and my family also has two members with considerable talent, words alone are useless; why not see them for ourselves?"
"This suggestion is excellent; let's do as Chief Li says."
To be honest, Zhang Lingyu had long wanted to see the direct descendants of the Golden Core Immortal Clan. He wanted to see just how big the gap was between the two sides.
During the competition with Ge Tianxiong, although he saw many people, he focused most of his attention on those Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Furthermore, we should also assess the sincerity of the Li family.
"Alright, then I'll have them come and pay their respects now."
As soon as the order was given, a man and a woman entered the main hall in less than half an hour. Upon seeing the two, they immediately bowed and said, "Li Suzhou/Li Sujin greet the clan leader and clan leader Zhang."
Li Suzhou's appearance wasn't exactly handsome, but he could be compared to the direct descendants of ordinary noble families. He had a very steady demeanor, and his cultivation was also quite good, having reached the sixth level of Qi Refining, and it seemed that he wasn't too far from the seventh level.
As for Li Sujin, she had a beautiful face and wore a light blue dress, dressed like a lady from a prominent family. Her cultivation level was also at the sixth level of Qi Refining.
The woman seemed somewhat shy, and when she saw the two Foundation Establishment cultivators looking at her, she carefully lowered her head.
"Clan Chief Zhang, what do you think of my two younger relatives?"
"Your noble family truly lives up to its reputation as a Golden Core Immortal Clan. These two young friends may look young, but their cultivation is quite impressive. They must be very diligent in their daily lives, something my family can't compare to."
Zhang Lingyu's words were absolutely true. The Li family's foundation was undeniable, with a large population and intermarriages among the cultivators, resulting in children who were far superior to their own.
After all, the main source of cultivators for the Zhang family is still from mortals.
"Haha. Chief Zhang, you flatter me. Our clan is on the rise, and I believe that many outstanding members will emerge in the future."
Li Yanyun beckoned the two of them forward and began to introduce them:
"Although Su Zhou is from a collateral branch of my family, my family never treats its members based on their status. Regardless of their origin, we treat everyone equally and arrange for them to practice magic together at the beginning of their cultivation."
"This child is diligent and hardworking. Even though he is slightly less gifted, he has achieved remarkable results in just a few years and is now a key student in our family's development program."
"As for Su Jin, she is a direct descendant of my family and is very diligent in her cultivation. However, she is somewhat shy and not good at interacting with people. I hope that Chief Zhang will not mind if she is not polite enough."
"Oh, Chief Li, what are you saying? I think this child is quite good."
Zhang Lingyu seemed quite satisfied with this, and Li Yanyun's decision to bring the two of them together suggests that he intends for them to marry.
The Li family, being a Golden Core Immortal Clan, is inherently proud. Although Zhang Yuanrou is a direct descendant, marrying into a direct descendant is indeed a difficult task, even for some vassal states of Yuhu County.
Fortunately, although Li Suzhou comes from a collateral branch of the family, he seems quite steady and is also an ambitious person. If Zhang Yuanrou were to marry him, it would be a good match.
As for Li Sujin, although she is a direct descendant, she is probably one of the less capable members of the direct line. Given her personality, the Li family likely groomed her as a potential marriage partner early on.
But all things considered, the two of them together are more than enough to complement Zhang Yuanrou.
More importantly, if Li Sujin marries into the Zhang family, she will not be arrogant because of her status, nor will she use the power of the Li family to hollow out and control the Zhang family.
Throughout history, marriage alliances between prominent families have been approached with utmost care, precisely because they fear situations like this.
Li Yanyun carefully considered his decision to bring up these two individuals, ensuring that he wouldn't lose face or fail to support the Zhang family.
Of course, given his personality, he most likely wouldn't act this way. In Zhang Lingyu's view, he was probably secretly instructed by Master Xuanhao.
So the two Foundation Establishment cultivators asked a few questions, and Zhang Lingyu was even more satisfied when he saw that they could answer them.
Of course, Li Sujin and the other person also knew that they wouldn't be called here simply to answer questions today. Since the purpose was to witness the genius of the Golden Core Immortal Clan, it was definitely not their turn to participate.
There are probably other things going on as well.
Li Yanyun smiled and said:
"Suzhou and Sujin, you two have been cultivating in the clan for quite some time now. We elders have seen your efforts. However, cultivation cannot be limited to seclusion. You also need to go out and experience different things and exchange ideas with fellow practitioners."
"You all know about Chief Zhang's deeds. He helped my family a lot in the secret realm this time, so his strength is beyond question. I want you to follow Chief Zhang and gain some experience. Besides, there are many geniuses in his clan. Going there will allow you to exchange ideas and broaden your horizons. Are you willing?"
Upon hearing this, the two immediately understood what was going on.
The trip was ostensibly to the Zhang family for exchanges, but in reality, it was to arrange a marriage between the two.
The reason they didn't say it outright was simply because they were afraid that forcing a marriage would make the two families uncomfortable, and if something went wrong, it would be embarrassing for both families.
Therefore, we should first visit the Zhang family to get to know them and build rapport before proceeding with the marriage.
The two of them already knew their fate, but they didn't know when that day would come.
Fortunately, they had heard a lot about Zhang Lingyu's deeds in the past few days, and the marriage alliance was definitely to make friends with this senior.
However, the Zhang family is ultimately a Foundation Establishment family. Even if they marry, they will undoubtedly be direct descendants of the Zhang family. Furthermore, both parties will definitely choose their partners before bringing them over.
He is definitely not an arrogant or domineering person.
Another point is that I heard that my own master also values this person highly. If they have the opportunity to achieve the Golden Core stage in the future, both Li Sujin and Li Suzhou will be able to occupy a place in their respective families.
"Thank you for your guidance, clan chief. We both have the same idea and will follow your arrangements."
"Okay, okay."
Zhang Lingyu praised:
"Since the nobles have entrusted you two to me, I, Zhang, will certainly do my best to train you. My family also has several good clansmen, and when we arrive at our destination, I will certainly not let you down."
Seeing that things were settled, Li Yanyun, who was standing to the side, also smiled and said:
"In that case, you two should go back and pack your things, and tell your families. The Ancestor will be returning to Yingchuan County early tomorrow morning, so you two should go with Chief Zhang to accompany him."
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